Jun Jiuli spent more than ten days at home and became increasingly radiant and beautiful. Zhao Chenguang felt even more inferior standing next to her.
"Sister-in-law, what miracle elixir did you take? You've become several shades fairer, and your hands are so delicate. Please, teach me your secret."
"My skin is natural. I've been fair since childhood. These past few years working in the countryside, being constantly exposed to the sun turned me into the fright I was. Now that I'm home and life is good, and I don't have to farm or work, I've naturally regained my fair complexion, and my spirits have improved significantly."
Ye Zhaoqiu said with a forced smile, "Sister-in-law's skin is truly enviable."
Zhao Wencong's reinstatement documents arrived, and the whole family went out to celebrate. Dinner was exceptionally grand, with only Zhao Chenguang remaining in low spirits.
Jun Jiuli said, "Don't worry, let's wait a little longer."
Zhao Chenguang responded with a dull "Mm."
Before long, Ye Zhaoqiu started throwing a tantrum, "You're going to H City without me, why?"
"Be quiet. Mom, Dad, and my elder siblings are resting. No matter how much you fuss, I won't change my mind."
"Waaaa~ Zhao Wencong, you're bullying me too much! I am your lawfully wedded wife!"
She deliberately made a lot of noise, hoping someone would come to persuade Zhao Wencong, but for a long time, no one showed any concern.
"I finally understand. Your entire family sides with you. No matter how well-behaved and diligent I am, they never consider my feelings."
"Alright, everyone knows what kind of person you are. If you don't want to stay at my house, then divorce me. I'm ready anytime."
Ye Zhaoqiu pointed at his nose, speechless for a long time, then angrily lay back down on the bed. She had been afraid of poverty all her life. While she didn't have Zhao Wencong's love by staying with the Zhao family, at least her life was worry-free.
Zhao Xiaoyu and the others stayed to attend school, while Zhao Wencong went to H City alone. During this time, Zhao's parents noticed the growing distance between Jun Jiuli and Zhao Chenguang. They tried to mediate, but Jun Jiuli said they couldn't find common ground as a couple, and being with Zhao Chenguang felt stifling and suffocating. Now, they were even sleeping in separate beds.
Meanwhile, Zhao Chenguang received a new assignment that was significantly lower than his previous position. His inferiority complex was deeply ingrained, and he refused the offer, becoming utterly dejected.
Zhao Xinnuan felt uneasy seeing her parents in such a state. Shortly after, Jun Jiuli and Zhao Chenguang divorced.
"I've been dragging you down all these years. You are like the sun, and I am not worthy of you at all right now. I agree to the divorce."
"Good."
After the divorce, Jun Jiuli blossomed like a sunflower facing the sun, exuding beauty and vitality. Ye Zhaoqiu was extremely jealous. None of the neighbors spoke ill of Jun Jiuli; they only said that the couple's fate had run its course. After all, the original host's family was well-off, and she herself was capable, willing to accompany Zhao Chenguang to the countryside to endure hardships. Now that they had returned to the city and she chose to divorce, people would only attribute the problem to Zhao Chenguang.
Zhao Zhili and his sister chose to remain with the Zhao family. Jun Jiuli respected their decision and returned to her own home, where she could spend more time with her real family. In October, news came of the restoration of the college entrance examination. Jun Jiuli wrote to her, stating that she would continue to serve as a physics teacher at A University.
"Yangyang is a good child, it's a pity. Zhili, Xinnuan, even though your parents divorced, she is still your mother. You should contact her often and not let her feel heartbroken."
"Your mother cares about you. Don't be easily swayed by outsiders' words."
"Grandpa, Grandma, we understand."
Ye Zhaoqiu clenched her fists tightly. Although she hadn't divorced, she felt as if she had. That woman, after divorcing, remained as radiant as ever and had two children of her own. It was true that comparing oneself to others could be a source of despair. Thinking of this, her eyes reddened, and she stared even more intently at Zhao Zhili. Jun Jiuli wrote frequently, offering constant care and support, but no financial help, focusing purely on companionship. The Zhao family was not short of money, and the elderly couple constantly praised her. Ye Zhaoqiu's resentment grew deeper.
In 1980, Zhao Zhili was sentenced to five years for intentional injury, leaving the entire Zhao family stunned. How could this obedient and well-behaved child get involved in the resale of appliances when the family had no shortage of money? They had beaten someone severely while fighting for territory, and the police arrived promptly, apprehending them all. Once an action is taken, traces are left behind. Ye Zhaoqiu was soon exposed, and she simply decided to let go of all inhibitions. Zhao Wencong, upon learning of the events, rushed back to Beijing and forcefully divorced Ye Zhaoqiu. Although it was Zhao Zhili's fault, the Zhao family could not accept Ye Zhaoqiu's actions. Furthermore, she had discovered the problem much earlier but failed to help Zhao Zhili correct his path. When the situation escalated, she reported him, a truly wicked act. Zhao Chenguang, in his anger, even slapped Zhao Wencong, exclaiming, "The wife you married!"
"Alright, Chenguang, this isn't Wencong's fault!"
"Brother, I'm sorry."
Zhao Chenguang could only snort and retreat to his room, feeling that he was useless and that his parents were biased. The Zhao family was thrown into utter chaos, and no one noticed that the young girl Zhao Xinnuan was behaving strangely. Three months later, Zhao Xinnuan's bout of nausea turned the Zhao family's world upside down once again. She was pregnant. Her partner was a rusticated youth. She had overspent too much in previous years, and he wasn't particularly attractive. With a few sweet words, he had seduced her, insisting on marrying no one but her. No matter how the Zhao family tried to dissuade her, she was resolute. Zhao's father and mother arranged a job for the man, and Zhao Xinnuan happily married him. His family had many siblings and a small house. His grandparents were elderly, and he had a horde of nephews and nieces. Few of them earned money, so his family tightly controlled his salary. Zhao Xinnuan's future life would not be easy; that family would exploit her completely. After the restoration of the college entrance examination, Jun Jiuli returned the body to the original host. Her remaining days were dedicated to filial piety towards her parents and pursuing work she loved. In her leisure time, she observed the misfortunes of those people. After her divorce, Ye Zhaoqiu lived a rather difficult life. After Zhao Zhili was released from prison, he became even more violent. The Zhao family kept a close watch on him, and he transformed into a person like his father, terrifyingly grim. Before their deaths, they recalled memories of their past lives, without regret for their words or actions. They only resented that the original host chose a different path, leading to the change in their destinies.