The Beautiful Stepmother from the Eighties: Marrying a Factory Director to Raise Kids

Chapter 392

Fang Hui's face instantly lost its color, turning as white as a sheet.In this moment, she finally felt genuine panic.

If she really went to jail, she would be completely ruined.

Yes, she had always disliked Si Nian and felt aggrieved this time, so she remembered the people from the apartment building who went to apologize to Si Nian and ran into her adoptive parents' family.

The people from the apartment building had just casually mentioned that her adoptive parents were very pretentious, that they actually had a bad relationship with Si Nian, and that Si Nian didn't care about them at all. Fang Hui happened to overhear this and got an idea.

She thought she could go do an interview and maybe get some useful information.

She happened to run into the Zhang family, who had attended Lin Sisi's celebration banquet that day, and took the opportunity to interview them.

Hearing that she was a reporter, the other party hid nothing and told her everything.

No one in the Zhang family refuted anything; they even said that what Si Nian did was known to everyone in the family courtyard.

Combined with Fang Hui's own prejudiced impression of Si Nian, she didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

So she gave the interview content to the editor-in-chief, which resulted in this article.

Actually, she just wanted to teach Si Nian a lesson in passing, to make her less arrogant and smug in the future.

But she forgot that Si Nian's status as the provincial top scorer in science was already attractive enough. Plus, it hadn't been long since the scores were released, so once their newspaper went on sale, it was bought in large quantities and quickly broke sales records.

She thought that with such a big fuss, Si Nian would be too ashamed to face anyone.

Who knew that she would turn around and sue them right to the police station.

And the investigators could even testify for her.

Meanwhile, her simple interview had become evidence of framing and spreading rumors about others!

Such decisive measures caught even Fang Hui completely off guard.

She was instantly beaten and caught unprepared.

She hadn't even fully recovered from this incident, and now she was going to jail?

No, how could this be possible!

Fang Hui shrieked, losing her composure: You can't blame me for this. Her relatives said it. You can't push all the blame onto me!

Si Nian nodded and said, You're right. Those relatives did say it, but you are the one who actually spread it and profited illegally. What does it have to do with them?

You think you're smart, playing both me and the Zhang family in the palm of your hand, but you didn't know that you were the one being used as a pawn. Fang Hui, do you think you are very righteous?

Si Nian looked at her with a face full of mockery.

Indeed, if this matter were investigated, the one who profited was the Sunshine Daily. Although the person who spread the word was Zhang Xiaoyun, as long as Zhang Xiaoyun knew about it, she would definitely deny it to the death. By then, no one would have any evidence, and the rumors had already been spread anyway.

Furthermore, Zhang Xiaoyun didn't take a single cent of the profit, so she wouldn't be considered breaking the law, just having a loose tongue.

The stupid one was Fang Hui herself, who took the initiative to show up, thinking she was being a great help.

After hearing this, Fang Hui was completely stunned.

She hadn't even thought about this problem.

She thought she was using people, but now, after Si Nian pointed it out, she suddenly woke up to the fact that from the very beginning, the stupid one was herself!

At this moment, Fang Hui's face looked like dead ashes.

Now that it had been exposed as a fabricated rumor, the Sunshine Daily immediately stated: We didn't want to ruin someone's reputation like this either. Our original intention was just to get first-hand news. We know we were wrong.

Captain Li ignored them; only a ghost would believe these people's words.

Si Nian didn't say much either. Anyway, her demands were laid out right there: the newspaper must stop sales, publicly apologize, admit to spreading rumors, compensate for all losses, and the rumor-monger must go to jail.

She would not accept any mediation.

Dropping these words, she left.

The honor she had painstakingly earned, her first achievement in this world, was used by others to make a fuss. This had already crossed Si Nian's bottom line, and of course, she couldn't tolerate it.

Especially since Fang Hui had done this time and time again.

If she didn't settle the score, they would really think she was easy to bully.

Si Nian left the police station without looking back.

Just as she walked out, Zhou Yueshen and the principal of No. 2 High School hurried over.

The three of them bumped right into each other.

Seeing her walk out of the station looking fine, compared to Zhou Yueshen's calmness, the principal looked anxious: How is it, Little Si? This newspaper is simply acting recklessly. I only found out about this today. Are you okay? Don't take it to heart, we all believe in you. I will definitely get this sorted out for you. Don't worry, just go home and wait with peace of mind.

No matter how you looked at her, Si Nian didn't seem like the terrible person described in the newspaper. Because the school had produced a provincial top scorer in science, the principal had been invited to dinners these past few days and was hungover all day.

So he hadn't noticed it immediately.

Now he was very regretful.

Si Nian said calmly, No need, Principal. This matter is already over.

The principal looked confused, Huh? Over?

Si Nian nodded: The instigators have already been caught and are just waiting for trial.

The principal was even more dumbfounded. After all, it had only been an hour or so since he learned about this, and it was already over?

There was absolutely no chance for him to step in?

R-really over?

Si Nian nodded: Yes, we already have evidence to prove my innocence. They can't escape.

The principal snapped back to his senses and immediately said in a deep voice, Hmph, that's too much. We absolutely cannot let these people off!

The people are still inside, right? I want to see what kind of monsters dare to write about my student like this. I'll definitely teach them a lesson!

After saying that, he angrily rushed inside.

Si Nian shook her head helplessly, feeling a wave of warmth in her heart.

She didn't expect the principal to come all the way here to comfort her.

After all, she hadn't spent much time at No. 2 High School. If it were No. 1 High School, if they knew about this, they would probably wish they could immediately cut ties with her.

Oh well.

She withdrew her gaze and looked at Zhou Yueshen.

The wind was quite strong, blowing his shirt collar messy. It was obvious he had come in a hurry.

Recently, in order to get used to wearing dress shirts, Zhou Yueshen had been trying very hard to wear them every day.

Zhou Yueshen's expression was cold and stern. He looked at her quietly for a few seconds, walked up the steps, took the bag from her hand, and said, Let's go home.

Si Nian gave a sound of agreement, stepped forward, bent down, and got into the car.

With Captain Li there, he would definitely help ensure she wasn't bullied, and Si Nian would handle the rest herself.

It wasn't as if she was actually a nineteen-year-old who would be scared facing so many people.

Although in Zhou Yueshen's eyes, Si Nian wasn't very old, from her previous way of dealing with things, he could tell that since she chose to come here, she definitely had her own capabilities.

Zhou Yueshen didn't need to ask much.

And the result wouldn't change.

The car started.

And drove off.

Si Nian looked at his rolled-up cuffs and thick arms. Speaking of which, this dress shirt was really slimming; you couldn't tell at all that underneath it was such a lean and muscular physique.

But dress shirts were ultimately inconvenient for work and were only suitable for banquets.

Si Nian glanced at the man's handsome, stern side profile and said, You don't have to wear it every day. Just wear whatever makes you comfortable. After all, it must be very inconvenient to work in these clothes, right?

Ever since she took him to buy a dress shirt last time and praised him for looking handsome, Zhou Yueshen practically wanted to tattoo the clothes onto his body.

He wore them every day.

Although wearing it like this to drive and go out was indeed very handsome and classy.

But considering he ran a pig farm, the image of him wearing a dress shirt and holding a machete to slaughter pigs was too vivid for Si Nian to even dare imagine.

Zhou Yueshen held the steering wheel with one hand, his voice gentle. Then I won't work.

Si Nian fell silent for a few seconds.

He won't work?

Was this something a workaholic older man would say?

Si Nian almost suspected he had been possessed.

Zhou Yueshen didn't explain further, and Si Nian didn't ask.

Since Zhou Yueshen said so, he must have his own reasons.

In the blink of an eye, the two arrived home.

Before they even stepped through the door, they smelled the aroma of food.

With no adults at home, the only one who could have entered the kitchen was the Eldest Child.

After all, the kitchen was still quite dangerous for children. Usually, Si Nian only let the kids help out; only the Eldest Child knew how to cook.

The Second Child loved to eat, which complemented this perfectly. He was just too clumsy, so Si Nian didn't dare let him learn those troublesome tasks.

He could only do simple things.

But judging by this smell, her professional level-ten foodie nose rated it at least a six out of ten.

The Second Child could score a two at most—barely edible.

A six was, of course, the work of our little student Dong.

Si Nian felt that at this rate, it wouldn't be long before she could retire and let the Eldest Child take the throne.

As soon as they got home, the children chattered as they crowded around.

It was the Second Child, Jiang Jiu, and the others.

Surprisingly, they weren't playing or watching TV; the house was incredibly quiet.

The Eldest Child really knew how to manage the household.

Si Nian liked this child more and more.

Mom, are you okay? What happened to the bad guy? Did he get his retribution?

The Second Child asked with righteous indignation.

Si Nian smiled. Of course, Mom has already sent the bad guy to the police station. This incident teaches us that when we are bullied, our first counterattack shouldn't be to hit back, but to call the police. Only by taking up the weapon of the law can we better protect ourselves.

The two children exchanged a glance, their eyes sparkling with admiration.

The weapon of the law is so powerful! I want to get the weapon of the law in the future.

But what does the weapon of the law look like, Second Brother?

Si Nian: Uh... well...

Is it possible that this is just a figure of speech and not a physical object?

Si Nian drew another little red flower on the Eldest Child's little red flower board.

A good child who cooked naturally deserved a reward.

However, looking at the Eldest Child's fully collected red flowers again, she felt troubled. She had already given everything she could; what else could she give him?

If he had too many things, the child wouldn't cherish them.

Therefore, Si Nian had to give something practical that both children knew was hard to get.

Speaking of this, she remembered the Second Child saying he wanted to learn Taekwondo.

It was naturally beneficial for children to learn some skills. Of course, Si Nian wouldn't force them to learn just for these benefits; it was best to prescribe the right medicine for the right condition.

The Second Child was very suited to learn something physical. He was simple-minded anyway, so since he couldn't win with his brains, he could only rely on his physical skills.

Since he had such a good talent, it couldn't be wasted.

She had stayed in the countryside for so long that she forgot that even in the 1980s, everything that should be available was available.

Look at Fang Bowen; his schedule was fully packed all day, and he didn't forget to study even during the summer vacation.

She couldn't let the two children just play for two months during the summer and winter holidays like they did in the countryside.

After thinking it over, Si Nian came up with the following arrangements for the two children.

First, take advantage of the holiday to focus on cultivating the Eldest Child's culinary development, not limited to stir-frying, quick-frying, sautéing, deep-frying, and boiling... Second, send the Second Child, who was full of unvented energy, to learn Taekwondo and increase his training time. Since he wanted to develop in this direction, he couldn't rely solely on talent; acquired effort was also extremely important. Incorrect exercise methods would only damage his foundation.

Third... cancel Yaoyao's daily candy supply. The little girl was already sensible and couldn't be spoiled all day. Si Nian was also afraid of raising her into a brat who threw tantrums if she didn't get candy. She would start having her learn some simple pinyin and characters before rewarding her with candy, letting her know that food shouldn't be gained without working for it.

No matter how smart she was, what use was it if she couldn't even write?

With these clauses drafted in her mind, Si Nian discussed them with Zhou Yueshen.

These points were all tailored to the children's situations, and Zhou Yueshen thought they made a lot of sense after hearing them.

Learning through fun and rewards meant they could gain both knowledge and prizes; the children would definitely keep moving forward.

As for the Second Child wanting to learn Taekwondo and such, Zhou Yueshen said there was no need to send him away; he could teach him himself.

Si Nian slapped her forehead. Right, wasn't there a professional expert right in front of her?

Why spend a ton of money sending him to a training class?

Actually, she had previously seen a news video of a child being beaten to death by a coach while learning martial arts.

Thinking about it now still made her a bit scared.

After all, this wasn't something you could do just by moving your fingers.

Leaving it to one of their own was the most reassuring.

As for what to teach, Zhou Yueshen definitely knew, so Si Nian didn't ask further.

When the Second Child heard that his father was going to teach him, he was a bit bewildered. He pulled Si Nian and asked, Mom, am I going to learn how to slaughter pigs with Dad?

Si Nian: ...Of course not. Your father used to be a soldier, and his combat skills are amazing. If you learn from him, you'll definitely be invincible in the future.

The Second Child's mind automatically developed a fantasy of ruling the world.

So much so that he treated his pig-slaughtering father like a martial arts master, confidently declaring that he would drain his father of all his skills.

Thus, the two brothers divided the labor: Zhou Zedong learned culinary skills from Si Nian, and the Second Child learned martial arts from Zhou Yueshen. Their summer vacation life had begun.

Both children were very satisfied with this arrangement; after all, it was what they wanted to learn. Exercise was routine for the Second Child. Back in their hometown, he loved running all over the mountains. After moving to the city, he couldn't run around everywhere because of human traffickers, so he could only play with Jiang Jiu to vent his energy, but this was far from enough for him.

But now it was different. At 5:30 in the morning, Zhou Yueshen hauled him out of bed, and he went out running with a bewildered face. A single run was a five-kilometer cross-country jog. Although this wasn't a problem for the Second Child, no one told him he had to wake up early to run.

Once he started running, his sleepiness vanished. Zhou Yueshen didn't wait for him, and he was scared on his own. After all, there was no one on the streets at 5:30, which felt quite terrifying, so he had to try hard to keep up behind his dad.

Fortunately, his stamina wasn't bad, so he didn't worry about falling behind.

After finishing the run, he was completely dazed.

Seeing that he had only broken a light sweat and was much more outstanding than the new recruits he used to train, Zhou Yueshen finally realized that this child might truly have a talent in this area.

So he handed him a broom and told him to sweep the entire house.

It ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‍was true that the Second Child liked exercising, but it was also true that he disliked cleaning.

Hearing his dad's words now, he looked utterly bewildered.

Weren't they supposed to be learning Taekwondo to become invincible in the world? How did it turn into cleaning the house?

Under his son's suspicious gaze, Zhou Yueshen added without blushing or skipping a beat, "Running exercises the whole body, but sweeping and mopping the floor can train your arm muscles. That way, your punches will be much more powerful in the future."

Second Child's eyes widened in sudden realization. "I get it now. I'll go clean right away."

Watching his son sprint away, the corners of Zhou Yueshen's lips curled into a faint smile as he turned and walked away.