novelnext Chapter 1573 - 1039: Acceptance
Chapter 1573 - 1039: Acceptance
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Zhu Jianwen’s return to the Zhou family is undoubtedly a great celebration; except for the temporarily unreachable Zhou Mikang, everyone else has been called back to the ancestral home for a grand reunion.
Zhou Xikang, Zhou Huakang, Zhou Jiping, and Zhou Xiangping quickly became acquainted with Zhu Jianwen, while Zhou Nanping was a bit slower to warm up, but still very congenial. The only exception was Zhou Zhongkang, who, apart from a courteous greeting upon meeting, ignored him otherwise.
Chuxia and her family also hurried back, bringing Nannan and Beibei along. The moment the two little ones appeared, they stole Zhu Jianwen’s spotlight, which somewhat relieved him, as he had almost been unable to bear being treated like a treasure by the elders every day.
However, amidst all the enthusiasm, there was a hint of coldness that made him anxious. Could it be that they think his arrival would affect their interests?
As he was contemplating whether to explain himself, Zhou Xiangping came over, glanced in the direction of his gaze, and immediately understood his concern. "Second brother, don’t bother with Laowu; he’s just a lunatic. He can’t handle his own issues and walks around with a scowl as if everyone owes him money."
After hesitating for a moment, Zhu Jianwen said, "After all, he’s my second uncle’s only son. If my appearance makes him unhappy, that’s not very good, isn’t it?"
"What’s so bad about that?" Zhou Jiping came over too. "His personality gets worse the more you coddle him; leaving him alone is the best solution..." As she spoke, she waved at Chuxia coming down the stairs.
Facing Zhu Jianwen directly, Chuxia felt a constant psychological barrier. One reason was accompanying Lin Yanqiu once to pick a fight, the second was that he resembled Zhou Mikang too much, causing her to feel unable to face him, especially since there’s still no news of Zhou Mikang.
But since her eldest sister-in-law called her over, she couldn’t pretend not to see, so she sighed quietly and walked over, "Second sister, what’s up?"
"Sit down and talk." Zhou Jiping forcibly seated her next to herself, "We’re all family, so I’m not going to beat around the bush. You’ve been avoiding Jianwen, haven’t you?"
Hearing Zhou Jiping say that, Zhu Jianwen’s previously relaxed expression turned red instantly, wanting to make an excuse for Chuxia but not knowing what to say, stammering and unable to form a complete sentence for a while.
His reaction made Chuxia’s anxiety lessen a bit. She immediately turned to Zhou Jiping and spoke the truth, "Second sister, I’m not deliberately avoiding second brother, just feeling a bit uncomfortable..." She smiled apologetically at Zhu Jianwen, "Second brother, really sorry for that day, it was just something unavoidable, don’t take it to heart."
"Sister-in-law, why are you still dwelling on that? Didn’t we clear it up when we went to my house?" Zhu Jianwen smiled awkwardly, "Let’s not bring it up anymore, okay?"
"Okay..." Chuxia nodded, "Actually, I haven’t figured out how to face second brother; you’re just too much like Zhou Mikang, and in my heart, it still feels awkward, definitely not that I have an issue with you, don’t misunderstand please."
"Speaking of which, I need to thank sister-in-law. If you hadn’t accompanied mom to see me, I probably wouldn’t have acknowledged the Zhou family in this lifetime.
Initially, I was slightly resistant to this because I always regarded my grandparents and parents as my closest family. Suddenly being told there’s no blood relation, and that I was taken using unfair means. It was hard to accept.
But now, I’ve come to terms with it; if it wasn’t for the Zhu family’s persistence, I wouldn’t have extra loving elders than others. In retrospect, I truly benefited, so I’m very grateful for sister-in-law’s bold actions back then.
I also believe..." Pausing, he candidly expressed his thoughts, "I also believe my brother will return safely!"
Chuxia nodded, "Of course, he promised me, so he will definitely fulfill it. I absolutely trust him on this!"
"It seems brother and sister-in-law have a very strong bond..." Zhu Jianwen looked at Chuxia with admiration, "Such trust isn’t something ordinary people can achieve."
Before Chuxia could respond, Zhou Xiangping quickly asked, "What, second brother and future second sister-in-law don’t get along well?"
"We’re okay." Zhu Jianwen smiled, "We’ve been together since junior high, and dad and mom are quite satisfied with her, but her mom doesn’t like me and keeps urging her to go on blind dates."
Chuxia immediately caught the key point from Zhu Jianwen’s words and asked: "Second brother cares about the fact that your fiancée went on blind dates despite you, right?"
"Yes!" Zhu Jianwen nodded, "She said she trusts me and believes I can guarantee her future, but when someone introduces someone better than me, she still goes on blind dates.
I suspect that my mom wants me to acknowledge the Zhou family partly because of this issue; but rest assured, I absolutely will not leverage the Zhou family’s background for my marriage..."
"Second brother, such a person isn’t fit to be my second sister-in-law..." Zhou Xiangping interrupted Zhu Jianwen, "My suggestion is that the matter of recognizing back into the Zhou family shouldn’t be discussed with her. If she’s still looking to hook up with someone better, second brother should just break up."
Zhou Jiping chimed in: "Although Xiao Si’s words don’t sound nice, this is the logic. If the other person is someone who prefers wealth over poverty, living days together would be quite meaningless."
"Sigh..." Zhu Jianwen sighed deeply, "After all, it’s a ten-year relationship. Even if I understand it logically, wanting to separate is a difficult decision, otherwise, it wouldn’t have dragged on till now.
Moreover, I feel she isn’t someone who only cares for wealth, otherwise, she would have left me long ago. She’s particularly filial; compromising to go on blind dates is just to make her parents feel more comfortable.
I didn’t tell her about recognizing back into the Zhou family, not because I’m guarding against her, but simply not wanting her parents to make any unexpected actions. Honestly..."
After a pause, Zhu Jianwen couldn’t help but shake his head, "Sometimes I wonder how such a pair of opportunistic parents could have such a good daughter..."
"Is she the only child in her family?" Zhou Xiangping asked.
"She has an older brother and a younger brother."
"Then it’s understandable..." Zhou Xiangping looked as if he had an epiphany. "Her parents want her to find a good husband’s family, surely to help pull up her brothers. Many elders are like this, you can’t say they’re wrong, it’s just..." She shook her head and didn’t continue, for if one really delves into it, isn’t her mother-in-law just like that?
"Second brother, have you thought about what to do next?" Chuxia interjected.
Zhu Jianwen sighed: "Let nature take its course. I don’t want to talk about the Zhou family’s matters. If she gives up, I’ll let her be. As long as she’s willing to be with me, I’ll definitely marry her.
Of course, I must emphasize again, recognizing back into the Zhou family is merely for this affection, I absolutely won’t exploit this identity for personal gain!"
"Second brother shouldn’t say it like that. Since you’ve recognized back into the Zhou family, there are things where you can rely on family, don’t refuse..." Zhou Xiangping paused, looking earnestly at Zhu Jianwen, "I feel it’s very foolish to reject these conveniences when they’re right there.
I’m not saying you should rely on this to be with your future second sister-in-law, I’m talking about work-related or things that can bring convenience to your life.’
Before, I also resisted this, but after third sister-in-law married in and chatted a few times, I felt my original thoughts were quite silly.
Why make something that can be done in one step, into two or three steps or even more? With that time and energy, isn’t it better to do other things? Isn’t that right, third sister-in-law?"
Being mentioned, Chuxia had no choice but to agree: "Yes, that’s my meaning, but second brother should decide for himself, don’t let us sway you, what matters is that you feel comfortable in your heart."
"I understand what my sister and sister-in-law mean, don’t worry, I won’t make things difficult for myself. In terms of feelings, I plan to do it in the simplest way. As for work, I won’t be too rigid either. However, for now, I’m just an ordinary teacher. Even if the family wants to help, there’s no way.
Nonetheless, I will strive hard. When one day I have the qualifications to stand higher, if anyone strays off the path, with our family around, I won’t have anything to fear."
"Talking to someone who understands is never tiring." Zhou Jiping gave Zhu Jianwen a thumbs-up, "That’s what we want to say, second brother, actually your ideas are quite similar to third brother’s. Character-wise, you’re more gentle, whereas he wouldn’t spare others when he talks. You’ll know when he comes back, but I believe you two will hit it off well, he likes people with a personality like yours."
"They are twins, after all, they surely get along..." Zhou Xiangping smacked her lips with envy, "Why didn’t Mom make us twins too? I’d really like to experience that feeling of telepathy."
Zhou Jiping "..." Is this really something to compete over? She’s truly defeated by her own sister.
After another day, Zhu Jianwen returned to Capital City. For him, recognizing back into the Zhou family was just a formality; life must still be lived in the Zhu family.
When he left, everyone bid him farewell warmly, except Zhou Zhongkang who pulled a long face.
After Zhu Jianwen left, Old Master Zhou stopped Zhou Zhongkang, who wanted to sneak away.
"Sit down. While the whole family is here, let’s talk, express what’s on your mind. Don’t keep a long face all day, as if the whole family owes you."
"I have nothing to say." Zhou Zhongkang said blandly to Old Master Zhou, "In Grandfather’s eyes, I’m just an insignificant grandson, right? Or you can directly kick me out of the Zhou family, I assure you, once you do that, I absolutely won’t shamelessly come back." (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at m.qidian.com.)