Reborn as the Villain's Wife, I Shine in 80s-Chapter 570 - 554 The Incident Began

Jin Zhi looked at Zhao Chun with a mixture of emotions, hesitated for a moment, and said, "My younger brother is about to get engaged, but the other side is asking for 800 yuan in bride price." She paused here, glanced at Zhao Chun, but seeing that he seemed unaware of the real situation, she exhaled in relief and then lowered her head somewhat guiltily.

She continued, "We agreed on the 800 yuan bride price and have already given it. But who knew they would suddenly add another condition, saying the money isn’t enough—they also want a sewing machine. Otherwise, they’ll back out."

The girl was one of the prettiest in their village, with many suitors. Her brother had nothing going for him, but somehow he fancied her. And now, hasn’t the family latched onto them? Thinking they’re wealthy since Jin Zhi has made it big, they’ve become even greedier—now they want a sewing machine too.

Zhao Chun let out a cold laugh, "This kind of family is just too greedy, asking for a sewing machine. After the sewing machine, will they demand a television next?" Nowadays, televisions weren’t just expensive; you needed ration coupons to buy one. In any workplace, there were many people but only a few coupons, which naturally went to those in higher positions. Sewing machines were almost the same.

Hearing Zhao Chun’s comment, Jin Zhi flushed slightly. But what could she do? Her brother liked this girl, which meant her parents liked her too.

Her tears fell silently, "My father’s opinion is, marry her first and deal with the rest later. If she really demands a television later, by then she’ll already be part of our family, and it won’t be her decision to make. I truly can’t come up with any more money or goods, but Luo Da in the village has them. That’s why my father has decided to marry me off to Luo Da."

Jin Zhi was fair and delicate-looking, hardworking, and capable. She worked in the city and had received an education. She’d had quite a few suitors in the village. Jin Zhi had previously turned them all down, and after she met Zhao Chun, she dismissed them even more. She thought of a poetic line she once read, "Having seen the vast ocean, other waters pale; having seen the clouds atop Mount Wu, other clouds hold no wonder." His clean, fresh, and handsome demeanor captivated her.

Oh, the countryside sure is full of bizarre affairs.

Some people even sell their daughters.

Zhao Chun curled his lip—this wasn’t anything new. He remembered the absurdity he encountered when he first met Tian Sangsang. They were selling granddaughters and even small children then.

The responsibilities of an entire family had fallen on Jin Zhi’s shoulders, so it was no surprise the poor girl couldn’t breathe and dared to use funds from the store as a stopgap. Tian Sangsang sighed, "So what’s on your mind right now?"

Jin Zhi said in a grieving voice, "My father’s decisions aren’t ones anyone can say no to. Unless I could come up with a sewing machine, but I really can’t."

It was the classic "not wanting to marry but having no choice" situation.

"A sewing machine isn’t really that big of a deal," Zhao Chun said. If he were in the East Sea, getting one would be simple enough. At the end of the day, it’s just a sewing machine. Yet here, it’s led to selling a daughter?

The heartbroken Jin Zhi had no intention of asking for help, but Zhao Chun’s remark sparked a faint Desire in her heart. If only he were willing to help... But why would he?

Tian Sangsang remembered that her family had plenty of special supply coupons that Ye Binyi had given her while she was in confinement. She hadn’t used them yet. She had flipped through them once and specifically noticed there were coupons for sewing machines.

"I happen to have a sewing machine coupon and the money to buy one too. I’ll lend them to you. Later, I’ll just deduct it from your salary as usual." Faced with the situation before her, she couldn’t simply stand by and do nothing. She only hoped that doing more good deeds would bring blessings, and that those blessings would fall upon her son.

Jin Zhi was blindsided by this overwhelming gesture, completely caught off guard.

Her eyes brimmed with tears, and she said gratefully, "Thank you! Thank you so much, boss! I will work hard to pay you back!" Nothing made her happier than not having to marry Luo Da!

Tian Sangsang nodded faintly.

In the midst of joy, Jin Zhi couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow. How effortless and indifferent it all seemed to Tian Sangsang—a mere sewing machine coupon and some money, just a trivial matter—yet for Jin Zhi, it was something unattainable no matter how hard she tried.

She decided to go all the way in helping Jin Zhi. She couldn’t manage Jin Zhi’s brother’s marriage, nor did she want to, but this was something she could help with.

As Jin Zhi went off to greet customers again, Tian Sangsang turned to Zhao Chun and furrowed her brows, "So, do you think her father really wants the sewing machine, or does he want her to marry Luo Da? Or maybe he wants both? If she goes home alone tomorrow, will she be able to handle it?"

"Lucky I’ve got nothing to do—I’ll go with her tomorrow," Zhao Chun said after a moment of thought. "The sewing machine is, after all, something we... something you lent her."

"We’re only responsible for lending the item to Jin Zhi. If it comes down to dealing with her family’s affairs, and her father doesn’t agree, there’s nothing we can do. Don’t get too involved," Tian Sangsang warned. Surely they wouldn’t resort to something like abducting a bride if her father didn’t agree? They had no standing to interfere in this matter.

Zhao Chun clicked his tongue, "I’m not the type to stick my nose in where it doesn’t belong."

Tian Sangsang squinted at him, "Am I someone who meddles unnecessarily then?"

Zhao Chun waved his hand dismissively, "A flower-like young girl being ruined by a wolf—that’s something even Little Tangyuan wouldn’t tolerate. Right, Tang Yuan’er?"

Little Tangyuan: "..."

Grown-ups and their drama—this baby doesn’t understand! I’m going to sleep now~

Tian Sangsang raised an eyebrow in disdain, "Sloppy little piglet—only knows how to eat, drink, poop, and sleep."

Zhao Chun defended adamantly, "A two-month-old baby who doesn’t eat, drink, poop, and sleep—that would be a problem!"

Tian Sangsang: Alright then (╯▽╰)

**

The next day, Zhao Chun prepared to accompany Jin Zhi to the countryside and bade a reluctant farewell to Little Tangyuan. He didn’t know that while he was heading out, Tian Sangsang had closed Yipin Xiangju, taken Little Tangyuan in her arms, and with Li Aihua’s introduction, was on her way to the Beijing Film Factory holding her manuscript.

Jin Zhi followed behind Zhao Chun as they waited for the bus.

Winter’s warm sunlight shone on him, making him look even more energetic and exceptionally handsome.

Jin Zhi pressed her lips together in a soft smile and lowered her head, saying, "Mr. Zhao, thank you for accompanying me."

Zhao Chun was scanning for the bus and replied in a bright voice, "No need, it’s just a small gesture."

His figure seemed even larger in Jin Zhi’s heart. If only things could always be like this—it would be wonderful.

When Zhao Chun offered to come with her today, she was genuinely pleasantly surprised and incredulous. She hadn’t expected him to accompany her. What did it mean? Could it be that he had even a little...

The arrival of the bus interrupted Jin Zhi’s train of thought. She shook her head. No, Jin Zhi, don’t get ahead of yourself. He’s just being kind. But why is his kindness directed at her and not others?

No, he did also help the boss.

The bus bumped along the road, and the passengers weren’t exactly quiet; most were chatting away.

Jin Zhi fidgeted with her hands, "Mr. Zhao, where we’re going is a bit far—it’ll take more than just this bus ride."

She looked out the window curiously, "Mr. Zhao."

Zhao Chun made an "ah" sound and suddenly snapped out of his thoughts, "Jin Zhi, are you calling me?"

Jin Zhi lowered her gaze, "Am I disturbing you, Mr. Zhao?"

"Not at all." Zhao Chun laughed heartily. He wanted to chat with her about what he had just been pondering, but she kept her head lowered quietly, and he lost the spark of interest to share.

There was silence.