C4 Memories

Ann Jue picked up a piece of fruit candy from the dining table, unwrapped it, and pressed the wrapper under the glass tabletop. As she savored the candy, her thoughts turned to her family's current situation. Believing that God had given her a second chance at life, she was determined to make the most of it and live even better than before. She was resolved not to relive any of her past regrets.

At the forefront of her priorities was mending her relationship with Zhou Qian. Ann remembered how, on her tenth birthday, she had mercilessly mocked and berated Zhou Qian at her party, accusing her of causing her mother's death. But the truth was that her mother had passed away from breast cancer, and Zhou Qian had nothing to do with it. The real issue stemmed from the Plastic Factory where they worked, rife with petty rumors and idle chatter, not to mention the toxic gossip spread by her grandmother, Old Madam Ann.

Zhou Qian, Ann's father, and Xu Jinzhi were colleagues at the Plastic Factory, having worked together in a casting workshop for several years. They had a good relationship, with Xu Jinzhi and Zhou Qian being particularly close friends. They often confided in each other about their husbands, shared fashion tips, and discussed delicious recipes. They even knitted clothes for each other's children, which was common knowledge among their peers. Unfortunately, Zhou Qian's husband was an underachiever, constantly driving sports cars and earning little money. He would demand money from Zhou Qian upon returning home and had a quick temper, resorting to violence over trivial matters, with Zhou Qian having suffered his abuse on several occasions.

During a period when Zhou Qian's husband was away, a water pipe burst and a light bulb needed replacing in their home. Xu Jinzhi asked Ann's father to help with the repairs, but when Old Madam Ann learned of this, she spitefully spread rumors about Zhou Qian, accusing her of being shameless and seducing other women's husbands in their absence.

The accusations were baseless, but since they originated from Ann's grandmother, Zhou Qian was left without a defense. Around the same time, Xu Jinzhi was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery, requiring care. Zhou Qian stepped in to help for a few days. However, Old Madam Ann, for reasons unknown, twisted the narrative even further, causing Xu Jinzhi great distress. Feeling deeply remorseful towards Zhou Qian, Xu Jinzhi knitted two sweaters for her son as a gesture of apology. Tragically, she passed away before she could give them to him.

Zhou Qian was heartbroken when she learned about the situation. She went out of her way to assist with Xu Jinzhi's funeral arrangements. Old Madam Ann took note of her efforts and began spreading rumors, saying, "Zhou Qian is quite the manipulator. No sooner had my daughter-in-law passed away than she set her sights on my son! It's common knowledge that my son owns a house. She's playing a clever game!"

Zhou Qian was livid, yet she couldn't bring herself to quarrel with an elderly woman. She was left to silently shed tears. At a critical juncture, her husband, who had been away in his sports car, returned. Upon hearing the slanderous gossip, he confronted An Jing and gave him a beating. This infuriated Old Madam Ann, who escalated her accusations, claiming Zhou Qian had deliberately enticed An Jing, which led her husband to lose his temper and seek out her son for a confrontation.

Zhou Qian's situation was more unjust than any tragic heroine's. She endured this baseless misfortune, suffering beatings from her husband at home multiple times. Unable to bear it any longer, she took her son and returned to her parental home. One evening, her intoxicated husband arrived, raging with threats to end her life. Zhou Qian's father, unable to ignore the insults, retorted, only to be fatally stabbed by his son-in-law with a kitchen knife.

Consequently, a life was lost due to unfounded rumors. Old Madam Ann, now remorseful and fearful of retribution from the Zhou family, suggested that Ann Jue marry Zhou Qian as a form of restitution. Zhou Qian, overwhelmed and with limited options after her husband was sentenced to death for murdering her father, reluctantly agreed. Influenced by external pressures, she and Ann Jue entered into a marriage of convenience.

Reflecting on these events, Ann Jue sighed deeply. Her stepmother was indeed a figure of pity. If blame were to be assigned, it was her grandmother who was most despicable, stirring up trouble that ultimately benefited no one.