Chapter 88
Qiao Family bought a Phoenix brand weighted bicycle. The bicycle was big and heavy. It was indeed not something that children such as Da Qiao can control.
The management of bicycles was very strict these days. After buying a bicycle, one must register with the vehicle management office of the traffic department. The vehicle management office would issue a "Bicycle License" certificate to the owner.
One must always bring their ID with them when they go out and around. If they weren't able to take it out when during checkpoint inspection, they were likely to be treated as a bike thief.
When Qiao Zhen Min rode his bicycle back to the production team, the entire production team exploded!
Although Shen Family had come by in a car before, Shen Family was too far away for them. They'll just admire in passing since they won't see or touch it. Nothing to do with their life.
While Qiao Family's bicycle was the first bicycle in the production team. The production team leader didn't have one yet!
Qiao Family was too awesome. This was a benefit for everyone. With a bicycle in the production team, they can borrow it from Qiao Family for emergency purpose.
Therefore, at this time, everyone made up their minds that they must become good friends with Qiao Family in the future. Even if they can't become good friends, they can't offend them for the sake of borrowing bicycles!
"Old Fifth Qiao, you really bought this bicycle? This bicycle must have cost a lot of money, right?"
Everyone eyed the bicycle with envy. They wanted to reach out to touch it, but were afraid that the bicycle would be damaged.
Qiao Zhen Min calmly replied, "It's just over one hundred yuan."
Just!
Look at his tone, it made one's teeth itch. Qiao Family was really different!
"Oh, not to mention how expensive this bicycle is, it's not easy to save so many industrial coupons. Old Fifth Qiao, do your family have any extra industrial coupons? If there are, I'll use other coupons to exchange with you!"
"I'll exchange too. I'll exchange with you with cloth coupons. Food coupons too. It's up to you to choose!"
These days, the most rare thing was the industrial coupon. One may not be able to get one even if they beg everywhere.
A few years ago, the country wanted to make steel. The pots of every household were requisitioned. Some people haven't been able to buy a pot at home. To buy a large iron pot, they need industrial coupons. Without industrial coupons, money was useless.
Old Fifth Qiao shook his head and told, "There is no more for now. If there is any in the future, I will inform you again."
The villagers' words made him realize that this might be a good way to make money.
He can collect the food coupons in the hands of the villagers and go out to exchange industrial coupons with others. He can draw some benefits in the middle.
Of course, he certainly can't tell them this now. He can't give them a definite answer either. If things come too easily, the other party won't cherish them.
When everyone heard what he said, they made up their minds more and more to be on good terms with Qiao Family. They were incapable of getting industrial tickets these days.
Qiao Zhen Min rode the bicycle home. Qiao Family's children were very excited when they saw the bicycle!
"Fifth Uncle, is this our family's bicycle?" An Ping was the first to run up. His eyes sparkled as he looked at the bicycle like it was a gem.
Qiao Zhen Min nodded: "Yes, this bicycle will be ours from now on."
An Ping jumped three feet high: "Great, we have a bicycle! Fifth Uncle, can you teach me how to ride a bicycle?"
"No!" Qiao Dong Ying came over and stated, "From elderly to young in an orderly manner. Must line up according to age. When Eldest Sister and I finish learning, it will be your turn!"
An Ping immediately slumped. There were so many elder before Eldest Sister. When will it be his turn?
Why wasn't he older?
Da Qiao was also very curious about the bicycle. She peered around and touched around: "Fifth Uncle, doesn't this bicycle have to be tied with plastic film?"
She had seen a lot of cyclists in town before. Almost all the handlebars and cross tubes of the bicycles were tied with plastic film. Her grandmother told her that it was to prevent the paint from wearing off the bicycles.
Qiao Zhen Min rubbed her head and smiled, "I want to tie it up. Do you want to help Fifth Uncle tie it up?"
"Yes!" Da Qiao eagerly responded.
Surrounded by a group of children, Qiao Zhen Min pushed the bicycle in. Everyone wrapped the bicycle around with plastic film.
After winding it up, a brand-new bicycle instantly became colorful and a little unsightly.
But no one disliked it. Bicycles were so precious. Naturally, they must be well protected!
Seeing the bicycle, Wan Chun Ju was so excited that her face twitched. Seeing that Da Qiao wanted to touch the bicycle, she couldn't help but reprimanded her twice. She completely regarded the bicycle as the property of first branch.
If it wasn't for fear of her mother-in-law scolding her, she would have moved the bicycle to her room to hide it!
When it was time to sleep that night, she kept urging her man to quickly learn to ride a bike, so that he could drive her around the production team and show off fake wealth.
This time, Qiao Zhen Guo didn't refuse. Mainly, he wanted to ride a bicycle. He planned to learn from tomorrow.
It was a pity that the two's wishes soon went down the drain. The next day, Xue Chuan occupied the bicycle.
Xue Chuan deliberately took leave with the production team to take his wife to town for a day of fun. Today was the 35th anniversary of their marriage.
After Qiao Zhen Guo and the other children found out, they all wanted to celebrate with their parents. However, they got rejected.
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan expressed that they didn't want to bring along a group of light bulbs. Only Da Qiao was brought along. But once they got to town, they'll drop Da Qiao at Shen's house before experiencing couple time.
Xue Chuan hopped on the bicycle with his long legs, picked up Da Qiao and placed her on the horizontal bar in front. Then he turned his head and smilingly beckoned his wife, "Come on. I'll take you two."
During this period, Xue Chuan's body had been getting better and better. He hadn't been sick once in the past six months. Qiao Xiu Zhi wasn't worried that he would not be able to carry them. She sat on the back frame.
Xue Chuan pushed his feet and swiftly carried the two away.
The people who were left behind: "..."
When they arrived at town, they first brought Da Qiao to Shen's house. Shen Family welcomed Da Qiao's arrival. Especially Shen Tian You, who happily circled the room.
After greeting, they rode their bicycle away.
Xue Chuan didn't cycle to the state-run restaurant or the department store. Instead, he turned into an alley and finally stopped in front of a small courtyard.
The small courtyard wasn't only remote, but also separated from the surrounding houses by a certain distance. Which looked very suitable for do bad things.
There was no surprise on Qiao Xiu Zhi's face though. She was obviously no stranger to this place.
Xue Chuan stepped forward and knocked on the door. A rough man's voice sounded from inside: "Who is it?"
"It's me, old Xue." Xue Chuan replied.
The footsteps inside were a little hurried. With a "squeak", the wooden door was opened. A man in his fifties or sixties appeared behind the door with a simple smile on his face: "You guys are a little early today!"
The man's name was old Xu. His grandfather used to be the housekeeper of Xue Family. Later, Xue Family took the initiative to give them back their slave contract. On top of that, they gave them a sum of money to make a living.
Xu Family went out to open a restaurant. The business was quite prosperous and they saved a small fortune. Later, when Xue Family went in decline, Xu Family helped a lot behind the scenes. Over the years, the two families have kept in touch.
Private business wasn't allowed now. Xu Family had long ceased to open a restaurant. Still, those things in the kitchen were still well kept.
Xue Chuan familiarly walked into the kitchen. Various ingredients were already prepared in the kitchen. He rolled up his sleeves and cooked a good feast for his wife.
Braised pork, Mapo tofu, old hen stew, steamed fish, and two bowls of handmade noodles. Full of color and aroma. The fragrance filled the whole yard.
Fortunately, no one lived nearby. Otherwise, if they smell the meat, it will attract the attention of the neighbors.
Old Xu went out after they came in. He wisely left the space for them husband and wife.
After being seated, Xue Chuan scooped a bowl of soup for Qiao Xiu Zhi and merrily introduced, "This soup has been simmered for several hours. It's very tasty. Try it."
Qiao Xiu Zhi picked up the bowl and took a sip. It was perfect and salty. The dishes on the table were all her favorites.
Xue Chuan saw that she had finished drinking and clipped some meat for her, "You have worked hard all these years."
Qiao Xiu Zhi stared at her husband's still handsome face, and smiled: "With you, it's not hard work."
Any more mushier, they wouldn't say it. The two stared at each other. Only the other person existed in their eyes.
Over the years, they have gone through ups and downs together. In the days to come, they will continue to move forward hand in hand. If there s an afterlife, they will still be husband and wife.
When the food was almost finished, Xue Chuan put down his chopsticks and stated, "I have something to tell you."
Qiao Xiu Zhi also put down her chopsticks: "What's the matter? Is it serious?"
Xue Chuan said: "We always felt that Hong Mei isn't like our child. After that, I asked old Xu to help me to investigate. Because it's been many years, many people couldn't be found. Recently, there was an elderly who used to be a nurse in the hospital. She took the initiative to find him. According to the old nurse, she was called out before she helped the baby bathe. When she came back, she found that the baby had suddenly changed. She was shocked. After searching around once, she didn't find others. Due to being worried that she would be fired from the hospital after she voicing it out, she pretended that nothing happened. Recently she found that she was dying, so she asked her nephew to come to old Xu."
Qiao Xiu Zhi grasped the edge of the table and said solemnly, "So, Hong Mei isn't our child anymore?"
Xue Chuan nodded: "The child should have been swapped at that time. I don't know who did it, let alone why the other party did it!"
When Qiao Xiu Zhi had a dystocia, she was rushed to the town hospital. The situation was very critical at the time. After giving birth, she was bleeding profusely.
Because both side's parents had passed away long ago, there were no other elders in the family to help. He entrusted the baby to the nurse who delivered the baby and asked her to help take care of his daughter.
Unexpectedly, such a thing to happen in the middle. He felt very guilty at of his missing daughter and how her life or death was unknown!
Qiao Xiu Zhi was also very depressed when she thought of the daughter she had never met.
Xue Chuan reached out and held her hand. His voice choked up a bit: "I'm sorry. It's all my fault!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi shook her head: "How is your fault? With my situation back then, it's understandable that you didn't pay heed to the child. Did the old nurse provide any other clues? As for the hospital, were there have any birth records back then? "
Xue Chuan shook his head and nodded again: "All the records in the hospital were burnt down a few years ago, so the data is gone. The old nurse did say our daughter has a peach-shaped birthmark on the back. About half your palm big. If we can meet, we should be able to recognize her easily."
When Qiao Xiu Zhi heard this, she couldn't help but sneer.
The sea of people was vast. Where do they start?
What's more, the birthmark was on the back. How can they see it when everyone was wearing clothes?
In other words, even if their daughter walked past them, they might not recognize her!
"Where's the old nurse?" Qiao Xiu Zhi solemnly asked.
If the other party had informed them of the matter at the time, they would have gone to the police on the spot. They might have been able to find their daughter. But it was because of the other party's concealment and selfishness that they had been separated for so many years!
She really had the heart to kill her!
Xue Chuan replied with an heavy heart: "She is terminally ill. She probably don't have much time left. I want to get her tell the truth while she is still alive. Then we will cut off our relationship with Hong Mei."
The old nurse did a bad thing and was condemned by her conscience all her life. Both of her sons died of illness one after another without leaving any descendants. She felt that this was God's punishment for her. When she found out that she couldn't last longer, she wanted to tell the truth of the matter.
Xue Chuan hated the other party's selfishness. But with her current state, they can't do anything.
Qiao Xiu Zhi thought of all the disgusting things that Hong Mei had done in the past, she nodded without hesitation: "Okay. This should be done sooner rather than later least that the old nurse stopped breathing and caused trouble again."
Ever since Hong Mei and Chen Family found out that they had a relationship with Shen Family, the couple often came to the production team. And they separate on bad terms every time.
According to Shen Family, the couple specially went to Shen's house a few times to find them, only to be kicked out by them.
Hong Mei firmly believed it was them who didn't want them to live well. The last time, they yelled and scolded at the door of Qiao's house before leaving. Almost the entire production team came to watch.
She used to think that Hong Mei was their biological daughter, so she could only swallow it down even when she was disgusted. Now that she knew that she wasn't their daughter, she didn't want to endure it for a moment!
Xue Chuan grasped her hand and stated, "Let's go to the police station to find Shi Kai now!"
It was best that the police got involved in this matter. This way, Hong Mei and Chen Family can't even take the opportunity to act up!
...
The two said goodbye to old Xu and went to the police station.
Shen Shi Kai was stunned when he saw the couple coming over.
When he knew what happened, he fiercely slammed his fist on the table: "It's not an exaggeration to say the mistake that the old nurse made is enough to lock her up for ten or eight years. If you want to, wait for the matter to be settled and she can be imprisoned on the spot!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi thought for a while before shaking her head, "Forget it. Let's take it as gaining good merit for our daughter. Besides, with her condition, she probably won't be locked up for more than a few days."
From what Xue Chuan said, the other party was too sick to get out of bed. Even if she was put in prison, it would be useless. Their daughter still couldn't be found. Once the other party is in prison, she might no longer blame herself.
This would let her off too lightly.
Selfish people like this should live in guilt and self-blame all their lives!
Shen Shi Kai expressed his understanding, picked up the key, and drove them to the old nurse.
Under his witness, he recorded everything the old nurse said, asked her to sign, and put her fingerprints. Then he took the old nurse to Chen's house.
As soon as she walked into the family compound, Hong Mei could be heard scolding her daughter: "You trash! I ask you to do some work and you can't do it well, I'll beat you to death!"
"Mom, I was wrong. Don't hit me... ah..." Chen Zhao Di's cry came from the room. There was the sound of a cane hitting on her body.
Qiao Xiu Zhi frowned. Disdain for this fake deepen more and more in her heart.
"Qiao Hong Mei!" Shen Shi Kai shouted at the door of Chen's house.
When Qiao Hong Mei heard someone call her, she was startled. The cane almost whacked her in the eye.
Fuming, she came out. As she walked out, she berated, "Who's yelling at my door? Trying to scare people to death?"
When she came out and saw Shen Shi Kai's face, her anger suddenly turned into a smile: "Oh, Deputy Chief, why are you free to come here?"
She threw the cane aside and rushed out; completely ignoring her parents who were standing at the side.
Mother Chen heard a man calling her daughter-in-law's name. She thought her daughter-in-law was cuckolding her son and was about to come out and beat and scold her. Then she heard her daughter-in-law call the other party 'deputy chief'. Her face instantly bloomed like a flower.
"Hong Mei, why are you still standing there? Hurry up and ask Deputy Chief to come in and sit!"
Mother Chen's voice boomed. She wished for everyone in the yard to know that the deputy chief came to their Chen's house.
Sure enough, after hearing Mother Chen's words, many people ran out from inside.
"Mother Chen Xing, is this your relative?"
Mother Chen raised her chin like a proud old hen with her head held high: "This is the deputy chief from the police station. Also, a relative of our Hong Mei's maternal family. In a way, a relative of our Chen Family!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan took in the virtues of this pair of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. They felt like they were fed a mouthful of flies. Simply disgusting!
Fortunately, after today, they were no longer related!
Shen Shi Kai avoided Qiao Hong Mei's outstretched hand and declared with a straight face, "I'm not a relative of your Chen Family. Stop talking nonsense here!"
Mother Chen and Qiao Hong Mei blushed with embarrassment. The surrounding people burst into laughter.
Shen Shi Kai didn't give them a chance to speak. He pointed at Qiao Hong Mei and continued, "I'm here today because of your identity!"
Then, he told in front of everyone that the old nurse discovered that the babies had been swapped, but concealed the matter.
After listening, Qiao Hong Mei's face was as white as a ghost: "No, it's impossible. Deputy Chief, you... must be joking with me?"
Shen Shi Kai said coldly, "Who has time to joke with you? It's all true!"
Saying that, he asked the old nurse who was being carried by her nephew to testify and showed the recorded statement to everyone.
Finally, he pointed to Qiao Hong Mei and Xue Chuan and asked everyone, "The eyes of the masses are the sharpest. Do you think Qiao Hong Mei and the two elders of Qiao Family look alike?"
Everyone shook their heads: "Not alike!"
Only then did people know that Xue Chuan and Qiao Xiu Zhi were Qiao Hong Mei's 'parents': "Oh, it turns out that these two are Hong Mei's parents. Hong Mei didn't acknowledge them from beginning to end just now. I thought they were strangers!"
"That's right. I thought Hong Mei didn't know them just now. Never thought they were Hong Mei's parents! However, Hong Mei really doesn't look like the two of them. I couldn't find any resemblance anywhere!"
When Qiao Hong Mei heard everyone's words, she panicked.
She had deliberately ignored her parents just now. She held a grudge toward them for making her lose face a few times before. That's why, she deliberately embarrassed them.
It was just that she never imagined that things would turn out like this!
She did hate Qiao Family and hated her parents' biased even more. But she can't cut off the relationship with Qiao Family. Her man still want to latch onto Shen Family through Qiao Family. If she isn't the daughter of Qiao Family, this road will be completely cut off!
She had already found out that her man was with that vixen Wang Ni-er. She gave that b*tch a good beating. She was beaten hard by Chen Xing in turn.
Afterwards, Chen Xing reluctantly agreed to break up the relationship with that slut Wang Ni-er because she was still useful. Once she isn't Qiao Family's daughter, Chen Xing might immediately divorce her!
She cried and rushed up: "Mom, Dad, I know I have a bad temper and make you mad every time. But that's because I care about you too much. Don't say that I'm not your daughter. Hearing this, I feel hurt!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi's body dodged and avoided her rushing body.
Qiao Hong Mei met with empty air and fell to the ground. Her nose smashed on the ground. The pain made her tears fall.
At this moment, could she care about the pain? She got up and continued to sob: "Mom, I really know I'm wrong. How could I not be your daughter? I'm made from the same mold of you!"
Everyone: "..."
Look at her short figure and big pie face? Where did she get courage to say that she was made from the same mold as her?
Qiao Xiu Zhi coldly stared at her, "You have a cold nature and selfish in personality. Not only do you look different from everyone in our Qiao family, but you also have different personalities! Over the years, we have been wondering why you would develop this kind of character. Now we finally understand why, you are not our daughter!"
Qiao Hong Mei was so flustered that she trembled: "Dad, I'm your daughter. You raised me from young. How could I not be your daughter? Please talk to Mom. Tell her not to treat me like this!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi was too lazy to waste time with her and asked Shen Shi Kai, "What should I do now?"
Shen Shi Kai spoke: "Let her sign this population register. It will record all the circumstances. From now on, there will be no parent-child relationship between you."
"I won't sign!" Qiao Hong Mei cried, refusing to sign on it.
Qiao Xiu Zhi frowned and asked, "Is it okay to just imprint the index finger print without signing?"
Shen Shi Kai pondered before nodding: "Also works. But it would be better if the people present are willing to sign their names to testify this."
Neighbors expressed their willingness to sign.
They can't latch on a high branch like Deputy Chief, but they can sell favor to the other party. If something happens in the future, the other party may be willing to give some face to them because of this favor.
Qiao Hong Mei didn't expect everyone to treat her like this. She told them not to sign. No one paid heed to her!
After seeing everyone's signatures, Qiao Xiu Zhi grabbed Qiao Hong Mei's hand and imprint her index finger print on it. Then she strolled away.
During this process, Mother Chen was completely stunned. She only regained her sense after Qiao Xiu Zhi and others left.
She jumped up and slapped Qiao Hong Mei on the face: "You hen who can't lay eggs, I'll get my son to divorce you!"
Qiao Family bought a Phoenix brand weighted bicycle. The bicycle was big and heavy. It was indeed not something that children such as Da Qiao can control.
The management of bicycles was very strict these days. After buying a bicycle, one must register with the vehicle management office of the traffic department. The vehicle management office would issue a "Bicycle License" certificate to the owner.
One must always bring their ID with them when they go out and around. If they weren't able to take it out when during checkpoint inspection, they were likely to be treated as a bike thief.
When Qiao Zhen Min rode his bicycle back to the production team, the entire production team exploded!
Although Shen Family had come by in a car before, Shen Family was too far away for them. They'll just admire in passing since they won't see or touch it. Nothing to do with their life.
While Qiao Family's bicycle was the first bicycle in the production team. The production team leader didn't have one yet!
Qiao Family was too awesome. This was a benefit for everyone. With a bicycle in the production team, they can borrow it from Qiao Family for emergency purpose.
Therefore, at this time, everyone made up their minds that they must become good friends with Qiao Family in the future. Even if they can't become good friends, they can't offend them for the sake of borrowing bicycles!
"Old Fifth Qiao, you really bought this bicycle? This bicycle must have cost a lot of money, right?"
Everyone eyed the bicycle with envy. They wanted to reach out to touch it, but were afraid that the bicycle would be damaged.
Qiao Zhen Min calmly replied, "It's just over one hundred yuan."
Just!
Look at his tone, it made one's teeth itch. Qiao Family was really different!
"Oh, not to mention how expensive this bicycle is, it's not easy to save so many industrial coupons. Old Fifth Qiao, do your family have any extra industrial coupons? If there are, I'll use other coupons to exchange with you!"
"I'll exchange too. I'll exchange with you with cloth coupons. Food coupons too. It's up to you to choose!"
These days, the most rare thing was the industrial coupon. One may not be able to get one even if they beg everywhere.
A few years ago, the country wanted to make steel. The pots of every household were requisitioned. Some people haven't been able to buy a pot at home. To buy a large iron pot, they need industrial coupons. Without industrial coupons, money was useless.
Old Fifth Qiao shook his head and told, "There is no more for now. If there is any in the future, I will inform you again."
The villagers' words made him realize that this might be a good way to make money.
He can collect the food coupons in the hands of the villagers and go out to exchange industrial coupons with others. He can draw some benefits in the middle.
Of course, he certainly can't tell them this now. He can't give them a definite answer either. If things come too easily, the other party won't cherish them.
When everyone heard what he said, they made up their minds more and more to be on good terms with Qiao Family. They were incapable of getting industrial tickets these days.
Qiao Zhen Min rode the bicycle home. Qiao Family's children were very excited when they saw the bicycle!
"Fifth Uncle, is this our family's bicycle?" An Ping was the first to run up. His eyes sparkled as he looked at the bicycle like it was a gem.
Qiao Zhen Min nodded: "Yes, this bicycle will be ours from now on."
An Ping jumped three feet high: "Great, we have a bicycle! Fifth Uncle, can you teach me how to ride a bicycle?"
"No!" Qiao Dong Ying came over and stated, "From elderly to young in an orderly manner. Must line up according to age. When Eldest Sister and I finish learning, it will be your turn!"
An Ping immediately slumped. There were so many elder before Eldest Sister. When will it be his turn?
Why wasn't he older?
Da Qiao was also very curious about the bicycle. She peered around and touched around: "Fifth Uncle, doesn't this bicycle have to be tied with plastic film?"
She had seen a lot of cyclists in town before. Almost all the handlebars and cross tubes of the bicycles were tied with plastic film. Her grandmother told her that it was to prevent the paint from wearing off the bicycles.
Qiao Zhen Min rubbed her head and smiled, "I want to tie it up. Do you want to help Fifth Uncle tie it up?"
"Yes!" Da Qiao eagerly responded.
Surrounded by a group of children, Qiao Zhen Min pushed the bicycle in. Everyone wrapped the bicycle around with plastic film.
After winding it up, a brand-new bicycle instantly became colorful and a little unsightly.
But no one disliked it. Bicycles were so precious. Naturally, they must be well protected!
Seeing the bicycle, Wan Chun Ju was so excited that her face twitched. Seeing that Da Qiao wanted to touch the bicycle, she couldn't help but reprimanded her twice. She completely regarded the bicycle as the property of first branch.
If it wasn't for fear of her mother-in-law scolding her, she would have moved the bicycle to her room to hide it!
When it was time to sleep that night, she kept urging her man to quickly learn to ride a bike, so that he could drive her around the production team and show off fake wealth.
This time, Qiao Zhen Guo didn't refuse. Mainly, he wanted to ride a bicycle. He planned to learn from tomorrow.
It was a pity that the two's wishes soon went down the drain. The next day, Xue Chuan occupied the bicycle.
Xue Chuan deliberately took leave with the production team to take his wife to town for a day of fun. Today was the 35th anniversary of their marriage.
After Qiao Zhen Guo and the other children found out, they all wanted to celebrate with their parents. However, they got rejected.
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan expressed that they didn't want to bring along a group of light bulbs. Only Da Qiao was brought along. But once they got to town, they'll drop Da Qiao at Shen's house before experiencing couple time.
Xue Chuan hopped on the bicycle with his long legs, picked up Da Qiao and placed her on the horizontal bar in front. Then he turned his head and smilingly beckoned his wife, "Come on. I'll take you two."
During this period, Xue Chuan's body had been getting better and better. He hadn't been sick once in the past six months. Qiao Xiu Zhi wasn't worried that he would not be able to carry them. She sat on the back frame.
Xue Chuan pushed his feet and swiftly carried the two away.
The people who were left behind: "..."
When they arrived at town, they first brought Da Qiao to Shen's house. Shen Family welcomed Da Qiao's arrival. Especially Shen Tian You, who happily circled the room.
After greeting, they rode their bicycle away.
Xue Chuan didn't cycle to the state-run restaurant or the department store. Instead, he turned into an alley and finally stopped in front of a small courtyard.
The small courtyard wasn't only remote, but also separated from the surrounding houses by a certain distance. Which looked very suitable for do bad things.
There was no surprise on Qiao Xiu Zhi's face though. She was obviously no stranger to this place.
Xue Chuan stepped forward and knocked on the door. A rough man's voice sounded from inside: "Who is it?"
"It's me, old Xue." Xue Chuan replied.
The footsteps inside were a little hurried. With a "squeak", the wooden door was opened. A man in his fifties or sixties appeared behind the door with a simple smile on his face: "You guys are a little early today!"
The man's name was old Xu. His grandfather used to be the housekeeper of Xue Family. Later, Xue Family took the initiative to give them back their slave contract. On top of that, they gave them a sum of money to make a living.
Xu Family went out to open a restaurant. The business was quite prosperous and they saved a small fortune. Later, when Xue Family went in decline, Xu Family helped a lot behind the scenes. Over the years, the two families have kept in touch.
Private business wasn't allowed now. Xu Family had long ceased to open a restaurant. Still, those things in the kitchen were still well kept.
Xue Chuan familiarly walked into the kitchen. Various ingredients were already prepared in the kitchen. He rolled up his sleeves and cooked a good feast for his wife.
Braised pork, Mapo tofu, old hen stew, steamed fish, and two bowls of handmade noodles. Full of color and aroma. The fragrance filled the whole yard.
Fortunately, no one lived nearby. Otherwise, if they smell the meat, it will attract the attention of the neighbors.
Old Xu went out after they came in. He wisely left the space for them husband and wife.
After being seated, Xue Chuan scooped a bowl of soup for Qiao Xiu Zhi and merrily introduced, "This soup has been simmered for several hours. It's very tasty. Try it."
Qiao Xiu Zhi picked up the bowl and took a sip. It was perfect and salty. The dishes on the table were all her favorites.
Xue Chuan saw that she had finished drinking and clipped some meat for her, "You have worked hard all these years."
Qiao Xiu Zhi stared at her husband's still handsome face, and smiled: "With you, it's not hard work."
Any more mushier, they wouldn't say it. The two stared at each other. Only the other person existed in their eyes.
Over the years, they have gone through ups and downs together. In the days to come, they will continue to move forward hand in hand. If there s an afterlife, they will still be husband and wife.
When the food was almost finished, Xue Chuan put down his chopsticks and stated, "I have something to tell you."
Qiao Xiu Zhi also put down her chopsticks: "What's the matter? Is it serious?"
Xue Chuan said: "We always felt that Hong Mei isn't like our child. After that, I asked old Xu to help me to investigate. Because it's been many years, many people couldn't be found. Recently, there was an elderly who used to be a nurse in the hospital. She took the initiative to find him. According to the old nurse, she was called out before she helped the baby bathe. When she came back, she found that the baby had suddenly changed. She was shocked. After searching around once, she didn't find others. Due to being worried that she would be fired from the hospital after she voicing it out, she pretended that nothing happened. Recently she found that she was dying, so she asked her nephew to come to old Xu."
Qiao Xiu Zhi grasped the edge of the table and said solemnly, "So, Hong Mei isn't our child anymore?"
Xue Chuan nodded: "The child should have been swapped at that time. I don't know who did it, let alone why the other party did it!"
When Qiao Xiu Zhi had a dystocia, she was rushed to the town hospital. The situation was very critical at the time. After giving birth, she was bleeding profusely.
Because both side's parents had passed away long ago, there were no other elders in the family to help. He entrusted the baby to the nurse who delivered the baby and asked her to help take care of his daughter.
Unexpectedly, such a thing to happen in the middle. He felt very guilty at of his missing daughter and how her life or death was unknown!
Qiao Xiu Zhi was also very depressed when she thought of the daughter she had never met.
Xue Chuan reached out and held her hand. His voice choked up a bit: "I'm sorry. It's all my fault!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi shook her head: "How is your fault? With my situation back then, it's understandable that you didn't pay heed to the child. Did the old nurse provide any other clues? As for the hospital, were there have any birth records back then? "
Xue Chuan shook his head and nodded again: "All the records in the hospital were burnt down a few years ago, so the data is gone. The old nurse did say our daughter has a peach-shaped birthmark on the back. About half your palm big. If we can meet, we should be able to recognize her easily."
When Qiao Xiu Zhi heard this, she couldn't help but sneer.
The sea of people was vast. Where do they start?
What's more, the birthmark was on the back. How can they see it when everyone was wearing clothes?
In other words, even if their daughter walked past them, they might not recognize her!
"Where's the old nurse?" Qiao Xiu Zhi solemnly asked.
If the other party had informed them of the matter at the time, they would have gone to the police on the spot. They might have been able to find their daughter. But it was because of the other party's concealment and selfishness that they had been separated for so many years!
She really had the heart to kill her!
Xue Chuan replied with an heavy heart: "She is terminally ill. She probably don't have much time left. I want to get her tell the truth while she is still alive. Then we will cut off our relationship with Hong Mei."
The old nurse did a bad thing and was condemned by her conscience all her life. Both of her sons died of illness one after another without leaving any descendants. She felt that this was God's punishment for her. When she found out that she couldn't last longer, she wanted to tell the truth of the matter.
Xue Chuan hated the other party's selfishness. But with her current state, they can't do anything.
Qiao Xiu Zhi thought of all the disgusting things that Hong Mei had done in the past, she nodded without hesitation: "Okay. This should be done sooner rather than later least that the old nurse stopped breathing and caused trouble again."
Ever since Hong Mei and Chen Family found out that they had a relationship with Shen Family, the couple often came to the production team. And they separate on bad terms every time.
According to Shen Family, the couple specially went to Shen's house a few times to find them, only to be kicked out by them.
Hong Mei firmly believed it was them who didn't want them to live well. The last time, they yelled and scolded at the door of Qiao's house before leaving. Almost the entire production team came to watch.
She used to think that Hong Mei was their biological daughter, so she could only swallow it down even when she was disgusted. Now that she knew that she wasn't their daughter, she didn't want to endure it for a moment!
Xue Chuan grasped her hand and stated, "Let's go to the police station to find Shi Kai now!"
It was best that the police got involved in this matter. This way, Hong Mei and Chen Family can't even take the opportunity to act up!
...
The two said goodbye to old Xu and went to the police station.
Shen Shi Kai was stunned when he saw the couple coming over.
When he knew what happened, he fiercely slammed his fist on the table: "It's not an exaggeration to say the mistake that the old nurse made is enough to lock her up for ten or eight years. If you want to, wait for the matter to be settled and she can be imprisoned on the spot!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi thought for a while before shaking her head, "Forget it. Let's take it as gaining good merit for our daughter. Besides, with her condition, she probably won't be locked up for more than a few days."
From what Xue Chuan said, the other party was too sick to get out of bed. Even if she was put in prison, it would be useless. Their daughter still couldn't be found. Once the other party is in prison, she might no longer blame herself.
This would let her off too lightly.
Selfish people like this should live in guilt and self-blame all their lives!
Shen Shi Kai expressed his understanding, picked up the key, and drove them to the old nurse.
Under his witness, he recorded everything the old nurse said, asked her to sign, and put her fingerprints. Then he took the old nurse to Chen's house.
As soon as she walked into the family compound, Hong Mei could be heard scolding her daughter: "You trash! I ask you to do some work and you can't do it well, I'll beat you to death!"
"Mom, I was wrong. Don't hit me... ah..." Chen Zhao Di's cry came from the room. There was the sound of a cane hitting on her body.
Qiao Xiu Zhi frowned. Disdain for this fake deepen more and more in her heart.
"Qiao Hong Mei!" Shen Shi Kai shouted at the door of Chen's house.
When Qiao Hong Mei heard someone call her, she was startled. The cane almost whacked her in the eye.
Fuming, she came out. As she walked out, she berated, "Who's yelling at my door? Trying to scare people to death?"
When she came out and saw Shen Shi Kai's face, her anger suddenly turned into a smile: "Oh, Deputy Chief, why are you free to come here?"
She threw the cane aside and rushed out; completely ignoring her parents who were standing at the side.
Mother Chen heard a man calling her daughter-in-law's name. She thought her daughter-in-law was cuckolding her son and was about to come out and beat and scold her. Then she heard her daughter-in-law call the other party 'deputy chief'. Her face instantly bloomed like a flower.
"Hong Mei, why are you still standing there? Hurry up and ask Deputy Chief to come in and sit!"
Mother Chen's voice boomed. She wished for everyone in the yard to know that the deputy chief came to their Chen's house.
Sure enough, after hearing Mother Chen's words, many people ran out from inside.
"Mother Chen Xing, is this your relative?"
Mother Chen raised her chin like a proud old hen with her head held high: "This is the deputy chief from the police station. Also, a relative of our Hong Mei's maternal family. In a way, a relative of our Chen Family!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi and Xue Chuan took in the virtues of this pair of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. They felt like they were fed a mouthful of flies. Simply disgusting!
Fortunately, after today, they were no longer related!
Shen Shi Kai avoided Qiao Hong Mei's outstretched hand and declared with a straight face, "I'm not a relative of your Chen Family. Stop talking nonsense here!"
Mother Chen and Qiao Hong Mei blushed with embarrassment. The surrounding people burst into laughter.
Shen Shi Kai didn't give them a chance to speak. He pointed at Qiao Hong Mei and continued, "I'm here today because of your identity!"
Then, he told in front of everyone that the old nurse discovered that the babies had been swapped, but concealed the matter.
After listening, Qiao Hong Mei's face was as white as a ghost: "No, it's impossible. Deputy Chief, you... must be joking with me?"
Shen Shi Kai said coldly, "Who has time to joke with you? It's all true!"
Saying that, he asked the old nurse who was being carried by her nephew to testify and showed the recorded statement to everyone.
Finally, he pointed to Qiao Hong Mei and Xue Chuan and asked everyone, "The eyes of the masses are the sharpest. Do you think Qiao Hong Mei and the two elders of Qiao Family look alike?"
Everyone shook their heads: "Not alike!"
Only then did people know that Xue Chuan and Qiao Xiu Zhi were Qiao Hong Mei's 'parents': "Oh, it turns out that these two are Hong Mei's parents. Hong Mei didn't acknowledge them from beginning to end just now. I thought they were strangers!"
"That's right. I thought Hong Mei didn't know them just now. Never thought they were Hong Mei's parents! However, Hong Mei really doesn't look like the two of them. I couldn't find any resemblance anywhere!"
When Qiao Hong Mei heard everyone's words, she panicked.
She had deliberately ignored her parents just now. She held a grudge toward them for making her lose face a few times before. That's why, she deliberately embarrassed them.
It was just that she never imagined that things would turn out like this!
She did hate Qiao Family and hated her parents' biased even more. But she can't cut off the relationship with Qiao Family. Her man still want to latch onto Shen Family through Qiao Family. If she isn't the daughter of Qiao Family, this road will be completely cut off!
She had already found out that her man was with that vixen Wang Ni-er. She gave that b*tch a good beating. She was beaten hard by Chen Xing in turn.
Afterwards, Chen Xing reluctantly agreed to break up the relationship with that slut Wang Ni-er because she was still useful. Once she isn't Qiao Family's daughter, Chen Xing might immediately divorce her!
She cried and rushed up: "Mom, Dad, I know I have a bad temper and make you mad every time. But that's because I care about you too much. Don't say that I'm not your daughter. Hearing this, I feel hurt!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi's body dodged and avoided her rushing body.
Qiao Hong Mei met with empty air and fell to the ground. Her nose smashed on the ground. The pain made her tears fall.
At this moment, could she care about the pain? She got up and continued to sob: "Mom, I really know I'm wrong. How could I not be your daughter? I'm made from the same mold of you!"
Everyone: "..."
Look at her short figure and big pie face? Where did she get courage to say that she was made from the same mold as her?
Qiao Xiu Zhi coldly stared at her, "You have a cold nature and selfish in personality. Not only do you look different from everyone in our Qiao family, but you also have different personalities! Over the years, we have been wondering why you would develop this kind of character. Now we finally understand why, you are not our daughter!"
Qiao Hong Mei was so flustered that she trembled: "Dad, I'm your daughter. You raised me from young. How could I not be your daughter? Please talk to Mom. Tell her not to treat me like this!"
Qiao Xiu Zhi was too lazy to waste time with her and asked Shen Shi Kai, "What should I do now?"
Shen Shi Kai spoke: "Let her sign this population register. It will record all the circumstances. From now on, there will be no parent-child relationship between you."
"I won't sign!" Qiao Hong Mei cried, refusing to sign on it.
Qiao Xiu Zhi frowned and asked, "Is it okay to just imprint the index finger print without signing?"
Shen Shi Kai pondered before nodding: "Also works. But it would be better if the people present are willing to sign their names to testify this."
Neighbors expressed their willingness to sign.
They can't latch on a high branch like Deputy Chief, but they can sell favor to the other party. If something happens in the future, the other party may be willing to give some face to them because of this favor.
Qiao Hong Mei didn't expect everyone to treat her like this. She told them not to sign. No one paid heed to her!
After seeing everyone's signatures, Qiao Xiu Zhi grabbed Qiao Hong Mei's hand and imprint her index finger print on it. Then she strolled away.
During this process, Mother Chen was completely stunned. She only regained her sense after Qiao Xiu Zhi and others left.
She jumped up and slapped Qiao Hong Mei on the face: "You hen who can't lay eggs, I'll get my son to divorce you!"
Wow. Imagine being blindsided by this. In public, no less? I get that she's a villainess we hate and she enters the scene beating her daughter but... my heart still goes out to her being told her whole life is a lie and her parents not only don't understand her (she knew that) but also don't love or want her? Maybe being divorced from that tr*sh husband will do her good. One can hope.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do not like Hong Mei, the idea of "inherited goodness" is quite outdated. If you raise a child for over a decade, you need to assume partial responsibility for their personality.
ReplyDeleteWith adequate nurture, both biological and adopted children can grow up just fine.
The FL's supernaturally strong grandma assumed full responsibility for Hong Mei and nurtured her character for over thirty years. Hong Mei was one of five kids whose wonderful parents were both working (remember how sickly and bedridden was Hong Mei's dad all his life?), yet never discriminated against daughters to favor boys.
DeleteEnough is enough. They are two adult women and now not even biologically related, nor liking each other or caring for each other. I think in this novel the main message is for women to think for themselves and be strong on their own which is not easy when you have four young daughters, who as we know are all white eyed wolves with crooked characters, an abusive and unfaithful husband, and a MIL who berates her for not giving birth to a son. And now her mom is not her mom! Nowhere to go as in the previois timeline, when the FL's grandma adopted and raised all four Hong Mei's ungrateful daughers!
Hong Mei is who she is, a unique character with her own biological makeup (not very caring, selfish, etc.) and her own path in life. People don't have to be uniformly good to have right to be alive and prosper. I hope that in this timeline, Hong Mei survives and gets better.
Also there's the fact that in the previous timeline Grandpa Qiao died because of the problems Hong Mei caused. After that event Hong Mei didn't show any repentance.
DeleteIf her character good even if she's not their biological child I believe they will still care for her regardless, but with how she's behaving any good feelings both parents have for her won't be enough, she threatened her parents to marry her cheater husband resulting in her father got sick, she doesn't have good relationship with her sister, and don't forget how she always get FL father to make furniture for her without giving him any of the cost and sold it for cash but the moment FL father got paralyzed forget about helping, she doesn't even come to visit, and everytime she come she only want to get benefit from her "family" but ended up offending everyone, with all those things considered ofc they don't want to deal with her anymore and would prefer think about their biological daughter who probably won't have a good life with the parents who knowingly switched the baby
ReplyDeleteNot pity at all.
ReplyDelete