The Ji family had four sons and one daughter.
The four sons were named Ji Xiangdong, Ji Xiangnan, Ji Xiangxi, and Ji Xiangbei.
They covered all four cardinal directions.
When Ji Yanshu was born, the eldest son had already enlisted in the military.
Upon hearing that the family had welcomed a baby sister, he specifically sought out an intellectual to name her.
Yanshu.
The name carried the meaning of growing up beautiful, intelligent, and studious.
Ji Yanshu was indeed very beautiful—the most radiant girl in the entire region.
She had been clever since childhood.
At the age of seven, she even rescued her youngest brother from the clutches of human traffickers.
But when it came to academics, she lacked both talent and diligence.
As Ji Xiangbei put it, the first three brothers had already divided up all the intelligence and perseverance in the Ji family.
He and their youngest sister should be thankful they weren’t foolish or lazy.
To expect them to achieve greatness beyond that would be pure greed!
Father Ji and Mother Ji hoped their children would succeed but also wanted to keep them close, so the family could remain lively and united.
However, reality fell far short of their wishes.
The eldest and second sons were already married.
One had settled down in the military district.
The other had been allocated a home in the county town and started a family there.
The third son was still single, living in the school dormitory and only returning on his days off.
Only the fourth son and the youngest daughter stayed home with the elderly couple every day.
Father Ji and Mother Ji felt this was the best life they could hope for.
Although the fourth son and youngest daughter weren’t as accomplished as their older brothers, they were still outstanding compared to others.
Contentment brings lasting happiness!
When Ji Xiangbei returned home, he happened to run into the elderly couple on their way to break off the engagement.
The moment he heard about Zhou Heng’s despicable actions, he exploded.
His curses were filthy.
Taking the items from the elderly couple’s hands, he said, “I’ll handle this. Both of you stay home. How dare he expect elders to go to him for an explanation? He should be the one coming to our Ji family to plead guilty with a twig of punishment on his back! Just wait—I’ll beat him to death!”
“You two should eat and drink as usual. Don’t let our little sister go hungry.”
In the tractor trailer were two large bags containing apples, milk candies, and soda.
They were originally meant to be taken to the Zhou family.
Now? Not a chance!
Even feeding them to dogs would be better than giving them to the Zhous!
Mother Ji was uneasy. “Old Ji, go with him and keep an eye on things.”
Father Ji nodded. “Slaughter the old hen at home and make some nourishing soup for our daughter.”
Anyone would be furious in such a situation.
Everyone had seen how much their daughter cared about Zhou Heng.
She must be feeling terrible right now.
Ji Yanshu didn’t go to the Zhou family. She didn’t need Zhou Heng’s apology.
She would never forgive him!
In her previous life, after her death, she had left behind a child, whom the Ji family treasured.
Although Zhou Heng remarried, the Ji family always thought of Zhou Heng and the child whenever something good happened.
When he first started his business, her eldest brother even gave him a sum of money and introduced him to reliable partners.
All in the hope that Zhou Heng would succeed and the child would benefit as well.
But the more kindness they showed, the deeper the thorn in Xu Huifang’s heart festered.
To please Xu Huifang, Zhou Heng gradually distanced himself from the Ji family.
The child, quick to pick up on cues, followed suit and deliberately avoided the Ji family relatives.
This was the child she had given birth to. No matter how heartbroken the Ji family felt, they could only swallow their grievances.
A voice in Ji Yanshu’s mind told her that supporting characters only served two purposes:
Either to be humiliated and crushed by the protagonists,
Or to provide resources for the protagonists.
In this life, she would stay far away from Zhou Heng and Xu Huifang. Let’s see how they would build their fortune then!
Rely on the Xu family?
They favored sons over daughters, and their family fortune had long been squandered. It was absurd to think they would support Zhou Heng’s business ventures!
Rely on the Zhou family?
Well, let’s see how far they could go without money or connections!
The Zhou Residence.
Zhou Heng suddenly brought Xu Huifang home and announced he wanted to marry her, leaving everyone stunned.
Mrs. Zhou: "Weren't you supposed to get your marriage certificate with Yanshu today? How… how did you bring this person back instead?"
She glanced at Xu Huifang and took half a step back, her disdain evident.
In the past, Xu Huifang would have felt insulted.
She would have responded with sarcastic remarks.
What right did a country bumpkin have to look down on her?
But now her edges had been worn smooth.
If someone was willing to shelter her from the storm, what more could she ask for?
Besides, she wasn't in any position to be picky.
Zhou Heng was handsome and a leader of the Production Team—though he couldn't compare to the men in her former social circle.
For now, he was her best option.
She knew Zhou Heng and Ji Yanshu were in a relationship, and their bond seemed solid.
But so what?
Even married couples could divorce; breaking up before marriage was perfectly normal.
Xu Huifang and Zhou Heng had barely exchanged a few words, so his sudden confession and proposal left her puzzled.
But she was tired of carrying night soil.
Without giving herself time to hesitate, she accepted his proposal.
It was rash, but she had no regrets.
Zhou Heng stepped in front of Xu Huifang, shielding her protectively. "I'll handle things with the Ji family. I'll give Yanshu whatever compensation she wants, but marriage is out of the question!"
His tone was resolute, his demeanor intimidating, leaving no room for argument.
The Zhou family exchanged uneasy glances.
There was something off about him!
"You think you can marry Xiao Wu? We don't agree either! Who do you think you are, spouting such nonsense?"
Ji Xiangbei threw down the items he was holding, scattering the 200-yuan betrothal gift from the Zhou family.
The newly purchased wedding supplies, already arranged in the bridal chamber prepared by the Zhous, saved them the trouble of moving anything.
A rooster flapped its wings and flew toward Xu Huifang.
She shrieked in fright and hid behind Zhou Heng.
Zhou Heng couldn't stand to see the woman he loved distressed.
In a low voice, he warned, "Don't go too far."
Ji Xiangbei clenched his jaw.
His expression turned roguish.
"This is too far?"
Before Zhou Heng could respond, Ji Xiangbei grabbed him by the collar and landed two heavy punches.
"You dare mess with my sister, Zhou Heng? Have you lost your mind?"
After Zhou Heng made his fortune, he'd been surrounded by "nice" people.
It had been a long time since he'd encountered someone so defiant.
In his moment of shock, he was caught off guard. Ji Xiangbei threw him over his shoulder and slammed him hard onto the ground.
Only then did the Zhou family snap out of it.
Some rushed to pull Ji Xiangbei away, while others helped Zhou Heng up.
The Zhou family was in the wrong; they didn't even have the nerve to scold Ji Xiangbei.
They could only plead, "Let's talk this out properly. Fighting won't solve anything."
Mrs. Zhou: "Yanshu is the daughter-in-law we've chosen for our Zhou family. Don't worry, the engagement still stands. We won't let this brat mess things up. They'll get their marriage certificate tomorrow!"
"Bullshit! That heartless scum isn't worthy of her!"
Ji Xiangbei was furious. "Our Xiao Wu has no shortage of suitors! Good men lining up to marry her could stretch all the way to the city! From today on, we're cutting ties. The engagement is off! If any of you dare bother Xiao Wu again, I won't let it slide!"
The Ji family's eldest son was a division commander in the military—a status even city folks couldn't match.
How could the Zhou family bear to lose such an exceptional daughter-in-law?
Seeing Father Ji arrive, Mrs. Zhou hurriedly said, "In-law, please talk some sense into Xiangbei. How can he call off the engagement so rashly?"
Seeing Xu Huifang there as well, Father Ji knew his daughter had told the complete truth.
In their family, whether their children achieved great things or not, none of them should ever suffer such humiliation.
At worst, they could simply support her for life.
Father Ji cast a cold glance at Zhou Heng. He used to think this young man was decent, steady and reliable.
He never expected to have misjudged him.
"Your son brought his new bride home without marrying her—does he intend to engage in improper relations?"
Mother Zhou forced a smile, "It's all a misunderstanding."
Father Ji: "Whether it's a misunderstanding or not, this engagement is canceled."
Zhou Heng apologized sincerely, "I've wronged Yanshu, but the person I love now is Comrade Xu. I truly cannot marry Yanshu."
Ji Xiangbei's fists itched.
Listen to that—what kind of talk is that!
Father Ji snorted coldly, "Do you really think you're such a prize? Xiao Wu has long wanted to break off the engagement with you."
Only then did Zhou Heng realize the Ji family had returned the betrothal gifts.
He hadn't even confessed yet—how had they already thought to cancel the engagement?
Could it be that because he skipped the wedding and didn't go to get the marriage certificate, Ji Yanshu got angry?