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

Chapter 37: Insecurity

◎He only cares about Dong Jiaojiao ◎

In the end, Lu Yao grudgingly called out "Aunt" in a voice as small as a fly's buzz. She had no choice; with He Chengjun here, and Lu Jinzhu and Lu Ming present, she had to maintain her image.

Dong Jiaojiao saw Lu Yao's reluctance and laughed out loud, doing so with great arrogance and not hiding her pleasure.

Everyone present, except for Lu Ming, was puzzled. Lu Ming thought that the "Aunt" was just naturally cheerful and beautiful, like a fairy, which was why she could marry his uncle for the second time.

Initially, Lu Ming had looked down on Dong Jiaojiao because of Lu Yao's negative comments about her being a divorced woman and a country bumpkin. But seeing her in person, he thought she wasn't as bad as his sister described. In fact, he saw a sense of harmony between her and his uncle, making his uncle seem more approachable and down-to-earth.

Dong Jiaojiao, having finished her laughter, took it upon herself to clear things up for Lu Ming.

"Lu Ming, since you're here with Lu Yao, you must have heard that I'm married to your uncle for the second time. However, based on your attitude towards me, it seems Lu Yao hasn't told you the reason for my divorce and that my ex-husband is He Chengjun."

"Why? She probably thought it was too embarrassing to mention," Dong Jiaojiao continued. "The truth is, I divorced because Lu Yao was involved with He Chengjun. I found it disgraceful and thus voluntarily applied for a divorce."

"What!" Lu Ming was stunned, unable to find words. Lu Yao, on the other hand, lost her composure and shouted angrily, "Dong Jiaojiao, you're talking nonsense! I've already explained that there's nothing going on between me and Brother He!"

"Oh, really?" Dong Jiaojiao replied with a nonchalant expression. "Then, will you swear like He Chengjun did?"

Lu Yao, previously so righteous, now became hesitant, "Even if... even if something happens between me and Brother He in the future, it'll be after your divorce. Why can't Brother He pursue his own happiness? And who are you to force us to swear such oaths? You must be bitter and envious of others' happiness!"

Despite her strong words, the people present were not fools and had their own views on the situation. Dong Jiaojiao sneered, "Lu Yao, understand this: He Chengjun's oath was due to his own guilt, not because I pressured him. I never intended to stop you two from being together. I requested the divorce to make way for you."

"Do you think you're so clever, while everyone else is a fool? The public can see through this clearly. Everyone knows the truth!"

Dong Jiaojiao's words made everyone's expressions change, especially He Chengjun's. Lu Yao noticed He Chengjun's displeased look and the hint of disgust in his eyes, something she had never seen before. Even during their divorce, he hadn't looked at her like this.

Desperate, Lu Yao shouted at Dong Jiaojiao, "Dong Jiaojiao, you're just a scheming and vicious person. If you really wanted to support us, why marry my uncle? Don't think I don't know you're doing this to get revenge and make us a joke!"

Lu Yao's words indirectly admitted her involvement with He Chengjun, making He Chengjun's previous vows seem dishonest.

Lu Jinzhu was furious and said, "Lu Yao, this is none of your business! It was my decision to marry Dong Jiaojiao, and I pursued her. Just because you have a dirty mind doesn't mean everyone else does. From now on, don't act like my niece; I don't want a niece like you!"

Lu Jinzhu seized the opportunity to distance himself from Lu Yao to avoid future conflicts with his wife.

Lu Jinzhu then looked at Dong Jiaojiao as if to say, "See, I'm no longer related to Lu Yao. Don't let her cause you any more trouble."

Unfortunately, Dong Jiaojiao was too busy dealing with Lu Yao to notice him. She said, "Lu Yao, if you act properly and with dignity, no one would ridicule you. You're just embarrassed because you know you're in the wrong. You think I'm trying to get revenge, but the truth is, I'm grateful you helped me see He Chengjun's true colors. If you want him, go ahead and marry him; I'll support it with both hands and feet!"

Revenge was certainly on her mind. With Lu Yao's hostility and attempts to sabotage her, Dong Jiaojiao was not one to let it slide. However, she had not yet found the right opportunity and was biding her time.

Lu Yao was eager to marry He Chengjun as soon as possible, almost impatient. Despite him being just a battalion commander now, He Chengjun was the male lead in the original story and was destined to become a top figure in politics, the military, and business. When that time came, Lu Yao would be the most envied woman in the world.

Dong Jiaojiao, however, was dismissive and would regret it in the future.

Thinking about this made Lu Yao feel a sense of superiority. Unfortunately, while Lu Yao was ready for marriage, He Chengjun was not. As a powerless rural man who had worked hard to reach his current position, he was not willing to jeopardize his future for the sake of romance. Moreover, he did not have much affection for Lu Yao.

Compared to Dong Jiaojiao, Lu Yao seemed like an ugly duckling. He Chengjun regretted ever finding Lu Yao attractive and wondered if he had made a mistake.

The real reason for his change in perspective was Dong Jiaojiao's transformation. Her appearance had changed dramatically from when she first joined the army. Though she had only become fairer and her hair darker, she now radiated a spirit and vitality, looking like a mountain elf. Dressed in a new light green dress, she was exceptionally graceful and vibrant.

Previously, Dong Jiaojiao had worn patched clothes, and He Chengjun had never realized how beautiful she could look. However, knowing that she dressed up for Lu Jinzhu made him uneasy.

What troubled him even more was Lu Yao. Her foolish remarks made He Chengjun want to silence her immediately.

As He Chengjun had feared, Lu Yao's actions led to a dangerous shift in Lu Ming's attitude. As the head of the special operations team, Lu Ming had the capability and means to act.

Lu Ming, being protective of his younger sister and believing that He Chengjun had deliberately seduced her, was determined not to let his sister marry him.

He Chengjun realized that his path with the Lu family was likely blocked, not only due to Lu Ming's attitude but also Lu Jinzhu's.

Therefore, He Chengjun decided to step back. He addressed everyone straightforwardly, "Dong Jiaojiao, our marriage was only due to your brother's dying wish. I have always regarded you as a sister and never consummated our marriage. When you wanted a divorce, I agreed, provided you with compensation, and promised to help you in the future. Now that you're remarrying, I wish you well. 

However, I want to clarify that my relationship with Lu Yao is completely innocent. Whether you believe it or not, I am clear in my conscience. I initially didn't realize Lu Yao's feelings for me, thinking she was just grateful for my help. Now that I know, I assure you, I will no longer have any contact with her. Lu Yao, thank you for your affection, but we are not suited for each other. You will find someone more fitting."

He Chengjun's words, though shameless, were cleverly crafted. His real audience was not Dong Jiaojiao or Lu Yao, but Lu Ming, who had the power to control his future. Lu Jinzhu was influential but still one step removed.

He Chengjun's intention was to make Lu Ming believe in his integrity and avoid any intentional sabotage. By presenting himself as a responsible man who was merely fulfilling a brother's wish and stepping away from Lu Yao, He Chengjun aimed to avoid further conflict.

Lu Ming's expression softened, showing some understanding of his sister's feelings. Lu Jinzhu, however, remained skeptical, sensing He Chengjun's hostility during their earlier confrontation.

Jinzhu was cautious and hoped that Dong Jiaojiao would be disillusioned by He Chengjun's statements. He wanted to make sure that Dong Jiaojiao would not harbor lingering feelings for her ex-husband.

In the end, Lu Jinzhu was only concerned about Dong Jiaojiao and was wary of anything that might jeopardize his relationship with her. The rest was irrelevant to him.