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Back to the 80s: A Marriage of Convenience
Just by the tone of Cheng Fangfang, it was clear that she was about to cause a scene again.
In the past, when Cheng Fangfang made a fuss, Qi Erzhu would just turn a blind eye and ignore it, as it never involved him directly.
After all, no matter who Cheng Fangfang stirred trouble with, the one who ended up suffering would never be him. Instead, he just needed to quietly stand by and watch, waiting for the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
Without any special discussion, Qi Erzhu and Cheng Fangfang had developed a certain level of tacit understanding over the years. Their roles were clearly defined, and they had managed to coexist peacefully until now.
However, it was evident that their understanding had changed today. Whether Qi Erzhu wanted it or not, Cheng Fangfang's firepower had shifted onto him.
For the first time, Qi Erzhu faced Cheng Fangfang's unreasonable behavior head-on and found himself somewhat unprepared.
"Who am I yelling at? I'm just trying to talk to you nicely; is that not allowed?" Qi Erzhu glared at Cheng Fangfang with a hint of confusion. "Nice talk? Was that your idea of a nice tone just now? Do you think I'm an idiot? Let me tell you, I didn't marry you so you could boss me around! If you speak to me like that again, we won't be done!" Cheng Fangfang stood up abruptly, at this moment forgetting to continue her confrontation with Qi Zheng's family.
Cheng Fangfang's thoughts were quite simple. If she couldn't take charge in front of Qi Erzhu, how could she assert herself outside? If she couldn't even manage her own man, what kind of ability did she have?
Thus, in her mind, everything and everyone else became less important than Qi Erzhu. The members of Qi Zheng's family were pushed to the back.
The Qi Zheng's family members also didn't want to pay attention to Cheng Fangfang's commotion. After Zhao Jin was helped back in, everyone's concerned gazes shifted towards her.
"It's nothing," Zhao Jin shook her head in response to their worried looks, her face slightly pale.
No matter how you looked at Zhao Jin, she didn't seem fine at all!
The two Zhao brothers were undoubtedly worried and immediately suggested whether they should take Zhao Jin to the County Hospital for a check-up.
The Zhao family always valued Zhao Jin highly. Moreover, since she rarely fell ill, her discomfort drew significant attention from them.
"No need for a hospital; I feel fine," Zhao Jin insisted. She wasn't trying to be brave; she genuinely felt okay. It was just that brief moment when she suddenly felt nauseous; otherwise, she was perfectly fine.
Zhao Zhenqi and Zhao Zhenan frowned at the same time, looking disapprovingly at Zhao Jin.
If Zhao Jin were not married yet, they would have immediately sent her to the hospital without a second thought. Now that Zhao Jin has married into the Qi Family, the two brothers were also waiting to see Qi Zheng's response.
In fact, Qi Zheng shared the same opinion as the Zhao brothers. However, since Zhao Jin insisted she was fine, Qi Zheng planned to let her finish lunch before taking her to the hospital.
It didn’t take long for Qi Zheng to worry that Zhao Jin might go hungry.
Compared to the three men, Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju had exchanged several glances, their smiles barely contained and ready to burst forth.
Qi Ze was the first to notice the smiles on his grandmother and mother’s faces. He could never believe that his grandmother and mother would wish for Sister-in-law to be unwell or even sick; such a conclusion was simply unfathomable to him.
So, did that mean the smiles on their faces indicated that Sister-in-law was fine?
Before Qi Ze could fully grasp this, he heard Grandma Qi say, “Let’s eat first. After lunch, Qi Zheng will take Jin to the hospital for a check-up. I suspect Jin might be pregnant.”
This was indeed shocking news for everyone. Even Zhao Jin herself was taken aback by Grandma Qi's words.
Pregnant? She was expecting?
In her previous life, Zhao Jin had been pregnant as well. However, at that time, she hadn’t realized it right away and no one had taught her.
It wasn’t until her belly grew larger day by day that Zhao Jin gradually became aware that there was a life inside her.
At that time, Zhao Jin felt both joy and worry. If it weren’t for her belly becoming too obvious to hide, she wouldn’t have dared to tell the Wu Family.
Even when she eventually revealed her pregnancy to the Wu Family, she received no special treatment whatsoever.
Wu Feng still hit her as he pleased, and the Wu Family continued to humiliate and scold her without restraint.
The only difference was that she instinctively began to protect her belly at all times, trying her best to avoid any harm from the Wu Family that could hurt the child inside her.
Aside from that, Zhao Jin had no further memories of her only pregnancy in her past life.
No matter how she thought about it, it was not a beautiful memory. Zhao Jin gently shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it any longer.
"Jin, come, have some soup first." While Zhao Jin was lost in thought, Zhou Ju had already entered the best state of a caring mother-in-law for her pregnant daughter-in-law. With a gentle expression, she served Zhao Jin a bowl of soup, her tone incredibly tender. "Jin, do you want something sour? Second Brother can ask Mother to pickle some for you... Oh, never mind, I'll just have your Second Sister-in-law go to the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative to see if she can buy you some sour plums or something. Think about whether there's anything else you want to eat, and I'll have Second Brother ask your Second Sister-in-law to get it for you."
When it came to caring for Zhao Jin, it was not just the Qijia Family's responsibility; the Zhao Family was also eager to help. Zhao Zhenan had already started thinking about bringing food for Zhao Jin.
"Yeah. If there's anything you want to eat," Zhao Zhenqi immediately expressed his agreement without hesitation. "I'll have Mother and your Sister-in-law come over this afternoon. If you need anything, just let Mother and your Sister-in-law know."
Zhao Zhenqi's words were not meant to sow discord. He simply felt that Zhao Jin might not share everything with Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju. After all, there was a difference between in-laws and maternal family members.
Just like when Sun Chun'er and Qian Minmin were pregnant, they immediately informed their maternal families first. Some things that were inconvenient to discuss with in-laws were always easier to talk about with maternal family members.
Now that it was Zhao Jin's turn, Zhao Zhenqi naturally spoke up.
No one from the Qi Family thought there was anything wrong with what Zhao Zhenqi said or that he shouldn't have said it. They nodded in agreement.
Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju repeatedly expressed their gratitude, saying "Sorry for troubling you," but they didn't mention that there was no need for the in-laws to worry.
Zhao Jin blinked. Faced with everyone's overwhelming concern and care, her nose couldn't help but feel a bit sour.
She had been constantly reminding herself that this life was completely different from her past life. Yet it was precisely these differences that made her unable to forget the hurts she had once endured.
It wasn't that those hurts were too deeply etched in her heart; rather, through those hurts, Zhao Jin could better appreciate the happiness and beauty of her current life.
Whether it was the Zhao Family or the Qijia Family, their kindness towards Zhao Jin far exceeded what she had ever expected.
How blind had she been to overlook so much goodness?
No wonder she had lived such a miserable life back then. Perhaps that kind of existence was indeed a punishment for her!
Punishing her for being ungrateful in her fortunate life, punishing her for the harm she caused to those she once recklessly hurt, punishing her for her own actions...
However, in this life, she understood everything and changed completely.
She would treat her family well and cherish every kindness shown to her by others. She worked hard to learn how to give back and always kept gratitude in her heart.
She would no longer do anything that would please her enemies while hurting her loved ones; she would take good care of herself. She would bring along all her family members, ensuring that everyone lived well.
Happiness should also come to them. This was something Zhao Jin firmly believed after being reborn.
Due to Zhao Jin's sudden pregnancy, Qi Ershu's family was completely ignored.
Cheng Fangfang was fuming and ready to settle scores with Qi Erzhu, but the next moment, everyone’s attention was drawn to Zhao Jin.
Even Qi Erzhu, who had just been arguing with Cheng Fangfang, turned to look at Zhao Jin, forgetting about their quarrel.
Cheng Fangfang felt insulted. Without thinking, she pinched Qi Erzhu: "What are you looking at? Someone else's daughter-in-law is pregnant; it has nothing to do with your family. Why are you staring? No matter how envious you are, you still don’t have a son!"
Cheng Fangfang was so furious that while she was entangled with Qi Erzhu, she ended up digging her own grave.
By the time Cheng Fangfang realized she had said the wrong thing and wanted to correct it, Qi Erzhu's expression could already be described as stormy.
"Who caused me not to have a son? Your useless belly can't produce an heir, yet you're shouting at me?" Qi Erzhu was not one to favor sons over daughters. Over the years, he had been particularly fond of his two daughters.
But that didn’t mean Qi Erzhu didn’t want a son.
If not having a son was a lifelong regret for Qi Erzhu, then Cheng Fangfang’s insistence on pointing it out was like cruelly poking at an old wound.
Initially, Cheng Fangfang felt a bit guilty, thinking she shouldn’t have brought it up or embarrassed Qi Erzhu in front of so many people. But when Qi Erzhu shifted the blame onto her, Cheng Fangfang refused to back down.
"What do you mean I caused it? Don’t I want to have a son? Don’t I want to leave you an heir? It’s as if I’m deliberately trying to make you childless! What do you expect from me, Qi Erzhu?" Cheng Fangfang was no pushover. Even though she felt guilty inside, she wouldn’t let Qi Erzhu take the upper hand easily.
To her, she and Qi Erzhu shared the same desire: to have a son. Therefore, the fact that they had not produced a son could not be blamed on her. She had tried hard in the beginning; it was just that things did not go as planned, and she had not succeeded.
In contrast, Qi Tingting and Qi Juanjuan, who were originally just sitting by and minding their own business, were quite displeased.
Weren't they there to have a meal at Uncle's house? Why hadn't they eaten yet? Moreover, it wasn't just that they hadn't eaten; what were their parents arguing about?
Were they complaining that both sisters were daughters and not sons?
As this realization crossed their minds, Qi Tingting and Qi Juanjuan couldn't help but get up and leave.
Was it their fault that no son had been born? Did their parents not want them to be present in front of them?
Fine, if they wanted to leave, then they would. Let's see if their parents could conjure up a son immediately!
Qi Tingting and Qi Juanjuan were both hot-tempered girls. They didn't care about anyone's expression or feelings as they stormed out.
The Qi Zheng's family didn't pay any attention to the departure of the two girls. Even if they noticed, they wouldn't stop them.
Cheng Fangfang and Qi Erzhu, who were busy arguing, did notice. How could they miss their daughters getting up and leaving right in front of them?
Reflecting on the content of their earlier argument, Cheng Fangfang and Qi Erzhu's expressions changed instantly. They hurriedly followed after them.
This time, everyone in the Qi Zheng's family noticed Cheng Fangfang and her husband's departure.
However, since they had come uninvited, no one welcomed Qi Ershu's family, so no one minded their leaving either.
Without the people they disliked sitting at the same table, those who remained enjoyed a delightful meal filled with color, aroma, and flavor.
Among them, Zhao Jin ate the most.
There was no helping it; everyone kept piling food into her bowl. Qi Zheng was almost putting all the dishes on the table into her bowl!
Like the other family members, Qi Zheng was also very excited. Although he did not show it overtly, his actions revealed everything.
After dinner, without any delay, Qi Zheng immediately took Zhao Jin to the county.
Fortune is always a mysterious thing, yet it undeniably exists. After a series of waiting in line, paying fees, and undergoing examinations, Zhao Jin finally received the good news: she was indeed pregnant, and it was twins.
At the moment he received the diagnosis report, Qi Zheng hugged Zhao Jin tightly in the bustling hospital corridor.
Zhao Jin was genuinely happy. After a moment of surprise, she returned the hug to Qi Zheng. Everything had truly changed in this life!
Since they were at County Hospital, visiting Qi Feng was a must.
Qi Feng's legs had recently shown remarkable improvement and he was currently undergoing rehabilitation in the hospital.
Staying in the hospital always requires a lot of money. Fortunately, Qi Feng had a once-glorious identity that allowed for maximum reduction of hospitalization fees. However, it was not so easy to save on medication costs.
For Qi Zheng's family, being able to reduce hospitalization fees was already a significant blessing. As for anything more, they were not greedy and readily accepted it.
"Good news, congratulations." Upon learning that Zhao Jin was pregnant, Qi Feng's entire demeanor brightened, and an unreserved smile of joy spread across his face.
"Then Uncle needs to keep up the good work and strive to be discharged before the two children are born. That way our family can reunite, and Uncle will help take care of the two kids!" Zhao Jin said with a smile.
Zhao Jin had always admired Uncle Qi Feng. No matter what his current situation was, it could not overshadow his past heroic deeds.
Regardless of how others thought, Qi Feng's image in Zhao Jin's mind remained radiant.
The Qijia Family would certainly not actually let Qi Feng help take care of the children. Not only were Qi Feng's legs still in recovery, but even if he were perfectly fine, with Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju around, there would be no need for Qi Feng to take on such responsibilities.
However, even if it was just a joke, it gave Qi Feng boundless motivation.
"Alright, Uncle will definitely get home before the children are born." At that moment, Qi Feng made a serious promise with a stern face, and the excitement in his eyes truly reflected his genuine feelings.
Qi Zheng remained silent the entire time, carefully protecting Zhao Jin, whose previously sharp features had softened.
The doctor mentioned that the early stages of pregnancy were crucial and should not be taken lightly. Zhao Jin was already Qi Zheng's treasure, and now she was the only one who mattered.
Qi Feng did not allow Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin to stay with him for long. After a few words, he sent them home.
According to Qi Feng, the hospital was not a good place, and it was better for Zhao Jin, as a pregnant woman, to avoid it. Moreover, with two babies in her belly, she must not overexert herself and should hurry home to rest.
Qi Zheng left the hospital with Zhao Jin without any objections. However, Zhao Jin sensed some ominous undertones in Qi Feng's earlier words.
“Qi Zheng, after we go home this time, does that mean I won't even be able to get out of bed anymore?” She had already been spoiled by the Qijia Family, and now that she was pregnant, Zhao Jin had a feeling she would become their primary focus.
Thinking back to before her pregnancy, when the Qijia Family had already put her on a pedestal, she couldn't help but feel anxious about her future life.
She felt that the Qijia Family would be even more overbearing than before.
“Is it really that exaggerated?” Qi Zheng chuckled as he playfully tapped Zhao Jin's nose and replied seriously, “From now on, you are our living goddess. Whatever you want will be granted; Grandma and Mother won’t let you be unhappy.”
“Hmph! Grandma and Mother didn’t let me be unhappy before either! But they wouldn’t let me do any work.” Regardless of how Qi Zheng reassured her, Zhao Jin still had her doubts. “Clearly, I could help wash dishes and clean, yet Grandma and Mother have spoiled me into a pampered lady.”
“You were always a pampered lady.” While saying this, Qi Zheng ignored the pout on Zhao Jin's face and added with a smile, “No matter what, you will always be the most precious in my heart.”
“Right, right! How unfair for you to marry a living ancestor to take care of! Now it's even better; this living ancestor is carrying two more ancestors. Qi Zheng, congratulations! You’ll have to serve three ancestors from now on.” Zhao Jin, puffing up her cheeks, shot sorrowful glances at Qi Zheng, hoping he would change his attitude toward her.
However, Qi Zheng nodded seriously and replied earnestly, “Yes, three ancestors.”
“Oh no, that's not what I meant! I meant for you not to side with Grandma and Mother, helping them spoil me. I really am not as precious as you all think…” Seeing that Qi Zheng was not following her lead but rather going in the opposite direction, Zhao Jin blinked and quickly changed her tone.
She was genuinely trying to express her stance and hoped that Qi Zheng would agree with her!
Though Zhao Jin spoke fluently, Qi Zheng did not immediately give her the answer she wanted.
Some principles are ones that Qi Zheng will definitely take seriously, refusing to give up or compromise.
For example, he will always spoil Zhao Jin, no matter what.
He cannot bear to let Jin do any hard work, nor does he want Jin to suffer alongside him.
If he were to marry Zhao Jin before being able to provide her with a better, comfortable life, it would be the most unprincipled thing Qi Zheng has ever done in his life. Therefore, spoiling Zhao Jin and protecting her is a bottom line he cannot violate throughout his life.
Yes, washing dishes or sweeping the floor is not heavy labor, and Zhao Jin can indeed handle it. However, Qi Zheng simply does not want Zhao Jin to do these things.
With him around, why should Jin have to wash dishes or sweep the floor? He married Jin not with the intention of having her do housework for him!
Holding onto this thought and mindset, Qi Zheng cannot and does not want to back down.
For Zhao Jin, Qi Zheng is absolutely limitless in his pampering and indulgence. However, for other matters, Qi Zheng can agree and comply unconditionally. Only in this particular matter will Qi Zheng insist and stick to his stance.
Moreover, now that Zhao Jin is carrying his child, Qi Zheng is even more reluctant to let Zhao Jin tire herself out. Although he does not go as far as forcing Zhao Jin to lie in bed and not move at all, it is undeniable that since learning about the possibility of Zhao Jin's pregnancy, Qi Zheng's gaze has never left her. He constantly keeps an eye on Zhao Jin within his sight.
Ultimately, one thing is clear: Zhao Jin's position in the Qi Family is unshakeable. Not even she can change that.
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