Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Is that so? That’ll have to do, then.” Xu Zhengxuan finally nodded. “As my daughter’s boyfriend, you must not only be able to earn a decent living, you must also be academically proficient.”
Nian Junting was speechless. As talented and outstanding as he was, he had not managed to impress. His father-in-law’s taste was certainly lacking. Luosang must have inherited that from him for their whole family to have been ruined by Yi Jingxi.
“You must be wary, though.” Xu Zhengxuan sighed and told Luosang, “I don’t really trust your taste in men. You were deceived by Yi Jingxi previously. Now you’ve agreed to marry a man you’ve only just known for five months. Isn’t that a little too fast? Sang, you’re still young, after all. You don’t have to rush it.”
“Dad, don’t worry, Junting is a good man. He’s been by my side helping me ever since Yi Jingxi started bullying me.” Luosang took Nian Junting’s hand in her own.
Nian Junting suddenly felt much better. It certainly felt good to be praised by his own lady in front of his father-in-law. It was as if he had just swallowed a mouthful of honey. “Dad, I will treat Luo well,” Nian Junting said.
“Just don’t get married too soon.” Xu Zhengxuan was unsettled. “Also, don’t cohabitate before marriage.”
Luosang’s face turned red. If Dad were to find out that they had cohabitated and done some things, he would probably be infuriated. “Alright, Dad. After all I’ve been through, I’ve matured. I won’t be like I was before.” Luosang blurted, “I came here today for a purpose. I’ve realized that the woman you mentioned in the past, Chu Lei, is Yi Jingxi’s mother.”
“No way.” Xu Zhengxuan was stunned. “While I was with her, I never heard that she had any children.”
“Dad, you and Chu Lei never had any… thing going on, right?” Luosang continued, “It’s all too coincidental.”
“No, I was just using her to make your mother jealous,” Xu Zhengxuan said.
“Was Chu Lei ever fond of you when she was young?” Luosang asked.
“…Yes.” Xu Zhengxuan hesitated for a moment before nodding. “After I found out that she was fond of me, I kept my distance from her. After your mom left us, she came to our house daily, but I rejected her advances. I don’t really remember what happened after your mom left. Those few years are a blur to me. It was mainly your grandparents who took care of us.”
“Looks like we’ll have to investigate further.” Luosang was disappointed.
“Thank you, but I’ve come to accept my circumstances. I’ve become more open-minded.” Xu Zhengxuan sighed. “Anyway, I’m already so old, what’s the use of living longer?”
“Dad, don’t say that. You haven’t even attended my wedding. If someone bullies me, who will stand up for me?” Luosang was anxious. She could see that Xu Zhengxuan had been psychologically affected.
“Is he bullying you?” Xu Zhengxuan shot Nian Junting a look. “Look at how tall and strong he is. He’s also served in the army. Even if you’re bullied, I cannot do anything from prison, just like how I was unable to do anything when Yi Jingxi bullied you. I’m so useless that my wife got scared, and my son ran away.”
“…” Luosang looked desolate.
After the visit, Luosang looked for the prison guards and inquired about Xu Zhengxuan’s circumstances. They said that he was not well physically and often appeared frail and listless. He also did not eat much, but because he did not have any illnesses, they were unable to call in a doctor.
Afterwards, Luosang said, “My dad can’t remain in prison like this for much longer. He must be depressed. After being framed, it must have been hard to find peace. Finding out about my mom and brother must have been salt to his wounds. I think he’s lost all hope in life.”