Chapter 146 I Was Tricked
Ever since Jiang Lili's remarks at the banquet, the Ji family has become a pariah. Ji Yushu, in particular, feels constantly slandered and mocked. Life before his divorce from Jiang Yulan was so smooth that it had made him forget the hardships of his rural life. Now, suddenly thrust back into those days, he can't accept it, and his addiction to alcohol has intensified. He previously held out hope for Ji Mingyue, but after she started college, she only contacted him when she needed money, so he gave up on the idea. After all, she was the child of him and Ye Qiuju, and the odds of a good thing coming out of a bad bamboo were slim. He resigned himself to the fact that his luck was over.
So when Ji Mingyue called, he had no intention of answering the call. He continued drinking until the phone stopped ringing.
Ji Mingyue was irritated at not being able to contact Ji Yushu. Now unable to move, she could only ask the family of the patient in the next bed if they could help care for her. Of course, she would pay. Since college, expenses had increased dramatically, and Ji Mingyue had to work part-time to earn money. But buying a phone had already cost her most of it. Thinking of this, she pulled out her phone and sent messages to Wu Juyue and Zheng Gaoyang. Lu Jiaze's strategy points had been reset to zero, and she had no choice but to ask them for compensation. Only then did Ji Mingyue breathe a sigh of relief.
Although Qiu Shaoli didn't specifically inquire, all the colleagues in the hospital knew Lu Jiaze. Some even asked in a joking tone if that was Lu Jiaze's girlfriend. Qiu Shaoli shook her head and clarified, "That's Jiaze's high school classmate. If he saw her, he wouldn't have sent someone to the hospital. Don't say anything nonsense. A girl's reputation is very important."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone quickly stopped joking and turned to other topics. Qiu Shaoli glanced at the medical records in front of her and planned to go back and remind him not to come to the hospital again in the future, so as not to give others the opportunity to misunderstand her.
At this time, Lu Jiaze was recording his statement at the Public Security Bureau. He still had no idea where the motorcycle came from. Of course, his suspicions were still there. He asked the police officer, "My classmate has been hit and has broken bones. Will the person who rode the motorcycle compensate him?"
"This man is a habitual offender. He stole the motorcycle. According to normal procedures, he should compensate for it, but he doesn't have the ability." The public security comrade was also helpless. Then he carefully told Lu Jiaze about Qiao Bin's "great achievements." He was just an unemployed vagrant. Before today, he had been out of prison for less than a week. Today, he stole someone's motorcycle and was going to sell it, but he didn't expect to hit someone directly and injured himself.
"And Qiao Bin himself was also surprised by today's accident. He said that he was riding well, but suddenly he rushed towards you uncontrollably." After the public security comrade said this, he remembered Qiao Bin's depressed look before and shook his head. He probably didn't expect that he would come in this way this time, right?
At this point, Lu Jiaze was basically certain that this incident had nothing to do with Ji Mingyue and it should be a simple accident. However, the words of the police just now made him think more. Was he running towards them uncontrollably?
After leaving the Public Security Bureau, Lu Jiaze didn't go to the hospital again, but went straight home. When he got home, Qiu Shaoli was already in the living room. He was a little curious: "Mom, you got off work so early today?"
"I have nothing to do today, so I can leave work early. Have you dealt with your side?" Qiu Shaoli said, glancing at Lu Jiaze.
"Well, the Public Security Bureau said it was an accident. The man was a habitual criminal. He had just stolen someone else's motorcycle today. He was probably a little panicked and didn't see anyone standing there, so he rode over directly." Lu Jiaze explained.
"Well, your uncle and his family are going to Quan City these days, and your grandfather is alone in Jincheng. Do you want to go over and stay with him for a few days?" Qiu Shaoli gave him the choice.
"Okay, I'll go there tomorrow." Ji Mingyue had caused the trouble himself. He guessed that someone in the hospital would be discussing this matter today. He didn't want his affairs to affect his parents, so he quickly agreed.
"You can also ask your grandfather if he wants to go to Beijing. Your Grandpa Jiang and Tongtong will probably be there soon. I estimate that in two years, their whole family will settle down there." At this point, Qiu Shaoli couldn't help feeling a little disappointed. In the beginning, she was willing to follow Lu Liangjun to transfer here. In addition to the reason between them and her father, another reason was that the Jiang family was here. Now that the Jiang family has settled in Beijing, she is still a little uncomfortable.
"Uncle Jiang is going there too?" Lu Jiaze had been deliberately avoiding everything related to the Jiang family this year, so he was quite surprised. After all, Jiang Aiguo's unit was quite good.
"It's only a matter of time. Your Aunt Zhou has been there for almost half a year, and Tongtong is also going to study there. He can't stay in Yuncheng alone, right? How about you take advantage of this summer vacation to go to Jingshi and have some fun?" Qiu Shaoli guessed.
"It's good for the whole family to be together. It depends on whether grandpa is willing to go." Lu Jiaze has no obsession with Beijing. If his grandfather wants to go, he will accompany him.
"Hongzhe and the others didn't come back for the Lunar New Year, and neither did Lili and the others. You haven't seen them in almost a year, so why not take this opportunity to go and see them?" Qiu Shaoli had no other thoughts, but simply thought that Lu Hongzhe and Jiang Lili's success might inspire him. She knew her child best; he couldn't compare to them, perhaps because he wasn't decisive enough. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but sigh. Jiaze had inherited her temperament, a bit indecisive. If he had taken after the Lu family, he would have been even better.
Qiu Shaoli's words made Lu Jiaze stunned. He hesitated for a moment and then nodded: "Okay, but it still depends on grandpa's wishes." After saying that, he couldn't help but raise a sarcastic smile. He had deliberately avoided news related to them before, but it was just because of his inferiority complex. But now, after being calculated by Ji Mingyue, he could actually accept the fact that they were better than himself.
Qiu Shaoli had originally prepared for his reluctance to go, but she didn't expect him to be so willing. She nodded happily when she heard that: "Your grandfather will definitely be happy. You and Hongzhe will be there when we go to Beijing, and Uncle Jiang will be there to keep him company."
"Okay, then I'll go to Jincheng tomorrow." Lu Jiaze could see that his mother was really worried about him and wanted him to go to Jing City to completely cut off his chance of meeting Ji Mingyue. Thinking of this, his smile was a little bitter, but he couldn't say anything. After all, all this was caused by him.
Seeing this, Qiu Shaoli wanted to say something, but in the end she kept silent. It was not that she did not believe him, but under the current circumstances, it was really not suitable for him to stay here.
*
The next day, when Jiang Jianyi took Jiang Qitong to the train station, he reminded Jiang Aiguo, "If you run into any Ji family members later, stay away, especially Ji Mingyue." He'd been thinking about it all night, realizing that the Ji family had completely fallen apart since Ji Mingyue's return. Ji Laosan was still incarcerated, Ji Yushu was drinking heavily, and the couple's lifeblood, Ji Wenwu, was ruined. Everyone had previously thought it was Ye Qiuju's fault, including him, but last night he couldn't help but think that perhaps Ji Mingyue was the real culprit. Now that he thought about it, Yulan had been right to divorce Ji Yushu early, or else the Jiang family might have suffered as well.
"Dad, don't worry. After you and Tongtong go to Beijing, I plan to move to the company dormitory. It will be more convenient that way." Jiang Aiguo had made this decision before and originally planned to wait until they went to Beijing to discuss it.
Jiang Jianyi thought about it, then nodded: "You are alone at home, it is indeed better for you to live in the office. I will take Tongtong over to have a look, and I will come back after she gets used to it."
"Dad, don't think about coming back for now. Once you settle down, you can find a suitable job for me. Given Qingfen's personality, she should have decided to stay, so I have to make preparations early." After Jiang Aiguo said this, he looked at him and dissuaded him from thinking of coming back.
"Have you thought it through?" Jiang Jianyi looked at him seriously.
"I promised Tongtong. It's not good for the family to be separated for too long, so I'm sorry to trouble you, Dad." Jiang Aiguo's words completely dispelled his plan to return to Yuncheng.
"Then let me go and ask around, you just go to work and focus on your work." Although Jiang Jianyi did not agree with his resignation, what he said made sense. The family still needs to be together.
"Let's go. I'll take you to the train station first so you won't be late." Jiang Aiguo said as he pulled Jiang Qitong's hand and went downstairs.
*
In Beijing, Lu Hongzhe was a little surprised when he received a call from home: "Grandpa, you mean you and Jiaze are coming to Beijing."
"Yes, your second aunt told him to come to Beijing to relax." Old Master Lu didn't know what happened in Yuncheng.
"Then I'll buy tickets for you?" Lu Hongzhe was a little surprised.
"Let's buy the tickets ourselves. I heard that Chiang Kai-shek has also come to Beijing?" Mr. Lu is now accustomed to traveling everywhere. Since his children and grandchildren are not around, he will take the initiative to go to them.
"Yes, he should have set off yesterday. When you come, you can keep Grandpa Jiang company again." After Lu Hongzhe finished speaking, he was still thinking about what he had just said. Second Aunt said that Jiaze came to Beijing to relax, so something must have happened.
"Then we have to prepare quickly. Will Jiaze and I coming here disturb you?" asked Mr. Lu.
"Grandpa, what are you talking about? Of course it won't have any impact. You and Jiaze can just live with me, and it will also be convenient for you to visit Grandpa Jiang's house." Lu Hongzhe said in a gentle tone.
After hanging up the phone, the old man began to urge Lu Jiaze to pack his luggage quickly. He wanted to go to Beijing as soon as possible. Lu Jiaze said helplessly: "I know, Grandpa."
While Lu Jiaze was packing his luggage, a message rang from Ji Mingyue's phone: "Why haven't you come yet?"
After a while, another message came in quickly [Sorry, the previous message was sent to Juyue, I accidentally sent it to the wrong person]
Lu Jiaze stared at the two words in the message. He knew who she was referring to: Juyue. Wu Juyue had been friends with Jiang Lili since early middle school, when they were assigned to the same class. Initially, she was Jiang Lili's best friend, but after Ji Mingyue arrived, their friendship had soured, and she eventually became Ji Mingyue's best friend. Something flashed through Lu Jiaze's mind. He felt as if he had grasped something, but it vanished in an instant.
The old man's loud voice came from outside. Lu Jiaze shook his head helplessly and said, "Forget it, I'd better pack my luggage first."
*
Jiang Yulan took Jiang Lili and Zhou Qingfen to the train station to pick someone up. Zhou Qingfen said apologetically, "Sister, I'm sorry to have delayed your work again today."
"Aunt, it's so strange for you to say this, but why don't you consider getting your driver's license? I've had the same idea recently. Maybe we can even be companions." Jiang Lili suggested.
"I do have this idea, then let's sign up together." Every time Zhou Qingfen goes to check the progress of the renovation, she either takes the bus or a taxi. She has inquired about the price of used cars and does plan to learn how to drive.
"Lili is right. Knowing how to drive will make things much more convenient." Jiang Yulan's tone was full of approval.
"There are more and more things going on at the cram school, and I really need a car." Zhou Qingfen actually had another question in her mind. She didn't know how to talk to Jiang Aiguo for a moment. At first, she said she would come over and give it a try, but now she has no plans to go back, even if she fails later. She rubbed her eyebrows and began to reflect on whether she was too selfish.
The journey to the train station took more than an hour. When they arrived, the old man's train would not arrive for half an hour. The three of them found a place to wait for people. Jiang Lili looked down at her phone. There was a new message coming in. It was from Lu Hongzhe. He asked if Jiang Jianyi and the others would arrive today. Today, Old Man Lu and Lu Jiaze also arrived in Beijing, and they would have dinner together in the evening.
There was a flash of surprise in Jiang Lili's eyes, and then she remembered that it was still morning, so she replied to the message.
"Mom, Brother Hongzhe said that Grandpa Lu and Lu Jiaze are also coming to Beijing today. Let's have dinner together tonight to liven things up." Jiang Lili said as she put down her phone.
Hearing her mention Lu Jiaze's name, Zhou Qingfen's eyes couldn't help but fall on her face. Thinking of what the old man said that time, she didn't say anything in the end. She just looked at Jiang Yulan and said, "I will listen to you."
"Then let's have some fun together. Anyway, if we ask your grandpa, he will definitely agree." Jiang Yulan said as she stared at the exit over there.
When the grandfather and grandson came out of the train station, they hurriedly helped to carry the luggage. Compared with the previous time, there was a lot more luggage this time. After everyone was seated and fastened their seat belts, Jiang Yulan slowly spoke: "Dad, Gang Hongzhe said that Uncle Lu and Jiaze are also coming to Beijing today. We will have dinner together tonight. You should have a good rest during the day."
"They are here too?" Jiang Jianyi couldn't help but frown. Isn't the boy from the Lu family in the hospital taking care of the girl?
"You look unhappy?" Jiang Yulan was a little surprised. She thought he would be happy to hear the news.
"No, I'm just a little surprised. This old guy didn't tell me any information." Jiang Jianyi shook his head and didn't say anything about what happened in Zhang Yuncheng. He wanted to see what Lu Jiaze wanted to do by coming to Beijing.
Although Jiang Jianyi gave a reasonable explanation, both mother and daughter felt that he was not telling the truth. However, Zhou Qingfen, who bent down to tidy up Jiang Qitong's hair, had some guesses in her mind.
Jiang Yulan thought that she had already taken leave, so she stayed at home all day. In the afternoon, Lu Hongzhe sent the address for dinner. Jiang Lili looked at the agreed time and reminded them that it was time to pack up and go out.
Compared to the Jiang family, the Lu family only had the three of them, grandfather and grandson. Seeing them come in, Mr. Lu looked very happy: "I didn't expect that I would come too!"
"I told you so much before, but you didn't say a word." Jiang Jianyi snorted coldly.
"This is also a temporary decision. If you don't believe me, ask Jiaze. Shaoli felt that Jiaze was called back by the second brother just two days after he came to Beijing last time, so she wanted him to come and play this time." Grandpa Lu explained.
Jiang Jianyi glanced at Lu Jiaze, his disdain evident. He quickly looked away, "Let's eat first!"
Everyone noticed the old man's look, including Lu Jiaze. He was a little confused. Had he offended Grandpa Jiang? But he had no recollection of it. Jiang Lili was also a little confused. She remembered that Grandpa liked Lu Jiaze very much. What happened today? Why did he give him the cold shoulder? It seemed that she could only wait until she got home to find out the truth.
Apart from this little episode, everyone enjoyed the meal very much. When it ended, the two old men had already made an appointment to play chess tomorrow.
After returning home, Jiang Lili hesitated for a moment, but still took the initiative to ask, "Grandpa, did Lu Jiaze offend you?"
"No." Jiang Jianyi's voice was a little stiff.
"You're still saying no, but your expression of disgust and disdain is almost written all over your face." Jiang Lili smiled and pointed at his cheek.
"Is it that obvious?" Jiang Jianyi asked after a moment's pause. Only then did he realize what he had just asked, so he said with a straight face, "If you don't like it, what other reason do you need?"
"Not really, I was just asking casually. You must have your own reasons. I believe you." Jiang Lili said seriously. Compared to Lu Jiaze, he was definitely more important.
"Even if Lili doesn't ask me, I have to ask. Don't you like Jiaze very much? The expression on your face today is as if he has done something unforgivable. Uncle Lu is still here. What do you want him to think?" Jiang Yulan gave him a reproachful look.
Zhou Qingfen sat aside without saying a word, wondering in her heart, could it be that the old man had run into Lu Jiaze and Ji Mingyue together again?
Jiang Jianyi hesitated, but finally told them, "It's not a big deal. I've seen this guy with Ji Mingyue several times. They're almost twenty years old now. I don't believe he doesn't understand. That girl is very thoughtful. I think she did it on purpose. Of course, this guy is not a good person either. He knows we all hate that girl, but he still does this. Isn't it disgusting?"
Jiang Lili was stunned for a moment, obviously not expecting this to be the reason, so she spoke softly, "Grandpa, who he associates with is none of our business. It's not worth getting angry about this."
"Lili is right. Even if that girl has that idea, Shaoli and the others will not agree." Jiang Yulan also spoke.
"I think that girl is a little weird. I originally thought we wouldn't run into her in Beijing, so I didn't plan to tell you, but I didn't expect Lu Jiaze to come today." Jiang Jianyi recounted the events of that day from beginning to end, concluding: "I didn't think so before, but after this incident, I think this girl might be a disaster. Think about it, what has the Ji family become now? In short, it's best for us to stay away from her."
Jiang Jianyi's words reminded Jiang Lili that in the plot, Ji Mingyue and her daughter had everything going their way, while the Jiang family was the unlucky ones. Now that she had moved to the Ji family, it was the Ji family that was suffering. Could it be that her heroine aura was simply due to someone else's luck? Or perhaps her strategy system was using someone else's luck? Thinking of this, she clenched her fists and began to recall what had happened during Ji Mingyue's brief month at the cotton mill.
"Dad, now that you mention it, it's true. When Ji Lao San got into trouble before, everyone blamed that woman. I have met that woman a few times. Now that I think about it, it was probably Ji Mingyue who was behind a lot of things." Jiang Yulan frowned.
"It's possible, otherwise we wouldn't have thought of going to the city to find Ji Yushu after so many years. In any case, it's better for us to stay away from her." Zhou Qingfen also echoed.
"Should I remind Shaoli?" Jiang Yulan asked hesitantly.
"No need. The hospital that Lu Jiaze sent the girl to is the same hospital where Shao Li works. Didn't Old Lu say that? It was she who asked Lu Jiaze to come to Jing City. She knows everything very well." Jiang Jianyi shook his head.
"Dad is right. If you rashly remind her, it might not be good if she thinks you have some ulterior motives. After all, the Lu family is different now." Zhou Qingfen also agreed with Jiang Jianyi's words.
Jiang Lili was still analyzing whether Ji Mingyue's strategy system would absorb the luck of those around her when she heard them mention her and Lu Jiaze's childhood engagement again, but this time they were speaking with a tone of relief, thankful that it was just a joke. She said with some resignation, "Did you forget I'm still here?"
The others laughed at her words, and then Jiang Yulan said seriously, "Dad, next time you see Jiaze, you must not show your displeasure to him. Otherwise, if Uncle Lu sees you, he will think you have a grudge against him. He and Lili are just childhood playmates."
"Okay, I was also very surprised to see him today." Jiang Jianyi nodded, indicating that he would not do it again next time.
"Then go to bed early. Qingfen and I have to go to work tomorrow." Jiang Yulan said and yawned.
"Grandpa and Tongtong will go to the store with me tomorrow." Jiang Lili assured them that she would be there for them tomorrow.
"Okay, it's settled then."
Jiang Qitong was already yawning non-stop at this point, and nodded with her eyes closed: "Okay, I'll follow Sister Lili tomorrow."
Everyone returned to their rooms, and Jiang Lili was the last one to stand up. It didn't matter whether the thought in her mind just now was right or not. The best thing to do was to stay away from Ji Mingyue.
After the three of them returned home, Mr. Lu went back to his room to rest. The two brothers sat on the balcony and chatted. Lu Hongzhe looked at the person opposite him, his tone as gentle as ever: "Tell me, what happened?"
"Can't it be that I just want to come to Beijing to have some fun?" Lu Jiaze said with a smile.
"If you wanted to come, you should have come during the Chinese New Year last year. Or is it that you can't let me know about this?" Lu Hongzhe said and looked at him steadily.
"Of course not, I'm just a little embarrassed to say it out loud." Lu Jiaze said with a wry smile, then whispered: "I was plotted against, or maybe it was my arrogance that got me into trouble."
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