The respectable Qi family believed in one principle: only those with the surname Qi are one family. After Qi Zhifang's accident and the death of Qi's father, Qi Zhijun and Qi's mother discussed disaster relief for Qi Zhifang. Not only was he sent down to Tongzhou, but he also faced separation from his wife and was burdened with debt for five years. During those five years, his salary was not even enough to support himself. He only notified Xiao Cui on the day he arrived. Xiao Cui only had the right to know, not to participate in the decision-making. He treated Xiao Cui as if he were invisible throughout the whole process.
I remember back in that cramped new house, Qi Zhijun calmly explained the situation, and Xiao Cui asked incredulously, "You mean, you have to pay back the debt that Qi Zhifang owes?"
Qi Zhijun sat on the edge of the bed and nodded. "Fangzi hasn't come out yet, and her former workplace can't handle this, so..."
Xiao Cui was so angry that his face turned red. He really couldn't bring himself to ask her, "You're a grown man, and you can't even support yourself on ten yuan a month for over five years. How are you going to support your family and children?" She was already 23. It was impossible for her to wait until Qi Zhijun paid off his debts before having children!
But that wasn't all. Qi Zhijun said, "Life may be tough, but I hope you'll take good care of Mom and the children while I'm not home."
Xiao Cui felt a wave of dizziness, only then realizing that Qi Zhijun was being sent to work in a remote area. Less than two months into their marriage, her husband had accumulated a debt of nearly a thousand yuan and was now leaving home for work, forcing the couple to live apart. She could only watch his departing figure with his luggage, lost in thought…
After this incident, Xiao Cui was completely devastated. Even TV dramas wouldn't dare to write something like this. A perfectly good, unmarried girl like Yunying would end up in the Qi family.
Looking at the old lady with three children, still giving food to them as always, I wondered if she was crazy or stupid to continue living in this house.
I packed my things and went back to the dormitory overnight. My monthly salary of 20 yuan was not enough to fill my stomach, but it wouldn't starve me either. However, if I got involved with the Qi family again, things would be hard to say.
Because Xiao Cui had been at the Children's Palace for the past six months, living a very simple life with clear political connections, which his superiors and colleagues had all noticed, he was able to return to the classroom and teach students a month ago.
Sitting in front of the piano, Cui was always so confident, beautiful and elegant. She was also intoxicated by the admiring and respectful gazes she received, playing the piano and singing at the same time.
After the lesson, Xiao Cui and several students' parents were discussing their children's progress and areas for improvement in their studies.
"Zhenhua's mom, just make sure the rhythm is cheerful when your child plays the piece; the pitch is fine..."
"Okay, good, Ai Hong's mom. The children are generally fine, just keep the pace lively! This group of children is great."
As they walked and talked, they reached the door and found Qi Zhijun waiting for them. They were taken aback for a moment, and the students' parents and students said goodbye, "Then, Teacher Cui, we'll be going now."
Goodbye, Teacher Cui!
Xiao Cui greeted the students and waited until they left.
The two people left at the door were stared at by Xiao Cui for a long time. He realized that Qi Zhijun was no longer the tall and handsome man he had once imagined.
To ease the awkwardness, the two strolled outside, the fallen maple leaves carpeting the ground seeming to foreshadow something.
After spending the past six months conducting field research in rural areas, coupled with the lack of food and exposure to the elements, Qi Zhijun has aged more than ten years. His temples are streaked with gray, his face is lined with deep wrinkles, and he has lost a lot of weight, making his cheekbones appear even more prominent. He looks more haggard and disheveled.
Xiao Cui frowned imperceptibly and took a few steps away. Qi Zhijun spoke first, his tone slightly sincere, "The matter happened suddenly at the time, and I made the decision on my own without consulting you. I hope you can forgive me."
Xiao Cui remained expressionless and only said, "Was it sudden, or did you act first and report later?"
Qi Zhijun was speechless for a moment, then said, "I'm sorry, things have come to this, but I still hope to get your forgiveness!"
Xiao Cui stopped and turned around to look at Qi Zhijun with a somewhat unfamiliar gaze. She didn't say anything. Qi Zhijun wasn't unaware of her thoughts, but he could only pretend not to understand and said, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Remembering the awkwardness in their marital relationship, Xiao Cui held back and only said, "We haven't been in touch for more than half a year. You've changed a lot. Working down there must be tough."
Faced with this belated and half-hearted expression of concern, Qi Zhijun felt a pang of bitterness in her heart and could only feign a smile, saying, "It's alright, I've been quite busy with work and didn't know how to tell you, so I haven't contacted you again."
Xiao Cui's eyes were red, and she lifted her face to the sky to hold back her tears. She forced a smile and said, "I understand that you came to see me for your family. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Qi Zhijun nodded. "You haven't been home for more than half a year. I was thinking of taking you back to live with me!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Cui's expression changed, and she immediately shook her head. Realizing her reaction had been too agitated, she awkwardly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Don't misunderstand, there's a competition in the city recently, and my rehearsal schedule is quite heavy, so I won't be coming back. You haven't been back for over half a year either, so go back and spend more time with Mom and Fangzi!" Despite her gentlest tone, Qi Zhijun could still detect a chilling distance in her voice. Xiao Cui turned to leave, giving an awkward smile, and said, "Then let's leave it at that! You're quite busy too! Go back first!"
Qi Zhijun, utterly exhausted, said, "Wait, we haven't seen each other for over half a year, don't you have anything you want to say to me?"
Xiao Cui turned back, smiled gently, and said, "Take care of yourself and focus on your work!"
Qi Zhijun seemed to be making a final plea: "Xiao Cui, I was wrong about this. Please give me another chance. Let's go home first. You haven't seen Mom, Fangzi, and the three children for more than half a year. They miss you too!"
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