Chapter 16: Different Times, Different Circumstances!

So it was a settled matter that Zhang Chaoshen would become the county party secretary, reaching the pinnacle of the division-level cadre. At this critical juncture, if one did not seize the opportunity to board his ship and instead switched allegiances, wouldn’t that be foolish? Wouldn’t it mean forfeiting a once-in-a-lifetime chance to alter one’s destiny? Thus, having He Di replace Jiang Zhaoyang and forging a marital alliance with the He family became the only viable choice.

At that moment, Zhu Jieyu suddenly interjected, “Old man, you always take things slow and steady, like boiling a frog in warm water.” “Our daughter is our treasure,” she continued, “We can’t just stand by and watch her jump into the fire.” “I don’t have the patience for that—I want to cut through the mess quickly and resolve this issue decisively.” “But you won’t let me!” “I have to ask, just how long do you intend to keep simmering?”

Liu Huang was momentarily taken aback but then smiled, “Of course not too long.” “It’s just that my method is more subtle, not as blunt as yours.” “Isn’t He Di already part of the family?” “The key now is to appeal to her emotions and reason, to help Xiao Wen break free from this whirlpool of feelings.” “If she cooperates with our plan, everything else will be easier.” “I have a way to make Jiang Zhaoyang voluntarily sever ties, to make him retreat when he sees the difficulties.”

“Old man, wait a moment! Xiao Wen will be back soon.” She hesitated, “Do you really intend to use your silver tongue to make her give up this relationship?” “That might be difficult.” “After all, feelings can’t be untangled with just a few words.” “But hard or not, it must be done!” “This concerns not only her lifelong happiness but also my own future.” “She must understand the principle that we rise and fall together.” “At over twenty years old, she should know to consider her own future,” Liu Huang said.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door. Soon after, Liu Wen appeared at the entrance. Entering, she sat gloomily on the living room sofa, her gaze vacant as she looked out the window. Then, absentmindedly, she toyed with the soft corner of a cushion, as if trying to knead all her worries into that unassuming fabric.

“Xiao Wen, what’s wrong?” Liu Huang asked in surprise. “Did Jiang Zhaoyang bully you?” “No,” she replied.

Then why do you look so unhappy?” Liu Huang moved closer and sat beside her, concerned. Liu Wen sighed, “Jiang Zhaoyang looked dejected just now.” “I tried to talk to him, but he was distracted, giving half-hearted answers.” “He was completely out of sorts.” “What did he say?” Liu Huang pressed. “He said his future was bleak and uncertain, that he felt lost.” “In short, he looked melancholy.” “Maybe he’s still upset about the cold treatment today.”

Zhu Jieyu seized the moment to sow discord, “You only just realized how indifferent he has been to you?” “Look at this so-called love you have with him.” “He even forgot your birthday—how can you expect him to bring you happiness?” After speaking, she intensified her tone and retorted, “If he truly loved you, how could he forget your birthday?”

Liu Huang quickly chimed in, echoing her, “I remembered something from a few months ago.” “It still gnaws at me.” “Dad, what is it?” Liu Wen looked at Liu Huang in surprise, her anxiety growing.

“Wasn’t it that you two got engaged a few months ago?” “Back then, Jiang Zhaoyang gave you nothing more than a plain silver ring,” Liu Huang said with a hint of dissatisfaction. “Yes, he couldn’t even bear to buy a diamond ring!” Zhu Jieyu fanned the flames with disdain. “He wouldn’t spend money on his woman—how deep can his feelings be?”

Yet Liu Wen didn’t get angry as they expected. Instead, she calmly retorted, “Mom, didn’t you look at that ring with shining eyes?” “You even said, ‘Why buy such an expensive ring? I didn’t expect the in-laws to value our daughter so much?’ I remember your words clearly.” Upon hearing this, Zhu Jieyu was left speechless, her face flashing with embarrassment and regret. At that time, she had been very pleased with the ring—almost flattered. After all, marrying into the Jiang family was a great honor for her. Back then, she would never have scorned the ring for fear of alienating the Jiang family.

But times have changed. Just as she was about to speak again, Liu Huang waved her off, unwilling to let her continue. More words would only make the situation worse.

Liu Huang, however, was not done. He said, “Xiao Wen, you surely understand the significance of an engagement, don’t you?” “It is not merely a union of two families but a dazzling moment that belongs solely to you.” “It should be cherished and remembered like a wedding.” “For a woman, it only happens once in a lifetime.” “It is only right to make it grand.” “Imagine a day surrounded by flowers, applause, and blessings.” “All relatives and friends, even my respected leaders and close colleagues, gathered to witness your vows.” “What a splendid and dignified occasion that would be!” “Such a scene would be the greatest blessing and respect for both you and our families.”

“But...” At this point, he hesitated. “But what?” Liu Wen looked confused. Liu Huang sighed, “Though I envisioned all that, it did not go as planned.” “I wanted to invite guests from all directions, to hold a grand banquet.” “At least thirty lively tables.” “To make this engagement the talk of the town.” “But do you know? The Jiang family and their son had other ideas.” “They kept talking about ‘low-key’ and ‘reputation,’ saying it was inappropriate to be ostentatious.” “The result? Your engagement banquet was reduced to a solitary table.” “Can that even be called an engagement ceremony?” “At best, it was two families hastily sharing a meal in a shabby private room.” “So meager it breaks the heart.” “I never told you this before, fearing it would affect your relationship with the Jiang family.” “Why no grand invitation? That’s all Jiang family’s doing.”

Liu Huang was indeed full of anger when he said this. He had hoped to make a grand announcement and perhaps collect some gifts, even tens of thousands in cash would have been welcome. Instead, it was like a daydream shattered—nothing gained, all effort wasted.

Zhu Jieyu added fuel to the fire: “Xiao Wen, listen, this is not the result our Liu family wanted!” “By doing this, the Jiang family clearly looks down on us.” “They think we are overreaching.” “They believe our Liu family does not deserve the Jiang family’s status.”