“Guests? Who?” Holding on to the toy that San Bao stuffed in her hands, Qiao Nan reacted slightly faster than Miao Jing. “It’s not the Lunar New Year or festive occasion. Who will visit us at this time?”

  At that moment, Miao Jing could not think of who would visit them on a day as such. “Who?”

  “Uh……” The auntie looked like she was in a difficult position. She seemed very reluctant to answer this question. She even specially glanced at Zhai Hua.

  Noticing the auntie’s glance, Zhai Hua pointed to herself. “Do I know the visitors today, or are they related to me? Who are they?”

  As the lady of the Zhai family, it was not a rarity that people knew Zhai Hua and visited her. However, the strange and curious thing was…… who could make the old auntie in the Zhai family look like she was in a fix?

  The auntie raised her voice, sounding angry. “A man and a woman. The man is Tian Dong……”

  Once they heard Tian Dong’s name, the three women of the Zhai family finally had some reaction. However, all of them looked a little apprehensive.

  After all, Tian Dong had lost contact with Zhai Hua for such a long time. Zhai Hua also said that she wanted to cast Tian Dong aside. Since the two families could not become in-laws, they should meet less often for the time being, in case both felt awkward.

  Hence, what did Tian Dong mean by coming to the Zhai family this time? Was he making fun of people?

  What about the woman? Good fortune and wisdom go hand in hand. This happened to Qiao Nan. Didn’t the auntie mention that there were a man and a woman? Tian Dong was the man. As such, she felt more strange and curious about the woman who came with him. It should not be Tian Dong’s mother, right?

  If that woman was not Tian Dong’s mother, it was odd that a woman would be present.

  \r \r \r

  Qiao Nan could not help thinking about the relationship between this woman and Tian Dong. Did they come to the Zhai family to show off?

  Was there a need to do so?

  Qiao Nan’s thoughts swirled in her mind. No matter how much she thought, she could not guess the twist of events in real life.

  Obviously, the auntie had been stomaching her anger. She was full of hate for that woman who came to the Zhai family’s residence with Tian Dong. “It’s Qiu Chenxi!”

  In the past, the auntie would greet Qiu Chenxi ‘Miss Qiu’ politely upon meeting the latter. Today, the auntie wished very much that she could behave like a shrew and chase this adultery couple out of the house with a broom. Who did they think they were?!

  Zhai Sheng did not like Qiu Chenxi, yet Qiu Chenxi had to appear at the Zhai family and be at odds with Zhai Hua. The auntie was also a sensitive person. She could sense that Miao Jing would always find an excuse to leave the house whenever Qi Minlan visited the Zhai family in the past. Miao Jing was not willing to face Qi Minlan.

  Qi Minlan had come to the house to bully her madam. In fact, the auntie did not have a good impression of Qi Minlan and Qiu Chenxi.

  However, at that time, the Zhai family and Qiu family were on good terms. Qiu Chenxi and Qi Minlan were considered important guests of the Zhai family then. No matter how much the auntie despised these two women, she could not possibly do something beyond her authority and chase the guests that were welcomed by the host out of the house.

  Now, Zhai Sheng and Qiu Chenxi’s marriage was nonexistent. Zhai Sheng also married Qiao Nan and they had the triplets. If Qiu Chenxi knew what was appropriate, she should not appear at the doorsteps of the Zhai family’s residence.

  The infuriating thing was that Qiu Chenxi not only appeared shamelessly today but also appeared by the side of Tian Dong, who almost became Zhai Hua’s boyfriend and future husband.

  At the thought that Qiu Chenxi was leaning so close to Tian Dong when she saw them, the auntie was fuming with so much anger that smoke was almost rising from her head.

  These two people were worse than each other. It was no wonder that they would get together behind Hua Hua’s back.

  Everyone was shocked. The hands that Qiao Nan used to carry the children froze. “They came together?”

  “Yes. They are also standing very close to each other.” The auntie was embarrassed to speak ugly words in front of the three children since the triplets were of the age whereby they were learning to speak.

  At this juncture, Miao Jing’s face could not help turning black. “Not going to meet them.” They were not relatives and it was such a complicated situation. Why did they need to meet them? These were annoying people.

  “Why not?” Zhai Hua sat on the sofa calmly. She even grabbed Er Bao’s little hands and squeezed and played with them. Er Bao withdrew his hands and scratched the back of Zhai Hua’s hands. He expressed that he was not the doll that San Bao played with. Why did she have to keep squeezing him?

  Fortunately, Er Bao’s fingernails had been trimmed. In addition, Er Bao did not have a lot of strength. To Zhai Hua, this scratch was nothing. It even provoked Zhai Hua to grab and bite Er Bao’s hand. “Little naughty one. Petty boy. I am not going to dote on you anymore.”

  Er Bao snorted and shriveled his mouth. He turned back and hugged his mother’s waist. So what if you were not going to dote on me? He still had his grandmother and mother to dote on him.

  Zhai Hua said that she would like to meet them. The auntie looked like she was in a dilemma when she turned to Miao Jing. Miao Jing sighed. “Let them come in then?” It was good to meet too. They could thrash it out all at once to prevent any troubles in the future.

  She just did not know if these people would have the self-awareness to disappear from their sight henceforth after this round of thrashing out.

  At the sight of Tian Dong and Qiu Chenxi walking together by each other’s side, the expressions of the three women of the Zhai family did not look good. Only Zhai Hua seemed to have a tinge of puzzlement in her eyes. “Yo, what’s happening today that you came to my house? Is there any matter?”

  “Sister Zhai Hua, we’ve not met for a long time.” They had not met for two years. Qiu Chenxi seemed to look more mature and experienced now. She was wearing a black suit, covering her voluptuous figure. Qiao Nan was not sure if she was imagining things. She felt that Qiu Chenxi’s bust had grown a lot bigger in comparison to two years ago.

  Could Qiu Chenxi have gone through puberty for a third time such that her bust had grown?

  In the past, Qiu Chenxi’s boobs were not considered small either. However, it was certainly not so huge that it was almost bursting out of the clothes that she was wearing today.Qiao Nan hugged San Bao. Was Qiu Chenxi so fashionable to have gone for breast augmentation?

  Qiao Nan did not have much knowledge in this area. She only knew that cosmetic surgeries such as breast augmentation would become very common in another ten years. It would be very commonplace.

  However, it was just the beginning of the 21st century now. Qiao Nan did not know the situation of breast augmentation technology at the moment.

  “Yes, we’ve not met for a long time.” Zhai Hua was not blind. Even a woman would be lured by those obvious and humongous boobs of Qiu Chenxi due to various reasons, let alone a man. Zhai Hua’s bust size was ordinary. Moreover, she often went through physical training. As such, her body was more muscular and firm than that of typical ladies.

  However, no matter what, Zhai Hua would not be able to bring out the same feel as Qiu Chenxi when she dressed up.

  Zhai Hua looked at Qiu Chenxi’s chest in a mocking manner. After so long, Tian Dong actually liked this kind of woman with huge boobs. He could have told her earlier. She had heard before that women from the west could have boobs as huge as that of a cow. However, the Qiu Chenxi before her looked pretentious and fake.

  However, it was not an issue as long as Tian Dong could accept it.

  1276 The Second Man That She Fancied

  After sorting out her thoughts, the smile on Zhai Hua’s face widened. The scorching look in her eyes also lessened. “Is it a coincidence that both of you came together? Or was it agreed beforehand? Are you sending a wedding invitation to our family?”

  Qiu Chenxi blushed and squirmed a little. “Sister Zhai Hua, what are you talking about? Dongzi and I have not reached that stage. In fact, we are just ordinary friends.”

  Having been intercepted by Qiu Chenxi, Tian Dong turned pale. He was not anxious to explain. After Qiu Chenxi had said her piece, Tian Dong almost did not know how to explain himself. “Yes, I am just ordinary friends with her. Hua Hua, I am here to look for you. I am not sure where Miss Qiu got this piece of news from. ‘Coincidentally’, she also came to visit the Zhai family. We happened to bump into each other at the entrance.”

  Tian Dong emphasized the word ‘coincidentally’ as he spoke.

  They all were smart people. How could there be so many coincidences in the world? If there were too many coincidences, it would seem deliberate.

  At the mention of Qiu Chenxi, Tian Dong did not seem to feel less furious than the auntie. “Hua Hua, the weather is good today. I would like to ask you out for a meal and a movie.”

  This sudden move of Tian Dong stunned everyone.

  Qiao Nan held on tightly to San Bao to calm herself down. “Tian Dong, do you know what it means when you say this?” Meals, movies, a man and a woman. These were things that boyfriend and girlfriend would do when they were together.

  Marriage was an important matter. However, marriage was to form an alliance. It was to become relatives and not enemies.

  Given Tian Dong’s erratic behavior, did the Tian family wish to fall out with the Zhai family and become enemies with the latter?

  \r \r \r

  Most importantly, Qiao Nan gravely took a few more glances at Qiu Chenxi. Tian Dong came to ask Zhai Hua out for a date but he had to bring Qiu Chenxi along. What did that mean? Did he wish to hold one woman by each of his sides and enjoy the best of both worlds? He was having one date but had to bring the wife and mistress along?

  Tian Dong would not do such a foolish thing.

  Tian Dong turned pale. He quietly distanced himself from Qiu Chenxi. “Not long ago, my company encountered some troubles. They have only been resolved recently. I’ve not come to visit for such a long time. I’m really sorry. As for Miss Qiu, she is very close with my elder uncle and family, especially my elder uncle and auntie-in-law. They almost treat Miss Qiu as their own daughter. At this rate, Miss Qiu can call me Brother Dongzi in the future. If she encounters any problem, I will still lend her some help if I have the chance to do so.”

  Those who had ears could sense that Tian Dong seemed to be gritting his teeth when he said that.

  Tian Dong’s father was the second son of the Tian Dong family. The Zhai family had always been aware of this.

  Tian Dong’s father could, in fact, choose to be a politician. However, it was uncertain what had happened many years ago. He not only chose to do business but also specially brought his wife and son overseas. When Tian Dong was studying abroad, he also enrolled in business management and related course of study.

  Since he was doing business, as expected, the elder son of the Tian family, whom Tian Dong had referred to as ‘elder uncle’, went into politics.

  The second son of the Tian family had been overseas for so many years. Besides calling home occasionally to send respects to the elders in the hometown, he had never returned to the country to visit his relatives.

  No one knew what exactly happened in the Tian family. At most, there was some baseless gossip and guess.

  However, when Tian Dong spoke, Miao Jing had deeper thoughts than Qiao Nan and Zhai Hua, these two youngsters.

  Miao Jing remembered very clearly that Zhai Yaohui told her that the second son of the Tian family might look refined and gentle but was very intelligent especially in terms of interpersonal skills. He had his own ways of dealing with people. If the eldest son of the Tian family were honored and respected by outsiders, the second son of the Tian family was considered a friend by these people.

  People had different views regarding the behavior of the two brothers of the Tian family.

  Some people felt that the elder son of the Tian family was very mature and honorable, and very suited for a political career. As the second son was so amiable, he would be successful in whatever business that he did.

  However, Zhai Yaohui wondered if a person would do well in the political circle if they were always stern and inflexible all the time.

  Not necessarily so.

  If the Tian family had nurtured the second son more, perhaps the family would have many good friends of all levels and ages and from all over the world.

  At that time, Miao Jing even laughed at Zhai Yaohui when she heard this from the latter. Wasn’t that too exaggerated? He had made the second son of the Tian family sound so formidable. However, Zhai Yaohui replied to Miao Jing that he was not exaggerating at all. The second son of the Tian family had such capability.

  Sometimes, interpersonal connections were a hundred times more important than the expression that a person put on. It could be said that if there was any stir in the grass, the second son of the Tian family would receive the news first hand. Anyway, he could completely make plans early through his friends in whatever he wanted to do.

  From the central government to the authorities in the local towns and counties, the natives were not his match in whatever businesses that he wished to launch. They could not cause him any hindrances.

  Among the two sons of the Tian family, obviously, it was ultimately up to the old master of the Tian family to decide who to forsake.

  When the Zhai Yaohui received the news, although the second son of the Tian family was doing business, he was not willing to continue staying in the country and went overseas instead. He might have been hurt by his biological father’s decision.

  The old master of the Tian family was very old. He even contracted a serious illness the year before and nearly could not be saved.

  This life-threatening illness of Old Master Tian should be one of the important reasons that the second son of the Tian family was willing to let down his grudge and return to the country.

  Zhai Yaohui had never hidden these situations. He told Miao Jing openly. As such, when she heard Tian Dong’s words, Miao Jing believed him and even understood the deeper meaning of his words.

  After the eldest son of the Tian family got married, he had one daughter. This lady of the Tian family not only got married at a young age but also had a son who was attending elementary school now.

  The elder son of the Tian family liked Qiu Chenxi so much. It could not be that he was treating Qiu Chenxi as his daughter because he lacked one. Linking it to Tian Dong’s long disappearance, Miao Jing guessed that the elder son of the Tian family had taken a liking to Qiu Chenxi and wanted Tian Dong to marry her.

  Fortunately, Tian Dong had not accepted his elder uncle’s arrangement yet. He was not fond of Qiu Chenxi at all.

  Qiu Chenxi came to the Zhai family’s residence with Tian Dong and even deliberately said some ambiguous words. Before she appeared, Tian Dong had interacted with Hua Hua for some time. The one he liked was her family’s Hua Hua. As such, Qiu Chenxi anxiously followed by Dongzi’s side in order to let them misunderstand Dongzi.

  1277 Do You Want To Take Revenge?

  After figuring these out, Miao Jing looked more at ease when she faced Tian Dong. Her tone also became softer. “Dongzi, your parents…… How are they recently?”

  Miao Jing did not care about the considerations and thoughts of the elder son of the Tian family. The Zhai family would not take them to heart.

  When the two sons of the Tian family had formed their own families, they had already gone separate ways.

  Many years ago, the second son of the Tian family had been disadvantaged. Although he had let down his resentment toward Old Master Tian and returned to the country, given his intelligence, he did not leave any chance for his elder brother.

  Didn’t Old Master Tian ask his second son to go into business?

  The second son lacked anything but money. Although he had just returned to the capital, he could afford a huge house in the prosperous capital. After he set his eyes on the house, he paid a reasonable price and moved in on the same day of the purchase.

  He had his own house and did not move into the huge mansion that was allocated to him by Old Master Tian. Even if the elder son of the Tian family had bad ideas on his younger brother, it was not so easy for him to achieve his aims.

  If Tian Dong’s erratic behavior was purely due to the influence of his elder uncle, Miao Jing could not help thinking about the Tian couple’s stance on this matter.

  If Hua Hua and Dongzi were going to be together in the future, given the nature of Hua Hua’s job, the frequency of meeting the elder son of the Tian family in a year could be counted with one hand.

  On the contrary, the Tian couple would be Hua Hua’s in-laws. When Hua Hua was not at home, they would have the greatest influence on Dongzi. If the couple’s thoughts were aligned with that of the elder son of the Tian family, no matter how devoted Dongzi was to Hua Hua or whether he would have a change of heart, she would not shortlist Dongzi into her potential son-in-law name list again.

  \r \r \r

  Tian Dong understood what Miao Jing was inferring. He smiled. “Auntie, don’t worry. Earlier on, my grandpa had a relapse and insisted that my parents stay by his side to take care of him. Many years ago, my parents have endured sufferings before and their health is not very good. Now, they are much better and don’t need people by their side to take care of them, so they hurried me to look for Hua Hua and even made it clear to me that I am not young anymore. Hence, I have to make good use of time to resolve my personal problems.”

  With a lady like Zhai Hua, it was not only Zhai Hua who was a little proud and sensitive. It was the same for the Zhai family members.

  The Zhai family did not pay much attention to Tian Dong’s situation recently. Hence, they were unaware of how much suffering Tian Dong had endured in the past few months.

  The biological elder uncle made use of his authority to benefit himself under the guise of serving the public, creating troubles for Tian Dong. This caused Tian Dong to face difficulties in the initial stage when he shifted his businesses from America to China. He faced obstructions in every matter and almost screwed up a few major business contracts.

  To put it bluntly, he had only suffered so greatly during the first few years that his father started the family business from scratch in America. They were plotted against by outsiders in America. Who would have known that, twenty years later, the person who made him reminisce and go through the pains and nightmare that his father had once suffered would be his biological elder uncle?

  One could imagine how furious and annoyed Father Tian and Tian Dong felt.

  If they had known that this would happen, they would definitely not return to the country because of Old Master Tian’s illness. They would not have shifted everything that they had to the home country to allow the elder son of the Tian family to get a hold of or threaten them with it.

  The elder Tian brother had been creating troubles for his nephew’s company. Old Master Tian was also truly unwell. He had been spurred on by his elder son to insist that Tian Dong’s parents guard him by his bedside. The couple was so exhausted that they had relapses of past illnesses.

  Hence, Tian Dong had to simultaneously handle the issues in his company and take care of his parents who fell ill due to his grandfather.

  How did Tian Dong overcome these problems in the past few months? He was the only one who knew.

  “Your parents are unwell? Why didn’t I know about this at all?” Miao Jing turned pale in shock. When the Zhai family first moved to the capital, the Tian family of three had visited them before. If she had known that the Tian couple was unwell, she should represent the Zhai family to visit them, even if Hua Hua and Dongzi could not be together.

  Tian Dong gave a bitter smile. “My parents had been worn out for a period. We didn’t let outsiders know about this at all.” It had been covered up well by his elder uncle. In fact, he only found out about this with Zhai Sheng’s assistance recently.

  After receiving Zhai Sheng’s phone call, Tian Dong then shockingly realized that his elder uncle had done so many ‘good’ things without his knowledge.

  His company met with trouble as his elder uncle had obstructed him through the government authorities. Tian Dong had never thought of relying on the Zhai family’s assistance. As a man, he wanted to start up a company. How could he burden the woman that he liked on the success and development of his company?

  However, when the Tian couple was unwell and he was struggling to juggle to make both ends meet, the Zhai family did not express any concern. Even Zhai Hua did not appear to give him any word of encouragement. His heart was not made of stone. Facing such a situation, Tian Dong had been dealt with a great blow. He had wooed Zhai Hua for one year. He even began to doubt whether Zhai Hua’s heart was moved by him or whether she had ever liked him.

  Fortunately……

  Everything was over now!

  Tian Dong did not go into details but Zhai Hua and Qiao Nan did notice that something was amiss.

  Qiu Chenxi, who had been slapped in the face in public, changed her expression slightly but she reverted to her normal self very quickly. “Dongzi, so you didn’t tell Sister Zhai Hua that uncle and auntie had been unwell? Sister Zhai Hua, why don’t we do this? Dongzi is very busy with his company recently. If you wish to visit uncle and auntie, I will bring you to them. Anyway, I am very familiar with their place. They are quite good to me.”

  Tian Dong was the next man after Zhai Sheng that Qiu Chenxi finally fancied.

  Zhai Hua was dark-skinned. Tian Dong was fair but he was tall and big. He looked thin when he was dressed but he was not entirely skinny. No one would mistake Tian Dong for a woman despite his fair, flawless skin and beautiful facial features.

  Facing such a good-looking and wealthy man, Qiu Chenxi could not help feeling tempted. One had to know. To many women, looks were everything, not to mention that Tian Dong had money in his pocket. There was nothing that Qiu Chenxi could be picky about.

  There was another reason why Qiu Chenxi accepted Tian Dong as her marriage partner so readily: She had heard that Tian Dong was dating Zhai Hua as friends.

  Many years ago, Zhai Sheng hurt her by ruining the marriage arrangements and abandoning her. As a result, she became a laughingstock in Ping Cheng. She could only leave her hometown, Ping Cheng, for Mo Du dejectedly and seek a life with her maternal grandparents.

  Although she was out of the dark times, Qiu Chenxi had never forgotten the pain and suffering that she had endured over those few years.

  If she could snatch Tian Dong away from Zhai Hua, wouldn’t Zhai Hua become upset and despaired? After taking revenge on Zhai Sheng, she was even able to slap the faces of all the Zhai family members.

  1278 Take Initiative to Visit the Tian family

  This was such a good opportunity for revenge and Qiu Chenxi had no reason to reject Tian Dong.

  Everyone had known each other for such a long time. Would Zhai Hua not know that Qiu Chenxi was trying to show off to her?

  Zhai Hua slapped the table and laughed. If she were to appear meek before Qiu Chenxi at this point, she would immediately remove her entire soldier attire. “Familiar. How familiar? Are you closer to auntie than me?” As she said that, Zhai Hua pulled out the jade pendant that she had been wearing in her tummy belt. “This was what auntie insisted on giving me previously. She said that there are many physiological benefits to wearing jade and she won’t be pleased if I don’t wear it. Actually, auntie gave me a bracelet initially. However, you know what I do for a living. I can’t even wear a necklace, let alone a bracelet. I will break it within a day if I wear one. I don’t have a choice. As such, auntie gave me a pendant instead. I put it in my clothes usually and no one can tell that I am wearing it. It doesn’t give me any trouble.”

  Zhai Hua was telling the truth and was not boasting in her words.

  The Tian family did not lack money and had many valuable belongings. Furthermore, Auntie Tian had the same habit as Elder Lin. They liked to give away jade and similar items as gifts.

  When she first saw that translucent, watery, and virid bracelet, Zhai Hua knew that the item was not cheap despite being a layman in this area. She might not be able to afford one in her entire life with her current salary.

  She was clumsy and did not like to wear accessories, especially such expensive and fragile items. Not to mention wearing it, Zhai Hua was so taken back that she took three steps back when Auntie Tian took it out. She was so afraid that she would lose control and break the bracelet before wearing it.

  At that time, Auntie Tian was so amused at Zhai Hua’s awkward reaction.

  The Tian family was also aware that Zhai Hua was not the typical kind of lady. If she were to be together with Dongzi, it would certainly not be because of the Tian family’s background and status.

  \r \r \r

  When one gave a present, they had to give something to the liking of the receiving party. At the thought of Zhai Hua’s job, Auntie Tian took back the bracelet and took out a pendant for Zhai Hua. She spent a long time persuading Zhai Hua to accept it and the latter eventually did.

  Although the Tian family was not short of money, they would not casually give away valuable and expensive gifts.

  The gift and acceptance on this occasion represented the attitudes of both the Zhai family and the Tian family.

  Seeing that Qiu Chenxi insisted on puffing up herself at her own cost in front of her, Zhai Hua ‘kindly fulfilled’ Qiu Chenxi’s wish. “Oh, right. Since you know auntie so well, did auntie give you anything as a memoir?”

  Qiu Chenxi had a taste for expensive things and she had seen a lot of good stuff before. At just a rough glance, she already knew that that small piece of jade cost over a hundred thousand yuan.

  Qiu Chenxi had never possessed an item of such great value in her entire life, let alone other ordinary folks. She did not even have the experience of spending more than a hundred thousand yuan before.

  Auntie Tian gave such a good thing to Zhai Hua. In other words, Auntie Tian was quite happy and satisfied with Zhai Hua?

  Qiu Chenxi took a deep breath and replied to Zhai Hua smilingly. “I have not received anything from Auntie Tian, but I have given her something. Although it can’t be compared to what you received, I don’t mind at all. There is still a lot of time in the future. In comparison, I prefer to give Auntie Tian things and watch her accept my gestures of thoughts. I feel happier in this way than anything else.”

  Zhai Hua only received a pendant. What was there to be proud of? There was much better and more valuable stuff in the Tian family.

  She would not lose her temper just because of that meager hundred thousand yuan item on Zhai Hua and give up on a ‘bank’ like the Tian family.

  After hugging her three children, Qiao Nan looked at Zhai Hua. “Sister Zhai Hua, we were unaware that Uncle Tian and Auntie Tian were unwell previously. Let’s forget it. Now that we are aware, why would you watch a movie or have a meal with Tian Dong? Isn’t it better that you go and visit uncle and auntie at the Tian family’s residence directly? I believe that uncle and auntie will definitely feel happy when they see you. When their mood becomes better, they will recover faster. With you and Tian Dong accompanying them for a meal tonight, they may even eat half a bowl more of rice.”

  Qiu Chenxi had come knocking on the door to boast to them. If they were to give in, wouldn’t Qiu Chenxi laugh at them forever in the future? The Zhai family did not have anything except for a backbone. They would not let Qiu Chenxi, this ‘latecomer’, behave so brazenly.

  To Qiao Nan, everything was open to discussion once the misunderstanding was cleared.

  Furthermore, Qiao Nan vaguely felt that both Uncle Tian’s and her families might have been plotted against. The Zhai family was angry about the Tian family’s long silence. On the other hand, the Tian family might also have negative opinions on the recent performance of the Zhai family.

  Although they had not clarified the situation, to the Qiao family, the best way to resolve this was to take the initiative to understand the cause and consequences of the matter and maintain the relationship between the Zhai family and the Tian family.

  “Sister Zhai Hua, what do you think?” Sister Zhai Hua should understand what she meant. They would not let people like Qiu Chenxi succeed in such underhand means. They would have suffered a cowardly loss then. In short, they could not let Qiu Chenxi pick up any bargain.

  Zhai Hua yawned and stretched herself, looking like she did not have a care. However, those who understood her knew that she was bewitching the enemy in preparation for an attack. “Sure. I think Nan Nan’s suggestion is quite good. Mom, I am going to the Tian family’s residence with Dongzi today. I won’t be back for dinner. Right, auntie, if I did not remember wrongly, you prepared pigeon soup today. Could you help me prepare a flask so that I can bring it to the Tian family?”

  Zhai Hua was not certain about the types of soup suitable for various illnesses. However, there should not be much of a problem to bring pigeon soup to the Tian family’s residence.

  “Aye. sure.” The auntie had not expected such a twist of events. Obviously, it was all one-sided and wishful thinking on Qiu Chenxi’s part. Tian Dong was not agreeable and the one he liked was still their family’s Hua Hua.

  After knowing that Tian Dong was not a heartless lad, both the auntie and Miao Jing looked at Tian Dong in a different light. The more the mother-in-law looked at her son-in-law, the more pleased she felt.

  Zhai Hua had put forth a request. Without a word, the auntie ran into the kitchen, took out a warmer flask, and poured the pigeon soup in it. The flask was ‘brimming with good intent’. After taking it out, she passed it to Zhai Hua personally. “Hua Hua, remember to hold onto this yourself.” You would be able to show your sincerity and gain favor then.

  Zhai Hua nodded in an abiding manner. “Auntie, don’t worry. I will hold onto it.” She would not pass it to Dongzi. Neither would she pass it to Qiu Chenxi.

  After all, everyone knew each other since they were young. If Qiu Chenxi was willing to leave just like that today, Zhai Hua dared to chop her head off for Qiu Chenxi to use as a stool.

  “Fine, Dongzi. Remember to send Hua Hua back.” Of course, Miao Jing would not stop them. If her daughter-in-law had not said, she would also have suggested Hua Hua take the initiative to visit the Tian couple at the latter’s residence.

  1279 The Headstrong Da Bao

  To Tian Dong, Zhai Hua going to the Tian family was truly a huge and pleasant surprise.

  Under Zhai Sheng’s help, Tian Dong found out that quite a number of misunderstandings happened between the Zhai family and the Tian family. Tian Dong understood Zhai Hua’s temperament too well. Hence, as soon as he had the time, he hurried to the Zhai family’s residence to look for Zhai Hua today.

  Unexpectedly, his elder uncle got to know his plan of looking for Zhai Hua and notified Qiu Chenxi.

  At the very moment the main doors of the Zhai family’s residence opened, Tian Dong was caught off-guard and did not manage to avoid the approaching Qiu Chenxi.

  The face of the auntie, who opened the door, turned black instantly at the sight. If not for the fact that he was not willing to hit a woman, Tian Dong almost could not control the urge to hit Qiu Chenxi.

  Tian Dong had already thought of how to spend the entire day appeasing Zhai Hua, clearly explaining to her the circumstances of the matter.

  It was fortunate that he did not use any of the many words that he had thought of earlier. This was also the first time that Zhai Hua had offered to visit his parents. This pleasant surprise came too suddenly. It was so sudden that Tian Dong could not believe it.

  Holding the flask of soup, Zhai Hua walked to Tian Dong and glanced sideways at him. “What is the matter? You are not willing to let me go to your house? If you’re really so unhappy about it, forget it then?”

  “I’m willing. Let’s go home quickly. Qiao Nan is right. If my parents see you, they will definitely feel happy and eat another half a bowl of rice. Let’s go.” How could Tian Dong decline Zhai Hua? He did not even have the time to rejoice. He pulled Zhai Hua’s hands and walked out immediately.

  He was not feeling unhappy earlier. Clearly, he had been dumbstruck by happiness.

  \r \r \r

  Qiao Nan and Miao Jing suggested too quickly and Zhai Hua agreed too readily. Tian Dong was dumbstruck by happiness, whereas Qiu Chenxi was almost driven to a state of madness.

  She had just received news that Tian Dong was going to visit the Zhai family. Qiu Chenxi was aware that there something must be lacking in the ploy of the elder brother of the Tian family such that Tian Dong had not given up on Zhai Hua and still had the patience to woo the tomboy of the Zhai family.

  All of them grew up together. Qiu Chenxi was aware that Zhai Hua had a proud character. She initially believed that if she and Tian Dong appeared in the Zhai family, the Zhai family would misunderstand their presence as showing off. Once Zhai Hua flared up, Tian Dong might not even have a chance to speak. She might simply give him a scolding and chase him out.

  As such, she did not believe that Tian Dong would be so thick-skinned and refused to give up on Zhai Hua, this tomboy. Who, especially men, did not want their face?

  Without Zhai Hua hindering her, Qiu Chenxi did not view other women as threats at all. After all, the elder brother of the Tian family favored her as the niece-in-law. After receiving the affirmation of the elders of the Tian family, all other women were considered as superficial as clouds.

  As such, Qiu Chenxi even deliberately devised a ploy to catch Tian Dong off-guard by moving next to him at that very moment when the auntie opened the door. Their arms were intimately placed next to each other then and they looked very much like boyfriend and girlfriend.

  Naturally, if the auntie told the Zhai family what she saw, Zhai Hua would flare up.

  Qiu Chenxi even thought of the best outcome, which was Zhai Hua refusing to let her and Tian Dong enter the house as soon as Zhai Hua heard the auntie describing how close she and Tian Dong were standing together.

  Unfortunately, although Qiu Chenxi had it all thought out, none of that became reality. On the contrary, she had been mocked by Zhai Hua.

  Looking at the couple walking in front of her, with equivalent heights and looking quite compatible from the back, Qiu Chenxi caught up with them, feeling indignant at heart.

  A few years ago, she lost to Qiao Nan. Now, she did not believe that she would lose to such an unladylike Zhai Hua. Tian Dong had to be either blind or gay to marry a woman like Zhai Hua, who behaved like a man who could also conveniently bear him a child.

  Qiu Chenxi, who suffered another setback, felt so gloomy. She could not stop thinking that there was something wrong with Tian Dong. She felt that he was very persistent toward Zhai Hua because he had something to hide.

  “Phew……” Qiao Nan did not feel the least strange that Qiu Chenxi ran after Tian Dong and Zhai Hua. In the past, Qiu Chenxi pestered Zhai Sheng so badly. Those memories were still fresh in Qiao Nan’s mind. When Qiu Chenxi was unaware that she was Brother Zhai’s girlfriend, she even ‘wrongly’ accused and scolded her as the vixen for the sake of luring the actual ‘culprit’ out.

  Thankfully, a few years had passed. No one gave Qiu Chenxi any face today. However, Qiu Chenxi could still maintain a smile throughout without saying anything provocative or that would make everyone feel awkward. “Mom, I think Qiu Chenxi has improved.”

  After carrying one of her grandchildren, Miao Jing gave the child a kiss on the face. “She has been learning from Old Master Shi these past two years. Although that old master can be a scoundrel, he is still quite capable. Otherwise, his son can’t be so outstanding. However, increasingly, I can’t figure out what that old master has in mind now.”

  Old Master Shi looked up to Shi Peng. Hence, he would not give up on this son.

  However, Old Master Shi also seemingly wished to nurture Qiu Chenxi. The second son of the Tian family had just returned from abroad and seemed to be progressing well. If Qiu Chenxi was successful, there would be another ‘gold mine’ in the Shi family. This was pure 24K gold!

  After hearing her mother-in-law’s words, Qiao Nan’s brows arched slightly. She did not speak further and bent down to touch San Bao’s tummy. “San Bao’s tummy looks a little shriveled. Are you hungry?”

  San Bao could completely understand these words. She nodded honestly like a chicken pecking on rice. “Hungry. Eat. Eat nice things.”

  As soon as San Bao spoke, Da Bao and Er Bao responded enthusiastically. The auntie quickly served the desserts that she had just prepared.

  Recently, Da Bao’s temper had grown. He had not grown up much physically, but his confidence had grown. It was not sure why, but Da Bao was unwilling to let others feed him. He was always yearning to try eating on his own by holding the spoon himself and putting food into his mouth.

  However, Da Bao was still very young and his arms did not have much strength. His hands would tremble when he held the spoon. Usually, he would spill most or all of the food in the spoon. As such, not much of the food went into Da Bao’s mouth and stomach.

  At such times, only Qiao Nan, this biological mother, could snatch the spoon from him and feed him without him getting angry.

  As such, during mealtime, she would pass the San Bao in her arms to her mother-in-law. She would then ‘forcefully kidnap’ the gamboling Da Bao over.

  Qiao Nan bit on Da Bao’s amiable face, which looked like an apple. “Be good, Da Bao. Mom will feed you later, okay? When you grow older, to at least three years old, Mom will let you eat on your own, okay?”

  Da Bao knitted his brows, grimacing. Obviously, he was not pleased that his striving for self-sufficiency had been stopped. For three seconds, Da Bao was staring helplessly at Qiao Nan as if he was expressing that he temporarily would not take issue with Qiao Nan as she was his mother. He would indulge her first.

  1280 Different Expectations

  Both Qiao Nan and Miao Jing were laughing uncontrollably at Da Bao’s behavior.

  Miao Jing tapped her finger on Da Bao’s little nose. On the account that he was her eldest grandson, she would not expose him. Cunning boy. He behaved exactly like when his father was a child. Naughty little one. He was so young and already thinking of ways to bully his ignorant younger siblings.

  The triplets were all close and sticky to their mother. They were so happy when their mother fed them.

  In the past, Qiao Nan believed in fairness and absolutely no favoritism. The three children would take turns to be fed by her. This is such that she would not appear biased toward any of them. As a result, she upset the remaining two. Qiao Nan said that the three children seemed very young now but they were sensible and had feelings too.

  Fortunately, the three of them were very close to one another. Besides, Qiao Nan took good care of their feelings. Until now, the triplets had been living happily and did not really like to throw tantrums.

  For example, if Er Bao was unwell, Da Bao was throwing tantrums, or San Bao was crying, the other two children would not cry or fight for their mother’s attention although she took care of one of them more.

  Such as now, Da Bao liked to feed himself. However, all the food usually did not go into his mouth and nothing much went into his stomach.

  As the only person who could snatch the spoon away from Da Bao, Qiao Nan could only pay more attention to him. If Da Bao could finish his food earlier, Qiao Nan still had the chance to feed Er Bao and San Bao.

  Qiao Nan was a first-time mother. She did not expect Da Bao would be so clever to use such little tricks as he was so young.

  However, Miao Jing, who was already a grandmother, knew that a child would not possibly harbor deliberate thoughts in doing certain matters. Nevertheless, they did it subconsciously.

  \r \r \r

  Her eldest grandson was so clever and quick-witted. He also showed a lot of care and concern to Er Bao and San Bao normally. He looked like he could completely take on the duties of an elder brother. How could Miao Jing not dote on Da Bao?

  The first grandson and the last son are the lifelines of the old lady. This saying was very true.

  Anyway, these were merely innocuous jokes and Miao Jing was not willing to take it so seriously. If she did, that would be apprehending danger at every bush and tree she saw. Ultimately, she still believed that her family’s offspring were the best.

  Both Qiao Nan and Miao Jing were focused on taking care of the children, while Zhai Hua had an extremely enjoyable dinner at the Tian family’s residence.

  “Uncle, auntie, I’m so sorry. Previously, I went back to the army camp and stayed there for a period of time. When I was back home, I was ill-informed and only came to visit you today.” Zhai Hua sat beside Auntie Tian and even served her a cup of hot tea.

  During the entire dinner, Auntie Tian was very affectionate toward Zhai Hua. She kept adding dishes to Zhai Hua’s bowl with her chopsticks. In addition, a few dishes on the dining table were Zhai Hua’s favorites.

  They knew what Zhai Hua liked and disliked so well. It was obvious how much the Tian family cared about Zhai Hua.

  As for Qiu Chenxi, who insisted to follow over, she seemed to be getting slapped in the face many times. There were a few times that she attempted to chat with Auntie Miao but was interrupted by the latter.

  It was fine that Auntie Tian ignored her. However, what made Qiu Chenxi furious was that each time Auntie Tian interrupted her, she would gently turn her face toward Zhai Hua to seek the latter’s opinions and views. They would then chat together enthusiastically.

  Father Tian obviously saw his wife’s behavior he did not stop her at all. Judging from this, he held the same attitude as his wife. In comparison to Qiu Chenxi, he was fonder of Zhai Hua.

  Sensing the sincerity in Zhai Hua’s words, Auntie Tian was elated. “I know that you are a good child. I really can’t fault you for this matter. At our end, we didn’t do some of the things right either. Dongzi is not a bad kid. As long as Dongzi and you are doing well, Dongzi’s dad and I will be fine. Right, Miss Qiu, next time when my son and Hua Hua get married, you have to attend the wedding.”

  Qiu Chenxi’s face turned pale. Forget it that she had been rejected and being rolled eyes at. They were going overboard in their words. “I am just thinking whether Elder Uncle Tian will agree to this.” Wasn’t the elder son of the Tian family the one who called the shots? Would Tian Dong be able to marry anyone that he wished to? Who were they threatening?

  All of Qiu Chenxi’s confidence came from the elder son of the Tian family.

  It did not matter to Qiu Chenxi whether Tian Dong liked her or not. Even if he did not like her now, Qiu Chenxi was confident that he would eventually fall in love with her after they were married. She had always believed that she was outstanding enough to make every man fall for her.

  Zhai Sheng, that individual who betrayed her and married Qiao Nan, was only an exception.

  Furthermore, her mother did not marry her father because of love either. It was for the sake of the interests of the two families. She was in politics and Tian Dong was rich. Their life would definitely become better and better after they got married.

  After identifying the target, Qiu Chenxi only wanted to dash forward in the direction of it.

  “It’s not important whether he agrees or not.” Father Tian sneered. The youngsters nowadays were so brazen. They dared to use such outrageous and shameful means. “I’m the one who is going to get a daughter-in-law this year. My elder brother’s daughter is already married.” One would take care of their own family’s children. Would Dongzi definitely collect a marriage certificate and give birth to children with a woman just because his elder brother said so? What could his elder brother do as long as they disagreed?

  Crap!

  He dared to guarantee that his elder brother could not even make them collect the marriage certificate, let alone have children.

  “Miss Qiu, right. You’re on such good terms with my elder brother’s family. You should visit the old house of the Tian family and not our new house more often. Dongzi is not very close with you either. He already has such a good girlfriend like Hua Hua. They have been together for more than a year. You should be receiving their wedding invitation soon. You should visit us less often in the future. Don’t look for Dongzi alone either. If it causes a misunderstanding with others, it won’t be too good then. Dongzi is a man and he has such a good marriage partner like Hua Hua. A little misunderstanding will not cause much harm to him.”

  Father Tian’s eloquence certainly did not lose out to any youngster. Every word from his mouth was like a dagger that shot directly at Qiu Chenxi’s heart. “However, you are different. You are a grown-up single lady. If others were to misunderstand you, and as a result, it delayed you from finding a partner, we will feel very sorry. Our family’s Dongzi won’t be able to bear any responsibility for that.”

  He even deliberately enunciated the words ‘grown-up lady’ to mock Qiu Chenxi.

  Having been in America for more than twenty years, there was nothing that Father Tian had not seen.

  Given Qiu Chenxi’s style, if she was truly a ‘grown-up lady’, he might still be willing to go according to his elder brother’s wish and let Dongzi try interacting with Qiu Chenxi. This was despite his dislike for Qiu Chenxi.

  Dongzi grew up in America but he did not engage in any of those messy affairs. On the contrary, Qiu Chenxi, who grew up in their home country, was so loose and debauched. He was not sure how many men she had. He really could not accept this.

  He did not know and care about how other families chose their daughter-in-law. However, if one wished to become his daughter-in-law, sorry. Although he came back from America, he still stubbornly held a traditional mindset and values.

  1281 A Miracle

  He did not have much expectation. He just wished that his son could marry a chaste woman who knew how to respect herself.

  His attitude was very firm and he did not mince his words. Qiu Chenxi was so embarrassed that she was ballooning in red.

  Qiu Chenxi was so furious that she was clenching her fists so hard that her fingertips turned white.

  She understood that Father Tian was shunning her for being ‘unchaste’.

  Spat! This old man.

  Although he came back from America, he was still a stick in the mud. Tian Dong grew up and stayed in America for more than twenty years. He might have had countless girlfriends and sexual partners during this period. Did Father Tian think of all these when he nitpicked on her?

  Qiu Chenxi was never someone who liked to suffer any humiliation or loss. She did not care about her face anymore since Father Tian had put her in such a bad light. Anyway, she had already lost it. Since that was the case, the Tian family could forget about their face too. “Uncle Tian, your words are too ridiculous. It is already the 21st century and not uncommon for men and women to be in such romantic relationships. Don’t make it sound so ugly. Before you look down on others, you should reflect on your own situation. Didn’t Dongzi grow up in America? Most likely, he had more fun than kids like us who grew up in the home country. Sister Zhai Hua, what is your view on this?”

  She was someone who knew how to have ‘fun’. Of course, she could accept all of Tian Dong’s past.

  If it were others, especially Zhai Hua from the Zhai family, could she accept it?

  Zhai Hua crossed her arms. She wanted to watch how Qiu Chenxi ignited herself on fire. “Qiu Chenxi is spot on regarding this matter. I dislike those people who are too loose. It applies to both men and women. It’s dirty and easy to contract diseases.”

  “Dongzi, did you hear that?” Qiu Chenxi laughed. True enough, Zhai Hua was still the Zhai Hua in her memory. She did not want Tian Dong and Tian Dong could forget about marrying Zhai Hua. Without Zhai Hua, most likely, Tian Dong would not be able to find another woman who was better than her.

  \r \r \r

  Tian Dong looked at Zhai Hua indulgently. “I heard that.”

  Qiu Chenxi looked at Tian Dong confidently. “Since you have heard that, shouldn’t you also express something?” Zhai Hua had openly made it clear that it was impossible for her to be with Tian Dong. She had rejected him in front of his family. Unless Tian Dong was so wretched and liked to be given cold shoulders, as a man, he should flare up and completely fall out with Zhai Hua.

  “Of course!” Tian Dong nodded. He took out a little red velvet box from the pocket in his shirt. When he opened it, there was an extremely dazzling diamond ring lying in it. “I know that you don’t like wearing accessories. You don’t favor silver or gold either. Since there is nothing that you yearn for, I bought the one that is in fashion now. I didn’t plan this today but the opportunity just came at the right time. Hua Hua, marry me. You said before that you wish to get married before your twenty-eighth birthday, neither earlier nor later. It will be Lunar New Year in a few months.”

  Hua Hua would be over twenty-eight years old after the Lunar New Year.

  There was a flash in Zhai Hua’s eyes, tears welling up in them. “When did I say this?”

  It sounded familiar. She seemed to have said those words before.

  “Five years old.” It was also from the age of five that he had always remembered that he had to wait until Zhai Hua was twenty-eight years old before proposing to her.

  Zhai Hua sniffled, feeling touched. So, Dongzi was not just toying or playing hard-to-get with her. It was her babbling as a child that brought her such huge trouble, and as a result, she let her thoughts run wild.

  Right from the beginning, it was due to her own doing when she was a child that someone only proposed to her today.

  She was only five years old then. She knew nothing about marriage!

  She had already forgotten what she had said, but Dongzi, this idiot, had remembered it for twenty-three years. In addition, he truly endured until she was almost twenty-eight years old before confessing his love for her.

  All of a sudden, feelings of happiness, sweetness, bitterness, and remorse surrounded Zhai Hua tightly. She was both crying and laughing. She really felt like punching Tian Dong but she wanted to punch her five-year-old self more. Argh! Why did she pretend to be mature then? Why was her mouth so wretched?

  Zhai Hua completely could not recall why her five-year-old self told Tian Dong that she could get married only when she was almost twenty-eight years old, and it could be neither later nor earlier. It had to be twenty-eight years old.

  “Hua Hua, will you marry me?” Zhai Hua did not know why she had said such mindless things but Tian Dong understood in his heart.

  It was just that Tian Dong did not intend to tell Zhai Hua at this moment. When they were married and lying on the same bed or when he was in a good mood, he would tell Zhai Hua the foolish thing that she did when she was just five years old.

  “Tian Dong, are you serious?” Qiu Chenxi began to grit her teeth.

  She had wracked her brains on how to compete with and win against Zhai Hua by snatching Tian Dong over. She would not only resolve her marriage but also marry a wealthy man then. In addition, she could also take revenge on Zhai Sheng for abandoning her and choosing to be with Qiao Nan a few years ago. It would be akin to killing two birds with one stone, and nothing else was better than that. She could take revenge on all of the Zhai family at the same time.

  However, Tian Dong had already proposed to Zhai Hua with such a huge diamond ring before Qiu Chenxi could think of a solution. Undoubtedly, he couldn’t possibly prepare this recently. Perhaps Tian Dong had long wished to marry Zhai Hua and he thus carried this ring by his side for a very long time.

  When a man wanted to marry a woman, he even carried his wedding ring by his side and made preparations for so many years. Qiu Chenxi did not have any chances of succeeding in such a battle. On the contrary, she was defeated thoroughly. It was too ugly.

  Even if Qiu Chenxi were to eventually think of a solution, Tian Dong and Zhai Hua might even have a child by then.

  Qiu Chenxi’s face turned extremely pale. Judging from the look of it, she would explode at any point and fight with Tian Dong.

  Since the moment Qiu Chenxi appeared and pestered him, Tian Dong had been ignoring her. However, at this very moment, Tian Dong wanted to make himself clear to Qiu Chenxi that it was impossible between them. “Do you know when I bought this ring?”

  “When?” Zhai Hua, who was sitting beside Tian Dong, was more curious than Qiu Chenxi about this. Her eyes were bright when she looked at Tian Dong.

  Zhai Hua was famous in the quad of Ping Cheng for being a grown-up lady left on the shelves. She did not even have a boyfriend, let alone a marriage partner.

  Many people made mean jokes and guesses on whether Zhai Hua would ever have the chance to wait for any man to propose to her in her entire life.

  After some time, Zhai Hua also felt the same way.

  However, someone suddenly told Zhai Hua today that she was not an ‘old’ lady that no one wanted. In fact, such an outstanding and exemplary man had been pondering for a long time on how to marry her. He even bought the proposal ring long ago, and she had been on his mind for so many years.

  The old iron tree had blossomed! A miracle had occurred!

  1282 Proud for a Lifetime

  “When I was eighteen years old, my dad gave me a sum of money. He allowed me to use them for whatever I wanted to develop myself in. He took it that it was for me to gain experience. I invested in shares and profited as I was quite lucky. Thereafter, I spent all the first sum of money that I earned on this ring.”

  Diamonds only came into fashion later on.

  Tian Dong bought it earlier, during the 1990s.

  At that time, very few people liked diamonds or speculated in the prices. Hence, it was not so costly then.

  Despite the case, Tian Dong spent all the first sum of money that he earned in his lifetime only on a ring. It was not hard to imagine that Tian Dong had most likely bought the best, biggest, and most expensive ring in that shop then.

  “You’ve been carrying this with you for ten years? You just bring them with you like that every day?” Ten years! Ten years!!

  At the thought of this number, Zhai Hua could not control the corners of her lips from curling up. Hahaha! Who said that she was an ‘old’ lady left on the shelves or a tomboy that no man wanted? A man had begun to hit on her since she was five years old. As soon as he had reached adulthood, he bought her a proposal ring. It was all just because of an unintentional remark she made as a child that this man foolishly waited and proposed to her only she was almost twenty-eight years old.

  No one loved her?

  Crap. Which family’s partner could be compared to hers!!!

  Who?

  Who?

  Zhai Hua felt so proud that a tail almost grew out of her buttock and lifted into the sky.

  This secret was not just a big surprise to Zhai Hua but also the Tian couple. They were shocked and truly unaware that their son had set his eyes on Zhai Hua right from the beginning.

  \r \r \r

  It was so heart-wrenching for Auntie Tian. It was as if she had immersed herself in a pot of aged vinegar. She felt sour all over.

  Why didn’t this stubborn child tell her that he already had someone on his mind? She even had misgivings that he had been led astray by bad company and became ‘crooked’ when he was in America.

  The most foolish thing was…… Clearly, it was five years old but it had been delayed until twenty-eight years old. He had made her so anxious for a few years. This foolish child!

  His only son’s heart belonged to other family’s young lady since he was five years old. As a mother, her heart broke into a thousand pieces and a powdery form that could not be pieced together anymore.

  Father Tian looked at his son coldly. Similar to his wife, he stamped the word ‘fool’ on Tian Dong.

  Who would take the words of a five-year-old for real? Furthermore, he had remembered it for twenty-three years, bought and carried a wedding proposal ring for ten years before taking it out to use.

  Father Tian glanced coldly at the box that contained the ring. It was made of velvet. Did the velvet already come off?

  Qiu Chenxi could not bear to look at Zhai Hua’s proud and smug look. Most importantly, her battered heart could not take such a blow anymore. She stood up and staggered. “Sorry to disturb.” She would never step into the Tian family’s residence ever again.

  That elder brother of the Tian family was not capable enough to rein his younger brother and the latter’s family or make the younger brother listen to him. Why did he boast to her then? It was his fault that she was in such an embarrassing state now.

  “Miss Qiu, take your time to leave. We still have a guest in our house. We will also be busy with an upcoming happy occasion. We won’t be able to send you off.” The jealous Auntie Tian was instantly revived at the sight of Qiu Chenxi. Her son was still hers. Nevertheless, Qiu Chenxi had finally given up her wishful thinking on them.

  “Ha.” Qiu Chenxi sneered. Without a word, she walked out of the Tian family’s residence.

  As soon as she stepped out of the place, she looked like she was in a trance under the dark and gloomy sky, distracted and stunned.

  Not knowing the reason, those words that Shi Qing had said before rang in her ears: The persistence of a woman depended on the attitude of a man.

  She had suffered a bad fall due to Zhai Sheng the first time. Now, she had suffered another fall due to Tian Dong. She had fallen so badly that her head was broken and bleeding and her bones broken.

  A few years ago, Qiu Chenxi was still young. She refused to admit defeat and was not convinced by Shi Qing’s words.

  Now, Qiu Chenxi was older and more mature. She still refused to concede defeat and did not think that she was any less than a tomboy like Zhai Hua.

  However, Tian Dong bought and carried a ring with him for ten years. Qiu Chenxi had no choice but to back out. She did not have the energy to continue competing with Zhai Hua anymore.

  Which woman in the world did not wish to marry a man who would cherish and place her in his heart?

  If Tian Dong had wavered slightly in his attitude toward Zhai Hua, Qiu Chenxi could still shamelessly and persistently attack this loophole. She would eventually win Tian Dong over one day.

  Now……

  Qiu Chenxi no longer harbored any of such thoughts.

  After Qiu Chenxi left, she was unaware that Zhai Hua had such a good chat with the Tian family. Before the Zhai family found out about the situation, as Zhai Hua did not like to wear accessories normally, Qiao Nan had already noticed the bright and shiny diamond ring on her finger. “Pigeon egg?”

  Although it was not that huge, it was much bigger than usual. “You are wearing it on this finger. Tian Dong proposed to you today?!”

  Miao Jing jumped in shock. “Is it true? Is what Nan Nan said true? Didn’t you say that both of you are not even boyfriend and girlfriend? Dongzi has proposed to you. Does that mean both of you are getting married? Have you picked the dates?”

  Happiness came too soon that she dared not believe it.

  Hua Hua did not even have a boyfriend, yet she already had a fiancé?

  Zhai Hua was in such a good mood that she very much wanted to sing a few songs loudly to express her emotions. Now that Qiao Nan and her biological mother had hit the nail on the spot, Zhai Hua felt so smug that she crossed her arms on her waist like a teapot. “Tian Dong, that lad, had wanted to marry me since he was five years old. He bought this ring and carried it with him for ten years. He endured until today before proposing to me. He looked so pitiful. It’s seldom that I am in a good mood. I thus accepted his proposal. Mom, uncle and auntie will be visiting us for a meal tomorrow. Be prepared to discuss the dates for Tian Dong and me to get married.”

  Did you see that? Did you see that? Sister not only had a man but was also the one being loved secretly!

  Qiao Nan never expected to hear such a big gossip. Obviously, there were other stories between Zhai Hua and Tian Dong that others were unaware of.

  He had carried his marriage proposal ring for ten years. The feelings that Tian Dong had for Zhai Hua could make any woman in this world feel touched. Was this considered as simply crossing the realm of their platonic relationship after a seven-year-itch?

  “Congratulations.” After carrying San Bao and placing her onto her lap, Qiao Nan grabbed San Bao’s hands and said, “San Bao, auntie has found you an uncle-in-law. Next time, remember to ask for a big red packet when you see your uncle-in-law.” Tian Dong had wanted to give the triplets red packets earlier. However, besides the full-month and hundred-day-old celebrations, Qiao Nan had declined gifts from Tian Dong.

  However, Tian Dong was going to marry Zhai Hua soon. He had to give this red packet. Whether to give or not depended on how much Tian Dong valued the maternal family of Zhai Hua.

  1283 A Face Full of Saliva

  “Uncle, uncle-in-law?” San Bao twisted her tongue. When she spoke the last word ‘law’, she spat on Qiao Nan’s face. Qiao Nan wiped her face. “San Bao, with you around, it will rain in our house.” Was she being filial and showing her respect with saliva?

  “Yes, uncle-in-law. When your uncle-in-law and auntie are married, auntie will give birth to a younger brother or sister for you to play with.” To play with you!

  All of a sudden, San Bao’s eyes lit up brightly.

  San Bao could vaguely sense that she was the youngest one in the family now. Very soon, a child younger than her was going to appear and address her as the elder sister. How could San Bao not feel happy? Although she did not have much knowledge of this, she very much welcomed a child younger than her into the family.

  “Right, San Bao is going to have a younger sister or brother soon.” Miao Jing was smiling happily like a flower. Her daughter was going to get married. Would her maternal grandchild be far away? “I have to break this good news to the old master and your dad as soon as they come home. Haha, our family’s lady is finally getting married!”

  This was such exhilarating news worth spreading and celebrating!

  Zhai Hua, who was initially quite happy, almost froze and pulled a long face when she heard her mother. It was as if she was left on the shelves and had finally found one Tian Dong, a white knight who was willing to rescue her. She snorted and said, “I won’t take issue with you. You are not aware of what happened. Qiu Chenxi eventually followed me to the Tian family’s residence. She, very fortunately, witnessed Tian Dong’s deep feelings for me and how he proposed.”

  She did not care. Anyway, Tian Dong had been secretly in love with her for more than twenty years, and he had thought of marrying her for ten years.

  She was not a woman without any charm. In fact, she was a woman with great charm!

  Tian Dong’s feelings toward Zhai Hua were enough to make Zhai Hua feel proud for the rest of her life.

  \r \r \r

  This evening, Qiao Nan received Zhai Sheng’s phone call. She then found out that her husband had done a lot in this matter.

  At the beginning, Zhai Sheng did not see eye to eye with Tian Dong. Nevertheless, when Tian Dong did not appear for a long time this year, Zhai Sheng was the only one in the entire Zhai family who maintained his silence and thought most highly of Tian Dong. He felt that Tian Dong was not the type of person who liked to toy with other people’s feelings.

  The elder son of the Tian family was an ambitious one. However, the Zhai family left others a very deep impression of being fair and honest. The elder son of the Tian family felt that if his only nephew married the lady from the Zhai family, the Zhai family might not help the Tian family. On the contrary, if the Tian family were to commit any wrongdoing, the Zhai family would place justice above loyalty to one’s family and be the first to punish them.

  He dared not have such an in-law family.

  On the contrary, the Shi family’s character was entirely opposite to that of the Zhai family. He was very fond of the Shi family’s character.

  As such, when he found out that his younger brother favored Zhai Hua more, he secretly contacted Old Master Shi. He wanted to be the bridge between Tian Dong and Qiu Chenxi.

  Qiao Nan heard about the subsequent matters that happened.

  The elder son of the Tian family secretly stirred up problems for his younger brother’s business and made his nephew busy. He also spurred his old, foolish, and sick father to insist on having the second son and wife take care of him. As a result, the couple also took ill.

  This matter had been covered up very well. Tian Dong did not have any time to look for Zhai Hua at all. Unfortunately, Zhai Hua, who was not in the know, became angry at him. Occasionally, when Tian Dong was feeling very vexed, he felt very disheartened that Zhai Hua did not take any initiative to show concern for him.

  The elder son of the Tian family wanted to create such a misunderstanding between Tian Dong and Zhai Hua. Both were at the age whereby they were young and strong-minded, and neither would give in. Once the two were spiting each other and neither took the initiative to relent, they would fall out no matter how close they had previously been.

  At this juncture, Qiu Chenxi would appear to show concern and support for Tian Dong in a gentle and gracious way. If Tian Dong did not have a change of heart and get together with Qiu Chenxi after some time, the elder son of the Tian family expressed that he would address Tian Dong as the elder uncle instead.

  No one needed to question why he was so certain about the effectiveness of this poly. It was not because of other reasons. He had used this method a long ago. The first person that he tested this method’s feasibility was not others but his only daughter.

  Tian Tian had been doted upon since she was a child. When she was studying in college, she found herself a boyfriend and the two of them were very close. They had promised each other to get married as soon as they graduated, and they would marry no one else but each other. At that time, they were seen as a model couple in college.

  However, the elder son of the Tian family was not satisfied with this college student. Besides having a good college degree, his family background was not spectacular at all. Furthermore, he already had a potential son-in-law in mind.

  Unfortunately, the other party was fat and ugly and Tian Tian was not fond of him. As such, she was more determined to be together with her boyfriend.

  Thereafter, the elder son of the Tian family used this method to separate Tian Tian and her boyfriend. He even successfully made Tian Tian marry the son-in-law that he wanted.

  However, he was unaware that this marriage that he was smug about had, in fact, brought him many troubles.

  Tian Tian was not stupid. In the early years, she was young and strong-tempered. As such, she had been temporarily deceived. Time gradually passed, and she had finally realized.

  When the elder son of the Tian family used this method on Tian Dong again, Tian Tian completely figured this out.

  It could be said that without Zhai Sheng’s phone call and Tian Tian’s reminder, perhaps the elder son of the Tian family would have succeeded in this ploy once again.

  When Qiao Nan was communicating with Zhai Sheng, Tian Dong also made a call to Tian Tian to thank her. “Sister, thank you. If not for you, I nearly……” He never once thought that he would experience what his father had been through before.

  Twenty years had passed. Seemingly, his grandfather’s and elder uncle’s temperaments and barbaric nature did not change at all. They were more selfish and scary than businessmen like him. They only thought of themselves and no one else. The so-called kinship was just tools that they used to climb up the social ladder.

  Tian Dong also understood why the old master liked his elder son and not his second son so much.

  It was not because of other reasons. His elder son had totally inherited his character and way of dealing with things and people. He was clearly another Old Master Tian. Who would not be fond of themselves?

  “Don’t mention it.” On the phone, Tian Tian’s voice sounded a little cold but also pleased. She was pleased not because Tian Dong had averted his father’s ploy but because her father’s plan had failed and he was going to be down on luck. “You should understand my thoughts. Remember. Don’t let him have a good life. As long as his life is not good, I will take it that you are thanking me.”

  Tian Tian was filled with hate. Her biological father was the person that she hated most in her entire life.

  Given their relationship, no matter how much Tian Tian hated him, she could not do anything concrete to take revenge on her father.

  However, if she did not do anything and continue to watch her father living a happy and satisfying life every day, she would be choked by the feelings of pain and torture every night. Her father sold other people to fulfill his own life and wishes.