Capítulo 871: Chapter 586: Everyone Has Their Troubles

The first watch is here.

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“Third sister-in-law, Third Brother is really good to you.” Mei Xiaofeng looked at Chuxia with envy, “If Zhou Zhongkang ever treats me so well, I would die content.”

“Pfft pfft pfft…” Chuxia spat several times in disapproval, glaring at her, “It’s New Year’s, don’t say such unlucky things. You were just saying that Zhou Zhongkang is already so good to you, aren’t you satisfied? Why are you suddenly envious of someone else?

Everyone has a different personality. You only see when Zhou Mikang is good to me, you didn’t see when he yells at me. Cherishing what you have is the real way.”

“Third sister-in-law, I couldn’t tell you are quite superstitious…” Mei Xiaofeng smiled at Chuxia, feeling unknowingly closer to her because she could see that the other genuinely cared for her, treated her like family.

Chuxia said, “At New Year’s, saying something auspicious can give oneself more peace of mind.” She thought to herself, strange things like body swapping in alternate space-time can happen inexplicably, this is not superstition, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Alright then, I won’t say anything unlucky…” She sighed, Mei Xiaofeng forced a smile, “I originally thought my elder brother and sister-in-law could reconcile, but now my sister-in-law is getting married. It seems my brother’s solitary journey must continue.”

“Oh right, didn’t you leave the Mei family after marrying Zhou Zhongkang? How come you were with your elder brother on your birthday?”

“During that time, Zhou Zhongkang was following a teacher on a field study, and my brother couldn’t let me stay alone, so he came to keep me company at night until Zhou Zhongkang returned.”

“Your brother is really good to you.” Chuxia looked at her with envy, “My parents only have me, I envy others who have brothers and sisters.” In the past, she was an only daughter, and she still is now. Even though she has the love of Jing Zhe and Lin Wenbin, it’s not the same.

“Yes, my brother is really good to me, better than my parents. When I was young, my brother raised me. Wherever I went to play, he always took me.

When I grew up and made mistakes, it was mostly my brother who took the blame for me. This time with my marriage, everyone was against it, but my brother said as long as I felt happy, he would support me. And in fact, that’s what he did.

Third sister-in-law, now that I think about it, I finally have one thing that makes me happier than you…” Mei Xiaofeng smiled happily, “I’m not regretful anymore.”

Chuxia looked at her helplessly and shook her head: “I see it clearly now, your competitive streak is quite strong; in the future, I must be careful when dealing with you.”

“Third sister-in-law, don’t be mad.” Mei Xiaofeng quickly grabbed her hand to plead, “I was just joking, not serious. I promise, I won’t compare myself with third sister-in-law anymore, really.”

“Really?” Chuxia feigned hesitation, “Can I trust you?”

“Of course! Of course!” Mei Xiaofeng nodded repeatedly.

“Okay then, I’ll forgive you this once. If you compare yourself with me again, I won’t be your friend anymore.” Chuxia pulled her to sit on the wooden bench in the garden, “Let’s rest for a bit and bask in the sun.”

Zhou Jiping, feeling bored, also came out for a walk. From afar, she saw the two heads huddled together, and a smile unconsciously graced her lips. Seeing the two sisters-in-law getting along was obviously something she was happy to see; a harmonious family leads to prosperity.

“Chuxia, Xiaofeng, what are you chatting about?”

The two turned back and saw Zhou Jiping. Chuxia quickly got up to support her, “We’re just chatting, Second Sister, why don’t you sleep a bit more? You stayed up so late last night; you should rest more now.”

“It’s okay, my body can handle it.” Zhou Jiping looked at Mei Xiaofeng with concern, “Xiaofeng, how are you feeling?”

“Second Sister, I’m fine.” Mei Xiaofeng quickly said.

When facing Chuxia, she could be very at ease because both were daughters-in-law of the Zhou family, standing on the same ground. But when facing Zhou Jiping, she felt somewhat embarrassed. If she hadn’t impulsively slit her wrist, it wouldn’t have led to the eventual loss of the fetus.

She knew how much the Zhou family elders were looking forward to the birth of great-grandchildren, so when facing the Zhou family members, she couldn’t help but feel guilty. Up till now, no one blamed her, and everyone showed her care, which made her feel even more guilty.

Thinking that Mei Xiaofeng was sad about losing the child, Zhou Jiping comforted her, “You’re younger than me and healthier, give it a year or so, and you can be a mother again.”

Mei Xiaofeng smiled sheepishly, “Second Sister, I know, I just feel like I’ve been too reckless. The whole family treats me so well, and I feel especially wrong.”

“It’s all in the past…” Zhou Jiping sighed and said, “It’s not entirely your fault; Zhongkang’s stubborn nature bears some responsibility. Rest assured, things will get better.”

“I know, just now when I was chatting with third sister-in-law, I said that this time, the miscarriage was worth it, at the very least, Zhou Zhongkang understands to cherish and live life properly now.”

“Yes, that’s what I wanted to say earlier, but I didn’t have the courage. Besides, Second Uncle and Second Aunt are incredibly grateful to you. They used to think that this son would probably never get close to them in this lifetime, but unexpectedly, the knot was untied just like that.”

“Father-in-law and Mother-in-law are so good to me, I am also especially grateful to them. They have not had it easy either. It’s not their fault that they couldn’t be by the children’s side, and as a result, the two children aren’t close to them. It’s really unfair to them.” Mei Xiaofeng sighed, “Before I had the accident, I went shopping with Zhou Zhongkang and we ran into Nanping. The brother and sister just greeted each other simply, then parted ways. If you didn’t know, you’d think they were just coworkers from a factory, and not even familiar ones.”

“Being able to greet each other is not bad; if she met us, she’d probably walk past like she didn’t know us.” Zhou Jiping couldn’t help but smile bitterly, “Or maybe in her heart, she feels the whole Zhou family owes her.

Especially after what happened to the Xiao family, her in-laws were implicated, so she sees the Zhou family even more as enemies now. I suspect she won’t be able to come back this lunar New Year’s Eve.

Second Uncle and Second Aunt don’t say it out loud, but they actually miss her a lot. Unfortunately, in this family, there’s no one who can speak in a way she’ll listen to. I hope that one day when she becomes a mother, she’ll understand Second Uncle and Second Aunt’s feelings.”

“Every family has its ups and downs, not a single one is hassle-free. But compared to my own family, ours is really not bad. Now, other than Zhou Nanping and Zhou Aiping, everyone gets along quite well.

The main reason my parents were so mad that I married Zhou Zhongkang is that they lost face with Second Uncle and Third Uncle.

My dad is the eldest, and Grandpa’s expectations of him were a bit higher. Second Uncle and Third Uncle were somewhat unconvinced since they were young, and later on, when they had their own families, their relationships became even worse.

If the brothers don’t get along well, how can the younger generation get along well? Every family wants to come out on top, whether it’s in their children’s jobs or marriages.

Uncle Qiao and my dad have a good relationship, and our families interact a lot. Qiao Jingjun is a leading figure among the younger generation of the Qiao family. My parents particularly liked him, and without even asking me, they agreed with Aunt Qiao and Uncle Qiao to have us be together.

If we were really together, my parents could gain enough face with Second Uncle, Second Aunt, Third Uncle, and Third Aunt, and my dad’s position as head of the family wouldn’t be disputed anymore.

So, I got married like this, indirectly causing trouble for my parents. According to my elder brother, both Second Uncle’s and Third Uncle’s families are doing their best to increase their own leverage.

Third sister-in-law, now you understand why I’ve always been so worried. If my dad can’t become the head of the Mei family, my mom will never forgive me. She’s too strong-willed.”

After hearing this detailed explanation, Chuxia was even more confused: “To your mom, is your dad’s position as head of the family more important than the children’s happiness?”

“Yes.”

Zhou Jiping and Mei Xiaofeng said in unison.

“Chuxia, it’s because Uncle and Aunt love you especially that you married into our family. Grandpa, Grandma, and Mom and Dad are also very good to you. Do you really think all parents sincerely want the best for their children?

It’s not so. Many large families use their children’s marriages to further the family’s growth and prosperity. Whether the children are happy or not doesn’t matter at all.

Generation after generation, it’s the constant expansion they want, so I’ve known since I was a child that being born into the Zhou family is a very fortunate thing.

Among my classmates, several have been sacrificed for family interests. Their marriages are just a formality, and there’s not a bit of affection between the couples.

Back then, I was willing to be with your brother-in-law, thinking that an ordinary family wouldn’t be so utilitarian. Now it seems, I was really too naive…” Shaking her head, Zhou Jiping stopped speaking.

Chuxia hurriedly advised: “Second sister, actually brother-in-law is really good to you. The fact that he comes to our house for the New Year shows that you are very important to him.”

“I know.” Zhou Jiping sighed, “That’s why I stayed up all night with him on New Year’s Eve, I just didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable spending the New Year at the Zhou family.”

No wonder, that night, when they told her to go to bed, she wouldn’t go, insisting that she had slept too much during the day to sleep at night. Women, they’re born actresses. In front of others, Zhou Jiping always had a stern face with Mingtao, but in her heart, she was always thinking of him.

“Second sister, can I share my thoughts with you? Please don’t get mad.” Chuxia looked at her seriously, “Second sister loves brother-in-law so much and agreed to let him come home for New Year, so there’s no need to intentionally put on a stern face. Sometimes, men’s hearts are obtuse, and it’s not so easy for them to realize what’s going on in a woman’s mind.”

Zhou Jiping stubbornly said: “If he’s not happy, he can leave. I never said he had to stay by my side.”

At this time, Little Jing rushed over to Zhou Jiping and said, “Second Miss, Yu Mingxia is here, and Second Brother-in-law asked me to come get you.” (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)