For Yuan Zhong now, the most important thing is to maximize his profits. His reputation is already ruined, so he might as well play along and keep Jiang Xiu in line to make her willingly provide him with physical and labor value. Anyway, they haven't registered their marriage yet, so he can just marry her when he goes back to the city.
His suggestion left the three women silent for a long time. Getting married without a marriage certificate wouldn't have much of an impact in the countryside.
"This is a good idea. We're short on money right now, so we can use the wedding banquet to earn some money to support our household."
Old Mrs. Gu agreed with this approach. She immediately tapped the ground with her cane and looked in the direction of Jiang Jianguo's house, saying, "Xiuer is getting married, and her uncle and aunt should also contribute something. It's an old custom, and they can't avoid it!"
So, it seems that urging the two of them to hurry up and get married is actually a beneficial thing. Jiang Xiu's mother hesitated for a few seconds before agreeing.
"Alright, let's do it this way. Xiuer, you made your own choice, and Mom can't stop you. From now on, it's up to you."
"Mom, don't worry! I will definitely live better than anyone else! Especially that bitch Jiang Wanqing!"
Jiang Xiu's mother didn't say anything, but patted her daughter's hand to suppress her worries, hoping that her daughter's words would come true.
After the decision was made, the Jiang family released the news that Jiang Xiu was going to hold a wedding banquet. Jiang Wanqing received the news two days later.
Originally, her parents didn't want her to know, so as not to cause her trouble and expense. However, Jiang Jianwei's family was ruthless and forced them to give half of their dowry. If they didn't comply, they would take back the house they were living in, claiming that it would allow Jiang Xiu and Yuan Zhong to live independently after their marriage!
Such coercion left them with no choice but to send Jiang Jianguo on his bicycle to tell Jiang Wanqing.
It's not that I want my daughter to pay, but that I want her to pretend she didn't hear anything and not to contribute a single penny!
"Over the years, I've seen through your uncle's family's true colors. They'll never be satisfied. Xiuer's marriage has nothing to do with you. Don't let them control you."
He was afraid that his daughter would pay for Jiang Xiu's money, but he still didn't understand Jiang Wanqing now. He only saw her pat his arm and obediently call him "Dad".
"You reminded me of so many things as soon as you arrived. Are you thirsty? Let me get you a glass of water."
Jiang Wanqing smiled and told him not to worry, then turned to pour water.
It was only then that Jiang Jianguo realized that Cheng Ran was not there. He looked around the house and the outside with curiosity.
Where is Battalion Commander Cheng?
Cheng Ran had told him to just call Xue He by his first name, but the two elders thought that their son-in-law was no ordinary person, and it would be better to be respectful and avoid causing trouble for their daughter.
“He was pushed out by Hung Hing to sunbathe. The doctor said that sunbathing would help improve blood circulation in his legs.”
"Oh, I see."
After hearing his daughter's explanation, Jiang Jianguo expressed his understanding, got some water, and still asked with concern, "Did you remember what I just said?"
"Dad, I understand. I won't be going back for Jiang Xiu's wedding. Please wait a moment, I'm going to get something."
Jiang Wanqing went back to her room to get a letter and handed it to her father.
"What's this?"
“It’s a letter I wrote to the production team leader. He’ll know what’s going on once he reads it, and he won’t leave you and Mom homeless.”
"Could it be that they used Cheng Ran's connections..."
Jiang Jianguo hesitated. He was a man of principle. He was marrying off his daughter, not trying to climb the social ladder, and he didn't want to be treated favorably or helped repeatedly because of Cheng Ran.
"No, don't worry, just hand it over to the captain, he will handle it impartially."
He put the letter away with some skepticism and refused to stay for dinner.
"Okay, then I'll head back now. You stay here and take good care of yourself. Be considerate of others, after all, it's not your own home..."
"Okay, Dad, stop talking. I know."
Jiang Wanqing interrupted him. In her previous life, she had been taught to be tolerant and compromising, and had always acted like a quail, shrinking away to heal herself when bullied. In this second life, she would naturally not do the same. However, she would not directly contradict her father, but would personally escort him to the entrance of the family compound.
He had just ridden away when Qiao Xuemei returned from get off work, glanced at him several times, and snorted coldly.
"Like father, like son. Your dad's car was bought by Battalion Commander Cheng, right? And you still have the nerve to say you didn't ask for anything in return."
As if she had some leverage over Jiang Wanqing, she became more and more enthusiastic and her words became more and more outrageous. She took the initiative to approach her, raising her chin and staring at her.
"Don't think that just because you drove my sister away you can do whatever you want. I'm still here. I won't let you, a woman with ulterior motives, stay by Battalion Commander Cheng's side for long. You just wait!"
"You all tell me to wait, but what are you waiting for? For Cheng Ran to start to care about you? Or for him to be fooled by your lies?"
Instead of retreating, Jiang Wanqing stepped forward, abandoning her obedient demeanor in front of her father and confronting Qiao Xuemei's provocation head-on. Her attitude made Qiao Xuemei want to back down.
"You...you're calling someone a liar!"
"You know in your heart whether you're lying or not, Dr. Qiao. It would be easy to expose you, but I'm going to keep you around to tease you and watch you presumptuously dream about an impossible future. It's quite interesting."
"Jiang Wanqing! You're the two-faced one. Battalion Commander Cheng's leg has only been injured for a short time, and you've already left him to Hung Hing to take care of. How much better are you!"
With her younger sister sent home, Qiao Xuemei is now completely isolated and helpless. She originally wanted to slap Jiang Wanqing in the face, but ended up getting so angry that she became hysterical, losing all her threats and intimidation.
"It should be said that he would rather be taken care of by Hung Hing than think of you, a professional doctor. Dr. Qiao should reflect on himself."
"Ahhhhh..."
She was immediately enraged. Jiang Wanqing's words not only attacked her charm as a woman, but also made her identity as a doctor worthless.
"Go back and calm down. Stop thinking about how to break up other couples all day long. That's immoral."
Jiang Wanqing was very satisfied with the result, seeing Qiao Xuemei's face turn green with anger. Before turning to leave, she patted Qiao Xuemei on the shoulder, firmly maintaining her position as the leader.
Hung Hing did take Cheng Ran out to sunbathe, but they didn't just do it for that purpose. They went to the military physiotherapist's place to avoid the crowds...
They heard that a new physiotherapy technique has recently been introduced, so they came here specifically to try it out.
"Sister Lan, is there any hope for Battalion Commander Cheng's leg?" Hong Xing asked anxiously as he saw the physiotherapist pressing on Cheng Ran's leg.
"Don't rush, let me take a look."
The physical therapist, Sister Lan, skillfully kneaded Cheng Ran's leg muscles, adjusting the pressure as needed.
What did the hospital say?
"The doctor said my leg will be permanently disabled," Cheng Ran replied, suppressing his emotions.
Sister Lan straightened his legs, her expression serious.
"How could they draw such a hasty conclusion? Luckily, it didn't take too long. Your legs haven't been used for too long, and the muscles have started to atrophy. If you don't start rehabilitation treatment soon, you'll really be ruined!"
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