Chapter 3. Song Zhao smiled and said, "She went home to pick up the child, and I..."
Most of the factory workers didn't know much about the new factory manager. His second wife was stunningly beautiful, like she'd stepped out of a painting; they seemed perfectly matched. However, several of their relatives of marriageable age hadn't heard anything about the manager's remarriage and were making inquiries.
"We hadn't even heard that Director Song was going to remarry. How did an outsider manage to snatch him away?"
A few people in the know laughed and said, "She's not an outsider. The bride's second aunt is Aunt Tang from our factory canteen."
Several people suddenly realized and laughed, "I knew it! The bride looked familiar. She's Aunt Tang's niece. This is a great opportunity to snatch Director Song away first."
Nie Qingqing was secretly pleased to hear this. Luckily, she hadn't been greedy at first. If she had rejected the new factory director because he was old and ugly, this marriage wouldn't have happened today.
That's called a lucky accident; you're really fortunate.
After the wedding banquet, a new problem arose for her. The banquet had more than a dozen tables and many relatives and friends, as well as leaders and employees from the factory, attended. However, it seemed that not all of Song Zhao's relatives had come. She didn't see Song Zhao's biological mother, which was a big problem. She would ask him about it later.
After the banquet, with relatives helping to clean up the restaurant, Nie Qingqing was surrounded by another group of relatives and returned to Song Zhao's house.
Song Zhao is the factory manager. The apartment has three bedrooms and a living room. The large dining room, living room, and kitchen face each other, making it well-ventilated. She doesn't have to go outside to use the toilet because there's a bathroom inside, which is very convenient. Although it's on the top floor, the sixth floor, there's a small attic for storing miscellaneous items, and a large terrace. It's exactly what she wanted. She's not afraid of climbing stairs; she loves this apartment.
The wedding night pranks didn't happen; Song Zhao turned them away and went to see off the last group of guests.
Nie Qingqing took the opportunity to look at the three rooms. The smallest one, the north bedroom, could fit a 1.5-meter bed, a desk, and a wardrobe. The master bedroom was even more impressive, spacious enough to fit a sofa, a dressing table, and her sewing machine. She wasn't going to lose out in this second marriage.
...
After looking at the three rooms, she heard footsteps coming upstairs. The sixth floor was the top floor, so it must be Song Zhao coming.
She hurried back to the living room. Just as the door lock turned, she sat down on the sofa. The door opened, and she stood up. Looking at this man, whom she didn't know very well but was already her second husband, Nie Qingqing really liked him and was very satisfied. She sweetly said a meaningless, empty phrase: "You're back."
Nie Qingqing's smile was beautiful, and Song Zhao's heart warmed. He closed the door and nodded slightly, "Yes, I'm back."
The two people, both in their second marriages, were so awkward with each other that it was obvious to each other.
Both families went to great lengths for their second marriage. With the children away, they could do whatever they wanted at night, but wouldn't it be awkward if things got too cramped and they couldn't get anything done?
She wanted to take a shower, so she started a conversation by pointing towards the bathroom and asking, "The bathroom has a water heater. It's so novel. I've never seen one before. I don't know how to use it. Can you teach me?"
This is where Song Zhao's expertise comes in, and he immediately chimes in, proudly introducing, "This is a storage-type gas water heater developed by our main factory. The branch factory has already put it on the production line. Let me teach you how to use it."
Nie Qingqing thought that a man who is professional is so charming. He was so focused, explaining the function of each button and the design principle to her. He was really amazing. She unconsciously moved closer to him, and her eyes were filled with more and more admiration for him.
"Song Zhao, you're amazing." Nie Qingqing couldn't help but praise him sincerely.
Song Zhao's heart raced, and he felt his fingers were out of control. Although his movements were normal, his mind was in turmoil.
He could see that Nie Qingqing's admiration was genuine and expressed naturally, which made him like her even more. His ex-wife had never mentioned how good he was at his profession. Every time he tried to bring it up, she would get impatient and say, "Don't bring your work home. It gives me a headache."
But he felt fulfilled both physically and mentally when his wife admired and praised his work and profession.
He took a deep breath and asked, "Do you know how to use it?"
Nie Qingqing nodded hurriedly: "You explained it so clearly and patiently, I'll get it."
...
Taking a shower with a water heater is so much more convenient. After turning on the water heater, hot water poured out from the showerhead. Nie Qingqing looked up at the water jet and thought to herself that the tech guys were amazing.
She was the first person in Huazhi Lane to have a water heater for showering, and I really hope that all the neighbors can have one in the future.
After taking a shower, she changed into her new wedding nightgown, wiped the fog off the mirror, and saw that the girl in the mirror had a rosy, fair face without a single fine line. She liked Song Zhao's handsomeness, so Song Zhao would like her beautiful appearance too, right?
As she thought about it, Nie Qingqing covered her face, unable to hide the smile on her face.
She quickly patted him a few times to calm herself down. This was his second marriage, what was there to be shy about? They should always be honest with each other. It was getting late, and Song Zhao needed to take a bath.
When she came out, Song Zhao immediately stood up from the living room sofa. Perhaps it was her pajamas and casual home attire that made him nervous, and he didn't know what to say.
The two looked at each other for a while, and then Nie Qingqing took the initiative, saying with a smile, "Go take a shower."
Song Zhao composed himself and thought of the nightmare he had last night. In the nightmare, Nie Qingqing complained about him and the children: "I have devoted myself to the family for more than ten years and have not received any reward. Even if I went out to work as a nanny, it would be better than doing your laundry and cooking."
Every word was written with blood and tears, yet those who spoke it could not refute it.
Thinking of everything in her dream, Song Zhao made up her mind. She couldn't let such a wonderful girl like Nie Qingqing waste her time at home, and she couldn't let the future from her nightmares come true.
“Qingqing, let’s talk,” Song Zhao said.
Since they're calling each other so affectionately, Nie Qingqing is willing to talk about anything.
She sat down next to Song Zhao and asked, "What do you want to talk about? Don't keep us talking for too long. I got up early and I'm tired after a long day. I'm so sleepy."
Song Zhao had a habit of always stating the result first, and then explaining the reasons.
He looked at Nie Qingqing, such a gentle and lovely second wife, she should be easy to communicate with.
He said, "Qingqing, I think it would be better for you to get a job."
...
Such direct words left Nie Qingqing completely bewildered.
On their first day of marriage, before even consummating their marriage, Song Zhao actually made her go to work? Did he think he gave too much in betrothal gifts and wanted her to earn a salary to make up for it?
But she has no education or skills, and she can't get a job with guaranteed employment. If she could find a stable job, she wouldn't be in a hurry to remarry. Can't Song Zhao understand that?
Nie Qingqing is easy to talk to when she's not angry, but once she gets angry, her fiery temper is uncontrollable.
She immediately pushed Song Zhao away, her voice rising, her slender white fingers almost pointing at his face: "Director Song, what do you mean? You earn 180 yuan a month, and you can't even support your wife and children?"
Song Zhao stood up, trying to comfort her: "We can afford it. Let me tell you why."
"Any reason is just an excuse!"
Nie Qingqing was furious. From her perspective, she felt extremely wronged: "Why didn't you tell me before we got married that you wanted me to work? You tricked me into this job before telling me! You're even worse than my ex-husband! If you're not willing to earn a salary to support your wife, then don't marry her! You've brought her here only to mistreat her. If you don't want to live together anymore, just say so!"
Song Zhao had that nightmare last night, and he's already taking care of it today; he's very efficient.
From blind date to marriage, Nie Qingqing has always been gentle and good-tempered, so why did she suddenly get so angry?
He suddenly remembered that Uncle Geng had said that when Uncle Geng inquired about Nie Qingqing's ex-husband, the man mentioned that when she got angry, she had done things like tying people up and whipping them.
Song Zhao had really angered her. She didn't dare to think about what it would be like if she were tied up and had to go out with her injuries tomorrow. She would be laughed at by the whole factory for half a year. She decided to wait until she calmed down before making a decision.
Song Zhao comforted her, "Qingqing, you're too excited right now. Let's talk again tomorrow morning. You should go back to your room and get some sleep."
In the past, Nie Qingqing would have definitely argued right and wrong on the spot.
However, the breakdown of her previous marriage made her understand some things. She agreed with what Song Zhao said: in the breakdown of a marriage, both parties have problems. Tangyuan's father was indeed a heartless man, but her fiery temper was also a problem.
But she was unwilling to back down now; Song Zhao was in the wrong, so he should apologize first.
...
Back in her room, Nie Qingqing sulked, feeling increasingly wronged. Song Zhao wanted her to go back to work, couldn't he have waited a while? Who brings this up on their wedding night?
Such a handsome man must have flaws, otherwise how could I have gotten the chance? But he is so handsome that just thinking about his good looks makes me a little angrier.
After being angry for a while, and with Song Zhao still not coming in, Nie Qingqing hid behind the door and listened. She could hear water running in the bathroom; he was taking a shower. After he finished showering, he should be going to bed, right? If he could explain things properly later, she would listen to his reasons. That should be enough, shouldn't it?
After waiting a while, they heard the sound of another room door opening and closing. Song Zhao had gone to sleep in another room and wouldn't come in.
The anger that had just subsided suddenly flared up again. A man in his early thirties should be more composed. He went to sleep in another room after arguing for a couple of minutes. What a stingy man!
Nie Qingqing locked the door from the inside. He wanted to come back in, but she wouldn't open it!
However, being angry didn't affect her sleep much. She doesn't have a problem sleeping in a particular bed, and as long as the environment is okay, she can sleep soundly until morning.
...
After a good night's sleep, Nie Qingqing was radiant, but the thought of how Song Zhao had ruined what should have been their wedding night made her angry again.
Song Zhao was already waiting in the living room. Seeing his nonchalant attitude, Nie Qingqing was very unhappy and ignored him.
Song Zhao took the initiative: "Qingqing, are you feeling a bit more stable now? Can we continue our conversation?"
Instead of an apology, Nie Qingqing said coldly, "You wait and see what happens when you talk to my mom and brother."
After saying that, she turned and left.
Song Zhao thought about it and agreed. He had his honeymoon, so he would go buy some groceries in the morning, then pick up his mother-in-law and brother-in-law's family for lunch, and then explain to them his multiple considerations for letting Qingqing go to work.
...
As soon as Nie Qingqing stepped out, her new neighbors, whom she hadn't yet gotten to know, swarmed around her as if they had caught a whiff of her presence.
Some came out carrying washbasins, others with toothpaste and toothbrushes, all asking at once, "Qingqing, why are you out alone so early in the morning? Where's Factory Director Song?"
Someone, probably having heard some commotion at her house last night, asked under the guise of concern, "It sounded like you two were arguing last night?"
Family scandals shouldn't be aired in public. Nie Qingqing, who has just remarried, wouldn't let this matter escalate to the point of divorce; she's not that foolish.
Since she didn't plan to leave, she didn't want the neighbors to laugh at her, so she quickly denied it with a smile: "No way, I've always had a loud voice, you'll get used to it. Today we're picking up the kids, I'm going to my mom's to pick up Tangyuan, and he's going to pick up his daughter, let's go."
Song Zhao had actually heard it. Qingqing was so kind. She was so angry, yet she still defended him outside. Thinking back to his previous marriage, back in the main factory, whenever his ex-wife was unhappy, she would make a scene that everyone knew about. No matter if she was right or wrong, it was always his fault.
He had never experienced anything like this before, where his partner would defend him even after an argument. He was incredibly lucky in his second marriage.
...
A short while later, Song Zhao also came out.
Just like before, the neighbors, some carrying rice bowls and others pushing bicycles, chased after him, asking, "Director Song, we saw your wife leave by herself early this morning. Why weren't you with her?"
Song Zhao smiled and said, "She went home to pick up the child. I'm going to buy some groceries. I'm inviting my mother-in-law, brother, and sister-in-law over for a meal today."
Oh, I see. There was no gossip to hear, so the crowd dispersed.
A note from the author:
----------------------
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
