Chapter 65 I regretted it to the core

Zhou Dajun didn't stand on ceremony and picked up his bowl and chopsticks without even glancing at the two of them.

With a splash, he ladled out a full bowl of porridge, picked up some pickled vegetables, and ate it with great relish.

While eating, he didn't forget to comment, his tone full of condescending satisfaction.

“Your cooking skills are much better now than before. You used to burn the pot when you were cooking, but now you’ve finally figured it out. It’s good that you’ve come to this realization. We’re a family, so we should live a down-to-earth life. Simple and peaceful is the best. Nothing can compare to a pot of hot food.”

Zhou Shufen, standing to the side, couldn't help but roll her eyes when she heard this.

But she didn't reply, and just turned coldly to the kitchen to clean up the pots and pans.

She knew that now was not the time to completely break off relations.

Now, the dining table has become Zhou Dajun's personal stage.

He chewed on his steamed bun while talking non-stop, spitting as he spoke.

"Between husband and wife, the original spouse is the most reliable. No matter how good the later or new acquaintances are, they can't compare to the person who went through hardships with you in the first place. The two of us are of one mind, and no one can replace us. What do those people outside who fawn over you and greet you with smiles get out of it? To put it bluntly, isn't it all because they want your money! They want the benefits you can bring them!"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, his face turning bright red, and the veins on his neck bulging slightly.

He almost sprayed his saliva into the bowl opposite him when he spoke.

“Your business is doing well now, right? But don’t forget, I contributed to that success. If I hadn’t paved the way for you back then, how could you, a woman, have met so many clients? Now that we’re back together, I can help you manage the household finances, keep track of accounts, and handle social interactions. Don’t you think that makes sense? My return is good for everyone.”

After he finished speaking, he turned to look at Zhou Shufen with a smug look in his eyes.

This time he was full of confidence, feeling certain that she would agree.

After all, now it's her who can't live without him, not the other way around.

Zhou Haiqing listened from the side, head down, pretending to eat seriously.

But the corners of his mouth gradually turned up.

He almost burst out laughing.

How dare this guy say such a thing?

Their skin is so thick it could stop a bullet, yet they speak as if it were the truth.

It's both laughable and pathetic.

Zhou Shufen nodded.

"There's no rush. As you know, I'm not planning to keep that shop anymore. I'm going to reopen it in a different location. I've already found a good spot for the new shop. It's a better location than the old one, with more foot traffic. We'll start a trial run as soon as the renovations are finished. Once the new shop is stable, I'll definitely split the profits 50/50 with you. You won't lose a single penny."

She was just saying it casually anyway, so she didn't care.

These kinds of words don't need to be kept; they're just said to appease the other person.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Dajun immediately perked up and threw his chopsticks onto the table.

It made a "snap" sound, startling the soup in the bowl, which shook slightly.

He crossed his legs and leaned back in the chair, placing his hands behind his head.

He was extremely pleased with himself, his face beaming with smiles.

They did nothing, yet they're asked to receive a large sum of money.

It seems I do have some skills!

Although I haven't made a name for myself over the years.

But once you're home, your status is completely different.

He is the father, the elder, so naturally others have to treat him with respect and deference.

Zhou Dajun is usually quite timid when he's out in public.

They speak to people in a humble and submissive manner, and dare not stand up for others when trouble arises, for fear of causing trouble.

But when facing Zhou Shufen and the children, he immediately became a different person, standing up straight, raising his voice, and being overly confident.

It was precisely because of his mindset that he didn't suspect anything and walked step by step into the trap set by others.

He never considered why their attitude had suddenly changed so drastically, or why they were being so attentive to him.

Zhou Shufen and Zhou Haiqing exchanged a secret glance, understanding each other without saying a word.

That instantaneous exchange of glances was full of unspoken understanding.

The plan is progressing smoothly, and the old man has been completely fooled.

Zhou Haiqing coughed twice.

“Dad, we are so happy that you are back. We saw you suddenly yesterday and our daughter was a little taken aback, so please don’t take it to heart. After all, we understand that you left with Aunt Wu. But I just can’t understand why Aunt Wu didn’t want you. She was such a good person, how could she push you away? She must have been blind.”

As he spoke, he intentionally or unintentionally elevated Zhou Dajun's status.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Dajun's anger flared up again.

"Hmph! That blind fool has no idea who she let go! If she weren't so heartless, would I have left? I treated her like family! I paid for everything she needed, from food and clothing to daily necessities. I bought her the most expensive clothes, picked the best restaurants, and always gave her whatever she wanted. And what did she do? After just a few days of being down on her luck, she turned her back on me and wouldn't even let me in the door!"

He got angry when he thought about how pathetic he was when he was kicked out.

He treated Wu Haiyan very well back then, never hesitating to spend money on her.

And what was the result?

He had only been down on his luck for a few days when they immediately turned their backs on him and wouldn't even give him a hot meal.

"Exactly! I can't stand it either. Such a good person, just like that, she doesn't want him anymore. If she knew what you're going through now, she'd regret it to death."

Zhou Haiqing nodded in agreement, adding fuel to the fire.

His tone was tinged with righteous indignation.

Zhou Dajun narrowed his eyes, seemingly lost in thought.

His brows relaxed slightly, but the corners of his mouth turned up little by little.

If Wu Haiyan knew that he was doing very well now, that his son was buying him new clothes, living in a big house, and eating good food every day, it would be wonderful.

She definitely couldn't stand that feeling.

She'll definitely be restless and filled with regret.

Thinking of this, the corners of his mouth turned up, and a hint of smugness flashed in his eyes.

Breakfast was eaten in this atmosphere.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was harmonious and filled with laughter. No one mentioned past grievances, and no one questioned anything.

Zhou Dajun ate to his heart's content, even cleaning the last grain of rice from the bottom of his bowl.

After the meal, Zhou Haiqing took him out to buy clothes.

He smiled and rolled up his sleeves, saying, "Dad, you should change your clothes. You've been wearing the old ones for too long, and they're outdated. I'll go with you to the mall and pick out a few decent ones so you'll look presentable when you go out."

The two headed straight for the busiest shopping mall in the city.

Zhou Dajun followed closely behind Zhou Haiqing.

My gaze swept across the dazzling array of shop windows in the mall.

They went straight into a high-end menswear store.

As soon as the door was pushed open, a blast of cool air mixed with a faint scent of perfume hit me.

The shop assistant, dressed in a neat uniform, greeted us with a polite smile.

Zhou Dajun used to pass by such shops without daring to go in, always feeling that he was dressed poorly and afraid of being kicked out.

Today, he was able to walk in so openly and brazenly.

Standing under the bright lights, touching the soft yet crisp fabric, my fingers trembled slightly.

He unconsciously clenched his fist, then relaxed it.

It was as if they were confirming that none of this was a dream.

Zhou Haiqing led him directly to the display area, as if it had been planned in advance.

I chose two suits with clean cuts and subdued colors.