Chapter 12 is too heartless.
But her words shattered their hopes in an instant.
this……
Is this meant to comfort them?
The thought crossed their minds almost simultaneously.
"Let me finish."
Zhou Shufen was not swayed by her children's expressions, but slowly got up and stood up straight.
“Zhou Dajun and I have been married for so many years, and we have worked hard together. This old house doesn’t just belong to him. I have also contributed my efforts and sweated for him. I even stayed up all night sewing to save money for the family… This place is also a part of my life.”
She spoke each word carefully.
"Then why should I leave? Why should he get all the benefits?"
She asked the question with righteous indignation.
It wasn't that she lacked the ability to leave, nor that she hadn't considered taking a step back for a more comfortable life.
But she knew that once she took that first step, it would mean completely giving up her dignity.
She refused to compromise, much less show weakness!
Zhou Liya and Zhou Haiqing stood there, speechless for a moment, their hearts slightly shaken.
Zhou Haiqing even subconsciously swallowed.
They suddenly felt that their mother had become somewhat unfamiliar.
That gentle and tolerant presence seemed to have vanished.
Instead, a decisive and courageous presence emerged.
They looked at each other and understood what their younger brother, Zhou Haiwei, had said earlier.
"Mom has definitely changed...she's not as easy to talk to anymore."
The room fell silent for a moment, with only the old wall clock ticking away.
"Alright, you don't need to worry about my affairs. Just go and live your own lives."
Zhou Shufen seemed to suddenly relax her tense emotions and smiled.
She is indeed in better condition than expected.
His face had regained color, and he looked much better than he had a few days ago.
"Mom, now that you put it that way, I understand."
Zhou Liya blinked, her tone softening considerably.
"How about I stay here today and keep you company? If Dad makes a scene when he gets back... I can help you deal with it."
She was the eldest daughter in her family and was known for her steady and meticulous nature.
I took leave from work the day before yesterday, and now I've decided to stay a few more days until the situation becomes clearer before returning to the city.
"Well, I'll stay for a couple of days too."
Zhou Haiqing nodded; he had always been the most protective of his mother.
As he spoke, a cold glint appeared in his eyes.
He would immediately attack anyone who dared to bully Zhou Shufen, regardless of whether they were his father or not!
Seeing the brother and sister working together to stand up for him.
A warm feeling welled up in Zhou Shufen's heart, and her eyes became slightly moist.
She tried hard to suppress this tenderness.
But she knew very well that she had to walk the road ahead alone.
"Alright, you don't need to worry about me," she said again, her tone softening. "You all have work and family matters to attend to. I'm really fine here. Before it gets completely dark, hurry up and pack your things and head back."
After saying this, Zhou Shufen waved her hand and shook her head, indicating that they should leave.
Sunlight streamed in obliquely through the window.
At that moment, she seemed to transform back into the mother I remembered, the one who could hold her family together through thick and thin.
"this……"
Zhou Liya hesitated, her gaze constantly shifting between her mother and younger brother.
"No, I can't. Things at home are urgent, and they're already in a pretty bad situation over there..."
As Zhou Haiqing spoke, he put down his briefcase, his brows furrowing slightly.
"What nonsense are you spouting? What could possibly happen to me?"
Zhou Shufen remained calm.
"You all go and get on with your business."
Zhou Shufen looked at them with a serious expression and her eyes were bright and alert.
"Don't let me delay your important business. I'm not only fine, but I'm also in great spirits and healthier than all of you."
She paused, then softened her tone, "So, don't overthink it."
"You really don't need us to stay?"
Zhou Liya sat on the sofa, not having completely given up on the idea of keeping him company, holding a water glass in both hands.
Her brow remained furrowed.
"I'm really fine. This isn't a battlefield, so don't be so nervous, okay?"
Zhou Shufen couldn't help but laugh and waved her hand gently.
"You guys are exaggerating! Let's go!"
Zhou Shufen insisted that the two of them focus on their work, so they had no choice but to slowly get up and say goodbye.
The process of packing seemed unusually long, and my steps were not as light as usual.
Before leaving, Zhou Liya gave some final instructions.
"Mom, if anything happens, be sure to tell us immediately. You have to be careful."
As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. She was reluctant to leave but had no choice but to go, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
"Yes, just let us know if you encounter any problems."
Zhou Haiqing chimed in from the side.
"My sister and I will be back soon."
Zhou Shufen nodded, a gentle smile on her face, and replied with a smile.
"I understand, I'll be careful."
She spoke very seriously, her gaze sweeping over the two children one by one.
Watching the two leave, turning back every few steps, Zhou Shufen couldn't help but smile.
She stood at the door until their figures had completely disappeared before slowly closing the door.
For the first time, she laughed from the bottom of her heart.
Despite experiencing much pain, betrayal, and indifference in her previous life.
Those ungrateful people made her sad for a long time.
But looking back now, at least on this journey of starting life anew.
She also had her two loving children by her side.
I was just looking forward to relaxing and enjoying this rare moment of leisure.
Suddenly, I heard the sound of high heels clicking in my ear.
Immediately afterwards, the courtyard gate was kicked open with a heavy kick.
Zhou Shufen frowned slightly and turned her head to look.
It's Zhou Lijuan who's back.
She stormed into the courtyard, her face full of resentment and anger.
Since failing to get a job offer that day and being humiliated by Zhou Shufen, Zhou Lijuan had no choice but to take a break for a while.
Filled with resentment.
She reluctantly went off to wander around somewhere else for two days.
However, the money in his pocket was quickly squandered.
She met Zhou Shufen's gaze, immediately adopted an arrogant demeanor, snorted coldly, and deliberately raised her chin.
Zhou Lijuan was convinced that her mother's actions were incredibly heartless.
If you don't apologize and show weakness.
She will absolutely never bow her head and admit her mistakes again, and she will never forgive her easily!
Unexpectedly, Zhou Shufen completely ignored her, only giving Zhou Lijuan a cold glance after she entered the room.
He then looked away, lowered his head and continued doing his work, seemingly uninterested in paying attention to her.
The feeling of being completely ignored is simply unbearable.
Driven by anger, she stomped her foot and kicked the ground hard.
Then he rushed over and stood in front of Zhou Shufen.
"Mom, if you won't give me a job, at least give me some money!"
Zhou Lijuan stared wide-eyed.
"Hand over my bankbook, I urgently need it!"
After she finished speaking, she reached out and grabbed at the table, attempting to forcibly take it.
Hearing this, Zhou Shufen almost laughed in anger.
"Get away! Don't try to outsmart me!"
"What did you say? You dare to insult me? I'm not leaving today without taking the money!"
Zhou Lijuan retorted defiantly, her face full of dissatisfaction.
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