Chapter 49

Su Ruo slapped her, sending the knife in Li Zhaodi's hand flying, and angrily said:

"I've taught you with such care, just so you'd demean yourself like this! In your heart, is your life worth only a hundred?"

Li Zhaodi's tears fell instantly, she cried out, "Master."

Su Ruo didn't look at her, but coldly gazed at Li Zhaodi's parents: "Fine, I'll pay this hundred! But you must write a Divorce Deed with Li Zhaodi, severing all ties completely!"

Li's parents were initially pleased to hear Su Ruo willing to pay a hundred, but upon hearing they must sever ties with Li Zhaodi, they hesitated again.

But thinking their son's marriage could wait no longer, they resolved again: Li Zhaodi following Su Ruo would be no worse than marrying that fool from the Wang Family.

After all, they are Li Zhaodi's birth parents; given a choice, they still hoped their daughter would have a better life someday.

So they immediately agreed to Su Ruo's demand; Su Ruo didn't hesitate, promptly sending someone to fetch the Branch Secretary and Battalion Commander.

After learning the full story, the old Branch Secretary and Battalion Commander were both utterly speechless toward Li's parents.

The Li family had three daughters: the eldest married a lame man, the second married a widower older than her own father, and now they wanted to marry off the third daughter, Zhao Di, to a violent-tendency fool.

Although rural folks somewhat favor sons over daughters, to be this ruthless as parents, Li Fu and his wife in Li Family Village are truly one of a kind.

The old Branch Secretary originally wanted to scold Li Fu and his wife a couple of sentences, Fu and his wife a couple of sentences, but then realized that Li Zhaodi being able to completely sever ties with such parents is also good, saving them from later being drained even if she married.

So the old Branch Secretary immediately said: "Since you're not planning to keep this daughter anymore, write a Divorce Deed and give Zhao Di up for adoption!"

I recall Zhao Di had a young uncle who drowned in the river in his twenties; we could put Zhao Di under his name, so the family line wouldn't be cut off.

Li Fu's face changed instantly; he had wanted to use his daughter to exchange bride-price for his son, but putting Li Zhaodi up for adoption would mean no further relation—how could that work!

So he immediately said: "Secretary, Zhao Di is after all my daughter..."

The old Branch Secretary glared: "You still know Zhao Di is your daughter? Look at what you've done—could a birth father do such things!"

Even a stepfather wouldn't be this cruel; you don't want to put Zhao Di up for adoption—do you still want to sell her again?

Li Fu waved his hands repeatedly, saying: "I didn't..."

The old Branch Secretary snorted: "Nothing then! I tell you, buying a marriage is illegal; if Zhao Di isn't willing, none of you dare force her to marry."

"Doctor Su's willingness to pay this hundred to help Zhao Di escape your family's fire pit is her good fortune meeting a good master—don't push your luck."

Upon hearing the old Branch Secretary's words, Li's parents dared not object, agreeing to put Li Zhaodi up for adoption. They feared that if they disagreed again, Li Zhaodi might cause trouble, leading to utter loss.

At the moment she received the Divorce Deed, she felt the shackles binding her finally break; she had finally escaped that deformed family, and would never again be bound by anyone or anything.

This time, she could finally control her own destiny, start a new life—all thanks to Su Ruo.

Li Zhaodi walked up to Su Ruo, knelt, and solemnly kowtowed three times.

"Master, this life of mine is saved by you; from now on, you are my reborn parents, and even if I die, I will repay Su Ruo's kindness!"

This time, Su Ruo didn't dodge, and solidly accepted Li Zhaodi's bow.

But at that moment, none of them imagined Li Zhaodi's words would come true—she would spend her whole life repaying the debt.

Nor would Su Ruo have imagined that, spurred by a moment's pity, spending a hundred to save that girl would see her accompany her through all future hardships, building an entire business empire for her, never parting for life.

Su Ruo helped Li Zhaodi up from the ground, saying: "Come on! Let's get the household registration transferred, to avoid later complications."

Li's parents, though still somewhat hesitant, said nothing more and followed Su Ruo to the county police station.

Having experience transferring An'an's household registration before, Su Ruo made Li Zhaodi's transfer especially smooth; the clerk asked nothing and simply moved her registration out.

Leaving the police station, Zhang Cui'e cried, pulling Li Zhaodi's hand, saying: "Zhao Di! No matter what, you're still my daughter; remember to come home often."

Li Zhaodi coldly pulled her hand from Zhang Cui'e's grasp: "From the moment you decided not to care about my life or death, to sell me for Li Jinbao's bride-price, you ceased to be my mother."

From now on, I am my uncle's daughter, your master's disciple, and have no relation with the Li family.

I hope you keep your word—don't come bother me again, and never say I'm your daughter, because your daughter is dead, driven to death by you.

Li Fu's face turned livid with rage; he pointed at Li Zhaodi and shouted: "Li Zhaodi, you ungrateful wolf, we've raised you for nothing!"

Li Zhaodi sneered: "How is it for nothing? You sold me for a hundred! That hundred is more than what you've spent on me these years—you made a killing on that deal."

I used to wonder why, being so greedy, you'd rather raise many daughters than pigs—until now I realized, in your eyes, a daughter is worth more than a pig.

A daughter not only helps with chores, but when older can fetch a good price; even if married, you can keep sucking her dry—pure profit, what a bargain!"

Li Fu trembled all over with anger, pointing at Li Zhaodi but unable to utter a word.

Li Zhaodi ignored Li Fu, walked to Su Ruo and said: "Master, let's go."

Su Ruo nodded, and the three left together.

Zhang Cui'e could no longer hold back, bursting into tears; only then did she truly realize she truly realize she had completely lost her daughter.

Li Zhaodi heard Zhang Cui'e's sobs, but she didn't turn back.

Now, whatever Li Fu and his wife do you have completely lost her daughter.

【45】 Li Zhaodi heard Zhang Cui'e's sobs, but she didn't turn back.

【46】 Now, whatever Li Fu and his wife do can no longer affect Li Zhaodi's emotions; from now on, they are mere strangers to her.

Li Zhaodi walked far out before realizing this wasn't the way back to the village; she puzzled, asked Su Ruo: "Master, where are we going?"

Su Ruo smiled: "To celebrate your new life, let's go to the State-run Hotel for a nice meal."

Li Zhaodi felt bad that she'd already spent a hundred of Su Ruo's money today, reluctant to let her spend more, but she knew Su Ruo was straightforward and hated people beating around the bush.

So she nodded, silently storing all of Su Ruo's kindness in her heart, resolving to repay her well someday.

Upon arriving at the State-run Hotel, Su Ruo and company didn't expect the waiter taking their order to be An'an's former aunt, Xu Honghua.

Seeing Su Ruo, Xu Honghua felt a flicker of recognition; only when she saw An'an in Su Ruo's arms did she realize who it was, exclaiming: "An'an, it's really you!"

An'an was clearly averse to Xu Honghua, burying herself completely in Su Ruo's embrace.

Xu Honghua immediately snapped: "You heartless wretch! We Xu family raised you for years, and you left just days ago—seeing me, you don't even call 'aunt'!"