Chapter 18

Shi Fangfang watched as Chen Shengqing held Yang Qiujin’s hand. The two seemed so close and intimate, which was completely different from what people had said about him—that he disliked Yang Qiujin and wanted to divorce her.

Also, the new watch on Yang Qiujin’s wrist was so dazzling.

Shi Fangfang’s heart stirred. She had looked down on Chen Shengqing back then. She thought that, while he seemed gentle and easy to get along with, he was actually cold towards her and showed no awareness of their childhood sweetheart connection or their engagement.

She could never understand him, feeling he was unpredictable and not suited to be her husband.

The humiliation she had suffered since childhood made her unwilling to marry an ordinary man and live a hard life. She wanted to marry a powerful man, eat well every day, and live a life where she wouldn’t be looked down upon. So, she manipulated situations with Chen Shengqing, Yang Qiujin, and Ji Mingchen, ultimately marrying Ji Mingchen.

Her life after marriage was much better than in her parents’ home. Outsiders said she was lucky to marry into the family of the commune secretary, but no one knew the reality of her life inside.

Back then, she teamed up with the widow Yang Chenghua to drug Yang Qiujin, imitated Yang Qiujin’s handwriting, and arranged a meeting with Ji Mingchen at the county guesthouse. She tricked him into drinking the same drugged water and had sex with him.

Ji Mingchen was furious afterward, but he couldn’t resist her crying. Since Yang Qiujin and Chen Shengqing were already involved, and she had exposed their relationship in the commune, Secretary Ji—a strict and fair man—had forced Ji Mingchen to marry her for the sake of the family’s reputation.

Over the years, she had always played the role of the gentle, virtuous wife and good daughter-in-law. No matter how her mother-in-law mistreated her or what people said, she did her best to maintain the image.

Ji Mingchen had warmed to her over time, but there was always distance between them. He never became as close to her as a normal husband and wife. She had complained, hated, and cried countless times in secret, but one thing she never regretted was not marrying Chen Shengqing.

Now, seeing the man who nearly belonged to her being so kind and intimate with another woman, and seeing the brand-new watch that Ji Mingchen had never thought of buying her, Shi Fangfang felt a mix of jealousy and regret like never before.

Ji Mingchen had been holding a grudge against her and sent most of his monthly allowance to his mother. If she wanted to use money, she had to endure insults, begging her mother-in-law like a beggar.

She lived like that for three whole years. She cried, argued, and quarreled, but nothing could change Ji Mingchen’s behavior. Eventually, she couldn’t bear it anymore and asked her father-in-law for help. He arranged a job for her as the women’s director in the commune, earning twenty yuan a month.

After covering her and her two children’s daily expenses, she saved the little money left for emergencies. She was reluctant to buy expensive items like watches.

When she was about to marry Ji Mingchen, his family felt uncomfortable. They never considered buying her any three-turn and one-ring gifts ^[1]traditional betrothal gifts with three parts and one ring.. All the betrothal gifts were the lowest standard, and all the betrothal money was taken away by her as a widow.

She had been married to the Ji family for seven years. It looked like she was living a glamorous life, but in reality, she was poor.

If she hadn’t plotted against Yang Qiujin, she would have been standing next to Chen Shengqing now, wearing the watch.

Shi Fangfang looked at the tall and handsome man, and somehow, her eyes started to tear up.

She was looking at Chen Shengqing, and Ji Mingchen was also looking at Yang Qiujin.

Yang Qiujin was wearing a patched dark blue slanting-collared long dress and trousers, and her hair was braided in the pigtails she loved as a girl. She looked slim and graceful, like a delicate wild lily, attracting attention without saying a word.

As a member of a medical family, Ji Mingchen had lived a life of luxury since childhood. Many girls surrounded him, constantly trying to win his affection.

He was used to seeing gentle, virtuous, and generous women, so when a hot-tempered girl like Yang Qiujin suddenly appeared, it was hard not to be attracted to her.

Unfortunately, before the two could reveal their true feelings, Shi Fangfang had plotted against them. Over the years, despite Shi Fangfang’s affectionate behavior, Ji Mingchen had always thought about Yang Qiujin.

But Yang Qiujin was already married and had children. No matter how much he felt for her, he had to keep it deep inside and never show it. But every time he heard Yang Qiujin’s name, he couldn’t help but be moved.

Chen Shengqing turned a blind eye to Shi Fangfang’s tearful eyes. He saw Ji Mingchen’s gentle, affectionate gaze towards Yang Qiujin and calmly pulled Yang Qiujin behind him. Using his tall body to block Ji Mingchen’s sight, he said with a sharp look, “Doctor Ji, what a coincidence.”

Ji Mingchen’s name was not used, and it was clear he was unhappy.

Ji Mingchen noticed Chen Shengqing’s actions and realized he had overstepped. He awkwardly looked away and said, “What a coincidence. Are you here buying things? Planning to go to the border?”

“Yes,” Chen Shengqing nodded, glancing at Shi Fangfang and her son behind him. “You’re buying things too? Are you planning to take them with you to join the army?”

Ji Mingchen was surprised by the idea of taking Shi Fangfang and her son to the army.

Yang Qiujin was a bit surprised.

Seeing Chen Shengqing standing before her like a protective shield, she impatiently peered out from behind him and curiously looked at Ji Mingchen and Shi Fangfang.

She had been framed by Shi Fangfang back then. Over time, she no longer hated her as much. In fact, when she learned that Ji Mingchen had decided to join the army like Chen Shengqing not long after marrying Shi Fangfang, she felt some sympathy for her.

Forced to marry someone she didn’t love, no matter how calm and gentle she appeared, Shi Fangfang was the only one who truly understood her life behind closed doors.

Seeing that Ji Mingchen had not allowed Shi Fangfang to join the army for all these years, Yang Qiujin realized that Shi Fangfang’s life wasn’t any better than hers.

Now Ji Mingchen was planning to take Shi Fangfang and her son to join the army. Yang Qiujin was curious but also felt a bit of gloating. It is said that a forced melon is not sweet. If Shi Fangfang joined the army with Ji Mingchen, who knew how much trouble it would cause?

“Qiu Jin, when are you and Sheng Qing leaving?” Yang Qiujin asked. Ji Mingchen felt a little excited.

When he was framed, he immediately found Yang Qiujin to confess and asked for a chance.

But she had said indifferently, “You and I were never together. Why apologize? We will go our separate ways from now on.”

He couldn’t believe she had no feelings for him and repeatedly asked why she wouldn’t listen to his explanation.

She was silent for a long time, then said something that crushed him: “I won’t be with any man that Shi Fangfang has used. I think it’s dirty.”

His shock, pain, and disappointment turned to despair.

He returned home, dazed. Faced with Shi Fangfang’s helpless tears and the disappointed looks of his relatives, he finally agreed to marry her.

Over the years, he had followed Yang Qiujin’s request to not interfere. But seeing her looking the same as she did seven years ago, his heart couldn’t help but stir.

Yang Qiujin knew what Ji Mingchen meant and said directly, “We will leave tomorrow, but we won’t take your car. You’re taking Shi Fangfang and her two children to join the army. By then, we will have a lot of bags, and your car won’t be able to fit us, so we’ll take the train. Thanks for your kindness.”

After she spoke, without even looking at Ji Mingchen or Shi Fangfang’s expressions, she took Chen Shengqing with one hand and Chen Tianyou with the other and walked toward the cosmetics counter. She pointed to the skincare products on the wooden cabinet and told the salesperson, “Comrade, please help me get two bottles of skin care products like Snow Cream, Chunjuan Cream, Baby Face, Wan Zi Qian Hong Moisturizing Products, and Clam Oil.”

Chen Shengqing raised an eyebrow. Just moments ago, she was reluctant to buy skincare products, but now she changed her mind.

Yang Qiujin understood what he was thinking. While taking out the money, she whispered, “I just realized something. I’ve been married to you for so long, working in the fields and at home, never taking care of myself. You’ve been on the frontier for years. Though you’re darker now, you’re still fairer than me. Ji Mingchen and Shi Fangfang are also very fair. I can’t let you compare to me.”

It turned out that Chen Shengqing was influenced by Shi Fangfang. A smile flashed in his eyes: “Okay, you should buy more skincare. The wind and sun in the border area are harsh. You’ll need it to keep your face from chapping.”

After getting everything they needed, the family of three, carrying various bags, headed straight to Yang Qiuyue’s printing factory.

“Sister, you’re here.” Hearing the guard mention her sister, Yang Qiuyue immediately asked the workshop director for leave and ran to the factory gate.

When she saw Chen Shengqing and Chen Tianyou, she gave Chen Shengqing a careful look. After seeing him nod and greet her politely, she smiled and gently touched Chen Tianyou’s little head. “Brother-in-law, Youyou, you are here too.”

“Your brother-in-law and I are leaving tomorrow. Time is tight, so we’ll go directly to your in-laws’ house.” Yang Qiujin then took Yang Qiuyue and walked toward the Ke family.

The Ke family’s home was not far from the printing factory. They lived in the staff dormitory of the meat processing factory, and it took less than half an hour to get there.

On the way, Yang Qiuyue hesitated, “Sister, why don’t you go back with your brother-in-law? Ke Jian and I broke up. Yesterday I applied for a single dormitory in the factory and spent the night with a few female workers. If he doesn’t want to leave, then he doesn’t have to. His parents are eager for grandchildren, but I’m not in a rush. I’ll delay until he leaves!”

“That won’t do.” Yang Qiujin firmly refused. “Your brother-in-law and I are here, and we’ll help you sort this out, no matter what.”