The car started, leaving only a trail of exhaust behind for Tang's father. Clutching his chest, he shouted into the house,
"You bitch! What else have you done?!"
Tang Qiyue had successfully thrown the Tang family into chaos. Smiling broadly, she leaned back in her seat. But before she could fully enjoy the moment, she met Zhan Zeyi's probing gaze.
She immediately sat up straight.
She had gotten carried away and forgotten that although the man beside her was a soldier, he was far from foolish.
"Sister, why did you agree to give that old man more dowry?" Tang Xiuyuan asked anxiously. "What do you lack? I'll make it up to you!"
Tang Xiuyuan had received a large sum of money from Tang Qiyue earlier—enough for four years of living expenses and more.
Tang Qiyue leaned forward and smacked the back of his head.
"What's wrong with your impulsive temper? Why argue with the old man? He's already confused—are you confused too?"
The siblings bickered playfully in front of Zhan Zeyi. He didn't interrupt; instead, he leaned back in his seat, watching with interest.
Tang Xiuyuan rubbed his head and complained, "How am I confused? What good things could that old man possibly prepare for you? He's just putting on a show. He definitely has ulterior motives!"
Years of dealing with their father had left Tang Xiuyuan with an unshakable distrust of him.
"Getting things for free is a good thing," Tang Qiyue replied calmly. "Free stuff is like finding treasure. Besides, do you really think he cares about me? He's afraid the Tang family will be investigated and all their valuables confiscated. So he'd rather give them to me first—then shamelessly come begging for them back later."
Tang Qiyue saw the situation far more clearly than her brother.
Tang Xiuyuan looked even more confused.
"Since you know what he's planning, why agree to it? He clearly wants to hide things using his status as your father-in-law!"
Zhan Zeyi suddenly burst out laughing.
He had assumed his brother-in-law was merely impulsive, but it turned out the young man had some insight.
His laughter startled the siblings, reminding them they weren't alone in the car.
"Brother-in-law," Tang Xiuyuan asked cautiously, "do you think I'm stupid?"
Zhan Zeyi leaned forward slightly, his imposing gaze landing on Tang Xiuyuan.
Tang Xiuyuan quickly shook his head.
Anyone could see how much Tang's father feared Zhan Zeyi. There was no way a man without power or background could intimidate someone like that.
Tang Xiuyuan was young, but he wasn't foolish.
He suddenly realized that this marriage might have been carefully arranged by their father from the beginning—even to the point of trying to marry his daughter to Zhan Zeyi despite the criticism.
Tang Xiuyuan glanced at Tang Qiyue.
Seeing him finally quiet down, Tang Qiyue knew he had figured things out. She sighed in relief and patted his head.
"Alright, stop worrying about the old man's schemes. Just keep an eye on Mom and make sure she doesn't drink anymore. And don't tell her about the money you gave her."
She paused before continuing.
"If the government takes back Mom's shop someday, persuade her to cooperate."
Private shops were gradually being converted into state-owned businesses. Tang Qiyue knew it was only a matter of time before her mother's shop was taken over. Her mother had been resisting, but eventually the authorities would enforce the policy.
Tang Xiuyuan nodded obediently.
"Also," Tang Qiyue continued, "when you get into university, don't tell the old man. I'm afraid he'll try to take advantage of you and hold you back. And if your three older brothers cause trouble, publish the severance notice in the newspaper again."
She continued giving instructions one after another.
Once they left their mother's home, she wouldn't have another chance to explain everything to her brother. So even with Zhan Zeyi and Chen Dazhuang present, she patiently explained how to deal with the Tang family and how to handle their mother.
Perhaps it was her calm voice and steady temperament that gradually soothed Tang Xiuyuan's temper.
Even Zhan Zeyi didn't interrupt.
When the car stopped, Chen Dazhuang turned back to remind them. But the way he looked at Tang Qiyue had changed slightly.
He had assumed that a capitalist's daughter would be spoiled and arrogant. Instead, Tang Qiyue was perceptive and wise, with a deep understanding of human nature.
At Tang's mother's house, the reception was completely different.
Unlike Tang's father, who had rushed out to greet them, Tang's mother made her displeasure obvious.
The front gate was tightly shut, and the house showed no signs of welcoming guests.
Tang Xiuyuan got out of the car and peeked through the crack in the door.
"Our mother's inside," he whispered, "and she's holding the door shut."
Tang Qiyue sighed helplessly. Her mother was clearly still angry.
"Climb over the wall and open the gate."
They couldn't exactly shout for her mother right now.
Tang Xiuyuan rubbed his hands together, preparing to climb the wall, but Chen Dazhuang stopped him.
"I'll do it."
Since Zhan Zeyi was still injured and shouldn't exert himself, Chen Dazhuang stepped forward.
He removed his cap and handed it to Tang Xiuyuan.
After glancing at the tall wall, he took a few steps back, rolled up his trousers, and sprinted forward.
With incredible power, he leaped onto the top of the wall, checked the courtyard, then jumped down and opened the gate moments later.
Tang Xiuyuan stared in amazement and gave him a thumbs-up as he handed the cap back.
Chen Dazhuang simply smiled, put his cap back on, picked up the gifts, and followed Zhan Zeyi inside.
Compared to his arrogant attitude at the Tang family home, Zhan Zeyi seemed completely different here. His expression softened as he respectfully followed Tang Qiyue into the courtyard.
Tang's mother sat in the main hall facing the entrance, having watched everything that happened.
Her gaze toward Tang Qiyue was icy.
Tang Qiyue hesitated but forced herself forward and knelt before her mother.
"Mother… I'm back."
Tang Xiuyuan quickly knelt as well, worried his mother might lose her temper.
To everyone's surprise, Zhan Zeyi also knelt beside Tang Qiyue.
Only Chen Dazhuang placed the gifts down and hurried outside.
He had no reason to kneel—and didn't dare stay to watch.
Tang's mother looked at the three kneeling before her. Veins throbbed on her forehead.
Her own children kneeling was one thing.
But seeing Zhan Zeyi—an outsider—kneeling there only made her angrier.
"What right do you have to kneel here?" she demanded coldly.
Zhan Zeyi had already removed his cap and military uniform before kneeling. A soldier could not kneel while wearing his uniform.
Hearing her question, he answered calmly:
"Because I am Tang Qiyue's man."