Niu Zhenzhu stood in the yard and called out loudly:
“My youngest daughter, your mother’s here to see you!”
From behind the gate, Old Madam Niu replied in a pinched voice.
Su Lan curled her lips. “Hmph. Showing up this late at night can’t be anything good.”
Back when Father Su had died of a serious illness, Old Madam Niu had publicly severed ties with Niu Zhenzhu in front of the entire Niu family.
Why? Because Niu Zhenzhu was a widow with three “burdens.” Who wouldn’t be afraid of that?
Old Madam Niu had always favored sons over daughters. With her sons and daughters-in-law stirring things up, she worried Niu Zhenzhu wouldn’t be able to survive and might come begging for food, so she simply cut off contact first.
Over the years, Niu Zhenzhu gritted her teeth and raised her children on her own. Life had gradually improved. Yet now her natal family had come knocking.
When a weasel pays New Year’s greetings to a chicken, it’s never with good intentions. Niu Zhenzhu knew exactly how snobbish her mother was.
After entering the house, Old Madam Niu stared fixedly at the canned food and fried glutinous rice sticks on the table, swallowing again and again.
“My dear daughter, it’s been so long. Your mother has missed you so much.”
Before coming, she had already planned her speech she was determined to trick Su Lan out of the 6,000 yuan compensation she’d received from the Guo family.
For money, lowering herself and putting on a kind face was nothing. Surely the four women would be grateful beyond measure?
But Niu Zhenzhu wasn’t stupid. She knew exactly what kind of person her mother was.
“Just say what you came to say. It’s late. We have work tomorrow,” she replied curtly.
Niu Manfu immediately got upset and began cursing.
“Niu Zhenzhu, don’t push your luck. It’s your blessing that Mother is willing to visit a money-losing daughter like you.”
“I’m a money-loser? Then you’re a gold nugget. This shabby temple can’t hold a great Buddha like you. Get out.”
Niu Zhenzhu shot back without hesitation.
“Eldest, shut your mouth. Business first,” Old Madam Niu scolded her eldest son.
Niu Manfu glared at Niu Zhenzhu resentfully and turned away. “Like I even wanted to come.”
“Stop beating around the bush. Aren’t you tired of pretending?” Niu Zhenzhu said bluntly.
At that, the fake smile on Old Madam Niu’s face disappeared.
“I raised you from infancy. If you won’t be filial, fine but what kind of attitude is this?
Su Lan got so much money from her divorce. You should at least take some out to help your uncles and cousins.”
Su Lan’s eyes reddened with anger. “Grandma, that money is what I deserve. It’s compensation for being treated like a beast of burden in the Guo family.
I’m a divorced woman raising a child alone is that easy? If I give the money to my uncles, how are my daughter and I supposed to live?”
“You gave birth to another money-losing girl. In a few years she’ll marry out. But your uncles and cousins need to marry wives and carry on the family line. Is that the same?”
Old Madam Niu’s eyes widened and her face darkened.
“I’ll make this clear. If you don’t hand over the money, I’ll move in and eat and drink well with you every day.
Manfu, Mantun go inside and search for the money.”
A relative by marriage from the machinery factory residential compound had spread the news that Niu Zhenzhu had made a scene at the Guo family. That was what prompted this visit.
“Let’s see who dares.”
Su Die slowly pulled out the well-known kitchen knife from her bag and twirled it in her hand, her tone teasing.
“So my nickname ‘Knife-Wielding Xi Shi’ isn’t loud enough yet? You don’t fear me at all. Makes me feel a bit like a failure.”
Niu Mantun, tall and heavyset, glared viciously. “You little brat, daring to pull a knife on your uncle? I’ll beat you to death.”
“Enough talk. Come at me together.”
Su Die didn’t waste words. If she could act, she wouldn’t argue.
Niu Mantun had long wanted to teach this disrespectful girl a lesson. He clenched his fist and swung at her face.
With a nimble turn, Su Die struck the back of his neck with the blunt side of the knife, then delivered a savage kick to his groin. His sturdy body swayed twice before collapsing to the ground.
“Ah! Mantun! My son!”
Old Madam Niu rushed over and knelt beside him, slapping his face in panic, afraid he’d been hacked to death.
“You brat! I’ll fight you to the death!” Niu Manfu howled as he charged forward.
But Niu Zhenzhu smashed a carrying pole onto his head, and Su Die followed with a sharp kick to his knee. With a loud thud, he too fell to his knees.
The original Su Die had already been strong. Now, with her replaced soul and combat expertise, handling two reckless men was effortless.
Clutching his knee and sweating profusely, Niu Manfu groaned, “Mom… my leg… I think it’s broken.”
“Since we severed ties, don’t shamelessly come crawling back. This is the first and last time I’ll say it.”
Su Die toyed with the knife, her tone icy.
In this era, treating daughters as less than human was common.
If a family had means, daughters were expected to unconditionally support their natal families and help their brothers raise households.
If life was hard, ties were cut completely.
When daughters became useful again, shameless relatives stuck close, wanting everything.
Was there really such a good deal in the world?
After Father Su died, Niu Zhenzhu had raised three school-aged children alone. Both the Su and Niu families had feared being dragged down by her poverty. Now that life was slightly better, they came to take advantage. Dream on.
Old Madam Niu glared viciously at Niu Zhenzhu. “You unfilial wretch. If you have the guts, beat me to death. Otherwise I’ll”
Crack!
The sound of Niu Mantun’s ankle bone breaking.
Su Die said lightly, “Say one more word and I’ll break his other foot. Don’t believe me? Try.”
Niu Manfu, in agony, trembled. “Mom… let’s go to the hospital first. My leg and Mantun’s foot can’t wait.”
Old Madam Niu wanted to speak again, but when she met Su Die’s cold gaze, she swallowed her words.
“Niu Zhenzhu, you’re truly my good daughter!”
“Take care. We won’t see you out.”
After the three members of the Niu family left, Niu Zhenzhu covered her face and burst into tears.
They were her own mother and brothers. To hurt her like this over money it was impossible not to feel heartbroken.
Su Lan, holding Duoduo, cried too.
Without a man to shoulder things, even the strongest woman has vulnerable moments especially when wounded by those closest to her.
But that was reality. Human nature could be this ugly.
“Big Sister, tomorrow morning I’ll go with you to the bank to deposit the money. The longer we wait, the more trouble. I bet the Su family will catch wind of this and come sniffing around too.”
It wasn’t that Su Die wanted to think badly of the Su family but some people were worse than beasts.
After crying it out, Niu Zhenzhu felt much lighter.
“No matter who comes, I won’t give them a pleasant face. Su Lan, you need to learn from your little sister. Be tougher. If not for her tonight, our money would’ve been taken.”
She patted her chest, still shaken.
Su Lan wiped her tears and nodded. “I know, Mom. For Duoduo’s sake, I have to stand up.”
Duoduo pouted and ran into Su Die’s arms, blinking her watery eyes.
“Auntie, when I grow up, I want to fight like you. I won’t be afraid of anyone.”
Su Die smiled and lifted the little girl onto her lap. “When the time comes, I’ll teach you myself.”
Having more skills never weighs you down. When no one protects you, you must hold up the sky yourself.
Not everyone is born into wealth.
Even in her previous life, though she had bodyguards around the clock from birth, her father still hired someone to teach her self-defense.
Because of one sentence.
“When you truly master a skill, no matter what storms you face, it becomes the confidence that carries you forward.”
After Niu Zhenzhu and the others fell asleep, Su Die began translating documents.
When she finished, she took a bath before going to bed.
Early the next morning, while Su Die was still fast asleep, Gu Jingzhou drove over with breakfast.
Niu Zhenzhu and Su Lan were busy in the kitchen when they suddenly saw a young man in military uniform walk in.
What a handsome face he was a perfect match for their Su Die.
The reason Niu Zhenzhu had arranged so many blind dates for Su Die was to choose carefully. Her daughter was as beautiful as a fairy and so talented of course she had to pick well.
Now she understood why Su Die had taken a liking to Gu Jingzhou. He looked strong and capable marrying him would be no loss.
Wiping her hands on her apron, Niu Zhenzhu walked out of the kitchen with a kind smile.
“You must be Xiao Gu. Come in and sit. Su Die’s still asleep I’ll go wake her.”
Gu Jingzhou waved quickly. “No need. She stayed up late translating documents. Let her sleep a little longer. I’m not in a hurry.”
He went into the kitchen and reheated the two lunch boxes on the stove.
“I was afraid the food would get cold.”
Niu Zhenzhu and Su Lan exchanged a glance, smiling with narrowed eyes.
First impression? Very good. A man who knew how to care for someone.
“Auntie, it’s my first visit. I brought some local specialties. Please don’t mind.”
Gu Jingzhou carried in four boxes from outside.
“You’re too polite bringing breakfast and gifts,” Niu Zhenzhu laughed.
“It’s what I should do.”
Just then, Su Die came out of her room.
“Why are you here so early?”
She wore the yellow floral dress Gu Jingzhou had bought her yesterday and white leather shoes. She looked youthful and sweet. Gu Jingzhou stared, mesmerized.
“I wanted to bring you breakfast early.”
In truth, he simply wanted to see his beloved wife sooner.
Niu Zhenzhu looked at her future son-in-law with increasing satisfaction.
“Xiao Gu, wash your hands and join us. Eat a little more with Su Die.”
“Yes, Auntie. Thank you.”
Duoduo toddled over on her short legs and sweetly called out:
“Hello, Uncle-in-law!”