Back to the 80s: A Marriage of Convenience
"Of course, we can't leave the children with Wang Jun. Who does he think he is? What right does he have to fight us for the kids? Listen to me, whether you get a divorce or not is up to you. I can't interfere or make decisions for you. But if you want to fight Wang Jun for the kids, don't worry about their living expenses and tuition in the future. As your aunt, I may not have many skills, but taking care of two more children is no problem! And as for Qi Zheng, you don't need to worry about that either. In our family, I make the decisions; Qi Zheng listens to me." Despite Zhao Jin's earlier claims of not interfering or making decisions for Zhao Daxi, her subsequent words clearly conveyed a different message.
Zhao Jin was adamant about supporting Zhao Daxi in raising the two children on her own. She had even arranged a backup plan for Zhao Daxi and the kids.
Zhao Jin's strong attitude was rare, indicating just how angry she was about this situation and how dissatisfied she was with Wang Jun.
"Okay." Accompanied by Zhao Jin's enthusiastic declaration, Zhao Daxi nodded seriously and gave her answer.
Given Zhao Daxi's previous objections, Zhao Jin had thought that even after her passionate speech, Zhao Daxi wouldn't immediately agree.
She had already planned to go back and talk to her parents and visit the Wang family.
They couldn't let the Wang family think that the Zhao family was without support, and they certainly couldn't allow her sister to be bullied like this.
However, Zhao Daxi's immediate agreement left Zhao Jin stunned.
"Really?" With a hint of disbelief, Zhao Jin asked.
Did her sister really agree to the divorce? Was she just trying to placate her? "I never intended to continue living with Wang Jun," Zhao Daxi said softly, nodding. Her tone wasn't forceful but was undeniably firm. "I may not have much education or experience compared to those city folks, but I have my pride and my dignity. Since he no longer considers me part of the family, why should I cling to him? The only reason I haven't made a big fuss about this until now is because our two elders are too pitiful. I can't bring myself to hurt them."
In the past, Zhao Daxi's status in her in-law family was far from high. But ever since Wang Jun returned and stirred up trouble for a divorce, his parents had elevated Zhao Daxi's status significantly.
Now, in the Wang family, Zhao Daxi enjoyed treatment similar to that of Zhao Jin. She wasn't allowed to do any chores around the house. Whenever she tried to help out, Wang Jun's parents would take over immediately.
To be honest, even though Zhao Daxi didn't particularly like Wang Jun's Parents, it was hard for her to watch the two elders speaking to her in such a lowly manner, completely changing their usual commanding tone and showing extreme caution.
Zhao Daxi didn't feel proud or particularly lucky. She just felt inexplicably sad and couldn't bring herself to be harsh.
Listening to Zhao Daxi's words, Zhao Jin held back her feelings and swallowed the words she wanted to say.
Thinking carefully about it, if Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju were to speak to her in such a submissive manner, Zhao Jin would also feel uncomfortable.
Although she knew very well that Wang Jun's Parents could never compare to Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju in terms of generosity, and that their relationship with Zhao Daxi could not match the bond she had with the Qi Family elders, Zhao Jin still chose not to dwell on the matter further.
The emotions between people have always been the most complicated topic. Zhao Jin did not believe she had the ability or the right to make the final decision for Zhao Daxi.
At this moment, all she could do for Zhao Daxi was to unconditionally support any of her thoughts and plans. "Jin, I will divorce Wang Jun. It's just that it might take a little longer. I want to wait a bit more. Not for Wang Jun to change his mind, but for Wang Jun's Parents to calm down." After all, Wang Jun's Parents were getting older. Zhao Daxi was willing to give the two elders as much respect as possible and show them as much consideration as she could manage.
"Mm." This time, Zhao Jin simply nodded silently. There was nothing more to say.
In her heart, Zhao Jin felt somewhat guilty.
When she moved to the City with her Maternal Family, she hadn't considered Zhao Daxi at all. She took away the Zhao Family without being able to seek help from her Maternal Family when such a big issue arose with Zhao Daxi.
This reality was both a mistake on Zhao Jin's part and a significant blow to her.
If she had known it would turn out this way, she would have taken Zhao Daxi along to the City from the start...
"You girl, are you overthinking again?" Seeing through Zhao Jin's concerns, Zhao Daxi scolded her playfully.
"I..." Zhao Jin instinctively wanted to refute. However, under Zhao Daxi's bright gaze, she choked back her words. "What does this have to do with you? It's clearly my own fault for encountering the wrong people; how can I blame you?" Knowing that Zhao Jin would take all the blame upon herself, Zhao Daxi felt warmth in her heart but couldn't help but scold her, "If I really blamed you for this, then I would deserve to face this situation and wouldn't deserve any sympathy."
"Sister!" Hearing Zhao Daxi say this, Zhao Jin couldn't help but stomp her foot in urgency.
Who treats their own like this? Even saying such things is unlucky. "Alright, alright. I understand your feelings, but this really isn't your fault. My own matters are mine to bear. You just need to be my big boss and remember to pay me my salary on time every month." Zhao Daxi was trying to comfort Zhao Jin, but it was also her most genuine thought.
She had no intention of relying on Zhao Jin for everything, nor could she truly entrust her and her two children's future entirely to Zhao Jin. While Zhao Jin was indeed her sister, she had no obligation to bear the burdens of her and the two children’s lives. Zhao Jin didn't owe them anything, and they shouldn't drag Zhao Jin down.
Therefore, Zhao Daxi was determined to stay in Willow Leaf Village.
She could work in the workshop with her own hands or farm in the fields. As long as she was alive, she would find a way and have the ability to support her two children.
As for Wang Jun, Zhao Daxi didn't think much about him anymore and no longer had any expectations. "Of course, I won't delay your salary. Actually, you don't need to work so hard in the workshop. If you're really willing, we could open another Clothing Store in the City. It would definitely be easier than working in the workshop, and we could earn more to better support the two children..."
In the end, Zhao Jin still couldn't rest easy leaving Zhao Daxi and her two children in Willow Leaf Village.
She always felt that if she wasn't careful, her sister would be bullied again. She regretted not bringing her sister along to the City back then.
"No need for that. Can't I rely on you for a lifetime? Right now, I can support myself; what's wrong with that?" While Zhao Jin had her intentions, Zhao Daxi also had her own persistence. She didn't need to go to the City; she could support her two children just fine.
Seeing Zhao Daxi's determination, Zhao Jin fell silent for a long time. Finally, she nodded weakly.
"Alright then! I'll listen to you. I'm going back now so I won't delay your earnings." Although Zhao Jin said this, she actually planned to go back and seek help.
No matter what, her sister's situation had to be discussed with her parents and two older brothers. The Wang Family needed to figure out how to resolve this issue, while Zhao Jin decided to hold off on making any statements until she returned to the Zhao Family and understood her parents' stance.
Zhao Daxi, however, did not think too much about it. She assumed that Zhao Jin was just upset and waved her hand, reminding her, "Be careful on your way."
"Got it." Zhao Jin nodded casually, feeling particularly anxious as she turned and left without any delay.
Zhao Daxi knew very well that it wouldn't be so simple to pacify Zhao Jin with just a few words. What she needed to do now was give Zhao Jin a little more time to digest everything. Once the anger inside Zhao Jin subsided, this matter would be considered resolved.
Thus, Zhao Daxi did not stop Zhao Jin from leaving. After watching her walk away, she turned back and went into the workshop to get busy.
"What? Your sister encountered this? Why isn't she coming back to the Maternal Family to talk to us? When we were at your house for the banquet a couple of weeks ago, she didn't mention anything. This child is really infuriating!" As soon as Xu Mei heard about Zhao Daxi's situation from Zhao Jin, she immediately became anxious.
Like Zhao Jin, they were completely unaware of the situation beforehand and never expected such a thing to happen.
During Qi Yuehong's graduation banquet, when they were all at the Qi Zheng Family's gathering, they had been sitting at the same table and hadn’t heard Zhao Daxi mention anything about it. Just thinking about it made Xu Mei feel particularly distressed.
How much grievance must their eldest daughter have suffered to keep everything bottled up? If it were another family's girl, she would have probably made a scene by now.
It was only because their daughter was so practical that she had been covering for Wang Jun without letting any news leak out...
Thinking about Wang Jun's actions only made Xu Mei even angrier, feeling truly wronged and upset inside.
Zhao Guoqiang and his two sons also immediately changed their expressions. Without saying a word, they prepared to go out and confront the Wang Family.
No matter how long ago this happened, as soon as they found out about it, they would definitely stand up for Zhao Daxi.
Zhao Jin did not stop her father and two brothers from taking action. Deep down, she also wanted to cause a scene at the Wang Family. Otherwise, wouldn’t that be too much bullying?
Instead, it was Xu Mei who, upon seeing the expressions on Zhao Guoqiang and his sons' faces, called out to stop them.
Zhao Jin initially thought that Xu Mei was against them going to the Wang Family. However, she was surprised when Xu Mei added, "Call along Da Xi's two uncles, as well as the cousins. Let's all go together!"
Zhao Jin swallowed the words that were just about to come out of her mouth and couldn't help but laugh.
Alright, it was her mother who had the courage. In fact, her mother was much bolder than she was.
Since Xu Mei had spoken first, Zhao Jin didn't hold back on the way to the Wang Family and also went back to the Qi Family to call Qi Zheng and Qi Ze.
When looking for a venue, the more people there were, the better. Even if they wouldn't actually fight, they couldn't lose face.
Qi Zheng and Qi Ze were completely unaware of what was happening but followed Zhao Jin without question.
Unlike Qi Zheng and Qi Ze, who only brought along two brothers, the Zhao Family mobilized everyone, including Zhao Yiyi and her two brothers.
However, when passing by the Qi Family, Zhao Jin sent the three siblings into the Qi Family to wait.
No matter what kind of scene it would be, it wouldn't be pleasant, so it was better not to bring the children along. It would be a shame to leave them with any trauma.
Zhao Yiyi, Zhao Yaozu, and Zhao Yaozong listened well to their aunt Zhao Jin. Following her instructions, they obediently stayed at Qi Zheng's house to play with Guo Guo and Dou Dou.
As for their great-aunt's situation, the three children were well aware that with so many elders present at home, they would definitely not suffer any losses.
In this regard, the children had an almost blind confidence.
At the Wang Family, when suddenly faced with such a large group from the Zhao Family, Wang Jun's parents were momentarily stunned before they all let out a bitter laugh.
Indeed, what is meant to come will eventually arrive; they cannot hide from it just because they want to.
While thinking this, it was undeniable that Wang Jun's Parents also felt a sense of relief wash over them.
Ever since they learned about Wang Jun's reckless behavior outside, they had been waiting for this moment with a heavy heart full of guilt. Now, they had finally arrived.
In the face of Zhao Family's accountability, Wang Jun's Parents offered no excuses or evasions; they immediately apologized and expressed their regret, showing an attitude that could not be deemed poor.
However, despite this, Zhao Family's anger remained unquenched, and Xu Family was equally indignant.
It was understandable that Zhao Guoqiang's family, living in the City, might not know about Zhao Daxi's situation. But the Xu Family had always lived in the village! How could they have not heard a single whisper?
Moreover, Zhao Daxi was currently working at the workshop, alongside two Aunts from Xu Family and several cousins, yet not a hint of the situation had been revealed. This clearly indicated how much Zhao Daxi had suffered and how severely she had been oppressed by Wang Family.
Thus, upon hearing that Wang Jun had someone outside, Xu Family's anger was instantly ignited; they wished they could make Wang Jun pay with his life on the spot.
This was blatant bullying! It was obvious that they were taking advantage of their daughter’s kind-heartedness and naivety…
Wang Jun's Parents were also very aware that no matter what they said or did, they were in the wrong. At this moment, all they could do was keep apologizing; there was truly nothing more to say.
Wang Jun was not home today. Perhaps ever since he confronted Zhao Daxi and was kicked out by his parents, he had rarely returned.
Now, without much delay, Wang Jun was in the county with that woman from outside.
"I'll say it once: when are you getting a divorce?" Zhao Guoqiang's attitude was very firm; he directly ignored Wang Jun's Parents' submissive demeanor.
Everyone has feelings. His own daughter deserved to be cherished. Just thinking about how Zhao Daxi had suffered such great injustice at Wang Family made Zhao Guoqiang feel a lump of anger stuck in his chest—unable to rise or fall—extremely furious.
He didn't care how Zhao Daxi felt, nor did he care how the Wang Family had deceived Zhao Daxi. What he wanted was a clear answer: divorce! They must get divorced!
Even if divorce wasn't something to be proud of. Even if after the divorce, Zhao Daxi would definitely face a lot of gossip. But so what?
People will talk regardless, even if they don't get divorced. Why should he suffer and endure just to appease the opinions of others?
Moreover, the Zhao Family was not afraid of gossip and did not fear malicious slander and attacks.
Zhao Guoqiang's tone was too harsh, making Wang Jun's Parents' already guilty attitude even more untenable.
"Parents-in-law..." Wang Jun's Mother had just opened her mouth when she was met with Zhao Guoqiang's furious glare.
She pursed her lips and quickly forced a smile, speaking more cautiously: "This matter is our Wang Family's fault towards Daxi. We admit our guilt. But for the sake of the two children, can we...?"
"No. There's no room for negotiation." Xu Mei was also exceptionally cold, not offering a single soft word, insisting that Zhao Daxi and Wang Jun must get divorced. "But the children still need their parents; we can't let them be without a mother or father so soon, right? Can we discuss this further? When Wang Jun returns, we can have him apologize to your Zhao Family and kneel before you to make amends..." Wang Jun's Mother truly did not want Wang Jun and Zhao Daxi to divorce. Otherwise, she wouldn't have gone this far.
However, in this matter, sincerity could not be swayed by just a few flattering words. Even if everyone wanted to ignore it, it was destined to be impossible.
Wang Jun had truly gone too far and had crossed everyone's bottom line. Even his own parents found it hard to speak up for him. Yet despite this, Wang Jun's Parents still desperately wanted to keep Zhao Daxi as their daughter-in-law and maintain the integrity of their family.
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