An Accidental Military Marriage

"That black-hearted, rotten-gutted creature! She’s secretly using her power to arrange jobs to rake in cash. Whoever gives her money gets a job!"

"Is that for real?"

"You should have seen it. These past two days, their relatives have practically beaten a path to the Jiang family’s door, all to give Jiang Dahai money! I saw that bastard with my own eyes, stuffing a wad of cash as thick as a brick into his pocket before leaving."

"I have three kids, and none of them were assigned a job after graduation. But look at her, selling off job slots like they’re cheap cabbages! It’s so unfair!"

[Disdain Value +25. 250,000 yuan credited.]

After leaving the family workshop run by the sub-district office, Wang Lianhua hurried nonstop to the match factory where she usually did odd jobs.

Wang Lianhua used to have a formal job as a weaver at the cotton mill.

After the policy of mandatory rustication was implemented, Zhou Xiaoqing took over her position. Since then, Wang Lianhua had drifted between small factories and family workshops organized by the sub-district office, doing handicrafts like pasting paper boxes and lanterns to earn a little extra money for her family.

"She’s so out of control. Isn’t there anyone who can rein her in?"

"Rein her in? Who would dare offend her?"

[Disdain Value +18. 180,000 yuan credited.]

Jiang Moli was lying in bed, reading a literary classic to help her fall asleep. She was pleasantly surprised to hear the system’s frequent notifications that Disdain Value had been credited.

She had thought she’d pretty much tapped out the potential of the machinery factory’s residential area.

She never expected it still had so much more to give.

’I only scolded Wang Lianhua partly because I dislike her personality; I also wanted to use her gossipy nature to help me earn Disdain Value.’

’Wang Lianhua’s abilities and connections are even more impressive than I imagined.’

’Not bad at all.’

...

The scorching sun hung high in the sky as cicadas buzzed incessantly.

The members of the Zhang Family were in their rooms for their afternoon nap. Jiang Qing sat cross-legged on her bed with a small wooden stool in front of her as a makeshift desk, her head buried in her review materials.

Jin Yulan pushed the door open and came in. "Xiao Qing, you’re studying? Take a break. Mom has something to tell you."

Looking at Jin Yulan, who had just walked into her room without knocking, Jiang Qing did her best to hide her displeasure and irritation.

She put on a smile. "Mom, what is it? Please, tell me."

Jin Yulan sat on the edge of the bed, looking somewhat excited. "Did you know that Moli is arranging jobs for your family’s relatives?"

Jiang Qing shook her head instinctively. "Who said that?"

Jin Yulan stared at her, her gaze tinged with reproach. "Look at you, cooped up at home studying all day, completely clueless about what’s happening outside. Jiang Moli said that whoever repays the money they owe your family will get a job! Your eldest and second uncles, and other relatives, have all been rushing to your parents’ house these past two days."

Jiang Qing knew that Jiang Dahai had lent out a lot of money, but she was puzzled. "What does arranging jobs have to do with repaying debts?"

"That’s what I’m asking you, but it turns out you know nothing at all! All you do is read books all day. Look how successful Moli is now. It’s like they say, when one person gets to the top, all their friends and family rise with them."

Jin Yulan’s disdainful tone made Jiang Qing very uncomfortable.

’Growing up, I was always the good child everyone praised and complimented, while Jiang Moli was the bad child everyone despised and mocked.’

’I also believed I was superior to Jiang Moli in every way.’

’Ever since my rebirth, I have exhausted my mind and schemed at every turn.’

’Not only did I successfully avoid the death trap of being sent to the countryside, but I also snatched up a ’potential stock’ like Zhang Jia Ming. Now, I’m even using the advantage of my rebirth to diligently prepare for the university entrance exams.’

’My future is limitless.’

’Jin Yulan can only see Jiang Moli’s current glory, but she has no idea that disaster is waiting for her just around the corner!’

Jin Yulan suddenly sighed. "Ai, speaking of which, Moli and our Jia Ming were supposed to be a couple."

Jiang Qing felt as if she’d been struck by a heavy blow. "Mom, what do you mean by that?"

Realizing she had accidentally spoken her thoughts aloud, Jin Yulan gave an embarrassed laugh. "Oh, I was just rambling. Don’t take it to heart, Xiao Qing. In Mom’s heart, you’re much better than Moli. Moli just got lucky and was noticed by Jia Ming’s superior. I was thinking, why don’t you go back to your parents’ home and ask Moli if she can arrange something for Jiaquan too?"

"Okay, Mom. I’ll go back to my parents’ home and ask."

Even if Jin Yulan hadn’t mentioned it, Jiang Qing had already been planning to return to the Jiang family home.

’I’m going to find out just what kind of trick Jiang Moli is playing.’

...

After returning to the city, Jiang Qing didn’t go back to the Jiang family home right away. Instead, she found Zhou Xiaoqing to fish for information.

"...You have no idea how hateful Jiang Moli is. She ate my mom’s melon, and not only did she refuse to help, but she even called my mom a gossip, saying she was talking behind her back. My mom was furious."

"Don’t be angry. Moli has always been like that. Let me buy you a soda to help you cool off."

"Okay."

While drinking their sodas, Jiang Qing said to Zhou Xiaoqing, "She’ll be finished soon."

"What do you mean?"

"If she just behaved herself and acted like the daughter-in-law of a high-ranking official, she’d be set for a life of wealth and luxury. But a dog can’t stop eating shit; she just has to court death. How long has it been since the Cultural Revolution ended? Which cadre or leader isn’t diligent, self-disciplined, and keeping a low profile, terrified that someone will find fault with them? But look at her, acting all high and mighty with such fanfare, as if she’s afraid people *won’t* notice the Lu Family."

These words from Jiang Qing did more to cool Zhou Xiaoqing’s anger than the icy soda.

Zhou Xiaoqing had gone on a blind date yesterday. The prospect was from a dual-income family and was quite good-looking.

She had taken a liking to him, but infuriatingly, the man hadn’t been interested in her.

She just couldn’t understand it. A lazy, good-for-nothing woman like Jiang Moli could somehow attract a handsome military officer.

Her own family background wasn’t bad, and she had a proper job. What was wrong with her? On what grounds did he look down on her?

When she heard that the very job she was so proud of was something Jiang Moli could arrange for others at will, she couldn’t even begin to describe the jealousy and resentment she felt.

What right did Jiang Moli have?

If she could make Jiang Moli suffer, she’d be willing to eat shit herself!

"The people in the Military District Courtyard probably don’t know about these things she’s doing at her parents’ home. If they found out, her good days would be over."

Jiang Qing’s words undoubtedly showed Zhou Xiaoqing the way.

...

"Chen Xue, is that a Dacron shirt? It’s beautiful."

Faced with Zhou Xiaoqing’s envious gaze, Chen Xue instinctively puffed out her chest.

She was cautious and deferential around Lu Tingting, but with a classmate from an ordinary family like Zhou Xiaoqing, her attitude was somewhat haughty.

"Zhou Xiaoqing, what do you want from me?"

"I wanted to ask something. Since your dad is a cadre in the military district, can he just arrange jobs for relatives whenever he wants?"

"Nonsense!"

...

Wu Miaoyun had just picked up her eldest grandson from the preschool class and was about to head home when Chen Xue came running up to her.

"Mom! You! I have something to tell you!"

"You’re a grown woman. Why are you still so flustered and impetuous? What will people think?"

It was precisely the time when the preschool class was letting out, and they were surrounded by other courtyard residents picking up their children. Her daughter’s behavior made Wu Miaoyun very unhappy.

This daughter had been raised in the countryside and always seemed to be lacking something compared to the other children in the courtyard. Because of this, Wu Miaoyun had secretly arranged several marriage prospects for her, none of which had worked out. The fact that her daughter still hadn’t learned to be poised infuriated her.

Chen Xue didn’t even have time to catch her breath. "It’s Jiang Moli! She’s acting all high and mighty at her parents’ house!"

The moment Jiang Moli’s name was mentioned, everyone around them snapped their heads in their direction.