In the years immediately following her divorce, many people introduced her to potential partners, saying, "How can you live like a widow? It's a pity at your age."
Qiu Ju believed it at the time, went on several dates, and chose an honest one.
But it was only after she agreed to start that she realized she had given up her rights as a free person.
"We had to work in the fields, doing the same work as the men, and we were treated like freeloaders."
All year round, I don't have a single penny in my hand.
Making clothes for children is an even greater luxury.
She was like a worker sold cheaply to a landlord, with a death sentence, and without receiving a single penny.
Everyone says that staying home to take care of children is great, and that having a "home" is wonderful, so they advise her to be honest.
But honesty can't put food on the table. Qiu Ju, who had no money and was unwilling to have children, filed for divorce.
That day, the man punched her until her nose bled, and her face was swollen like a pig's head. He cursed in her ear, "I'm already being kind to you, who would want you with this burden?"
Saying this, one is unaware that the person who proposed to them in the first place wasn't even themselves.
It was clearly an equal exchange, but the man portrayed it as Qiu Ju taking advantage of him and not knowing what was good for her.
When the couple fought, not a single neighbor said Qiu Ju was in the right.
Everyone says of her: "To be able to drive an honest man to this point, tsk tsk tsk."
The term "slut-shaming" refers to the act of accusing her of being arrogant and ungrateful.
Holding on to her last breath, Qiu Ju didn't say a word and walked out with her daughter.
All she hears are these kinds of comments; who can she talk to?
No one could say that Qiu Ju's swollen and burning face was due to her young daughter supporting her body.
It sustains not only the body, but also the spirit.
"I'll fight for my pride, even if it means eating steamed buns." Qiu Ju refused to believe that she couldn't support her daughter on her own.
The woman who once entrusted the "right to survival" to men is dead, and the one who has risen again is the "shameless" Qiu Ju.
After recounting her experience, Qiu Ju told Grandma Sun to go back, "Go back, the food is ready inside."
"Don't say those things to me again."
“Maybe some people will be happy, but I don’t believe it will be me.” Qiu Ju’s eyes stung, and she took a deep breath. “I only believe in myself.”
Nobody can intimidate her!
Qiu Ju doesn't believe anyone's threats!
At first, Grandma Sun thought Qiu Ju was extreme and unruly, but now that she thinks about it—
"Eh—"
With a deep sigh, Grandma Sun lowered her head, her hands behind her back.
Why is this happening?
For thousands of years, parents and the environment have been teaching women, "Be obedient, and you'll find a good husband in the future."
No need to study, no need to strive for success.
But if we follow Qiu Ju's line of thinking, it's not like that.
"Only when there is oppression can there be sensationalism."
Men are the ones who tell women they don't need to work hard; they're afraid women will take away job opportunities and resources for survival from society.
It is also men who tell women to have children, because they are afraid that they will not be able to become fathers and that their family line will end.
Therefore, it is always the men who are afraid, but it is the women who suffer.
“Look, I’m out here now, and I’ve saved up money and raised my daughter to this age, haven’t I?” Qiu Ju was really afraid that Grandma Sun would try to introduce her to someone else.
One sentence shut Grandma Sun up. Qiu Ju, carrying two large bags of things, took a few steps and then turned back—
Grandma Sun remained standing there, as if deep in thought.
It's okay if you don't understand, after all, those are your own personal experiences, lessons learned through blood and sweat.
Once you start thinking about it, that's enough.
Turning her gaze away, Qiu Ju strode towards home.
Throughout the journey, the woman wore a wide smile, attracting the attention of passersby.
Why are you laughing while walking?
No one asked any questions; they just thought it was a fool laughing.
But if anyone asks, Qiu Ju will tell them—
It's nothing, I just wanted to laugh.
I want to laugh, I want to use a bright laugh to retaliate against those cowardly men who are unwilling to admit their fear.
The future has not yet arrived, but Qiu Ju has already seen it.
Just like a boatman on the water, with the oar in his own hand, what is there to be afraid of?
If you have light in your heart, you will no longer fear the darkness.
......
That night, after settling Grandma Sun in, Sun Lifang watched them close their eyes, then came out and turned off the living room light.
Zhou Yunshi had not returned yet, so Sun Lifang went to the kitchen several times.
I touched the still-warm food and wondered if I should reheat it.
The living room was empty at night, with only the changing colors of the television screen casting intermittent light on the woman on the sofa.
Jiang Meimei was with him.
She brought out a blanket, saying she was going to watch TV, but now she's fallen asleep.
Her presence made the nights less lonely.
On an unusually quiet night, the faint footsteps outside the door and the indistinct voices of the neighbors become clearly audible.
With a few clicks, the sound of the door lock rattling came, and Sun Lifang subconsciously turned her head.
It was Zhou Yunshi who had returned. He swayed a few steps and saw his wife waiting in the living room.
I leaned against the shoe cabinet and shook my head to clear my head.
"Why aren't you asleep yet?" The man came over and sat down next to Sun Lifang, putting an arm around her. "I told you not to wait for me."
"We'll have to wait."
At least let him see someone when he gets home, right?
There is a lamp, and there is a person.
"Mmm—" the man's voice was low, his chin resting on her shoulder.
His tall frame was hunched over the sofa, making it feel like he was hugging a big dog.
The man, exhausted after a long day, still wanted to lie down on the sofa with her.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
