Chapter 1358: Chapter 1359: The Little Widow of the Courtyard 86 The moment Zhang Yu’s explosive words were heard, the room fell silent. Indeed, Zhang Yu’s words weren’t just ordinarily shocking—they were the explosive kind. “No, it’s not just free babysitting; it’s paid babysitting.” “Everyone knows Zhao Lei and Zhao Hong do well in school, and Xiao Hong should also go to college. Coupled with my job, it’s like having two extra jobs.” “Who can resist this? Who wouldn’t eye it?” “If I dare to say no, if I say it’s not okay, immediately rumors will spread like wildfire, saying I’m a bad stepmother, that even with a job, I’m not considering them?” “What should I do then? People around can use public opinion to force me into giving up the job.” “It’s fine if opposing sides have houses; if not, they would bring their children over to live with me.” “Over time, they’ll tell me I am their mother too, and when the stepchildren marry without a house, should they marry here or not?” “If I agree, when they marry here, everyone will feel entitled to this house.” “Either way, I won’t get a good reputation.” Zhang Yu genuinely couldn’t care less about this reputation, shrugging her shoulders. “If I don’t remarry, my reputation stays intact. I’ll raise Xiao Lei and educate the two kids properly.” “If I remarry, my reputation will be completely gone; I’ll be seen as calculating, a wicked stepmother.” “How foolish must I be?” “Also, right now if I don’t want to do housework, I can ask Xiao Lei and them to do it. But if I remarry, can I say I want to do housework and make the stepchildren work?” “No way, if that spreads, it’ll be evidence of me being a vicious stepmother.” “But if I don’t make them work, letting Xiao Lei and them do it, what does that count for?” “We three live well as mom and sons, why stir things up by bringing in a family?” “I have children, why on earth would I foolishly decide to remarry?” Zhang Yu truly didn’t care how people would talk about her. Saying she thinks too much, or has a malicious mindset—she couldn’t be bothered. Everyone was first stunned by the matchmaker trying to introduce a partner for Zhang Yu. Then, Zhang Yu’s words scared them a bit, making them swallow hard, but after analyzing, they found Zhang Yu’s words had reason. “Exactly, without remarrying, Little Yu, your words make sense.” Auntie Wang quickly responded. “Those who remarry need to consider many aspects.” Everyone quickly agreed too, “Indeed, remarrying requires considering many things.” “Both sides having kids, everyone feels their grievances.” They started discussing how the remarried couples around them were faring. Get full chapters from NoveIＦire.net Some were living well, but more remarriages resulted in complete chaos. Zhang Yu’s words spread again, gradually reaching others. It reached the ears of some interested people, who could only sigh helplessly; they were previously considering marrying Zhang Yu in hopes of getting Zhao Jun’s job. Unexpectedly, someone had been quick, already having a matchmaker visit. Yet Zhang Yu’s words made them realize Zhang Yu understood everyone’s calculations, and her attitude made clear she wouldn’t remarry. Zhao Lei knew a matchmaker visited, “Mom, if you meet someone right, you should consider it.” Previously, he thought since dad passed, if mom remarried, they would become children without parents. But knowing Zhang Yu wouldn’t consider remarrying made him genuinely happy, feeling a secret delight inside. As he grew older, looking back at his childhood thoughts, Zhao Lei felt they were truly selfish. No matter how sensible he was, intending to help Zhang Yu bear the family burden, he was still a kid, unlike Zhao Jun. Zhao Hong, although not wanting Zhang Yu to remarry, remembered Zhao Lei’s words that mom also needs someone to care for her, since she always takes care of them siblings, so she might feel tired. Zhang Yu saw Zhao Lei’s sincere expression, knowing he genuinely hoped she would remarry. As for Zhao Hong, she was actually quite anxious, but she heard Zhao Lei’s words, touched their heads, “I never thought about remarrying.” “Previously, I considered that since you were young, remarriage would surely bring stepchildren and maybe mistreat you.” “Plus, your dad left this job and a house.” “I couldn’t guarantee that over time, the other person’s mind wouldn’t change, wondering why you and Xiao Hong could continue living here, but their children would have to move out?” “Or when household expenses are shared, would they think my income is insufficient hence the siblings couldn’t continue schooling?” “Also, in case of issues, they would prioritize their own kids.” “Now that you’re grown up, these issues are no longer concerns, but I still feel this living arrangement is pretty good.” “Why remarry? I may have someone accompany me, but also need to do more chores, care for him, his kids, and possibly his elderly parents. Whose responsibility would that be?” “I am not a diligent person, nor am I very enthusiastic.” “I’m also someone who fears trouble.” “Taking good care of you is already challenging enough.” Zhang Yu straightforwardly said, “Remarrying has too many hassles.” “Involving the house, money, and I’d exert more effort.” “Forget it, why bother?” “When I get older if you find this old lady not annoying nor nagging, just come visit often, that’s enough for me.” Zhang Yu never expected Zhao Lei or Zhao Hong to stay by her side caring for her. “Mom, I’m your son; if I don’t take care of you, who will?” Being the eldest son, the only son, taking care of and sending off the parents was a deeply rooted duty in Zhao Lei’s mind. Now hearing Zhang Yu say these words angered him greatly; he felt intensely upset. “I know, son, you’ve got a good heart.” Zhang Yu looked at Zhao Lei, whose face was flushed, “But I’m used to freedom alone.” “The best kind of relationship is being nearby but not too close.” Zhang Yu thought that living in the same neighborhood, meeting when one wants, and keeping distance normally was ideal. “I will definitely marry a virtuous wife.” Zhao Lei felt Zhang Yu worried he might find a girlfriend in university, which concerned her. If that were the case, “Mom, I’ll marry someone you approve of as my wife.” “A wife is to spend a lifetime with; as long she suits you, it’s fine.” “Marrying a wife should be someone you find agreeable; my liking isn’t the priority.” “Of course, I’ll surely be satisfied with whom you find agreeable.” Zhao Lei hurriedly added. “How could it be?” Zhang Yu waved her hand, “Let’s discuss this topic another time.”