Xie Jinghu pondered Zou Weijun’s reasons for returning to the Xie family the entire way. Upon arriving at his elder brother Xie Yuping’s house, Xie Yuping was still at work. His sister-in-law, Hou Zhixiu, pointed to the living room and quietly reminded him, “Mum’s in a great mood today, Old Third. Watch what you say. I’ve called your brother too; he said he’ll leave work early.”
This was a hint for Xie Jinghu to be tactful, avoid inappropriate words or actions, and not upset the whole family.
Xie Jinghu nodded, “Got it, Sister-in-law!”
He hadn’t formally seen his lawful wife in two years. The last time was a fleeting glimpse in Chengdu. Stepping into the living room, Xie Jinghu felt an inexplicable nervousness.
His eyes immediately found Zou Weijun.
In her youth, Zou Weijun didn’t rely on striking features; her strength was her figure and charisma.
At her age, even with the best upkeep, collagen loss was inevitable. What outshone younger women was her figure and charisma, both her fortes.
Zou Weijun was a pearl, now polished of dust, radiating even more allure.
Old Lady Xie held her hand tightly, “Work in Chengdu must be tough, right? Work matters, but health is key. With health, you have everything. Take other things slowly, one step at a time.”
Having raised four sons as a widow, Old Lady Xie had been a fierce worker in her youth. While Xie Jinghu dismissed Zou Weijun’s job, Old Lady Xie never objected.
After a lifetime of work, she knew a job’s importance to a woman. Money was secondary; it was about a woman’s confidence to stand in the world.
Especially for Zou Weijun, telling her to quit was like caging her back into depression. A job that healed her was a good job!
“Not too tough. Colleagues help share the load; I just handle coordination,” Zou Weijun replied, her old straightforwardness now even sharper. Old Lady Xie nodded approvingly, delighted with her state.
There was no rift between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. The conflict lay between Zou Weijun and Xie Jinghu. Xie Jinghu hadn’t seen such family harmony in ages, lingering at the living room door, unsure whether to enter.
Since his affair came to light, Xie Qian stopped respecting him, Zou Weijun stopped speaking to him, and the family blamed him. Beijing’s house was large, but Xie Jinghu dreaded returning from work. The bigger the house, the colder it felt without warmth.
“Old Third, why aren’t you going in?” Hou Zhixiu asked, carrying a teapot to refill water, seeing Xie Jinghu standing like a wooden post.
Only then did Zou Weijun turn, meeting Xie Jinghu’s gaze.
In the summer heat, a thin layer of sweat coated her neck.
Hearing his voice on the phone was one thing; seeing him in person was another. The sight of Xie Jinghu stirred a flood of negative emotions.
How could someone act for so many years?
Playing the good husband to her, the perfect father to all, while secretly raising another family abroad!
No wall is airtight. The wives’ circle in Beijing first caught wind, some jokingly hinting to Zou Weijun. She not only dismissed it but defended Xie Jinghu.
How foolish and laughable!
If she could turn back time, Zou Weijun would slap her past self twice.
To think she’d tried to end her life for such a man… Her chaotic thoughts gradually calmed. She was no longer the gullible fool from two years ago. Returning to the Xie family, she was a warrior.
Zou Weijun turned away from Xie Jinghu, pulling her hand from Old Lady Xie’s to stand, “Mum, it’s getting late, and I have work to do. I’ll head out now!”
Old Lady Xie grabbed her wrist, “I know you’re busy, but at least stay for a meal. Your sister-in-law prepared food, and your brother-in-law said he’s coming back.”
Hou Zhixiu thought the meal wasn’t crucial.
The issue was Old Lady Xie insisting on calling Xie Jinghu, keeping Zou Weijun for dinner. Seeing Xie Jinghu would likely ruin her appetite.
As the eldest sister-in-law, akin to a mother, Hou Zhixiu couldn’t say this outright and stiffly urged, “Mum’s right. It’s been so long since you were back. Stay for a meal.”
Zou Weijun stayed silent. Old Lady Xie glared at Xie Jinghu, “Don’t you have anything to say to your wife?!”
Xie Jinghu opened his mouth, unsure what to say.
On the way, he’d wondered if Zou Weijun had some scheme. Now, facing her, his mind was a mess.
Urged by his mother, he finally spoke, “Stay for dinner. We can talk about Xie Qian.”
For a couple estranged in heart, their son seemed the only topic left.
Zou Weijun finally looked at him squarely, “What about Xie Qian?”
What to discuss?
The two hundred million land deal or Jiashin Film Company?
Neither was appropriate; both would earn Old Lady Xie’s scolding.
Xie Jinghu picked what he thought was a safe topic, “He’s finishing his second year of high school. Shouldn’t we plan for next year? I think sending him abroad would broaden his horizons. He could return after his degree or continue studying there—”
Zou Weijun cut him off, “That’s Xie Qian’s decision. Parents’ plans for their child aren’t necessarily what he wants.”
Xie Qian wouldn’t go abroad.
He and Wen Ying had agreed to attend university in Shanghai. Zou Weijun fully supported her son’s choice.
Xie Jinghu bristled, “I’m planning for his good!”
Zou Weijun gave a mocking smile, “Really? I thought you wanted to send Xie Qian abroad to make room for someone else!”
Her words silenced the room. The four stood frozen, the quiet so deep a pin’s drop would echo.
Zou Weijun had torn away the veil.
Everyone in the Xie family knew, but none had spoken it in her presence: Xie Jinghu’s mistress abroad, with whom he had a son and daughter!
Old Lady Xie was mortified. This was Xie Jinghu’s fault, the Xie family’s debt to Zou Weijun.
“Make room for who?” Xie Jinghu snapped, shame turning to anger. “So you came back to pick a fight. I did wrong, and I’m trying to make it up to you. If you can’t get past this, we can go settle the paperwork—”
Slap!
Old Lady Xie struck Xie Jinghu across the face.
“Settle what paperwork?”
Her chest ached with fury, “As long as I’m alive, Weijun is my only daughter-in-law. You can disown me as your mother, but she remains my daughter-in-law. Dare mention those two words, and you can prepare my funeral!”
Fuming, one slap wasn’t enough. She chased Xie Jinghu to hit him again, “What paperwork? You dare say that? Because of you, unfilial son, I can’t face my in-laws!”
Hou Zhixiu, fearing for Old Lady Xie’s health, held Xie Jinghu still, “Mum, a few hits to vent for Sister-in-law is fine, but don’t hurt your back.”
Hit him, hit him more. Xie Jinghu deserved it.
Hou Zhixiu glanced at Zou Weijun, secretly shocked: watching Xie Jinghu get hit, Zou Weijun showed no emotion at all.
