Chapter 5 I’m Going to Jump into the River

The residential compound erupted into chaos—some rushed forward to break up the fight, while others intervened to take sides. After all, this was the textile factory’s residential area; nobody would let the deputy director’s family suffer. Amid the noisy commotion, An Ruoyan’s occasional apologetic voice could be heard.

It was at this moment that Zhou’s father returned. Seeing the chaotic scene, he shouted, “Everyone stop right now!” The compound quieted down, and Zhou’s mother and Huang Jinxiu were pulled apart. Zhou’s father walked over sternly and, upon getting closer, realized that one of the fighters was his wife, and the other was his future in-law. An Ruoyan was there too, which gave Zhou’s father a headache—how could his wife be fighting in front of his future daughter-in-law? He was about to scold his wife when An Ruoyan stepped forward:

“Uncle Zhou, don’t be angry. Aunt Sun was just provoked by the situation; she acted impulsively.”

“No matter what, you can’t resort to violence!” Zhou’s mother pulled Zhou’s father aside and recounted the situation again. Zhou’s father, sleeves rolled up, pointed at Huang Jinxiu:

“Although you’ve only been married into the Shi family for three years, you’ve watched Shi Meijiao grow up. Since she now calls you ‘mom,’ you must guide her properly. How could you allow her to commit such immoral acts? Have you abandoned all sense of propriety?”

Huang Jinxiu didn’t dare argue and mumbled quietly: “Jiajiao did nothing wrong; she just loves your son too much, it was uncontrollable.”

Zhou’s mother spat in disgust: “As the upper beam is crooked, the lower one follows. Your stepdaughter is just like you, seducing another’s man.”

Huang Jinxiu, as if her tail had been stepped on, shouted, “Ah… today I’ll smash your mouth!”

Zhou’s father stepped in front of his wife: “Enough! Isn’t this embarrassing enough? Everyone, come home and talk there.”

Though usually gentle, Zhou’s father’s anger was intimidating, and Huang Jinxiu had no choice but to obediently follow behind.

At this time, Shi Meijiao, who had been hiding outside the compound, also followed, unnoticed by others.

From behind, a voice asked, “Uncle, Auntie, can I come in?” Seeing Shi Meijiao, everyone’s expressions darkened, but they let her in.

Zhou Shuchen was sitting on the sofa reading. Hearing the door, he didn’t even look up: “Why are you back so late? I’m hungry.” Zhou’s father’s face turned dark with anger, and Zhou’s mother was embarrassed to see her son like this.

Zhou Shuchen had grown up under his grandmother’s care, who pampered him and spared him from chores. Though he was a good student and sensible, he couldn’t do any housework. Zhou’s mother had always thought: men just need to earn money honestly; housework can be done by others, including the future daughter-in-law. Now it seemed that being “honest” was meaningless—he could still do such fickle things.

Finally, Zhou Shuchen looked up, and aside from his parents, the first person he saw was An Ruoyan.

“Why are you here again? Reporting to my parents? You’re really shameless. Even though you love me endlessly, my heart belongs to Jiajiao. Fine, since you can’t bear it, from now on, just think of yourself as my sister!”

An Ruoyan felt disgusted and almost nauseated. What kind of arrogant man was this? Even without a mirror, he must think he’s perfect! She strode toward Zhou Shuchen.

Looking distressed, Zhou Shuchen spread his arms: “Alright, I know you’re upset. Here, a hug! But this is the last time!”

Shi Meijiao, blocked by others, twisted her face in disbelief. Just as she was about to get angry, a loud slap rang out.

An Ruoyan had struck Zhou Shuchen across the face, her carefully manicured nails leaving a line of blood. Zhou’s parents turned their heads, not blindly protecting their son.

“You…” Zhou Shuchen raised his hand to retaliate, but in the end, he didn’t strike. Fine, she just loved him too much.

Shi Meijiao suddenly lunged forward, exaggerating her tone: “An Ruoyan, how can you hit him? Shuchen did nothing wrong! He only fell in love with me. If you want to hit someone, hit me instead!”

“That’s a ridiculous request. Fine, I’ll grant it,” An Ruoyan said, slapping Shi Meijiao hard, her nails digging deep into her face.

“Ah! My face!” Shi Meijiao collapsed into Zhou Shuchen’s arms in pain.

Crying with streams of tears, she wailed: “Shuchen, am I going to be disfigured?”

Zhou Shuchen’s heart ached even more: “It’s okay. Even if you’re disfigured, I’ll always love you.”

Huang Jinxiu, playing the role of a bystander, walked to An Ruoyan, lecturing earnestly: “Ruoyan, how can you hit them? It’s your fault—you couldn’t hold onto a man’s heart.”

An Ruoyan rubbed her wrist: “You want a beating too?”

Huang Jinxiu choked, huffing silently.

At this moment, Zhou’s mother stepped forward and pulled Shi Meijiao from Zhou Shuchen’s arms:

“Stay away from my son. In the Zhou family, no unchaste girl like you will ever marry in.”

“Auntie, I…”

“Shut up, I don’t want to hear another word from you.” Then turning to An Ruoyan: “Yanyan, this was that brat’s fault, not yours. Don’t worry, in my eyes, you are the only daughter-in-law. Tomorrow, I’ll drag that brat to your home to propose properly.”

An Ruoyan nearly lost her composure—she had no interest in collecting trash.

“Aunt Sun, it’s better not to force marriage,” Zhou Shuchen nervously said, “Mom, Jiajiao and I truly love each other. If you break us up, I’ll jump into the river.”

Zhou’s father kicked him in the stomach: “Jump into the river? Go ahead! We’ll act as if we never had a son.”

Sitting on the ground, Zhou Shuchen obediently stayed quiet. Shi Meijiao’s eyes darkened—what a useless man.

Zhou’s father checked the time: “Yanyan, uncle still has meetings this afternoon. Tonight, after you and Aunt Sun finish work, we’ll take this brat to your house. We’ll discuss how to compensate you properly. Don’t worry, I won’t cover for my son.”

At this point, An Ruoyan couldn’t insist on dragging things out further: “Fine, I’ll head home first. Goodbye, Uncle Zhou, Aunt Sun.”

She didn’t look at anyone else and left Zhou’s house directly.

Huang Jinxiu thought for a moment and dragged the unwilling Shi Meijiao along. She had originally planned to have An Ruoyan break up on her own and quietly send her to the countryside. Who knew that brat would make such a big scene?

Zhou’s father, frustrated with his son, muttered: “Stay home and reflect on how to apologize to Ruoyan properly.”

After saying this, he didn’t even want to eat and went to work with his wife.