Reborn in the 1980s: I became a stepmother in the 1980s Ⅱ

Part 227 Why do you think I'm in such a hurry to get married?

Zhang Cuimei and Si Father were shocked by Liu Dongdong's words. Si Nian had only been married to the countryside for half a year—how could she be moving to the city already? They had sent her to the countryside with the expectation that she would live there for the rest of her life.

Now, it seemed she was returning so soon? Their expressions darkened. If Si Nian returned to the city and was seen by acquaintances, what would people think? Although Zhou Yuanshen seemed decent, he was a divorced man with three children. If others saw her taking care of them, they might criticize the Si family for being excessive.

Previously, due to Lin Sisi's situation, everyone believed the Si family had wronged Si Nian, and they still whispered behind their backs about how unfair they were. This matter might have faded with Si Nian's departure, but now she was coming back.

Liu Dongdong added, "It's true; this news is spreading all over the village. I heard she's going to teach English at a prestigious foreign language elementary school in the city center."

"This foreign language elementary school, you should know, is the one where Sisi helped Fu Qianqian with her speech. I heard the school leaders recognized her abilities and invited her," Liu Dongdong said, feeling a pang of envy.

She began to understand why Lin Sisi disliked Si Nian so much. After all, Si Nian had such opportunities because the Si family was willing to invest in her education when she was young. Otherwise, how could she have come this far? Most people who married rural men would find it hard to turn their lives around, but Si Nian was different—she was beautiful and talented.

If Si Nian were a biological member of the Si family, Liu Dongdong couldn't even imagine the brilliant life she would lead. In contrast, she felt like a mud-stained ugly duckling; even when she was close to them, she could only look up in envy. Everything she had worked hard to achieve seemed effortless for others, leaving her feeling disheartened.

Hearing this, Zhang Cuimei and Si Father looked even more astonished, their expressions growing complicated. Their biological daughter, Lin Sisi, had embarrassed the Si family by stealing money and was now in prison, harboring resentment toward them. Yet their adopted daughter, Si Nian, despite being sent to the countryside, was discovered and became a foreign language teacher, shining brightly.

This was precisely the life they had hoped for their own child, but by abandoning Si Nian, they had failed to save Lin Sisi, resulting in an empty effort. If Si Nian returned to the city as a teacher, outsiders might mock them for "picking up sesame seeds and losing watermelons."

Soon, Zhang Cuimei felt this was all thanks to them, echoing Liu Dongdong's thoughts: "Such a significant event, and she didn't even tell us! No matter what, we are her adoptive parents. If we hadn't nurtured her when she was young, would she be where she is today?"

"We must have a good talk with her when she arrives."

In the following days, Si Nian took her older and younger brothers to discuss the transfer with their homeroom teacher, preparing the paperwork. After all, even in this era, there were processes to follow, though it wasn't as cumbersome as it would be in the future.

As for the school, Si Nian got the contact information for the principal of the foreign language elementary school from Sister Chen. She explained the situation regarding the two children. The principal, perhaps influenced by a positive impression of her, didn't ask many questions and simply told her to bring them over.

Since Zhou Zedong was older, he needed to participate in an assessment due to potential implications, but the younger brother didn't have to worry. He was still in first grade, so he could just repeat a year if necessary. Although the paperwork wasn't difficult, it still took several days to finalize everything.

Fortunately, it was during the winter break, and once the paperwork was done, Zhou Yuanshen also found a place to stay. When he returned home, he handed Si Nian a stack of documents.

"Here are the details for the house; keep them safe," he said, gulping down a cup of tea.

Si Nian reached out to take the documents, glanced at them, and her hand trembled slightly. "House... property certificate? Did you buy it directly? Do you have that much money?" How much had he saved up? Aside from giving her money, he had also paid a bride price and bought a car!

"Cough!" Zhou Yuanshen nearly choked. "I have connections. I've lent out quite a bit of money over the years, and they've all paid me back. This house was also found with a friend's help; it's not worth much."

Zhou Yuanshen had been a soldier for over a decade, and during that time, he had made many connections—it was all quite complex. He couldn't explain everything to her right then and there. But he definitely wasn't the type to hide money. He thought it best to let her keep her savings for peace of mind, to avoid any troubles in the future.

Si Nian opened her mouth, pondering how this man, with such a wide network and business acumen, was perceived as a somewhat invisible divorced man. He seemed like a natural leader, yet here he was, playing the role of a secondary character in his own life.

As she flipped through the property documents, she realized that many people didn't have such certificates. In some places, as long as the authorities approved, people could build houses wherever they wanted, but the city wasn't so lenient. Houses without documentation were often deemed too risky to buy; even if everything seemed fine now, property values in the future could lead to many complications. Having that certificate provided a sense of security.

She furrowed her brow, puzzled. "You seem quite sharp. Why didn't you notice how poorly Aunt Liu treated the kids? They're so thin!" Was she complimenting him or criticizing him?

"I knew she wouldn't treat the kids well, but I honestly didn't expect her to be so extreme," Zhou Yuanshen replied in a low voice. "Nian Nian, do you think I sought help to care for the kids and was willing to pay three thousand for Lin Sisi just for fun? I was in a hurry to get married because I thought Lin Sisi was educated and might be different from the others, and that she could take care of the children well."

Si Nian was surprised. So he knew Aunt Liu treated the kids poorly, which was why he hurried to find a wife to help care for them? Even without her clashing with Aunt Liu, as long as someone treated the kids well, Aunt Liu wouldn't last long, right?

Thinking of this, Si Nian teased, "Looks like you have quite the admiration for Lin Sisi?"

"She finished high school; I thought she might be different from the others," Zhou Yuanshen replied. "I've been married before, and a lot happened." He lowered his gaze, his voice darkening. "Nian Nian, no one can be perfect."

Si Nian fell silent.

"Zhou Yuanshen," she looked up at him, "you're right."

"But that's all in the past," he said, his eyes softening as he met her gaze. "Nian Nian, you're right—it's all behind us."

"Let's take a few days to pack and adjust to the move," Si Nian agreed.

She glanced around at the cozy little home she had decorated, feeling a twinge of reluctance. "I thought I'd be living here for the rest of my life."

Zhou Yuanshen looked at his own house, a hint of nostalgia flashing in his eyes. Yes, he had once thought the same.

"We will come back," he reassured her.

As Si Nian was busy preparing to move to Yungui Chuan City, Zhang Cuimei from the Si family suddenly received a phone call from Lin Sisi. She and her husband hurriedly made their way to the prison.