Chapter 43

"Not bad," she thought. It would have been an even better mood if she hadn't seen him.

Zhi Xia straightened her body, holding onto the front pockets of the military green shoulder bag that her grandmother had made for her. "What a coincidence, Uncle Pei. What are you doing out so late?"

"I came out specifically to look for you, to talk?" Pei Jing deliberately emphasized the word "specifically" and raised his eyebrows at Zhi Xia.

"I don't think we have anything to talk about. You've got the wrong person, Uncle Pei. I'm not the person you're looking for," said Zhi Xia, the corners of her lips turning up into a perfunctory smile.

It was deliberately dismissive.

Pei Jing looked at her very seriously, but he couldn't discern anything from her eyes.

This also meant that she was telling the truth and had no intention of taking responsibility.

However, he still said, "I, Pei Jing, 26 years old, currently serving in the military with decent benefits, deputy regimental level, with a monthly allowance of fifty-six yuan, not including various other subsidies. Although you don't admit it, this concerns the rest of your life. I hope you'll carefully consider it. I can give you time."

The world wasn't that open-minded yet.

It wasn't that Pei Jing was pestering her, but he had his own concerns too.

No matter what the situation was at the time, the marital deed between Zhi Xia and him could not be changed.

Society judged men and women differently. This meant that if he didn't take responsibility for her, even if she found a partner in the future, this would be like a time bomb.

If her partner found out she had already done that before marriage, he would likely look down on her, potentially leading to tragic consequences.

After careful consideration, marrying her was the best outcome for both of them.

"I'll say it again, you've got the wrong person," Zhi Xia said firmly.

Pei Jing was also very helpless. "My offer remains valid until I decide to find a wife in the future. You can come to me anytime during this period. For now, no matter if I've got the wrong person or not, please come with me. I'll take you home."

This time, Zhi Xia didn't refuse.

After getting off her bike, she simply said "Thank you" and tried to go inside.

Pei Jing called out to stop her. "Are you free tomorrow? Let me teach you how to ride a bike. It'll definitely be more convenient once you've learned. Your fourth brother is leaving soon too, and he can't always take you around."

"I'm not free tomorrow, but I will learn how to ride a bike properly. Thank you for the kind offer, Uncle Pei. Goodbye." Zhi Xia waved and closed the door.

Tomorrow, she had to first sort out work matters, then build a friendly relationship with Liang Zhiwei's wife, before taking the next steps according to plan.

She wanted revenge, but she also needed to make plans for her career. She absolutely could not become the kind of woman who could only rely on others and be a wallflower, like An Meiyun had said.

She had to work hard and strive towards a wonderful future. She absolutely could not fall because of a man.

Once she survived the next seven years, the country would open up reforms. She would only be in her early twenties then. With money and a career, what was there to fear about not having a good man?

By then, she wanted to raise a few pet boys - one to sing for her, one to dance for her, one to cook for her, one to cheer her up...

Just thinking about those days filled her with anticipation.

Work hard! Persevere for your dreams! ...

Zhi Xia's life at grandma's place was very fulfilling.

However, early in the morning, she saw Zhou Nan bringing An Meiyun over, while little Wen Qing was already sitting on grandpa's lap.

Zhi Xia walked over with a smile and reached out her hands to Wen Qing, "Little Wen Qing, can you give Auntie a hug?"

After just one day apart, Wen Qing naturally remembered this auntie who had played with him for many days. He reached out his hands to let her pick him up, and asked why she wasn't going home.

Zhi Xia held him in her arms and gave him an excuse. Only then did grandpa have time to ask Zhou Nan, "Why are you all here so early in the morning?"

"Dad, I just brought Meiyun over to see you all, and also to ask Zhi Xia when she plans to go back home," said Zhou Nan, no longer as sharp as yesterday. His tone was a little ingratiating as he looked at Zhi Xia, "Meiyun and her partner have registered their marriage, and they plan to have the wedding in a few days. After that, she'll move to her in-laws' place..."

The implication was that with An Meiyun leaving, Zhi Xia should go back.

An Meiyun also chimed in, "Sister Zhi Xia, I know you don't like me. Now I've done as you wished and will no longer live at home. At most, I'll come back during holidays to see mom and dad. Surely you can't still disagree with even this tiny request?"

"With what standing are you saying these things to me?" Zhi Xia asked her. "What right do you have to demand that I must agree to your requests? The relationship between my parents and I is our business and has nothing to do with you. What's the point of you pretending to be kind here? Do you think it makes you sound considerate? To me, it just sounds obnoxious."

"Zhi Xia!" Zhou Nan shouted, "Mom doesn't ask you to be very considerate, but don't you think your aggressive attitude makes you look like a shrew?"

Old Madam walked out of the room with a calm yet terrifying face. "Zhi Qing, have you forgotten who is the child that I labored to conceive and give birth to?"

As soon as Old Madam said this, An Meiyun's face instantly turned ghastly pale.

Zhou Nan was also very uncomfortable. "Mom, of course I remember. But I raised Meiyun since she was just a little baby. I only hope they can get along harmoniously. I hope we can have peace as a family, is that so wrong?"

Old Madam said, "You're hoping for too much. How can everything in this world go according to your wishes?"

"Mom, I really didn't mean it that way." Zhou Nan had always felt a lot of pressure in front of Old Madam. Now that she was targeting him, he didn't even know how to explain anymore. It felt like everything he said was wrong.

"Perhaps your heart didn't mean it that way, but your actions don't allow for any other interpretation," Old Madam tore off the last veil covering Zhou Nan's heart. "Human hearts are fickle. It's not only those who pretend to be pitiful and speak softly that are sincere. Zhi Xia's words may be blunt, but every sentence is the truth. Zhi Qing, I believe you're not a brainless person either. Go back and think carefully about how to treat your child. When you've figured it out, come fetch Zhi Xia back. If you can't think it through, your father and I can tough it out in our old age and let Zhi Xia live here from now on. We won't starve to death."