Reborn In 1983: Starting With Reclaiming My Birthright Chapter 601: Close to Zhu, and Black as Ink - Novel Cool

Chapter 601: Close to Zhu, and Black as Ink

Chapter 601: Close to Zhu, and Black as Ink

Zong Shimeng, upon hearing that her youngest son had a fever and her daughter had another nightmare, wanted to return home. However, she was stopped by Lu Jiaxin, who suggested she wait a week before going back.

Lu Jiaxin said, "Call Weikai and Yin Yin, and tell them you're feeling down and came to Bali for a vacation. Tell them you'll be back in a week."

"What if the kids ask me why I'm feeling down?" Zong Shimeng asked.

Lu Jiaxin replied, "Make up an excuse, and let them know it's because of their uncle's mistake. By the way, your uncle and aunt have been quite reasonable this time and haven't blindly taken your brother's side."

It was because they pressured Hu Zhifeng to stay home and look after the kids that he realized how difficult it was for Sister Shimeng. Otherwise, he wouldn't have backed down so soon.

"My stepfather has always believed that a harmonious family brings prosperity," said Zong Shimeng. "My mother-in-law is stubborn and interfering, but she hates vixens. The other woman's first child was forced by my mother-in-law."

Lu Jiaxin thought this was already quite good. At least her mother-in-law was better than those who treated their daughters-in-law as enemies and condoned their sons for having mistresses or illegitimate children.

As evening fell, Zong Shimeng called home. The maid answered the phone and was delighted to hear her voice. "Madam, it's Grandma! It's Grandma's call!"

Mrs. Hu, upon realizing it was her daughter-in-law, hurriedly took the call. "Shimeng, where are you now?"

"I'm in Bali with Jiaxin," Zong Shimeng said. "Mommy, I was so angry the other day that I just wanted to get away for a while."

Mrs. Hu expressed her understanding. "Don't be angry. Your father and I have already scolded and beaten him. We've made him stay home to take care of the kids these past few days, and now he knows how difficult it is for you."

If this had happened in the past, she would have definitely scolded her daughter-in-law. How could a mother abandon her children to go out and have fun? But she dared not do that now. What if Shimeng really insisted on a divorce? How would they take care of the grandchildren? Neither she nor Zhifeng could manage the children on their own. If the eldest son remarried and his new wife was irresponsible, she would surely die of worry.

Zong Shimeng pinched herself, then choked up. "Mom, I know you sympathize with me. But Zhifeng... Mom, I really don't know how to go on living like this."

Mrs. Hu said forcefully, "Live as we always have. Don't worry, Zhifeng has promised to send that woman to Australia. I can assure you that everything in the house belongs to Weikai and his two brothers. Even the 5% of shares under Zhifeng's name will be transferred to Weikai in due time."

"Shimeng, at first I wanted that woman to get an abortion, but Zhifeng said that if she did, she would never be able to have children again. I was afraid that if we forced her, she might go crazy and harm Weikai and the others. Even with bodyguards, we can't guarantee their absolute safety."

Fearing that Zong Shimeng might still harbor resentment, she brought up the recent incident in the Nie family as an example. "You know what happened with the Nie family. It's all because Nie Manli didn't handle things properly back then that Nie Jingshu is now in jail. Shimeng, we must always leave a way out and not push things to extremes, or we'll be bringing disaster upon the children."

Zong Shimeng had indeed been harboring resentment, but upon hearing these words, she let go of all her grudges. Her children were her life. "Mom, I don't want to go back so soon."

Mrs. Hu was unusually accommodating this time. "It's fine, stay there and have fun for a few more days. Don't worry about the kids; Zhifeng will take care of them."

"Thank you, Mom."

As they were talking, the children returned home. Zong Shimeng had timed her call perfectly. She explained to her three children that she had some business to take care of and would be away for a few more days.

Hu Weikai said, "Mommy, I know everything. Daddy wants to divorce you for another woman. If you really divorce Daddy, we'll come with you."

He had heard about it from the servants, and he had almost gone to confront Hu Zhifeng. But at the last moment, he had restrained himself, realizing that the servants' words might not be trustworthy and that he should listen only to his mommy.

Zong Shimeng felt a warmth in her heart. Although her children were usually a handful, they always stood by her when it mattered most. "Don't believe those rumors. None of it is true. I just had an argument with your father and needed some time alone to cool off. I'll be back in a few days."

"Mommy, are you telling me the truth? You're not lying to me, are you?" Hu Weikai asked.

Zong Shimeng smiled and replied, "When have I ever lied to you? Don't worry, I'll be back in a week. Just be a good boy while Mommy is away, okay?"

Weikai assured her that he was always well-behaved and proudly shared that he had gotten all A+ grades on his recent test, even earning praise from his teacher earlier that day.

The phone call lasted for nearly two hours. After hanging up, a brilliant smile finally appeared on Zong Shimeng's face.

Seeing Lu Jiaxin, Zong Shimeng commented, "I never expected the children to be so considerate. Yin Yin and Kexu especially—they can be so mischievous sometimes that they drive me up the wall."

Lu Jiaxin agreed, "The children's thoughtfulness is a testament to your excellent parenting. As for their mischievousness, they simply have a different way of thinking than we do. We just need to be more understanding."

Zong Shimeng nodded, determined to adjust her mindset. "I don't expect them to be as smart and well-behaved as Kaikai. As long as they study hard and find something they enjoy doing, I'll be content."

With their family background, as long as the children didn't stray down the wrong path, they would have nothing to worry about in life. Of course, Zong Shimeng would be even happier if they could achieve remarkable things.

Lu Jiaxin suggested, "Let's go out for a boat ride tomorrow."

"Sure," Zong Shimeng agreed.

Upon learning that Zong Shimeng planned to stay away for another week, Hu Zhifeng desperately wanted to call and ask her to come back immediately. However, he knew better than to provoke her again. Otherwise, she might stay away even longer out of anger, and he would be the one suffering the consequences.

Noticing his dejected appearance and dark circles under his eyes, Mrs. Hu offered, "Tomorrow is Saturday. I'll take care of the children, so you can rest."

Hu Zhifeng's initial reaction was one of happiness, but then he hesitated, thinking of his mother's age and not wanting to burden her. "No need, Mother. Weikai and Kexu love riding horses. Tomorrow, I'll take them and Yin Yin to the stables. I'll leave Xiao Bao in your care, though."

Seeing his insistence, Mrs. Hu didn't press the issue further. As for that fairy outside, if she wanted to give birth to the child, then let her. Once she went to Australia, they wouldn't see each other often, and their relationship would naturally fade over time. Any hopes or plans beyond that were just wishful thinking.

The next day, Hu Zhifeng took the children to the stables, and in the evening, he had arranged to meet Nie Zhan for drinks. They went to a restaurant instead of the nightclub that Hu Zhifeng preferred.

Hu Zhifeng felt helpless but couldn't blame Nie Zhan for the choice of venue. Firstly, it was Nie Zhan who had extended the invitation, so it was only natural to accommodate his preferences. Secondly, Lu Jiaxin was incredibly formidable, and he didn't want to get his good brother involved and risk him getting punished because of him.

After a couple of drinks, Hu Zhifeng sighed, "That Lu Jiaxin is truly something else. Because of her influence, your sister-in-law has now run away from home."

Nie Zhan didn't like hearing that. "This has nothing to do with Jiaxin. It's your own doing, getting another woman pregnant and angering your wife. Brother, what if your wife really divorces you? What will you do then?"

Hu Zhifeng silently picked at his food before replying, "I never thought about it before. Your sister-in-law's temperament is such that she wouldn't divorce me, but now... "

Now he wasn't so sure. However, one thing was certain—he would never agree to a divorce.

Understanding his thoughts, Nie Zhan advised, "Then when your wife comes back, apologize to her sincerely. Brother, Father has always said that a harmonious family brings prosperity, and I believe those words. Look at me and Jiaxin—our relationship is loving, and my career has been smooth sailing. Now look at Fu Ye. His foreign trade company is struggling, and it was doing so well when he was dating Miss Yu."

Hu Zhifeng remained silent, his silence conveying agreement.

(End of Chapter)

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