The Sweetness of the Seventies-Chapter 1193 - 1162: Attitude Towards Zhu Zhitao

Listening carefully to Yuan Hua’s narrative, He Tiantian had become a qualified listener.

Yuan Hua was an independent individual; her decisions were respected by He Tiantian. After all, it was Yuan Hua’s life and future, and only she could make those decisions.

He Tiantian nodded and said, "Okay, since you have already made the separation, I won’t say much. But if someone bullies you, you still have to tell me."

"Mhm, now I’m coming to talk to you about it," Yuan Hua said with a smile, "Dad, I can’t talk about it with the kids, I can’t cry in front of them. Teacher He, you are a woman and also my good friend, you should understand me."

"Haha, after all, we’ve been through a lot over the years, we understand each other," said He Tiantian. "Now that you’re divorced, you should still live well and make your life colorful. Life is only a few decades long—happy or not, it’s still a day. Our time is gradually decreasing, so I hope you can cherish every day from now on."

Yuan Hua nodded and said, "Thank you, Teacher He, I will cherish every day from now on. The world is wonderful, and once the kids are a bit older, I will take them out to see and broaden their horizons."

"Yes, there really is a lot of wonderful out there. The beauty of life is in constantly trying new exciting things," He Tiantian replied. "Seeing you like this, I can rest assured. About Zhu Zhitao, how should I treat him?"

That was just the way He Tiantian was, biased towards friends rather than reason. If Yuan Hua had any complaints against Zhu Zhitao, He Tiantian wouldn’t show him any kindness either.

"Haha, my issue with Zhu Zhitao is private, we’ve broken up amicably," Yuan Hua explained. "Treat him as you did before; after all, he is indeed a capable coach and also Xiao Xiao’s dad. I hope he will have a good life in the future too."

"Alright," He Tiantian shrugged, "I’ll treat him normally then."

"Yes, you should keep the relationship as it is," Yuan Hua said. Indeed, when she heard He Tiantian’s words, she felt touched, knowing she could rely on Teacher He in a big city like Yanjing.

Such reliance was not just material but also spiritual.

From He Tiantian’s, Yuan Hua received emotional comfort and returned home with her spirits lifted.

Even when He Tiantian asked her to stay for dinner, she did not stay.

While driving, Yuan Hua told herself that today marked the start of a new journey, and she was determined to make the most of it.

Speaking of Zhu Zhitao, when he returned home from his unit, he saw his mother just back from the market, having bought a lot of chicken, fish, meat, and eggs.

Zhu Zhitao was just about to speak when Mother Zhu berated him, "Hurry up and get your wife to pay for the groceries. Also, that Mrs. Wu is too lazy; I’ve fired her. Tell your wife to find another housekeeper. I’ve been doing everything all day, I’m exhausted."

Zhu Zhitao was somewhat speechless. Squinting his eyes, he asked, "Now there are only three of us at home. Can we finish all this food?"

"Of course it’s not just the three of us, your brother’s family is coming over tonight," Mother Zhu explained. "Ah, my sweet little grandson loves gnawing on pig’s feet. I’ve bought four to braise; he’ll definitely enjoy them."

In this family, during happy times, no one thought of Yuan Hua or Xiao Xiao; but when it came to spending money, they remembered Yuan Hua.

He had vaguely known this before, but he tolerated it because they were family.

This divorce made him fully realize how absurd his family was.

His indifference was even more ludicrous, as it had torn apart his once-happy little family.

Zhu Zhitao had no mood to argue with his mother. He felt very upset and, fearing he would lose his composure, retreated back to his study.

By five-thirty in the afternoon, Zhu Zhitao heard a noisy commotion outside, together with the sounds of children shouting.

Father Zhu and Mother Zhu were thrilled to see their younger son’s family arrive, and they called their eldest grandson into the house.

"Dad, Mom, big brother, has sister-in-law not finished work yet?" Zhu Zhibin asked, "And Xiao Xiao? I bought her some milk candy!"

"That’s mine, not for Xiao Xiao," Zhu Xiaoqiang said bossily. "Grandma said the good stuff is all mine and not for Xiao Xiao."

Zhu Zhibin looked somewhat embarrassed and said, "Mom, no matter what, Xiao Xiao is big brother’s only child; you can’t say such things about her. Big brother might not be angry with you, but sister-in-law will definitely be upset."

"Enough, you start criticizing me as soon as you get here. I don’t want any treats now," Mother Zhu said. Everyone is just so hard to please.

Zhu Zhibin’s wife, Mei Xiaolian, smiled, took the fruit plate from her mother-in-law’s hand, and said, "In our house, mother-in-law’s word is law. Whoever she says gets to eat, gets to eat."

This pleased Mother Zhu immensely; it felt like flattery to her ears. She found her second daughter-in-law to be agreeable, unlike her arrogant oldest daughter-in-law!

"Xiaolian is so filial. Today, she made your favorite braised bream. Make sure you eat plenty," Mother Zhu said with a laugh, then headed for the kitchen.

"Thanks, Mom. I’ll come help you," Mei Xiaolian said, smiling as she followed Mother Zhu into the kitchen.

Outside, they busily prepared the meal until it was finally ready.

Father Zhu went to call Zhu Zhitao.

Only then did Zhu Zhitao come out from his room, feeling particularly distressed.

Ever since his parents had come here, they had a maid at home and never let his parents cook, yet they still didn’t like Yuan Hua.

Oh, why was that?

"Big brother, you’re at home?" Zhu Zhibin exclaimed in surprise. "Oh right, it’s past six o’clock, why isn’t sister-in-law back yet?"

Zhu Zhitao was pondering how to tell his family that he and Yuan Hua were getting divorced, but he was still contemplating the wording, when he heard his mother say, "Your sister-in-law said I was unkind to Xiao Xiao, and she just took the child and left home."

Zhu Zhitao was stunned. How could she say such a thing about Yuan Hua in front of his brother?

"What?" Zhu Zhibin was taken aback. "No way? Sister-in-law has such a good temper. Ouch, why are you pinching me?"

While Zhu Zhibin was speaking, Mei Xiaolian pinched him on the thigh.

Seeing everyone looking at her, Mei Xiaolian gave an awkward smile and said, "Mom, don’t be upset. Sister-in-law is highly educated and capable; it’s natural for her to be a bit proud. Just be generous and don’t take it to heart. You don’t know, but ever since you’ve moved into big brother’s house, our Xiaoqiang has been missing Grandma and wanting to be with her."

Mother Zhu loved her grandson dearly, and hearing her daughter-in-law say this, she said, "Hmm, your big brother and sister-in- law live in the backyard. You guys should move over and live with us in the same courtyard, that way I can see Xiaoqiang every day, and the elementary school nearby is much better than the one Xiaoqiang used to go to."

"Really, Mom?" Mei Xiaolian said, "I’ve heard good things about the schools here too and heard this area is where the wealthy live. I never imagined we could live here..."