The Lu Family’s most reputable member was this daughter-in-law. Most people believed the old lady and Lu Dazhuang had abused their wife and child, eventually driving them away with their beatings…
Who would ever marry into such a family now!
“You’re talking nonsense!” Lu Dazhuang, who had just regained consciousness, struggled to stand up.
Chu Jiangchuan stomped on his chest, and Lu Dazhuang passed out again with a gurgle.
Chu Jiangchuan staggered as he withdrew his foot: “Sorry, my leg’s crippled—it often cramps up!”
The crowd fell silent.
The village chief wanted to say more, but Tang Ximian spoke leisurely: “Why are you protecting them so much, Village Chief? What benefits did the Lu Family give you? Money? Power? Or women?”
“How dare you! I… I just came to see what was happening! Aren’t you getting a divorce? Handle it yourselves!”The village chief, feeling guilty, actually turned and left, running quite fast!”
Tang Ximian looked at the Lu Family members: “Get your documents, don’t miss a single one. Pack your things and leave!”
Chu Jiangrong silently went to gather her belongings, quickly tying up a small bundle containing just one shirt, one pair of pants, and the few dimes she’d earned sewing buttons and mending clothes for others. Her child clung closely to her side.
“What about our betrothal gifts?” Old Lady Lu couldn’t conceal her excitement.
“Right here!” Xu Guangfen glanced at her daughter-in-law as she produced them.
Tang Ximian nodded: “My sister was injured and has endured your humiliation and abuse all along. Considering medicine costs and compensation for emotional distress, returning you thirty isn’t unreasonable, is it?”Why should I!”” Whenever money was involved, Old Lady Lu reacted as if bitten by a dog.
“With this.”” Chu Jiangchuan pointed to his fist.
“If you keep making trouble, I’ll reveal that matter!” Chu Jiangrong suddenly spoke up.
Old Lady Lu whirled around, glaring venomously at her: “You bitch! How dare you!”
Tang Ximian’s eyes flashed with anger. She stepped forward, grabbed Old Lady Lu’s hair, and slapped her twice: “You think I’m dead or something?!”
But this matter clearly held importance—even after being beaten, Old Lady Lu ultimately backed down.
As for the child, they certainly didn’t want it. Who knew when the sickly child might die!
The divorce procedures were handled at the town office, marking Chu Jiangrong’s first visit to town. Since the child was frightened, Xu Guangfen took them home first.
Tang Ximian didn’t go inside, instead buying a five-cent newspaper from the roadside and sitting down to wait.
She’d already satisfied her urge to hit people today—the remaining matters could be left to the Chu Family!
Indeed, all of Tang Ximian’s actions today were for Chu Jiangchuan, who had limited mobility.
Chu Jiangchuan understood her intentions and tacitly refrained from intervening.
However, he could tell his wife had some combat training!
How many more secrets did this girl have that he didn’t know about?
“Hmm?”
Tang Ximian’s eyes instantly lit up when she saw the recruitment notice in the newspaper’s classified section.
The county broadcasting station was hiring announcers!
Her opportunity had arrived!
Her Mandarin had previously reached the top proficiency level. As she gradually rose to higher positions, she knew her shortcomings would multiply, so she’d voraciously absorbed knowledge during her spare time.
Looking back now, perhaps all that preparation was for this very return?
After Chu Jiangchuan emerged, Tang Ximian immediately shared her idea.
Chu Jiangrong expressed support: “I believe you can definitely do it!”
“Are you sure about this?” Xu Guangfen, upon learning of her daughter-in-law’s idea, couldn’t help feeling skeptical. “Is this news reliable? Could it be a scam?”
“It’s genuine.” Chu Jiangchuan knew it was real after reading the newspaper. “Shall we go tomorrow? We can take the bus tomorrow morning—it’s only a two-hour ride!”
“Will you come with me?” Tang Ximian linked her arm with his as they walked slowly.
Chu Jiangchuan nodded. “I wouldn’t feel at ease letting you go alone!”
Chu Jiangrong, now free of burdens, felt utterly relieved. She had considered divorce before but couldn’t bring herself to go through with it. Now that it was done, she was genuinely happy. “You two go ahead with your plans. Mom and I will stay home to watch over the wheat and look after the children!”
With the twenty yuan she had received, Chu Jiangrong didn’t hold back—she bought a three-pound grass carp and stewed it.
“Mianmian, let’s not dwell on the past. I’ve seen things clearly today. From now on, I’ll discuss everything with you!”
Though Chu Jiangrong tended to hesitate in her actions, she knew right from wrong.
Tang Ximian smiled and nodded. “So, sis, what else have you found out about the Lu Family?”
She was burning with curiosity!
“Those two children in the Lu Family aren’t biologically related to them. Old Lady Lu borrowed seeds from another man! But that man now has a fiercely temperamental wife, so…”
The Chu Family was utterly shocked.
That old lady truly had some nerve!
Although such things did happen, they were exceedingly rare across a dozen nearby villages…
Everyone treated the children well, but the little girl still refused to speak. Chu Jiangrong explained that the child had been frightened by her grandmother and hadn’t uttered a word for nearly a month.
Chu Jiangchuan was full of concern, but Tang Ximian reassured him, “Once I find a stable job, we’ll take the child to the county town for treatment!”
“Mianmian, thank you…” Chu Jiangrong felt both heartache and gratitude.
……
Since they had to catch an early bus, Tang Ximian woke up at dawn, changed into a new outfit, and lightly curled her hair with heated chopsticks, giving her a distinctly Hong Kong-style flair.
Although it was summer, the early morning was still chilly. Clutching the newspaper, Tang Ximian and Chu Jiangchuan made their way to the town bus station.
This wasn’t Tang Ximian’s first time on such a bus, but after so many years, she found it hard to adjust. The constant swaying nearly made her sick, leaving her face pale.
As the crowd thinned slightly, Chu Jiangchuan moved closer and handed her a handful of sour jujubes. “You’ve always gotten motion sickness. These are for you!”
“Thank you.” The sourness made Tang Ximian’s eyes twitch uncontrollably, amusing Chu Jiangchuan.
Following the address in the newspaper, the two quickly found the television station’s recruitment office.
However, several people were already there—all seemingly vying for the same position.
After all, it was one of those iron rice bowl jobs. The requirements were high, but the monthly salary was fifty yuan, with meals provided in the cafeteria and dormitory accommodations—a rare opportunity!
Two staff members stood at the entrance: one ensuring everyone queued properly, the other inquiring about educational backgrounds.
“What’s your highest education level?”
“Technical secondary school graduate…”
“And you?”
“I… I only finished primary school…”
“Sorry, your education doesn’t meet the requirements. You may leave.”
The staff member soon approached Tang Ximian. “You’re quite a pretty young lady! What’s your education level?”
“Hello, sister. I graduated from high school!” Tang Ximian, who had previously spoken with a local accent, now used flawless standard Mandarin. “Although my education isn’t exceptional, I’d still like to give it a try!”
“Give it a rest!” The woman behind her snorted and spoke up: “I’m a college graduate, you should just go back home!” She also spoke in Mandarin, but Tang Ximian detected a slight accent and chuckled: “Dear sister, morality often makes up for the defects of wisdom, but wisdom can never fill the void of morality!”
“You…”
The girl was stunned by Tang Ximian’s remark.
“You two can go in together later and compete!” The staff member was quite impressed with both of them and smiled while pulling them apart: “No arguing for now!”
“Ability speaks louder than words, Mianmian, come here and I’ll fan you.” Chu Jiangchuan pulled Tang Ximian to stand in the shade.