Capítulo 782: Chapter 525: Retribution
The second watch has arrived.
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Zhou Hanliang’s worry was written all over his face, and Lan Ailian’s expression was somewhat displeased: “Don’t be nervous. I’m not the type of person to say one thing in front and do another behind. Since I’ve agreed in front of my daughter to let you two be together, I won’t go back on my word.
Initially, I indeed didn’t like you being together. Whether in terms of appearance or family background, you don’t quite match. Moreover, you’re well aware of what you’ll face next, and I don’t want Doudou to be heartbroken.
But I’ve been young once, too, and I understand how Doudou feels now. If I keep blocking her, she’ll always have regrets, no matter what the future holds. So, I might as well let go and give you a chance to grow.
As for your character, I’ve looked into it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t dare gamble with my daughter’s happiness. One day, when you have your own children, you’ll understand how I feel now.
Doudou didn’t grow up with us when she was little, which is her biggest regret, and also the biggest regret for her father and me. So, I hope you can give in to her a bit more.
She seems easy-going, but she’s very stubborn at heart. Once she’s set on something, not even eight oxen can pull her back. Like this time, she ran away from home. Her dad went to find her several times, but she just wouldn’t agree to come back.
I know she’s waiting for me to make the first concession. But as an elder, and with her best interests at heart, how can I lower my head to plead with her? If I really did that, how could I face her in the future?
I believe she’s not feeling well inside either. It’s impossible for her not to miss us, not to miss Guoguo. But she’s held out until now to come back. So, Zhou Hanliang, you have to consider these issues in advance. If you can tolerate her stubbornness, then be with her. If you can’t, then don’t waste your time.”
Zhou Hanliang said seriously, “Auntie, I know she’s stubborn. I’ve said I’ll give in to her, and I don’t think it’s a flaw. I like girls who have their own ideas.”
“Good, since you can accept that, I have one more requirement: be kind to her adoptive parents. They hold a very important place in her heart and indeed gave her familial warmth. I’m very grateful to them, but…” Lan Ailian sighed, “Even though I appreciate them, I can’t make myself do anything in front of them. My daughter’s feelings for them are deeper than for me. As a mother, I’m conflicted. I appreciate them, but I also can’t get over my own feelings. I hope you can understand.”
Zhou Hanliang nodded, “I understand. I will be as filial to them as well.”
“Alright, that’s all I want to say. Before you two get married, I’ll be watching you closely. I hope you don’t disappoint me. Also, pretending is useless. I can see through it.”
Zhou Hanliang laughed bitterly, “Auntie, how can you fake something like this? Rest assured, I’ve never been one to put on a facade. Like means like, dislike means dislike. The capable can do, the incapable cannot. What I show will definitely be the truest version of myself. I hope I can satisfy you.”
“Alright, let’s sit down for a moment. I’ll go out for a while.” Lan Ailian said, changing her shoes by the door.
“Are you going to see Aunt Qin now?”
Lan Ailian paused while putting on her shoes and looked back at Zhou Hanliang warmly, “Yes, I’m going to settle accounts with her. Don’t worry, I won’t get the short end of the stick.”
“No, I’ll go with you.” Zhou Hanliang’s expression was firm, and he added, “I won’t tell Doudou; just the two of us will go.”
“Why are you coming with me?” Lan Ailian snapped at him.
“I’m your future son-in-law. It’s my duty to protect you.”
“Alright then.” Lan Ailian waved at him, “Let’s go.” Her demeanor surprisingly carried the air of a big sister.
Qin Xiangyi’s house and Lan Ailian’s house were neighbors. Turn left twenty meters outside the door to another courtyard, which was Qin Xiangyi’s house. Seeing Lan Ailian come in, Qin Xiangyi warmly rose to greet her, “Ailian, why are you here? Please sit down.”
“Qin Xiangyi, how did I offend you that you talked about my Guoguo like that?” Lan Ailian glared at her angrily, “You’re also a mother. Would you like it if I cursed your son?”
“I… how did I talk about Guoguo?” Qin Xiangyi tried to sound innocent, but the guilt in her voice betrayed her.
“You said she’s not right in the head and could never find a job. I’m not making this up, right?”
“I didn’t say she’s not right in the head. I just said she’s not very suitable for work. Who’s gossiping like this?” Qin Xiangyi said indignantly.
“The last thing Guoguo would do is lie. She heard it and told me herself. How can it be false? Do you know how much your words hurt her?
If her intelligence was only that of a three or four-year-old, your words might be excusable. But do you know how nine- or ten-year-olds react to such words?
Qin Xiangyi, you’re a mother too. How could you do something so malicious?”
“I… I…” Qin Xiangyi stammered, unable to speak.
At this moment, Jiang Xinyu returned, his face dark as he entered, and he walked straight up to Qin Xiangyi. “Slap!” He delivered a slap to her face…
Not only was Qin Xiangyi stunned, but even Lan Ailian was shocked. Right now, she wouldn’t be self-indulgent enough to think Jiang Xinyu was standing up for her. After all, the words they were saying couldn’t possibly be heard from outside.
Zhou Hanliang hesitated, unsure whether to step forward and mediate.
“Now I’m just an ordinary person, you finally got your wish.” Jiang Xinyu glared hatefully at Qin Xiangyi before turning to go upstairs, his back looking so desolate.
Without caring about others, Qin Xiangyi quickly caught up to him, grabbing his arm, “What’s going on? Tell me clearly, what do you mean you became an ordinary person?”
“Don’t you like flaunting the authority of a rich lady? Don’t you like comparing yourself to Lin Yanqiu? Don’t you like stepping on her face? Now, it’s finally her turn to step on yours. Happy?”
“Wha…what?” Qin Xiangyi’s lips trembled for a long time before she spoke, “How… How can she do that? This was a matter between women, why go against you?”
“A matter between women? When the Zhou family was down, you stepped on them, bullied them, was that a matter between women? Afterward, I warned you not to mess with her, don’t provoke her. What did you do?
Don’t you know what kind of person Great Grandma Jiang is? Yet you went to incite, came back and told me you did nothing, Qin Xiangyi, why would I marry such a jinx like you?
Do you think Zhou Jingping would really let you bully his wife? Treating a tiger as a cat, do you think nothing will happen? Think about it, to have a son like Zhou Mikang, could those two really be simple people?”
After a slight hesitation, Qin Deyi yelled at Jiang Xinyu, “Since it’s the Zhou family’s fault, hurry up and find a way to deal with them. Yelling at me, what skill is that? It wasn’t me who harmed you!”
“It was indeed you who harmed me. I’ve advised you so many times, and you just won’t listen. I really don’t understand you; you’re inferior to others in every way, yet you still insist on comparing with them?”
“Are you still thinking about her? Do you still like her?” Qin Xiangyi sneered, “I know, Zhou Jingping must despise you for holding onto his wife, so he’s deliberately targeting you. It’s all your fault, don’t blame me, okay?”
“Fine, it’s my own fault, I admit it. Qin Xiangyi, I can’t live with a woman like you. Let’s get a divorce.”
“You, you, you… What did you say?”
“I said I want a divorce from you. Anyway, I’m just an ordinary person now, being with you won’t bring you any glory. Go and seek your prosperity.” Jiang Xinyu waved his hand, looking exhausted, “I don’t want to talk to you now. Stay away from me, or don’t blame me for being rude.”
“You…” Glared by Jiang Xinyu, Qin Xiangyi ultimately dared not say anything.
“Dad, what’s going on?” Their son, Jiang Song, ran into the house, “I heard Dad got removed from his position, is it true? What exactly happened?”
“It’s the result of political maneuvering, what else could it be?” Jiang Xinyu looked utterly defeated, “I’m indeed tired, I’ll just step back and rest. Xiao Song, from now on, your affairs are up to you.”
Lan Ailian never expected that when she came to settle accounts, she would witness such a scene, so she gave Zhou Hanliang a glance and quietly backed out.
Once outside, Lan Ailian waved at him, “If you want to go to the Zhou family, go ahead, just trouble you to tell the Zhou family members that I’m very grateful they vented my anger. If there’s anything I can help with in the future, I’ll definitely try my best.”
“Thank you, Aunt.” At this moment, Zhou Hanliang’s heart was indeed with the Zhou family. Hearing Lan Ailian say this, he showed a grateful expression and quickly ran inside to say goodbye to Yun Doudou.
Lan Ailian smiled at the corner of her lips. The other person’s regard for her daughter made her happy. All right, no longer worrying about suitability or not, perhaps her decision was correct.
Zhou Hanliang hurried all the way to the Zhou family, and upon entering, he heard bursts of laughter. It turned out that the whole family was gathered to make dumplings, chatting and laughing, so lively.
Seeing him come in, Zhou Mikang teased with a smile, “Not performing well at your father-in-law’s, why did you come back?”
“I…” Suddenly, Zhou Hanliang felt that his decision to run back and report was a bit childish. At this moment, what everyone needed was family warmth, not who got unlucky. So he changed his tone, “I felt awkward staying at the Yun family and eating.”
“All right, all right, welcome Hanliang to grab a meal.” Lin Yanqiu said as she pointed to a chair, “Don’t just stand there, wash your hands and come help. Tonight, only those who work with their own hands get to eat.”
“Okay!” Zhou Hanliang replied happily and ran to the restroom to wash his hands.
“He wasn’t chased out by Lan Ailian, was he?” Lin Yanqiu glanced at her son worriedly, “Ask him later, if not, I’ll help mediate.”
Zhou Mikang nodded, “Okay, I’ll ask him quietly later.” (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to vote for it on Qidian with recommendation tickets and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to to read.)