Chapter 49 Chapter 49 I don’t want to be the one who breaks faith first…
Because my great aunt needed to put on makeup to look like my grandmother, my real grandmother stayed in the rental house and didn't go out. It was unknown how long this trip would take, so Jiang Xiaoci bought a lot of food and drinks, as well as some stock at home, and asked her cousin to come over and take them back to my grandmother.
Because the Chinese New Year was approaching, grandparents and parents were going back on the same bus, and eldest brother and sister Xueying had to go back to work, so Jiang Xiaoci went to the station to see them off.
My second brother could stay for a few more days, but he couldn’t stay until the New Year.
After sending his parents and grandparents off, Zhou Qingzhu came to get something, and the second brother went to the backyard to avoid suspicion. Jiang Xiaoci felt that it was unnecessary, but the cousin also wanted to avoid suspicion and was deliberately keeping a distance, so Jiang Xiaoci stopped calling him the second brother.
As we were talking, a little girl came into the store with a gift in her hand. She did not register, but said that she came to thank my second brother for his help when there was chaos on the train.
We met by chance and my second brother didn't leave his address, but he still came to my house. It seems that he put a lot of thought into it and asked someone to find me.
Jiang Xiaoci used the ability of the little flower demon to take a look and saw that the girl had a red line on her body. She probably fell in love with the second brother at first sight and was secretly in love with him.
She said, "Wait a moment, I'll go find my second brother to check."
Jiang Yunyi had heard the conversation and explained to Jiang Xiaoci innocently, "I really didn't do anything. It was a mess at the time and someone was running wild. I was young and strong, so I had to rush to the front to stop them. It wasn't like I was specifically trying to help anyone. She's overthinking it. Can't the red line be cut? Go and help Second Brother cut it."
Jiang Xiaoci joked, "Second brother, you have too much luck with women. You should be careful knowing your constitution. But that girl is pretty. If you really break up with her, won't you regret it?"
Jiang Yunyi was glad that the red thread could be cut. Ji Qinglan had crippled him before, so he didn't dare to be careless and said firmly: "Help my second brother cut the red thread. My second brother will remember your kindness."
Jiang Xiaoci asked again: "Are you sure you don't regret it?"
Jiang Yunyi: "Go quickly."
…
Since the second brother wanted to break up completely, Jiang Xiaoci asked her cousin for help: "Cousin, the best way to make the other party give up is to let her know that the second brother already has someone he likes. Can you help me?"
Zhou Qingzhu refused repeatedly: "That won't work. People have already misunderstood us on the train. Fortunately, your family doesn't mind. We can't have more misunderstandings and gossip. It's not good for you and your family."
Jiang Xiaoci smiled and said, "Cousin, I know you can't possibly like my second brother, so I asked you for help. You see, no one in our family makes fun of the excuse on the train, and we won't do that this time. I can't find a more suitable person at this time, so please help me."
Zhou Qingzhu thought, Jiang Xiaoci had helped her so much, so she might as well help her thoroughly for such a small favor.
Moreover, if she can't even overcome this psychological barrier, how can she accomplish the task of catching the cultural relics dealers?
She nodded and went downstairs with Jiang Xiaoci, determined to pretend to be the real person. Otherwise, when she arrived in Shenzhen and met the people from the smuggling gang, it would be even more difficult for her to pretend under such high pressure.
…
Jiang Xiaoci came up to the girl and introduced her cousin:
"Hello, this is my second brother's girlfriend, who is also my cousin. My second brother and cousin just explained that the situation is different from what you said. My second brother said that in that situation, he rushed to the front to protect the people behind him and didn't even remember you, so we can't accept the gift you brought."
Zhou Qingzhu saw that the other person's face was red and he was about to cry. Thinking about his own experience, he decided to give him some advice:
She said, "I know what you are thinking. You didn't know he already has a girlfriend. It's not your fault. I'm not here to humiliate anyone. I just want to make it clear to you that my boyfriend and I love each other and our families agree. You don't stand a chance. Go home and forget about what happened today. Live a hard and happy life, okay?"
The little girl was filled with shame and gratitude. She nodded randomly and ran away.
Jiang Xiaoci was very impressed: "Cousin, I never knew you were better at acting than I am."
Zhou Qingzhu was embarrassed and asked, "Do you think it's okay?"
Jiang Xiaoci encouraged: "That's great, you can improvise, this trip will definitely work."
Jiang Yunyi was almost fooled by Zhou Qingzhu's acting skills. He was worried that this was just acting, so he asked Jiang Xiaoci: "Can you help my second brother to see if there is any red line between him and your cousin?"
Jiang Xiaoci used the ability of the little flower demon to take a look, but there was nothing.
"The girl's red string was broken when she left. My cousin still has no red string, and the same goes for my second brother."
She felt a little regretful: "Second brother, although you are lucky in love, my cousin doesn't like you, so don't worry."
Jiang Yunyi nodded: "Your cousin works hard and performs well in every role. With your aunt teaching her, this mission should be a sure success."
Jiang Xiaoci said, "Right, I said that my cousin is amazing and can learn anything quickly."
…
After sending away her second brother's peach blossom, Jiang Xiaoci still has to deal with her cousin's peach blossom and go to find Song Zhaoan, his eldest sister-in-law.
Jiang Yunyi said: "Your cousin won't be back soon this time, don't worry."
Jiang Xiaoci: "No, Song Zhaoan almost pissed me off the last few times, but I have to get angry back this time. If this matter isn't resolved, my cousin will feel bad, and his family won't feel good either. Second brother, will you come with me? I'll show you what it means to be evil."
Jiang Yunyi said, "You said people are evil, I will definitely go and see who is bullying my sister."
On the way, Jiang Xiaoci told her second brother how her grandmother arranged the wedding with Song Zhaoan's parents, and then expressed her understanding.
"If Song Zhaoan was really so stubborn, I wouldn't be so angry. He just has different feelings for my sister-in-law in his heart, but he won't admit it. When I told him about it, he got angry and used not breaking off the engagement to prove that he has no guilty conscience. How hateful."
Jiang Yunyi didn't see anyone, so he could only say, "The eldest sister-in-law is the mother. Your cousin is currently an outsider to him, and his eldest sister-in-law is a family member. There is a difference in closeness, but this kind of person who has too many people in his heart is indeed not suitable for marriage."
This is what Jiang Xiaoci meant. If you think everyone is more important than your cousin, then don't marry her.
…
She and her second brother arrived at Song Zhaoan's house. He was about to go out to set up his stall and was locking the door when Jiang Xiaoci asked, "When will your sister-in-law be back?"
Song Zhaoan was alert: "Jiang Xiaoci, if you have anything to say, just talk to me. My sister-in-law is pregnant, don't disturb her."
Jiang Xiaoci said disdainfully: "If you don't know, you would think it's your child."
Song Zhaoan was annoyed: "Why are you so mean today? Do you think I'm afraid of you just because you brought helpers with you?"
Jiang Xiaoci said angrily, "If you want to return the money and cancel the engagement, I won't have the chance to be mean, so why are you pretending?"
Jiang Yunyi mediated and said to Song Zhaoan: "My sister is the most reasonable. You forced her to say harsh words. You are not simple. My sister just gave birth to a child. How can you embarrass a pregnant woman? You'd better agree, otherwise she will keep coming to your house."
After weighing the pros and cons, Song Zhaoan agreed: "Okay, then you wait a moment. My sister-in-law takes a walk at this time every day and will be back soon."
Jiang Xiaoci made another request: "You should set up the stall later today and go to the back of the house. I will talk to your sister-in-law in a while. You can listen."
Song Zhaoan was puzzled: "What do you mean?"
Jiang Xiaoci thought he was pretending: "Wasn't what I said clear enough? It's just what it says. I want you to hear what your sister-in-law thinks deep down in her heart."
Seeing that Song Zhaoan was impatient and disagreed, Jiang Yunyi continued to persuade him: "You don't cancel the engagement, and you don't consider the other party's feelings. My sister can only find a way to solve it. Aren't you curious about what my sister will say to your sister-in-law?"
As long as it wasn't said by Jiang Xiaoci, Song Zhaoan would listen to it.
Jiang Xiaoci was even more angry, but she had to get things done, so she added a condition: "If you agree, I won't bother you until your sister-in-law gives birth, okay?"
Song Zhaoan agreed reluctantly.
…
Sister-in-law Song Zhaoan came back from her walk soon. The door of her house was locked and Jiang Xiaoci was waiting at the door.
What Mrs. Song didn't know was that Song Zhaoan and her second brother were behind the door. Through the specially opened window, if they were in a certain position, they could see the expressions of the people speaking in the room.
Mrs. Song unlocked the door. She thought Jiang Xiaoci was here to look for Song Zhaoan. She felt amused and explained, "Jiang Xiaoci, you are here to look for Zhaoan. He has already gone to set up his stall."
Jiang Xiaoci said, "I know. I came here at this time to look for you. If I were looking for him, I would go directly to the stall. You are so confident. Can't you figure this out?"
Mrs. Song smiled and said, "Okay, come in and sit down. What would you like to drink? There's hot soy milk in the thermos, or I can make you some egg tea. Zhaoan said that plain water has no taste, so he buys this soy milk every morning."
Jiang Xiaoci shook her head: "Don't bother, and don't show off how good my brother-in-law is. If I say it later, Sister Song will regret entertaining me."
Mrs. Song poured a cup of soy milk, placed it in front of Jiang Xiaoci, and insisted on treating her.
"You want to arrange the marriage for Zhao'an, right? Although I have taken care of him for several years and I am his respected sister-in-law, he is a very stubborn person. No matter how much the Lu family offers, coerces or bribes him, he would rather resign than compromise. I really can't make the decision for him."
Jiang Xiaoci pushed the soy milk back: "I don't drink the loving soy milk that my brother-in-law gives to his sister-in-law. I have been a matchmaker so many times, how can I not know what you are thinking? Song Zhaoan has a feeling for you that goes beyond family, and it's no wonder. He went to the city with his elder brother and sister-in-law when he was a teenager. His elder brother-in-law is gentle and takes care of him everywhere. He respects you and loves you. These are all normal emotions. But now he is older, can he ignore himself, ignore my cousin, and also ignore his elder brother who works so hard? If his elder brother notices any clues, will his elder brother live?"
Mrs. Song's hand was shaking as she held the cup. "Little girl, spit can kill you. How can you say that?"
Jiang Xiaoci assured her, "I never talk nonsense outside, but there is no need to hide it from you. You can feel it yourself, but you turned a blind eye and let it develop. You also secretly enjoyed your brother-in-law's meticulous care without considering the consequences. This is selfish."
"Song Zhaoan's eldest brother does business in Shenzhen. You are pregnant and live under the same roof with your brother-in-law. I don't believe I am the first one to gossip about you. There must be people in your neighborhood who have gossiped about you, but you still live there, only caring about your own enjoyment without considering their brotherly feelings. Am I wrong to say that you are selfish?"
Mrs. Song knocked her teacup heavily on the table. "The two brothers have a deep relationship, and we are like real siblings. There is nothing so filthy as you say."
Jiang Xiaoci: "You don't admit the filth in your heart, and I can't do anything to you. Don't you just want to control both brothers? You think my cousin is honest and easy to control, right? But I tell you, if we meet a shameless person, we will also be shameless. My cousin will never marry Song Zhaoan. Song Zhaoan's decision not to marry is just what you want, right? In this way, you will have a hardworking and uncomplaining person working for the family, and you will not have children to compete with your children for the property. You are the most evil person in your heart."
Mrs. Song was so angry that she trembled, "Why do you think so bad of people?"
Jiang Xiaoci continued: "You may not be that bad now, but if you continue like this, one day you will become as bad as a demon."
Mrs. Song pointed at the door and said, "Go out. If you have the guts, go find Zhaoan and repeat what you just said."
Jiang Xiaoci promised: "I just want to tell him again, so that your family won't harm others with those sneaky ideas in their minds. I'll tell him now."
…
Jiang Xiaoci walked around in a circle, as far away as possible, so as to avoid being heard by the eldest sister-in-law of the Song family.
The second brother had already brought the furious Song Zhaoan over. With the second brother by his side, Jiang Xiaoci was not afraid that he would do something extreme in his rage.
She raised her chin and glared back at me arrogantly: "Why are you glaring at me? I'm telling the truth. If I didn't have dirty thoughts, your sister-in-law would have slapped me in the face a long time ago. She's guilty."
Song Zhaoan has always been a person who doesn't easily show his emotions, but now he was so angry that he couldn't control himself: "Jiang Xiaoci, you are so dirty, why are you so dirty in your thoughts?"
Jiang Xiaoci responded, "Whoever is dirty knows it in their heart. If you don't have this intention, just send your sister-in-law to reunite with your brother. Isn't it a business? It's not that you don't have money. If one nanny is not enough, then hire two. Do you need your brother-in-law to take care of you? You are dirty in your heart and you still blame me. I will not let my cousin stay in your house and suffer this disgusting rage. You heard what I want to say just now in the back of the house. That's it."
This was the first time that Song Zhaoan was so angry that he was speechless.
Jiang Xiaoci won a great victory and was in a sunny mood on the way back.
Jiang Yunyi also felt relieved, but he just didn't understand why she did that.
"You came here today, and your words seemed to have no effect other than being pleasant."
Jiang Xiaoci said, "It worked. They don't want my cousin to have an easy life, and I won't let them have an easy life either. I've broken the window paper. Song Zhaoan is a person with a heavy heart. He will definitely feel more and more uncomfortable the more he thinks about it. If he feels uncomfortable, he will feel uncomfortable. Then my goal has been achieved. Anyway, my cousin can't be the only one who feels uncomfortable."
Jiang Yunyi admired: "Your cousin is so lucky. You have done so much for her, but no one has told her."
Jiang Xiaoci: "Then second brother, go tell your cousin."
Jiang Yunyi: "I will be leaving in a few days and won't have the chance to see your cousin. You should tell me yourself."
As they were talking, they returned to the matchmaking agency, and everyone gathered around to ask what they had gained from this trip.
Jiang Xiaoci did not talk about the details of the conversation. With so many people listening to the gossip, it would not be good if any of it were to be told.
She only said, "The Song family still refuses to break off the engagement first, but it doesn't matter. My cousin should work and date as she should, and not be influenced by them. It's just that Song Zhaoan is abominable. He actually accused me of having dirty thoughts."
This time, Song Zhaoan was collectively attacked.
…
Feng Jiuxiang was also listening here with her mother. It turned out that Jiang Xiaoci had done so many things for her cousin.
She didn't know it before, but now she wants to do something for Zhou Qingzhu, hoping that Zhou Qingzhu, who has made an effort to change his destiny, can see a turn for the better.
She wrote down what would happen in the future in a letter, and when she took her mother to the night market in the evening, she picked out a small piece of clothing for her sister at Song Zhaoan's stall. When the stall owner wasn't paying attention, she crumpled up the letter and threw it into his cash box.
…
Song Zhaoan quickly discovered the ball of paper in the cash box. He did not rush to open it, but instead thought carefully about which customer had thrown it in.
Business was too busy and there were too many people. He could remember which customers bought what, but he couldn't tell who threw them in. It was obvious that the other party was acting very cautiously.
After sorting out his thoughts, he opened the paper ball. When he saw the contents on it under the light, a ball of anger surged in his heart.
The writer of the letter actually speculated that he had an abnormal emotional relationship with his sister-in-law.
He also said that his sister-in-law ranked first in his heart, and his sister-in-law's children ranked second, and mentioned that after Zhou Qingzhu married him, she was oppressed by the abnormal relationship in their family and suffered tremendous mental pressure.
Although they divorced in the end, the pain could not be compensated. The letter cursed him, saying that since he could not abandon his sister-in-law and family, he should not marry Zhou Qingzhu.
In order to make him believe, the letter even fabricated an event that would happen soon, saying that the eldest sister-in-law would ask her cousin from her natal family to come and take care of her during the confinement period. In fact, she secretly wanted her cousin to marry him. In the end, it did not succeed, but this incident caused great harm to Zhou Qingzhu.
Song Zhaoan found it ridiculous and complete nonsense. His sister-in-law had been advising him not to break off the engagement, so why would she introduce her cousin to him?
He lit a lighter and burned the paper ball, but he was still upset. After giving the wrong change twice, he closed his stall early.
He also felt that his sister-in-law would be worried if he went home at this time, so he waited outside until the stall closed before going home.
…
As soon as he arrived home, Song Zhaoan felt very relieved when he saw his sister-in-law chatting and laughing with her cousin from her natal family.
Sister Song explained with a smile as if nothing had happened: "Zhao'an, I plan to let my cousin come to take care of you during the confinement period. I will let her come here in advance to adapt to the new environment. She will live at home in the future."
Song Zhaoan felt bitter and began to make excuses for himself. He thought that the person who wrote to him must know that his eldest sister-in-law had found a cousin, but he knew he was deceiving himself.
His elder sister-in-law and he are a family and can live under the same roof, but her cousin cannot. As they are a single man and a single woman, for him who is engaged, even Zhou Qingzhu will be gossiped about.
Song Zhaoan suddenly wanted to test his sister-in-law.
He pretended very well and no one saw through his flaws: "Sister-in-law, haven't we been discussing going to Shenzhen? I just made a decision and bought the train ticket. I will go to see my brother tomorrow. It just so happens that my sister-in-law has asked her cousin to come over. With her taking care of you, I can leave without any worries."
Mrs. Song was stunned: "I thought you were not going."
Song Zhaoan said: "I never said I wouldn't go."
Mrs. Song changed her mind and said with a smile, "We must be together as a family. Buy an extra ticket and I'll go with you."
Song Zhaoan asked, "Is the eldest sister-in-law's cousin going to follow?"
Mrs. Song held her cousin's hand and comforted her: "She has a big family, and we can't bear to let her go out of town. We can find a nanny in Shenzhen later."
Song Zhaoan nodded. "It's already so late. Let my cousin stay at home with my sister-in-law. I'll stay at my friend's house for the night. Please pack your luggage. You don't need to bring too much. My brother is rich now and can buy everything there."
Song Zhaoan did not rush to the station, but went to find a distant aunt of the Song family. This aunt had been a widow for many years and had been raising her daughter alone. She was worried about finding a job for her daughter.
Song Zhaoan talked to his aunt and said, "Aunt, are you willing to help out in my brother's store? Food and lodging are provided, but you have to leave tomorrow. I would like to trouble you to bring my sister-in-law with you. I will pay for all the travel expenses.
When the aunt heard this, she thought, whatever you need will come to you. As long as the mother and daughter are together, it doesn’t matter where they celebrate the New Year. She immediately agreed and rushed to pack up her things overnight.
…
Song Zhaoan went to the train station and bought a ticket for the next day. After buying the ticket, he sat in the station until dawn, then got up and went home to pick up his sister-in-law.
My sister-in-law's cousin has already left. It's so realistic that she didn't even wait for me.
Seeing that he hadn't packed his things, the eldest sister-in-law was surprised and doubtful: "Even if you can buy everything there, you still have to bring your clothes and toiletries."
Song Zhaoan was no longer willing to make excuses now, since his sister-in-law knew what was going on.
He answered casually: "Sister-in-law, I still have some things to deal with here, you go first."
Mrs. Song was shocked: "Am I alone?"
Song Zhaoan said, "Of course not. I found Aunt Liang and her daughter to work in my eldest brother's store. You happen to be going the same way. If you think they are good, you can ask them to help take care of you during the confinement period. It's always easier to be at ease with your own family. I called my eldest brother, and he's very happy that you can go there to give birth. He will meet you at the station."
As we were talking, Aunt Liang came with her daughter to the meeting, and she couldn't stop praising:
"The second son paid for the travel expenses for both of us so that someone could take care of you all the time. We both bought the same sleeper berth. I promised the second son that I would stay with you all the time and hand you over to your man. You are so lucky that your husband can earn money and his two brothers treat you so well."
There was an indescribable emotion mixed in with Mrs. Song's smile. Song Zhaoan saw it and felt very depressed.
For the first time, he felt that getting along with his sister-in-law was an uneasy thing.
"Sister-in-law, my elder brother really loves you and treats me well. I am lucky to have such a elder brother."
Mrs. Song nodded and asked, "You can't be so busy that you don't have time to take me to the station, right?"
Song Zhaoan didn't care this time. Even if he didn't watch his sister-in-law get on the train, he was still worried: "We have to send her off. The train doesn't wait for anyone. We have to hurry."
…
In the morning, Jiang Xiaoci sent her cousin and aunt off and saw Song Zhaoan and his sister-in-law on the platform.
She was very confused. After a quarrel yesterday, Song Zhaoan and his sister-in-law were going to leave the place where they were all familiar with each other and go to Shenzhen where no one knew them?
She muttered, "Before he left, he didn't even come to clarify the marriage. I hate him more and more."
Zhou Qingzhu consulted her aunt yesterday about how to look similar in disguise and makeup. She was trying to digest the information in her mind and didn't notice it at all. After Jiang Xiaoci reminded her, she still ignored it and was just very annoyed.
"It's really troublesome that the engagement is still going on. I can run into him whenever I go out. Don't worry, Xiaoci. I will stay away from him and won't talk to him."
When my aunt gets provoked, she will say crazy things: "That woman is so annoying, I will never let her out easily next time I lock her up."
Jiang Xiaoci reminded her cousin: "Keep an eye on your aunt on the road, don't cause any trouble."
This mission was a big deal, Zhou Qingzhu knew what was going on, and told Jiang Xiaoci not to worry.
The car pulled into the station, and people got off first and got on later. Jiang Xiaoci didn't see them off. She waved goodbye to her cousin and aunt, and left the station.
Before they reached the square, Song Zhaoan caught up with them: "Jiang Xiaoci, wait a minute."
Jiang Xiaoci watched him get into the car, and he actually came out. She asked, "Why did you come out again?"
Song Zhaoan said, "I didn't buy my own ticket. I came here to see my sister-in-law off. My eldest brother wanted to ask my sister-in-law to come over for a reunion. I can't leave for the time being, so I asked a relative to take my sister-in-law over."
Jiang Xiaoci didn't believe it. Something must have happened yesterday that she didn't know about, which made Song Zhaoan change his mind. He didn't want to say it, and she was too lazy to ask.
She joked, "The Chinese New Year is only half a month away. You must have given your relatives a lot of benefits, so they are willing to give it to you, right?"
Song Zhaoan did not deny it and explained: "I paid for their travel expenses and found them a job with my eldest brother. It's mutually beneficial. It's not a question of who is giving benefits to whom."
The two walked to the bus stop, and while waiting for the bus, Song Zhaoan finally apologized: "I was indeed too radical yesterday and said excessive words. I apologize to you."
Jiang Xiaoci: "I don't need an apology. I just hope you can change your abnormal love for your family and start over. Whether it's dating or getting married, it will be considered a good deed and not harming others."
Song Zhaoan: "I won't consider these. I just want to make money. Besides, your cousin and I are engaged. I won't be ungrateful."
This kind of talk is the most infuriating. Before getting in the car, Jiang Xiaoci kicked him hard: "You bastard, my cousin is out of your reach, get out of here!"
Song Zhaoan rubbed his leg that was kicked, speechless, and then he actually laughed.
Realizing that he was in a relaxed state of mind, he quickly put away his smile.
He would not take the initiative to break off the engagement, but if Zhou Qingzhu found someone who shared the same feelings with her, he would never pester her. It's just that he didn't want to be the one who broke her promise first.
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