Wan Zhi Zhi watched her flattering parents. Were these really her biological parents? Even if they were, she wouldn’t return.
“The swap isn’t my fault. I called them parents for fourteen years. Now they say I’m not theirs—did anyone consider my feelings?”
Shen Gaoqin blamed Jiang Zhen for revealing the matter publicly instead of privately. She wouldn’t give up her most cherished Wan Zhi Zhi.
“No, she’s not leaving. Mom won’t let her.”
Shen Gaoqin and Wan Shuping discussed: “Big sister, Zhi Zhi and Shulan conflict. Living together won’t work. Why not let Shulan go to Beijing, with living expenses covered by us?”
Wan Shuping had already seen He Shulan’s character; there was no way she’d take her in. “Your child isn’t responsible—just shoving her onto others. Have a little sense of being a mother? Ridiculous!”
Wan Chun Ni had no fondness for the fake second sister. In the past, during festivals, the girl mocked her parents for not wanting her, teased her for not being a boy, and caused her to be left at her aunt’s house. Now, Chun Ni laughed at the thought of her returning.
“Wan Zhi Zhi, you’re not my second sister. My real sister is coming back—you’ll need to give up your position and room.”
Wan Zhi Zhi glared fiercely at her sister. “Wan Chun Ni, don’t gloat. If He Shulan can argue with me, she’ll scold you too in the future. You won’t have an easy life.”
Wan Hongyan, seeing the parents dawdling, sighed and negotiated with He Shulan’s parents: “Zhi Zhi has been spoiled under our care. If you take her home, there will be no peace. Better leave her here.”
He Shulan’s parents said, “We don’t mind, but Shulan is very capable. Selling charcoal in winter and bamboo shoots in spring, she supplements the household income. If you take her, we lose that help.”
Wan Zhi Zhi was angry. “What do you mean? Trying to extort my parents?”
He Shulan’s parents also didn’t want this spoiled daughter. “We’re your real parents—you’ve got it wrong.”
Wan Hongyan, trying to prevent their wealth from being drained, used psychological tactics: “Then just take Zhi Zhi. Each family raises their own daughter.”
Wan Zhi Zhi panicked, hiding behind Shen Gaoqin: “Mom, save me! My big sister wants to hurt me.”
…
Shen Gaoqin protected her, and Wan Hongyan’s plan failed. In the end, negotiations with He Shulan’s family set compensation: Shulan earned three to five yuan a month; the Wan family would pay He’s family five yuan per month, yearly in advance, totaling sixty on the spot.
He Shulan’s parents happily received the money. “Zhi Zhi, enjoy life at the Wan home, and don’t forget your parents and brother.”
Wan Zhi Zhi sneered: “You never raised me. If you want filial piety, go to He Shulan!”
He Shulan’s parents didn’t care: “Don’t think you’re the legitimate daughter of a rich family. Being allowed to stay at the Wan home is already your fortune.”
…
After long negotiations about money and arrangements, they finally asked where Shulan was. Few genuinely cared.
Jiang Zhen said: “I don’t know where Shulan is—you go find her. You’ve negotiated, so now it’s my turn. Shulan is Director Wan’s biological daughter; she has no need for Dr. Qi’s money. Dr. Qi entrusted me to reclaim the money he lent Shulan recently.”
“What? That wasn’t supposed to be a gift to Shulan?” He Shulan’s parents hesitated, thinking they could brush it off.
Dr. Qi wasn’t naive. The money was lent in formal documents, notarized. Jiang Zhen had obtained the paperwork from the notary.
“If you don’t return it, we’ll go to the police. Trying to deny this amount could land someone in prison for over ten years. One of you will sit—take your pick.”
He Shulan’s parents insisted the money was spent and wanted the Wan family to cover it as Shulan’s upkeep.
Wan Hongyan refused: “Our family also raised Zhi Zhi. If that’s your deal, take her back and let Jiang Zhen sue you!”
Wan Shuping scolded Director Wan: “Both of you shut up. Hongyan will make the decision.”
…
Negotiations over Dr. Qi’s money reached a deadlock between the two families.
Jiang Zhen refused to bend: “You two families are focused on your small gains, wanting to keep the swap quiet. I don’t care. Shulan’s situation isn’t that bad, and she doesn’t care. He Shulan’s parents, you can’t outmaneuver the Wan family. Either repay the money or send someone to prison—either choice angers the Wan family, so compromise is the only option.”
He Shulan’s parents, furious, relented: “Fine, we’ll repay. Zhi Zhi must come home. She’s pretty; in two years, we’ll demand a dowry. Sixty a year—who cares?”
Wan Hongyan refused to pay: “Then take Zhi Zhi home. After seeing her temper, don’t cry for her return.”
…
Jiang Zhen monitored He Shulan’s parents reclaiming the money. They called Dr. Qi to verify, who fully supported the action. Though the process lasted until midnight, Jiang Zhen successfully reclaimed every penny.
Gu Liancheng watched the children sleep, and only after that did Jiang Zhen return.
Li Chongling’s lights were on. Hearing footsteps, he came to the door. Jiang Zhen didn’t refuse, and Gu Liancheng let him in.
“How did it go?” both asked almost simultaneously.
Jiang Zhen stoked the charcoal to warm her hands before explaining.
“He Shulan’s parents, seeing the Wan family refusing to help repay, took Wan Zhi Zhi home. Seeing Shulan’s loft space, Zhi Zhi cursed. Her parents punished her with a broom, causing injuries. She was sent back to the hospital; the Wan family called the police for child abuse. I reported the parents for not repaying the money. After mediation, they repaid, promised no more corporal punishment, but refused to let Zhi Zhi return.”
“Why?” Li Chongling asked.
“Zhi Zhi is fourteen. He Shulan’s parents plan to betroth her in two years,” Jiang Zhen explained.
Gu Liancheng asked: “With such pressure, won’t Zhi Zhi run?”
Jiang Zhen replied: “Originally, the Wan family compromised, ready to pay 800 yuan in one go, cutting ties with He’s family. After Director Wan took one call, no matter the fuss, he refused. Director Wan is formidable.”
Gu Liancheng knew without thinking: “Director Wan, eldest brother, like a father figure—he feared his elder sibling. That’s why he stayed in Fancheng instead of moving to Beijing.”
“And He Shulan?” Li Chongling asked.
Jiang Zhen was reassured: “She knows when to speak. Director Wan feels guilty and protective; Dr. Qi wants the house-sale money held for Shulan until she turns eighteen—I agreed.”
Gu Liancheng asked: “So the swap between He and Wan families is officially resolved?”
Jiang Zhen: “Shulan is capable. No one needs to intervene further. Future disputes are their business. But the swap itself—done.”
For Jiang Zhen, it was settled; Gu Liancheng still worried about the uncle’s family.
…
In the following days, Wan Zhi Zhi refused to leave the hospital. He Shulan’s parents treated her poorly, claiming no funds for her fees, refusing Wan family assistance, insisting on taking her away.
He Shulan fell ill after Zhi Zhi’s pushing and insults. Director Wan, a doctor himself, examined her: chronic malnutrition, anemia, weak constitution, severe frostbite on hands and feet. Seeing this, he felt heartache and began disapproving of Zhi Zhi, who refused to acknowledge reality.
Originally, the Wan family wanted to quietly handle the swap, but now the whole hospital knew.
Shen Gaoqin, frustrated, came to Jiang Zhen’s home, demanding an explanation: “You disturbed my family. What benefit do you gain, Comrade Jiang? Why meddle?”
Jiang Zhen found her irrational: “Instead of blaming the swapper, caring for the returned daughter, or challenging your father for unpaid money, you vent on me? Fine. After you give birth, I’ll argue properly.”
Shen Gaoqin, angrier as she returned, went into premature labor that night. She finally got what she wanted: a boy. She wasn’t happy until morning, when the baby was taken away.
The Wan family immediately reported it. The abductor was traced: years ago, a former engagement arranged for Director Wan, later broken off. That family died or disappeared in the war. The woman, same age as Shen Gaoqin (who at forty-five carried her fourth child but aged prematurely), revealed: “If you wanted a girl, I wouldn’t interfere. But for a boy, he goes to a better home than your morally warped family.”
The woman coughed blood and died untreated. Now only Jiang Zhen could examine the corpse to recover the baby quickly.
…
“Mom, Uncle Xiao discussed with Dad. They want you to go help at the hospital. Will you?”
Jiang Tang and Gu Pan overheard Gu Liancheng and Xiao Qingfeng’s conversation. Adults intended them to eavesdrop, then approach Jiang Zhen.
Xiao Qingfeng pleaded with Gu Liancheng, who refused. So he tried the eavesdropping tactic.
Timing wasn’t right. Jiang Zhen held her forehead and sat: “Mom is unwell, probably sick, can’t go. No need for a hospital visit. Tell Dad, I need a few days’ rest.”
“Then rest quickly,” Jiang Tang urged.
Gu Pan felt Jiang Zhen’s forehead—no fever—must be anger illness: “Wan family isn’t nice. We won’t help. Auntie, rest well, we’ll call you for dinner.”
Jiang Zhao asked: “Being sick means good food. Mom, what do you want for dinner?”
Jiang Zhen thought: “Ask Dad to buy a roast duck. I want a drumstick.”
…
The longer it dragged, the smaller the chance of recovering the infant. Shen Gaoqin, longing for a son for twenty years, fainted crying multiple times. Wan Zhi Zhi’s interference was irrelevant; He’s parents took her from the hospital.
As Wan Zhi Zhi left, she shouted: “Mom, you said you loved me, but after having a son, you ignore me. Who did you ever love?”
…
Jiang Zhen had been resting at home for days, eating and sleeping without worries. Each day the corpse remained in the morgue, the more memory could be extracted from it.
The Wan family somehow got a tip: “Go find Comrade Jiang Zhen. If she’s willing to help, the child might be found.”
Director Wan supported Shen Gaoqin to the door, while Jiang Zhen didn’t get out of bed. “Sorry, my body is suddenly weak. Director Wan, who told you I could find a child? Are you putting me in an impossible position?”
Wan Qiming had only come after receiving a call from his elder brother.
His brother had said on the phone: “Capable people have strong personalities. Jiang Zhen can fall ill just like that to avoid our family’s troubles. That shows her abilities surpass what you imagine. You’re begging—be humble.”
Wan Qiming choked up: “Comrade Jiang, our decisions were indeed thoughtless, leading to today’s result. But a baby just a few days old is innocent. If there’s any way you can help, please do. Our family will remember the favor.”
Jiang Zhen shook her head: “Think about it—I didn’t meet the contact person, wasn’t at the scene—what could I possibly do?”
Shen Gaoqin didn’t want to hear more: “She definitely can’t do anything. Stop begging; I don’t want her mocking me.”
Jiang Zhen sat up, showing no signs of illness: “You dislike me deep down. As soon as you hear I can’t help, you turn on me. With someone like you, even if I could help, I wouldn’t.”
Hearing this, Wan Qiming immediately became stern with his wife: “I told you not to come, yet you did. You can’t even speak properly. No wonder my brother didn’t accept you. Our family is in this mess largely because of you. If you still want to find your son, go home now—stop making things worse.”
…
Gu Liancheng sent Director Wan off. The kids were still next door, building a small heated greenhouse with Professor Li, who also needed help for dinner preparations. Gu Liancheng was helpless.
He was under a lot of pressure. Xiao Qingfeng had come by several times. On his sister’s side, they asked, not forcing Jiang Zhen to examine the corpse—just wanting to know why he wasn’t doing it.
Gu Liancheng brought in a freshly steamed rice cake. Seeing Jiang Zhen already up and hair combed, he asked, “Going out?”
Jiang Zhen, eagerly holding the steaming rice cake, said: “Time to examine the corpse. You’re coming with me.”
Gu Liancheng was surprised, laughing: “I thought you really wouldn’t go.”
“Of course I will,” Jiang Zhen said. “A few days have passed. The Wan family’s elders know now and are intervening. This helps Shulan. Once we find the baby, the Wan family’s matter is completely resolved. Then we can handle your uncle’s case.”
“Jiang Zhen, aren’t you angry at Shen Gaoqin’s attitude?” Gu Liancheng asked, annoyed.
Jiang Zhen finished the rice cake, smiling: “I only get angry when beaten. When others have to beg me, I don’t. This rice cake is delicious. Let’s go. We can steam another batch when we return.”
“Alright,” Gu Liancheng thought there was no need to question Jiang Zhen’s reasoning. She was intentionally delaying to best serve Shulan’s situation.
…
Jiang Zhen examined the corpse. With clues, she quickly found the child.
Though the reason wasn’t disclosed, the Wan family received another call from their elder brother in Beijing, repeatedly emphasizing: “The child was found thanks to Comrade Jiang Zhen. Any past requests to the Gu family—don’t meddle. You can’t handle it.”
Director Wan’s youngest son was returned safely. Overjoyed, he later asked Wan Shuping and Wan Hongyan: “How did our elder brother instruct this? What were you planning to tell Gu Liancheng?”
Wan Shuping said: “I don’t interfere much. Hongyan promised to help persuade Gu Liancheng to return to Beijing. She also wanted Qingfeng back. If she wants Gu Liancheng to come, Qingfeng will agree.”
Wan Qiming quickly said: “Hongyan, whatever you and Qingfeng discuss, I support—but elder uncle said not to meddle in the Gu family’s affairs.”
Wan Hongyan said: “Jiang Zhen may be capable, but a few words from me to Gu Liancheng are enough. Dad, don’t worry; I know what I’m doing.”
…
Wan Hongyan told Gu Liancheng her family wanted him back in Beijing: “After transferring, your work is arranged. You can take Jiang Zhen and the children and live well in Beijing.”
Gu Liancheng sensed the Wan elder brother’s powerlessness; indeed, no one in that generation was fully alert.
“My wife doesn’t want to meddle in your family’s affairs for a reason—no one in your family has a clear head. You still plan to have Qingfeng transfer and return to Beijing?”
Wan Hongyan: “Of course. I won’t leave Beijing for Fancheng. If Xiao Qingfeng doesn’t transfer, we’ll be long-distance. How can a couple live like that? The reason we’ve kept the child away is to show my resolve. If he refuses now, we can’t continue.”
Gu Liancheng, furious, said: “At the start, your elder uncle initiated this marriage. You were supposed to follow Qingfeng to the station. Qingfeng worked hard to have the right for family accompaniment. You care only for yourself, ignoring your small family.”
Wan Hongyan didn’t understand: “What’s your issue with Xiao Qingfeng? Why not develop in the capital? Staying in little Fancheng—what’s the point?”
Gu Liancheng disagreed: “I won’t intervene in Qingfeng’s choice, but I won’t go. Have some self-awareness; don’t bother my wife.”
…
Gu Liancheng spoke with Xiao Qingfeng once. If Qingfeng prioritized family, he would sign a confidentiality agreement, limiting future advancement.
Xiao Jianzhou slammed the table: “Qingfeng, if you transfer, I won’t acknowledge you as my nephew!”
Gu Jiaoxia, unclear on details, was upset, confiding in Jiang Zhen: “Originally, Wan family elder brother approached your husband. He wasn’t keen. I mediated. What’s wrong with a son-in-law living with the wife? As long as the couple lives well… it’s my fault if my matchmaking fails?”
Given Qingfeng’s past and current role, Jiang Zhen guessed he wouldn’t transfer.
“If Wan Hongyan insists on divorce if he refuses to transfer back, then divorce is likely. Different principles, conflicting interests—it’s better early than late. Why be sad?”
Gu Jiaoxia was startled, forgetting to worry about Wan Hongyan and Qingfeng, now worrying about Jiang Zhen and Gu Liancheng.
“How are you and Gu Liancheng recently?”
“Very well,” Jiang Zhen peeked outside: “Why isn’t he back? Without him, I can’t sleep.”
Gu Jiaoxia, hearing this, smiled. The issue of Qingfeng and Wan Hongyan’s divorce was set aside—everyone has their own fate.
…
Gu Jiaoxia went out, met Gu Liancheng returning, and whispered with a smile: “You’re impressive.”
Gu Liancheng: “…Sister, don’t play coy. Why so cheerful?”
Gu Jiaoxia: “Talking with Jiang Zhen enlightened me. Many things we care about aren’t really matters. As long as a family is safe and has food, that’s enough.”
Gu Liancheng, smiling: “With her around, yes, it lifts the mood.”
Gu Jiaoxia teased: “Jiang Zhen said, without you at home, she sleeps poorly. You two are really close?”
Gu Liancheng: … Actually, it’s just that with him present in the cold, sleeping feels warmer.
He said: “We’re close—that’s a good thing.”
“Of course. Not nagging, you’re still young. Kids are small. Wait a few years before more children. Don’t rush.”
“Mm, got it.”
Gu Liancheng mentioned Xiao Qingfeng’s decision: “He’s firm—won’t transfer. Your elder uncle in Wan family already called him. They don’t want to give up this marriage. They’re persuading Wan Hongyan.”
Gu Jiaoxia regretted: “If I hadn’t said a word, maybe your husband wouldn’t have agreed to this marriage.”
Gu Liancheng hurried: “Sister, destiny decides. Your influence may be less than imagined. Don’t blame yourself.”
Without these coincidences, he and Xiao Qingfeng wouldn’t have had a second chance. The An Xiuqing incident reminded them to be grounded. He knew, after this, Xiao Qingfeng wouldn’t transfer.
…
Xiao Qingfeng and Wan Hongyan agreed to divorce. The political commissar approved the application. Xiao Qingfeng returned to Beijing with Gu Jiaoxia to finalize it.
The Wan family elder brother, learning the divorce was approved, fell into his chair; a heart attack struck. Family scrambled for medicine before he stabilized.
Xiao Qingfeng was a carefully chosen son-in-law, considering not only him but also Xiao Jianzhou’s standing. The quick divorce approval meant urgent duties prevented him from dragging it out.
Letting go of such a good son-in-law, the Wan family had no one truly capable left—they had every reason to be upset.
The elder uncle of the Wan family spoke decisively: “Change Shulan’s surname, register her household, and bring her to Beijing. I will personally raise her.”
The family was puzzled: “Why?”
The elder uncle looked at his incompetent descendants: “Because you are all too foolish. Shulan is smart, strong-willed, and patient—she has the potential to achieve great things. Our Wan family needs a capable person!”
…
Jiang Zhen and Gu Liancheng sent off the eldest sister and her husband, while Xiao Qingfeng went back to finalize the divorce.
A few days later, they heard that Xiao Qingfeng and Wan Hongyan’s divorce had been completed. Shulan’s surname was changed to Wan, her household registered with the elder uncle, and her school records were transferred—everything turned out even better than expected.
Xiao Qingfeng had already boarded a train back to Fancheng. It had been snowing all day, and they hoped he wouldn’t get stuck on the road.
Gu Liancheng’s false uncle didn’t make it through the New Year—he passed away. The Shi family sent word of the funeral and invited them over.
Jiang Zhen told Gu Liancheng, “Let’s go. I’ll examine the corpse and settle your uncle’s matters properly before the New Year.”