Chapter 72 Respect for Freedom

As each other's friends, they fully understand and respect each other's choices.

Zhou Shufen picked up the wine glass in front of her and raised it gently.

"Then let's toast to freedom!"

Yao Mingzhu also raised her glass and clinked it with hers without hesitation.

To freedom!

After that, they didn't talk about Guo Zhenyi anymore, nor did they mention their relationship.

Instead, they began to talk about Zhou Shufen's next career plans.

Zhou Shufen described in detail her ideas for the location of the new store and the main clothing style she planned to focus on.

Yao Mingzhu would occasionally chime in, offering professional advice and market analysis.

"You are truly talented. At least among the people I know, you are absolutely outstanding. You will definitely succeed in getting into this high-end shopping mall."

Yao Mingzhu has worked in the industry for more than a decade, relying on her accurate judgment and keen market sense.

She knows what kind of designs can impress customers, and she also knows what kind of people can stand out in fierce competition.

Zhou Shufen is precisely the kind of person who is both talented and hardworking.

Zhou Shufen smiled.

"I hope it will work. Anyway, I've already made up my mind that I can accept whatever the outcome may be."

By the time they finished eating and came out, it was already dark.

The wind outside the restaurant was a bit chilly, rustling the leaves.

Zhou Shufen wrapped her coat tighter around herself, said goodbye to Yao Mingzhu at the door, and then they parted ways.

When she arrived at her door, she didn't open it immediately. Instead, she stopped, took a deep breath, and composed herself before pushing the door open and going inside.

The room was quiet, and Zhou Dajun's noise could not be heard.

Zhou Shufen felt relieved, but she also had a vague feeling that something was wrong.

She tiptoed inside and bumped into Zhou Haiqing.

The son stood in the center of the living room, holding a book in his hand, his expression somewhat solemn.

When he saw his mother return, he was stunned for a moment, then quickly went to greet her.

"Mom, you're finally back."

"Oh my, you scared me! Why were you so quiet at home?"

Zhou Shufen clutched her chest, her heart pounding.

"People can really scare each other! Who could stand you suddenly appearing like that?"

"I was wondering why he had come back. I saw him go to that woman's place today!"

Zhou Haiqing frowned, his eyes flashing with anger.

The "woman" he was referring to was Zhou Dajun's colleague who had recently become very close to him—a divorced middle-aged woman.

Zhou Shufen had long anticipated this day, but she didn't expect it to come so soon.

Old habits die hard!

"It's much quieter without him, saving us from having to see that face and getting upset. Now we can finally breathe a sigh of relief!"

Zhou Shufen laughed out loud, but her laughter carried a hint of irony and relief.

At this moment, Qin Guifang also came out of the room.

She's been staying indoors almost all these past few days, barely going out, and she's been feeling really stifled.

"Mom is right. You can't expect someone like that to change for the better. Why bother with him? Now he's just given us leverage over him!"

"Guifang is right."

Zhou Shufen nodded and then slowly sat down on the sofa.

She leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and gently pressed her fingers against her temples.

She had experienced too much and her emotions had fluctuated greatly that day; she needed a moment of quiet to sort out her thoughts.

Zhou Haiqing felt very sorry for her when he saw how tired she looked.

"Mom, you've suffered so much in the past. My dad is such a hopeless case, I can't even imagine how you got through it all. You really have to go through so much!"

As his son, he saw it all and felt the pain in his heart.

My mother sacrificed so much for this family, enduring so much injustice and grievance, but my father didn't appreciate it at all.

He secretly vowed that he would make sure his mother lived a good life from now on and never suffered any more grievances.

Zhou Shufen felt a warmth in her heart. With such a sensible son, all the hardships were worthwhile!

She looked up and gently patted the back of her son's hand.

"Don't worry, Mom is fine now. As long as you are all well, Mom is content."

Zhou Shufen was most grateful that, in her previous life, before she died, she saw the truth that had been covered up by lies.

She was lying on the cold hospital bed, her consciousness fading.

But all he could hear was Zhou Dajun chatting and laughing with another woman.

She then realized that the man she had loved with all her heart and soul had long regarded her as a burden.

Now, reborn, she is no longer the ignorant and foolish Zhou Shufen.

She wants to live for herself in this life.

Zhou Haiqing didn't say anything more, but stepped forward and hugged Zhou Shufen tightly.

Then he pulled Qin Guifang over, and the three of them hugged each other tightly.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, falling on their shoulders, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

That night, Zhou Dajun stayed at his lover Wu Haiyan's place and didn't go home at all.

In the place he once called "home," no one was anxious because he hadn't returned home all night.

The next morning, Zhou Shufen got up on time to wash up.

She carefully combed her hair in front of the mirror and applied a light layer of lipstick, looking radiant.

What she needs to do today is very clear.

He staked out Wu Haiyan's house, arranged a "chance encounter" for Zhou Dajun, and presented him with a carefully prepared gift.

This is not retaliation, but a complete resolution, a public pronouncement that lets everyone see the truth.

Zhou Dajun is indeed living a very comfortable life.

Yesterday, Wu Haiyan cried her eyes out, looking incredibly beautiful.

Zhou Dajun felt so sorry for her, he comforted her and held her in his arms.

After some hesitation, Zhou Dajun agreed to all of Wu Haiyan's demands.

Actually, he originally planned to go home that evening.

But when Wu Haiyan acted coquettishly, he softened and simply stayed.

In the early morning, Zhou Dajun lazily opened his eyes, and sunlight was already streaming through the gaps in the curtains onto his bedside.

He turned his head and saw that Wu Haiyan had already woken up and was nestled in his arms, her eyes filled with tenderness.

"Brother Dajun, you didn't go home all night. How are you going to explain this to your family?"

Wu Haiyan frowned slightly, her voice tinged with worry.

She wasn't really worried; she just wanted to hear him make excuses for himself.

"What's there to be afraid of? That woman is completely dependent on me now. Without me, she wouldn't even be able to eat."

Zhou Dajun scoffed, his tone dismissive.

In his view, Zhou Shufen was now completely dependent on him and had become his puppet.

"Brother Dajun is amazing!"

Wu Haiyan's eyes shone with admiration and worship.

She sat up, placed her hands on Zhou Dajun's chest, lowered her head and kissed him on the cheek, her voice sweet and gentle.

"With you by my side, I'm not afraid of anything."

The two got up and then spent another long time being affectionate.

Time passed slowly, and it was almost noon when they reluctantly let go of each other, got dressed, and prepared to go out.

"Brother Dajun, don't forget your promise."

Wu Haiyan opened the door for him herself, tiptoed, and whispered in his ear.

The two walked and hugged, holding hands, clearly reluctant to part.

At this moment, Zhou Shufen was already standing a few steps away from them, quietly watching the scene before her.