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Chapter 15
Jiang Leyun bounced in front of Xu Zhao, standing tall with an air of importance, “I’m more important than you. I’m the most important. Hehe.”
Xu Zhao had overheard the conversation between the siblings in the kitchen. It was unbecoming for an adult to argue with a child, but he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of something indescribable when Jiang Suihan said without hesitation that her younger brother was more important than him as a husband. Although he knew they had just married and their relationship was still new, the feeling was still there.
Jiang Leyun stared at Xu Zhao and suddenly blurted out, “Will you treat my sister well in the future?”
Xu Zhao ruffled the little brother-in-law’s head, thinking to himself, ‘No wonder they’re siblings. The questions are the same.’
He didn’t dismiss the question because of the child’s age and answered seriously, “I promise to treat your sister well and to treat you well too. Kids shouldn’t worry too much or they won’t grow.”
“Hmph, don’t talk like my sister. I don’t believe what you say.”
Jiang Leyun furrowed his little brow, considering. His brother-in-law was a soldier, and he admired soldiers greatly. He wanted to join the army when he grew up. Recently, he had learned that strength was the real deal, and that’s why no one would bully him.
After spending a few days together, he found that his brother-in-law treated his sister and him well, bought many things for the family, and even helped drive away bad guys. Considering his strength, Jiang Leyun thought his new brother-in-law was quite suitable for his sister.
He rested his chin on his hands and sighed, “Alright, since you’ll treat my sister well, I’ll reluctantly accept you as my brother-in-law. But you should know, in my sister’s heart, I’m the most important. Don’t try to compete with me. If you mistreat my sister in the future, I won’t let you off.”
The child clenched his fists, puffed out his chest, and stared fiercely at Xu Zhao.
Xu Zhao shook his head and smiled, “Naturally. Thank you for your approval, Little Jiang. Let’s go eat.”
*
“What brings you here, Auntie? You wouldn’t come without a reason, would you?”
Jiang Suihan wasn’t surprised to see Huang Qiujuan show up again. People like her were like cockroaches that wouldn’t quit until they got what they wanted.
Huang Qiujuan glanced at Xu Zhao, who was teaching Jiang Leyun how to read, and then pulled Jiang Suihan aside, “Why hasn’t he left? As a young woman, how can you let a big man stay at home? It doesn’t look good if people see him here, and there will be gossip. How will you find a husband in the future?”
If the soldier didn’t leave, Huang Qiujuan couldn’t manipulate Jiang Suihan.
Jiang Suihan forced a smile, her expression not matching her words, “Auntie, you’re outdated. We’re legally married, so there’s nothing wrong with him staying here. I won’t beat around the bush with you. Whatever your intentions are, that’s your business. I have no interest. Thanks for taking the time to visit us, but if there’s nothing else, please leave.”
The information in the conversation is overwhelming. What does “legal” mean? Why is the marriage happening so suddenly?
Huang Qiujuan was bewildered and anxious, her voice a bit sharp: “You married him? That’s impossible! You’re just making things up without any preparation. A girl must cherish her reputation—how could you say such things so recklessly and let others take advantage?”
She spoke earnestly: “As your aunt, I’ve watched you grow up and wouldn’t harm you. Don’t just see the immediate benefits. That soldier might be slightly better looking than Comrade Qin, but use your clever brain to think—soldiers are away on missions most of the time, and they might even end up on the battlefield. Marrying him is like living as a widow, always worrying.”
She paused and continued: “Comrade Qin is different. His father is the factory director, and he himself is capable, being the union chairman. He doesn’t mind that you’re bringing a younger brother with you. When you marry into the Qin family, you’ll be the factory director’s daughter-in-law—what girl wouldn’t envy you?”
“Since you’re my niece, I thought of you first for this opportunity. You can’t just abandon it. I had to persuade them tirelessly to agree to meet you again.”
Before coming to the Jiang family, Huang Qiujuan had specifically visited Qin Rongguang. After the last incident where she lost so much face, Qin Rongguang despised Xu Zhao.
Although he had some connections, he would never act recklessly without understanding the situation. He was always cautious and meticulous in his dealings, which had kept him safe and out of trouble over the years.
Meeting a woman he truly liked, Qin Rongguang wouldn’t let go easily, even if it was just for face.
He gave Huang Qiujuan an ultimatum: she had to convince Jiang Suihan to willingly beg to marry him, or the arrangement for Huang Qiujuan’s younger son would be null and void.
Huang Qiujuan couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. She understood Jiang Suihan well. Having been raised by her younger brother-in-law, Suihan was naive and uncalculating. She didn’t believe her niece would get married and thought Xu Zhao must have deceived Jiang Suihan.
The soldier’s tactics were indeed effective. In just a few days, he had managed to win her over.
Jiang Suihan sneered: “We just got our marriage certificate this morning. If you don’t believe me, you can check with the street office. There’s no need for me to lie about this. They say it’s better to demolish ten temples than break up one marriage, but Aunt, you’re going against that. Can you honestly say you have no selfish motives? Even if you swear on heaven, I still won’t believe your nonsense.”
In her dreams, Huang Qiujuan and Qin Rongguang were scheming together, using “her” marriage to benefit the family, ignoring the questionable circumstances of “her” death, and even gaining more from Qin Rongguang.
Such a ruthless person, no matter how grandly Aunt spoke, Jiang Suihan wouldn’t believe a word.
Seeing Huang Qiujuan’s face growing more and more unpleasant, Jiang Suihan snapped: “I’m really sorry to disrupt your plans and leave you empty-handed. My family and the Jiang family have long been separated, so please don’t meddle in our affairs in the future.”
“Worrying too much can make one age quickly. I see you have quite a few gray hairs; you should take better care of yourself. Don’t let someone pry into your own backyard without you knowing.”
A weasel wishing a chicken a happy new year is hardly sincere. Jiang Suihan knew her aunt well—profit came first. As long as she didn’t fall into the trap, Huang Qiujuan couldn’t do anything about it.
After all, she now had someone protecting her and was using the pretense of authority effectively.
Seeing Jiang Suihan unmoved and even cursing her future husband’s infidelity, Huang Qiujuan was shocked and enraged: “You really don’t appreciate kindness. Is this how your parents taught you? I’m your aunt after all. You have no manners, and you’re both cruel and naive. Major life decisions shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
She pointed at Xu Zhao with an angry glare: “Is it that soldier who deceived you? How shameless to still deceive a young girl at his age. I don’t approve of this marriage. It’s not valid.”
An old age! ?
Huang Qiujuan’s voice was loud, and Xu Zhao couldn’t pretend not to hear. He glanced at her and turned to his brother-in-law: “Do I seem old?”
He was only twenty-four, in the prime of youth, with top combat skills in the army, definitely not old.
“Older than my sister anyway,” Jiang Leyun added, looking at Xu Zhao with a sharp remark.
Taking a direct hit, Xu Zhao remained expressionless. Sometimes, children’s words are the most innocent but also the most hurtful.
Jiang Suihan hated hearing bad things about her parents. She coldly replied: “You’re neither surnamed Jiang nor my biological mother. I don’t care whether you approve or not. We need to pack our things and leave, so you can stay here and bask in the happiness.”
Huang Qiujuan looked at the two candies in her hand, grinding her teeth in frustration. Just two candies, so stingy.
But this wasn’t the time to fuss over such details. They were married now and could still divorce. They had obtained the marriage certificate that morning, so their marriage should be legitimate.
As long as they quietly arrange a divorce and keep it hidden, the Qin family wouldn’t know, and Jiang Suihan’s weaknesses could still be exploited. She wasn’t afraid of her disobedience.
Seeing Huang Qiujuan’s changing expressions, Jiang Suihan was too lazy to waste more time with her. She called Xu Zhao to escort Huang Qiujuan out, and the room fell silent instantly.
After closing the door, Jiang Suihan suddenly remembered something. She turned back, opened the door slightly, and called out: “Aunt, those candies aren’t for you. Please pass them to Comrade Qin and let him know that I’m already taken. He shouldn’t waste his time on me. Just let him know that. Make sure you deliver the message clearly. Thank you.”
Huang Qiujuan nearly stumbled in shock and turned to glare at Jiang Suihan.
Such words could never reach Qin Rongguang. She still hoped to sell Jiang Suihan for a good price, make Qin Rongguang happy, and secure a good job for her son.
At the moment, Jiang Suihan was like a rock—soft tactics wouldn’t work. She had to rely on force. The soldier couldn’t take action at home, and with their departure in a few days, she needed to come up with a plan quickly.
**
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