Transmigration: On the Gossip Front
Chapter 225 True or False First Love 25_1

Chapter 225: Chapter 225 True or False First Love 25_1

Zhou Lina didn’t care where Zhou Dajiang and his son went for their meal; they could go to Zhou Dahai’s place or to the cafeteria.

The food at the former’s place would definitely not be tasty; Zhou Dahai’s family would not offer them any warm welcomes—she could spell that out backward and forward.

As for the cafeteria, Zhou Yong loathed it and had been constantly complaining about the terrible food there.

Gu Wei devoured the meal Zhou Lina made, deeply feeling that this girl was truly virtuous, "Just eat here from now on, let them deal with their own affairs."

"Zhou Dajiang is skimping on the living expenses just to prepare for his precious son’s marriage."

Gu Wei had always disapproved of some of Zhou Dajiang’s behaviors; to her, his way of doing things was as petty as it gets.

"Mom, I spoke to Uncle Zhou today..." Zhou Lina had initially worried whether saying that would upset Zhang Shifen.

But now she wasn’t concerned, with Gu Wei around, she would definitely speak up for her.

Zhang Shifen looked at her two worried children, especially Zhou Xuan, who said that Zhou Dajiang went too far.

Zhang Shifen wiped away her tears, "I know, and I’ll be busy with work from now on. Zhou Yong has had a girlfriend for a while now and they could consider marriage."

"I don’t want to meddle too much with the newlyweds."

"Zhou Dajiang used to wash his clothes and cook for himself; there’s no reason he can’t do it now."

"I don’t need to keep indulging him." Zhang Shifen stroked Zhou Lina’s head, "Initially, I thought, as long as I did more, as long as he treated you well..."

"Then Xiao Xuan came along, and I thought that, after all, we had Xiao Xuan, even if it was a selfish thought."

Zhang Shifen had her own selfish motives, but she also considered that now they had Zhou Xuan, they should think of the child to some extent.

But she realized that Zhou Dajiang remained the same, his eyes filled with nothing but Zhou Yong.

"By the way, I’ve already spoken to them. Since Zhou Yong is not diligently studying, they should find a new apprentice."

Gu Wei had initially agreed to ask for help on behalf of Zhang Shifen, and how foolish Zhou Yong had been to not cherish the opportunity and study hard.

If that’s the case, there’s no reason to hog the spot; it’s better to give it to someone who needs it.

"Don’t worry, it won’t affect you. There’s an apprenticeship assessment in a couple of days."

"Zhou Yong will also be tested then, and he can find a new master afterward."

Gu Wei was ecstatic after contacting the other party, "You see, even heaven is helping you."

An event that comes once a year or even less frequently happened to coincide now; wasn’t this like heaven itself siding with Zhang Shifen?

No way, Zhou Lina was even more surprised; she was simply taking the chance to make a fuss, and unexpectedly, it could even involve Zhou Yong.

Although she didn’t know how Zhou Yong was doing at work, having a good master might still benefit his career in the future.

The best solution was to cut off this path, even if Zhou Dajiang got angry, he couldn’t blame Zhang Shifen for it.

"I’ll buy groceries tomorrow, it’ll trouble Xiao Na then." Gu Wei knew it wasn’t right to always have Zhou Lina cook, but this was all she could do.

Zhou Lina said it was no problem; the food in the cafeteria was really not that good.

After the mother and son finished eating and were about to clean up, Gu Wei wouldn’t let them wash the dishes, "You’ve already helped me by cooking."

"How could I let you do the dishes? Just go back," Gu Wei knew about the events of the past two days and wondered how Zhou Dajiang would react in anger.

Zhang Shifen glanced at the time; it was already past eight. If they didn’t return now, it would be too late, "Alright, we’ll go back."

The mother and her two sons walked home, speaking softly to each other. Zhou Lina noted it was only a little past eight o’clock, but the streets were sparse with people, and few rooms were lit anymore.

People really do go to bed early. Healthy routines, early to bed and early to rise, must guarantee good health.

As the three chatted lightly, they arrived home where Zhou Lina took out her keys to unlock the door, only to find she couldn’t get it open.

"What’s going on?" No matter how Zhou Lina looked at it, she saw nothing wrong with her key, but still, the door wouldn’t budge.

Zhang Shifen took out her key to try the door, but no matter what, it wouldn’t open. "What’s the matter?"

Zhou Lina watched as even Zhang Shifen couldn’t unlock the door. "Could it have been dead-bolted from the inside?"

Dead-bolted? Without considering whether it would disturb the neighbors, Zhang Shifen knocked on the door urgently, "Zhou Dajiang, open the door!"

Despite their attempts to open it, Zhou Dajiang stubbornly refused to unlock the door, making it feel as if there was no one at home.

One by one, the roused neighbors stepped out, incessantly asking what was wrong.

Zhang Shifen, seeing so many neighbors emerge, some still groggy with sleep, kept apologizing.

"We got home and found we couldn’t open the door, and Zhou Dajiang won’t answer despite the knocking."

A neighbor took over Zhang Shifen’s keys and tried them all, yet the door remained locked, "It must be dead-bolted."

"Right, I saw the father and son return from eating at his brother’s place when I was washing the dishes."

"Yeah, I had just finished the dishes when they were closing the door."

The statements from a few people confirmed it: Zhou Dajiang and his son were indeed at home but simply didn’t want to open the door.

Some people, who were variously displeased with Zhang Shifen, realized why this might be, "Zhang Shifen, no offense, but although you’re formidable at work..."

"You can’t be this domineering in life, not leaving any dignity for the man."

"Exactly, exactly."

Others chimed in agreement; they were all quite displeased with Zhang Shifen. Whenever any domestic problem arose, they’d get frustrated about how unlike Zhang Shifen they were, unable to deal with the issue efficiently.

Hearing what these people said, Zhang Shifen was amused, "So, I haven’t left Zhou Dajiang any dignity, huh?"

"He hasn’t given me any living expenses for months; nonetheless, I’m managing on my own, and still, he isn’t satisfied."

"You too think I’m doing poorly, it seems. Perhaps then, your men also don’t hand over their earnings, and you rely on your own salaries to run the house."

Zhang Shifen used to think it wasn’t necessary to be too harsh, since they were all neighbors, but now she believed she couldn’t keep indulging them.

They should not think she was someone to be bullied, mistaking her kindness for weakness.

The ones who had just spoken were taken aback, unsure how to respond, looking anxiously at their own men.

Especially seeing their own men agreeing with what she said, their hearts kept sinking, regretting why they had spoken out.

After all, this was a matter between husband and wife; why were these neighbors meddling?

Glancing at Zhou Lina standing quietly to the side, they recalled the rumors about her actions that day.

Previously, they might have thought perhaps someone had exaggerated the facts, given Zhang Shifen and Zhou Lina were usually quiet types.

Now it seemed, were Zhang Shifen and her daughter truly what they assumed them to be?

Or could it be that Zhou Dajiang’s actions were too outrageous, leaving Zhang Shifen and her daughter no choice but to stand up for themselves?