PDLP Chapter 207 The Zhou Family's Scheme 1
Chapter 207 The Zhou Family's Scheme 1
207 The Zhou Family's Schemes 1
Zhou Huizhu knew perfectly well that she was a selfish person, and she made no attempt to hide or deny it.
However, even so, she still couldn't understand what the Zhou family was doing.
They were so vicious and cruel to their own biological daughter, showing absolutely no affection; yet when it came to their adopted daughter, they showed endless doting and favoritism. This stark difference in treatment left Zhou Huizhu utterly bewildered.
If Chu Jiuyue were here right now, she would surely point out the obvious: "That's because Chu Qingqing is surrounded by the halo of the female lead!"
It is precisely because of this mysterious aura that everyone around seems to be wearing a filter that automatically ignores flaws, naturally turning a blind eye to many things and making them difficult to notice.
As a result, many tragic cannon fodder characters like Zhou Huizhu appeared on the scene.
As for Zhou Huizhu's true thoughts at this moment, the Zhou family members had no idea whatsoever, and didn't even have the slightest interest in finding out.
Even though they vaguely sensed that Zhou Huizhu was slightly unhappy, compared to the Zhou family's beloved youngest daughter—who had now changed her name to Chu Qingqing—she was worlds apart and there was absolutely no comparison.
Although Zhou Huizhu's jealousy burned fiercely, almost consuming her completely, she could only grit her teeth and swallow all her resentment and dissatisfaction for the sake of her own interests, silently choosing to continue to endure it.
She did try to resist.
I still remember when I was a child, whenever I saw my parents and brothers treat Chu Qingqing with such gentle and considerate care, no matter what Chu Qingqing asked for, they could always satisfy her and handle it properly in the first instance.
Even when they unintentionally hurt her, her family would still choose to unconditionally trust Chu Qingqing without hesitation.
Zhou Huizhu was fully aware of all of this, but tragically, she never had the courage to defy her own parents.
After all, for Zhou Huizhu, the Zhou family's powerful family background is like a solid backing that she needs to protect with all her might.
"We all prosper together, and we all suffer together."
Zhou Huizhu understood this simple and easy-to-understand principle all too well.
Therefore, even if they hate certain members of the Zhou family to the core, and even occasionally have the idea of destroying the entire Zhou family, once they weigh their personal feelings and interests on the scales, those so-called resentments seem insignificant.
Despite being filled with jealousy and resentment, Zhou Huizhu knew that if she lost the Zhou family as her backing, everything she enjoyed now would vanish into thin air and become nothing more than an unattainable fantasy.
Therefore, even though the resentment in her heart was like a surging tide, she could only bury it deep in her heart and would never easily reveal it.
Unless one day another force emerges that can provide her with far greater protection than the Zhou family, perhaps then she will truly consider releasing her long-suppressed emotions.
It must be admitted that Zhou Huizhu's selfishness is exactly the same as that of the Zhou family.
In pursuit of their own interests, they are capable of anything, even selling themselves out; conscience has long become insignificant to them.
This is why the Zhou family remained cold and indifferent when faced with their biological sister who had returned to the family.
Even though they were filled with contempt in their hearts, they would never show Chu Jiuyue the slightest pity or care.
This is not merely out of consideration for protecting one's own interests, but also to prevent more people from coming to grab a slice of the pie that belongs to them.
As for what Zhou Huizhu said about Zhou Laosan, she never actually trusted it at all.
But so what? Only...
As long as these words do not touch upon her core personal interests, whatever others say is meaningless in her eyes.
Looking back, Zhou Huizhu, who was still a young child, already deeply felt the unfair treatment from her family—the Zhou family treated her and Chu Qingqing very differently.
Whenever she saw this differential treatment, she felt jealousy and resentment.
But each struggle only resulted in endless blame, insults, and even more severe favoritism and suspicion.
Over time, her once passionate heart gradually cooled down, and she learned to arm herself with indifference and selfishness to protect herself from potential harm from the outside world.
As time went by and the days grew longer, Zhou Huizhu's attitude towards the Zhou family members gradually changed.
At first, she might feel angry or sad because of their words and actions, but over time, she learned to take it calmly.
As long as these people don't infringe on her core interests, she can't be bothered with them.
The so-called family affection that the Zhou family often talks about has now become a farce in Zhou Huizhu's eyes, completely devoid of any real meaning.
She may have once harbored illusions about this, hoping to receive genuine love and support from her family members, but reality has ruthlessly shattered her hopes time and time again.
At this moment, Zhou Junhao's heart pounded as he looked at Zhou Huizhu's displeased expression.
He knew that his words had gone too far, favoring his younger sister Qingqing and completely disregarding the feelings of Zhou Huizhu, who was also his sister.
So he quickly put on a smile and explained to Zhou Huizhu, "Little sister, please don't blame your third brother! I'm just a bit too blunt sometimes, I don't think things through. Don't take it to heart, okay? No matter what, you'll always be my sister, just like Qingqing. Since Dad has already decided to give you that job, it's naturally yours. As for Qingqing, we'll figure out a solution later."
As Zhou Junhao spoke, he carefully observed Zhou Huizhu's reaction. She remained indifferent, seemingly unmoved by his words.
Zhou Huizhu simply responded softly, "Yes, I know, Third Brother, I didn't misunderstand." Her tone was so calm that Zhou Junhao's obviously biased remarks just now hadn't caused her any emotional fluctuation at all.
However, it was precisely this calm and composed response that made Zhou Junhao feel a burning sensation on his face and an immense sense of embarrassment.
I had planned to say something comforting to ease the tension, but when I opened my mouth, I couldn't say anything at all.
For a moment, the scene fell into a suffocating silence.
"Alright! You two, no matter how much you argue and bicker, never forget that you are siblings with an unbreakable blood bond! I don't want to hear any news of you making a mess of the house. As the old saying goes: harmony in the family brings prosperity in all things! A family should live in harmony and help each other."
"Back then, I also went through a period of family discord. My parents were particularly biased, doting on my younger brother while always treating me coldly. I felt incredibly wronged and upset at that time. But even so, I gritted my teeth and worked hard, and finally achieved what I have today."
“Look at things now. Since I took this position, things have changed drastically! My brother, who used to be a good-for-nothing who idled away his days, is no longer as arrogant and domineering as before.”
"And my parents, your grandparents, they no longer dare to boss me around or criticize me as they used to. Even when I come home for holidays, their attitude towards me has changed completely, and they have become very respectful."
"Whenever I think about these things, I can finally feel relieved and vent my anger!"
When mentioning their family history, the Zhou family members' tone revealed an undisguised sense of pride and contempt.
Even though those people were his biological parents, he harbored deep resentment towards them that was difficult to quell.
However, he always remembered his grandfather's teachings.
The interests of the family are always paramount. You can choose not to care about your parents, or even turn a blind eye to them, but you must never do anything that harms the interests of the family, because that is the foundation upon which you stand in this world.
Therefore, although Zhou's father resented his parents' favoritism and indifference, he always chose to ignore their existence as long as their actions did not affect the family's interests.
His loyalty to and protection of the family's interests earned him the praise and respect of the family elders, making his parents no longer dare to act recklessly in front of him.
The thought of his parents living in that village filled Zhou's father with complex emotions.
That village was significantly poorer than Fuyun City, where they lived.
However, he was comforted by the fact that his elderly parents lived there and could help take care of his young daughter.
This put Zhou's father in a dilemma, his heart filled with contradictions and entanglements.
"Eldest son, your younger sister is going to the countryside to work and get some experience. Do you think she should go to the village where your grandmother lives, or to the relatively wealthier Fuyun Village next door?" Zhou's father hesitated, then turned his gaze to his eldest son, whom he had been carefully grooming as the family heir, and asked softly.
Zhou Junwen did not answer his father's question immediately.
He frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said, "Dad, don't forget, although Fuyun Village is indeed better off economically than Lotus Village where Grandpa and Grandma live, the Mo family is a large clan there, and they hold a very high position and considerable influence. If we settle our little sister there, and something happens in the future, we'll likely be subject to the control of the village committee in many ways."
"Moreover, you should know that the Mo family, whom we are using for the marriage exchange, is a family with a very special status in Fuyun Village! Even though I don't have a deep and comprehensive understanding of the Mo family yet, based on the information I have so far, the Mo family is definitely not an ordinary or simple family in this village."
"If my little sister really marries into the Mo family, who knows what she will encounter?"
Zhou Junwen hesitated before continuing, not going into details.
However, the people present were not fools. Who did not understand the worries and concerns hidden behind Zhou Junwen's unfinished words?
Just then, Zhou Juncheng, who had been sitting quietly and silently to the side, suddenly raised his eyes, which had been lowered, and his sharp gaze shot at everyone present like a cold arrow.
His expression was extremely complex, as if he had experienced a multitude of emotions intertwined and collided in an instant. That complex emotion flashed by like lightning, so fast that it was almost impossible to catch its trace.
However, although others could hardly perceive this subtle change, the aura emanating from Zhou Juncheng became noticeably low and oppressive, as if a thick dark cloud was looming over his head.
“Yes, I understand what you mean completely. In that case, let’s send that girl named Qingqing to Lotus Village. After all, your grandparents and your uncle’s family can take care of her there.”
"Even if the Mo family really has ulterior motives and wants to do something, they'll have to carefully consider the weight of our Zhou family first. That way, at least we can guarantee that your little sister's life will be a little more comfortable after she marries into the family."
After much deliberation, someone finally spoke up, breaking the heavy atmosphere in the room.
"Okay, let's settle on that then."
With those words spoken, the discussion about the arranged marriage seemed to have temporarily come to an end. But everyone knew in their hearts that this was only the beginning, and no one could accurately predict what the future held for them.
"All right!"
Mr. Zhou waved his hand solemnly, as if this simple gesture could dispel the heavy atmosphere in the room.
His slightly tired eyes swept over everyone, indicating that they could leave.
Clearly, everything that needed to be said had been said, and there was no need to linger any longer.
Everyone stood up, some nodding in acknowledgment, others saying goodbye quietly, and then filed out.
No one showed any desire to linger; they all seemed eager to escape the oppressive discussion.
Zhou Huizhu stood aside, observing everything with a cold eye.
When she saw that the Zhou family had finally settled that troublesome matter, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing a hint of disdain that was barely perceptible.
Although she harbored resentment and even disgust towards Chu Jiuyue deep down, at this moment, her emotions were mostly directed at the entire Zhou family.
She simply couldn't understand why the Zhou family would so disregard and neglect their own daughter, instead showering all their care and attention on a complete stranger. This behavior was utterly incomprehensible and disgusted Zhou Huizhu.
In her view, family ties should be the most precious and unbreakable emotional bond in the world.
However, the Zhou family has now severed this blood tie and is embracing a complete stranger.
This is not only a desecration of family ties, but also an utterly absurd act.
Of course, Zhou Huizhu also knew that she was not qualified to mention this family relationship, because she knew very well what kind of person she was.