Chapter 1353: Chapter 1354: The Little Widow of the Courtyard 81 Zhao Gui packed everything up, glanced around the house, and said, “Let’s go.” Auntie Zhao dared not mention adopting Zhao Juan’s child now; she had considered this, knowing it would affect her family. She thought that enduring the gossip for a couple of years would make the matter fade away. What she didn’t expect was that Zhao Gui applied for a transfer to the branch factory located elsewhere. Though the construction there was decent, it couldn’t be compared to the Capital City. It was really in the mountainous area, requiring traversing through mountains to reach the nearest town. “There’s a high school there; you should study hard and strive to get into university in the Capital City.” Zhao Gui now ignored Auntie Zhao. He was an old man already; getting transferred this time was because someone from there wanted to come back, and he had sent some gifts to the leadership, which led to him getting approval to leave. Otherwise, in his circumstances, applying for external aid construction would be impossible. Zhao Gui now hoped Zhao Jian could return to study in the Capital City, “Rent out the house, then when you return to study in the Capital City, you’ll have a place when you get married.” Although Zhao Jian was disappointed that the family had to move elsewhere, hearing that it was all mountainous didn’t help, but ever since Zhao Juan’s incident was exposed, the neighbors in the compound were okay. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by Nove1Fire.net Outside the compound, neighbors and classmates pointed at him, which Zhao Jian hated but couldn’t change; the household was chaotic, she’d only be adding trouble for Zhao Gui by mentioning it. Even though Zhao Jian had various worries about moving elsewhere, he also had hopes. Zhao Lei walked to the door, “Zhao Jian.” Zhao Jian heard the voice, “Brother Lei.” Zhao Lei passed a stack of notes to Zhao Jian, “These are some notes from my junior high first year.” “Study well when you get there.” Zhao Lei knew Zhao Gui hadn’t sold the house, realizing his plan immediately. Looking at Zhao Lei’s notes, Zhao Jian couldn’t hold back his tears, “Brother Lei.” “Why are you crying?” Zhao Lei saw the tearful Zhao Jian, remembering when Zhao Jun collapsed — the family was in turmoil, but fortunately Zhang Yu didn’t get stuck in it and emerged, otherwise his family’s fate would have been uncertain. “Encounter study problems there, tell me.” Zhao Lei genuinely felt sorry for Zhao Jian. His academic performance was really good; it’s a pity he faced such an event. Born in the Capital City, Zhao Lei received education here and didn’t know how education was elsewhere; he doubted a mountainous school could compare to the Capital City. Zhao Jian nodded, “Brother, rest assured, I’ll study seriously.” For himself and for Zhao Gui, Zhao Jian knew he needed to work harder now. Zhao Gui didn’t step outside; exchanges among children were seen, without much thought. If he went outside, it would be different. Delivering things to his house at this time was already commendable. “Brother Lei sent me revision notes.” Zhao Jian noticed Auntie Zhao continually looking at the notes in his hand. “Ah, just revision notes.” Auntie Zhao pouted, “I thought she’d give some food.” For this eternally clueless adoptive mother, Zhao Jian didn’t want to engage, “Dad, I’ll go put things away.” Zhao Gui glanced at Auntie Zhao, continued packing, today they had to vacate the house, later hand it over to the renter, and then head to the station. Auntie Zhao observed the father and son each minding their own business, feeling very upset, wanting to seize them to question their actions thoroughly. “Don’t make me angry.” Zhao Gui glared fiercely at Auntie Zhao. Auntie Zhao was terrified by the man’s eyes again, “I know, I know.” Auntie Zhao knew that the current Zhao Gui wished her dead, but was concerned that causing a scene would affect them; otherwise, he would surely send her away. At her age, divorcing, returning to her maiden home was impossible. When Zhao Juan’s incident occurred, she pleaded with her family to adopt Zhao Juan’s child, offering monthly funds secretly, but none agreed. They spoke of the child being a criminal’s offspring, worried about implications, which infuriated Auntie Zhao to no end. For Zhao Juan and her child, although angry, Auntie Zhao could only endure, proposing prior support to her family, hoping they’d remember past favors. Instead, they said it was voluntary, done in the past, asking why it’s brought up, and told to look forward ignoring past utterances. Recalling that day’s events, Auntie Zhao was still heartbroken; with such kin, would she even want to return post-divorce? Even if they accepted her, it would be due to funds post-divorce rather than her domestic abilities. Once funds ran out, old and weak, unable to do chores, she’d be kicked out. Auntie Zhao didn’t want to be homeless in old age, preferring to stay with Zhao Gui. Though he loathed her, there ‘d be at least basic decency. When Zhao Gui’s family left, everyone came to see him off, handing over small gifts. After all, once parted, who knew when they’d meet again; even if Zhao Gui’s house remained unsold, the return seemed improbable. Zhang Yu also gave Zhao Gui farewell gifts, “It’s the fish I caught earlier, simply marinated.” None expected Zhao Gui to offer such a gift. Though many offered small things, none considered food. Having received Zhao Lei’s notes, Zhao Gui didn’t expect Zhang Yu to give anything, but she did. “Zhang Yu.” Zhao Gui couldn’t control his tears, “In the past, in the past…” “Be cautious over there.” Zhang Yu’s tone was stiff, “I won’t forget how you exploited my family following Zhao Jun’s death.” “Sending a gift is for Zhao Jian’s sake, because Xiao Jian is sensible.” Stiffly, Zhang Yu expressed, and the group understood why she’d offer gifts. “Xiao Jian is a good kid.” Among the compound children, only Zhao Lei siblings and Zhao Jian excelled in studies. They all said, if any from the compound would go to university, it’d definitely be those three. Now that Zhao Jian was going to the mountains, even with a school, how could it compare to Capital City’s educational resources? Even within Capital City, suburban schools couldn’t compete with urban ones, let alone the Western Region’s mountainous schools. “Thank you.” Zhao Gui thanked everyone, carried luggage out of the courtyard. Unlike the frequently looking back and unwilling-to-leave Auntie Zhao, Zhao Gui didn’t look back, confident in returning to the Capital City with a fresh spirit. “Xiao Jian, remember the neighbors who gave us gifts today.” Zhao Gui eyed the bag, quelling tears again. Zhao Jian nodded repeatedly, “Dad, rest assured, I will.”