Xu Keke initially planned to rent this apartment simply for convenience when visiting her parents' home. The Zeng family had moved to a place far away, and even a slight delay would mean missing the last bus.
So Xu Keke thought that with this place, she could stay with her child when she couldn't go home at night.
She herself didn't expect to need it so soon.
Xu Keke went next door to take a look. Although she knew it was a short stay, the room was packed with everything: wardrobes, bookshelves, beds, tables and chairs.
The inside was exceptionally clean and tidy. Li Wenlian pointed to a full-length mirror by the door.
“Your dad said that you used to have one in your room, and you loved to stand in front of it and look at it. He specially asked your brother to go out and find one for you.”
Seeing Xu Keke examining the small floral curtains, Li Wenlian smiled and said, "Your sister-in-law insisted on making these for you. I said they were too bright, but she insisted that they were fashionable now. She bought a whole bunch of fabric from other people."
I made the curtains and the set for the chair. There are also matching sheets and duvet covers; I washed them and put them away for you. I'll put them on for you and the baby tonight.
Xu Keke smiled and agreed, and then settled down here with her two children.
For the first two days, the four members of the Zeng family assumed that she was staying at her parents' house for a couple more days because she had brought her child with her, so they didn't ask any further questions.
Later, when I saw that she had changed Zhaodi's schools, I realized that she actually planned to live here from now on.
The elderly Zeng couple didn't know what she was thinking, but they got anxious right away.
Zeng Qiang trusted Xu Keke and kept telling the Zeng family elders that...
"Don't worry about it. My sister isn't the type to make plans. You can rest assured."
The elderly couple realized their daughter was different from before after this house-moving incident. She was more opinionated and made plans. But they were still worried.
I was afraid that if I asked her directly, she would overthink it. So I kept quiet.
While Zhao Di had Zeng Qiang take her to school, Xu Keke carried the still-sleeping Fu Bao to their room, preparing for her to go to work later.
They subtly inquired with Xu Keke whether she was getting a divorce from Song Lin.
Xu Keke knew that divorce was a huge deal in this era, something older people couldn't accept. Besides, she genuinely had no plans to divorce right now, so she told the truth.
“Her grandmother is going to Beijing to take care of Song Lin. It’s inconvenient for me to stay there with the child, so I plan to stay here for now.”
Xu Keke was surprised that the elderly couple did not believe her.
Zeng Geng stood at the door, leaning on his cane, and remained silent for a long time. "If you really can't make ends meet, then come home. At worst, we'll give the neighbors more money and let them keep renting to us. We can afford to raise the two kids. Don't worry, as long as we have food to eat, we won't let you and the children suffer any injustice."
Li Wenlian was covering Fu Bao with a blanket, not looking up. "Your dad is right. We've saved some money over the years. If things don't work out, we can take on more processing jobs. You don't need to worry about money. Just don't make yourself suffer anymore."
Xu Keke saw Li Wenlian hunched over, her back to her, and she touched her face as she raised her hand. She knew Li Wenlian must have been crying.
Yes, every family loves their child. Lin Juan protected Song Lin like the apple of her eye. And wasn't the original owner also a precious treasure to Zeng's parents?
They knew their child had been wronged, and it pained them. They tried their best to be good to her. However, their abilities were limited, and their efforts seemed too meager to solve the real problem.
But if there were any other way, they would never let their child suffer even the slightest injustice again.
Fearing that the Zeng family elders might overthink things, Xu Keke told them about her plans.
“I’ll bring up divorce with Song Lin when he gets back from his studies. Since he’s not here, it’ll just be a hassle if I bring it up now. I might as well get my work done first and make arrangements for the two kids. Then I can just get a divorce when he comes back.”
Knowing their daughter's plans, the Zeng couple felt sad for her, but also relieved.
Xu Keke took three days off from the factory to arrange for Zhaodi to go to school, and today is her first day back at work.
She went to the factory manager's office to report for duty. She knocked on the door, surprised to find Yang Lu there. Just as she was about to leave, Factory Manager Du called her back.
"It's alright, you can come on over. I've finished talking with Comrade Yang."
In just a few days, Yang Lu's entire demeanor changed. She lost her former composure and became more cautious.
When she saw Xu Keke, although she showed no expression, she quickly lowered her eyes and looked away.
She stood up from her chair and leaned forward. "Director Du, thank you for taking care of me for so long. Please forgive me if I have any shortcomings in my work."
Factory Director Du nodded calmly, without even using any official jargon.
Yang Lu said awkwardly, "Then I'll go first, you go ahead with your work."
Xu Keke turned slightly to the side, and Yang Lu nodded slightly as she passed by Xu Keke, as if to say hello.
Xu Keke couldn't help but sigh inwardly, this woman was extraordinary. She was adaptable and resourceful; she was quite a character.
Director Du didn't give Xu Keke much time to reflect before taking her straight to the conference room.
"Alright, Mr. Zeng, tell everyone what good ideas you have. What do you think our sales department should do next?"
Those in sales, while not necessarily shrewd and worldly-wise, are often out in the field, meet many people, and are quick-witted. Hearing Factory Director Du's meaning, they immediately echoed his sentiment.
"That's right, Master Zeng, just tell us what you need from us, and we will definitely obey your orders."
Factory Director Du nodded in agreement.
Xu Keke sat to the left of Factory Director Du, speechless for a moment. What happened to being a salesperson? What did "obeying my orders" even mean? She'd been tricked by that old fox again.
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