Chiang Qing collapsed onto her own bed, sobbing for her unrequited love that no one understood.
Is there a sequence to falling in love? In the past, famous scholars and beauties had their share of such affairs. When it came to her, why was it not acceptable? Why did it make her a person of terrible sin?
You’re just wishfully thinking.
Her father’s words were like a sharp sword, mercilessly piercing her heart, gruesomely spelling out an undeniable truth.
Wishful thinking, indeed, that was true. The love between her parents had been mutual, with the lad and the lass equally enamored, enabling them to overcome all obstacles and achieve a happy union.
But as for her, Qi Taiguo scarcely spared her a glance.
She also knew he wasn’t worth it, but to just give up, she was unwilling to do so.
Can’t feelings be cultivated?
Even if he had no love or feelings for her now, what about after spending a long time together? Where did the term "familiarity breeds fondness" come from if not from spending extended time together?
Even cats and dogs develop affection after being cared for a long time, let alone a person?
Knock, knock.
"Who is it?" Chiang Qing wiped her tears and asked with a hoarse voice.
The door opened from the outside, and Chiang Qing turned her head to see her younger brother, Chiang Tian, entering.
Chiang Qing sat up, wiping the corners of her eyes, and asked, "What’s the matter?"
"Oh, have you been crying? Our Chiang family’s young miss, who only makes others cry, is actually crying?" Chiang Tian leaned against the doorway of her room, teasing with a smirk.
"Speak up if you have something to say. If not, get out. I’m going to sleep," Chiang Qing said coldly.
"Tsk, tsk, I’m your dear brother. Aren’t you being a bit too cold to me?" Chiang Tian walked in with a smile, pulled up a chair to sit astride it, resting his arms on the chair back, and said, "This is about that man you’re hung up on, eh? What’s his name... Qi Taiguo?"
Chiang Qing said irritatedly, "Mind your own business and get out."
"Sis, I’ve got to say, your taste in men really could use some work. Why set your sights on a married man? What are you after, his prowess?" Chiang Tian looked at her with disdain.
At his words, Chiang Qing bristled like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, her voice rising sharply, "Did Mom and Dad send you? Are you here to plead their case?"
"Don’t be ridiculous. Do I look like someone who listens to our parents? I just can’t stand seeing you cry and carry on over a man, willing to live or die for him. If that got out, I’d be embarrassed to call you my sister. It’s humiliating."
Chiang Qing’s face darkened.
"But I am curious, what kind of man is he? To not take a second glance at you, who has beauty, brains, chest, and heritage?" That’s what Chiang Tian was curious about. He continued, "Sis, could it be his wife is even more beautiful than you? How so?"
Chiang Qing was about to retort how that was impossible, but a spark of an idea flashed in her mind. She looked at Chiang Tian, his face handsome with those peach blossom eyes and a mouth that could charm any woman to death, and her eyes began to gleam.
"Sis, don’t look at me like that; it gives me the creeps," Chiang Tian said, feeling a little apprehensive, as if he were prey being targeted by a hunter.
"Xiao Tian, for the sake of my lifelong happiness, would you be willing to help me?" Chiang Qing asked with a calculating look on her face.
"What’s in it for me?" Chiang Tian raised an eyebrow. He wouldn’t budge without a benefit, even for his own sister.
Chiang Qing glared at him and said, "You won’t be left out. How about I argue for an investment with our uncle for you?"
Chiang Tian’s eyes lit up, and he broke into a smile, "We’re siblings after all, no need for talk of benefits. Tell me, how can I help you?"
Chiang Qing motioned with her finger, and Chiang Tian leaned in. The siblings began whispering together, conspiring in hushed tones.