Rebirth in the 1970s: Refusing to Be a Side Character

Chapter 36: The Greatest Agony

◎ When the King Fights, the Little Ghost Suffers ◎

After hearing about the marriage from his daughter-in-law, Lu Songbai was furious and immediately called Lu Jinzhou's office. However, Lu Jinzhou was on his wedding leave, and the call was answered by Li Xiang. Li Xiang confirmed the news, leaving Lu Songbai so enraged that he hung up without saying a word.

"Dad, you need to come up with a plan quickly. If this gets out, everyone will make fun of our family," Du Juan said anxiously.

Calming down, Lu Songbai tried to reassure Du Juan: "Forget it. Jinzhou has always been independent. Once he decides something, it's as hard to change his mind as moving nine oxen. The marriage is done now. At worst, you'll have to support him more and teach that Jiaojiao not to embarrass us too much."

"Dad, that's not acceptable..."

"What do you suggest? Should we ask Jinzhou for a divorce? His work is special, and divorcing also needs military approval. Do you think it's easy?"

Du Juan, dissatisfied, grumbled softly, "Dad, Jinzhou got married without consulting us. It's one thing for us as the older siblings, but isn't this a bit disrespectful to you? Even if he can't divorce, shouldn't we at least give him a good talking-to to prevent any further embarrassment?"

Lu Songbai could see through Du Juan's intentions and replied sharply, "Jinzhou's affairs are not for you to meddle in. I know how to handle it. You should spend more time managing your own husband. If he had even half of Jinzhou's abilities, I'd be delighted."

Du Juan pouted, grumbling inwardly: "He's my husband, but also your son! It's infuriating how you favor your younger son. And in the end, it's going to be us supporting them in old age."

Du Juan never believed that the Lu family's current prosperity was solely due to Lu Jinzhou. Due to the confidentiality of Lu Jinzhou's work, Du Juan only knew about his position as a director but nothing else. Her father-in-law, Lu Songbai, had been a deputy to a military commander. Though he retired with the rank of a regimental officer, Du Juan thought of him as superior due to his connections with many high-ranking military officials.

Although Du Juan acknowledged Lu Jinzhou's competence, she did not credit the Lu family's success to him. Lu Jinzhou's serious demeanor and lack of friendliness, especially towards her, made her dislike him. Furthermore, she resented Lu Songbai for constantly comparing Lu Jinzhou to her husband, making her husband seem inferior.

Lu Songbai, while having scolded his daughter-in-law, agreed with her sentiments privately. Lu Jinzhou's disregard for him was indeed frustrating. However, there was nothing he could do except wait for the next time Lu Jinzhou came home to have a proper talk.

Meanwhile, Lu Jinzhou was busy helping Dong Jiaojiao pack up at the Southwest Military Region's family quarters. He was doing most of the packing while Dong Jiaojiao dealt with curious neighbors.

Among the most inquisitive were Liu Ping, Ma Ronghua, Cai Xiuqin, and Wang Cuihua. They bombarded Dong Jiaojiao with questions about her sudden marriage and how she ended up with someone like Lu Jinzhou.

Dong Jiaojiao fabricated a story, saying: "We met through a matchmaking introduction. You all suggested that I should get married soon, so I thought, why not? I was introduced to Old Lu, and we decided to marry. I didn't plan to marry so quickly, but since Old Lu is not young, and the elders at home were eager for grandchildren, we decided to go ahead."

Dong Jiaojiao swore she didn't mean to imply that Lu Jinzhou was too old; she just needed an excuse. She certainly couldn't reveal that they had to marry because she was drugged and ended up in bed with Lu Jinzhou by accident.