Hai En didn’t understand why Jian Dan harbored such intense malice towards him, not daring to come too close for fear of provoking more animosity. He just ingratiated himself with a smile towards Mi Lu and Lai Wei, "Could the two of you give us a moment? I have something I’d like to discuss with Jian Dan alone."
The people around them all looked their way, witnessing Hai En being rebuffed by Jian Dan, with mixed and complex feelings. They thought Jian Dan was probably just playing hard to get with such a handsome guy.
Of course, they were merely spectators and wouldn’t voice their thoughts openly.
Mi Lu and Lai Wei certainly weren’t beguiled by his deliberately exuded charm; Mi Lu was used to people like him.
But Lai Wei had no regard for such people.
Jian Dan’s thoughts were much simpler: since she didn’t like him, there was no need to talk, and Uncle Bo Qin had told her not to compromise herself and to do whatever she wanted.
Therefore, she was quite confident.
Jian Dan, grabbing Lai Wei and Mi Lu, was about to leave when Hai En spoke up, "Jian Dan, don’t you want to know why my sister came with me to the capital?
Uncle Bo Qin has also reached a marriageable age, do you think he can stay unmarried and look after you forever?
Even if Uncle Bo Qin is willing, would his parents be willing?
You can’t always avoid making friends you dislike because of Uncle Bo Qin. Sometimes, aren’t many things inevitable?"
Jian Dan’s footsteps halted, and Mi Lu, seeing her discomfort, expressed concern, "Little Jian Dan, what’s wrong?"
Lai Wei also said, "Don’t pay him any mind. Uncle Bo Qin is your uncle, you’re family. Even if he gets married, you won’t hear about it from the mouths of others. If there’s anything, you can talk to your uncle when you get home;
Whatever others say, they’re just strangers speaking, you know?"
Jian Dan felt maybe she was too concerned about Bo Qin, and was somewhat uneasy at the thought that others might notice her feelings, but then she managed a faint smile.
Yes, she and Bo Qin were family.
So why bother hearing about Uncle Bo Qin from someone else?
She stopped, turned, and looked at Hai En.
Hai En’s expression brightened, thinking he had persuaded Jian Dan, only to be met with her calm response, "The things you’ve mentioned, I will confirm with Uncle Bo Qin. There’s no need to hear it from you.
I don’t have a good impression of you, and I’d ask you to stay away from me in the future. Regarding you, I really can’t bring myself to like you at all."
The joy on Hai En’s face receded completely, leaving him confused, and even unable to comprehend why Qin Jiu detested him so much.
Was it because of his frivolous actions at the beach and the restaurant that made her think he was a hopeless playboy?
As this thought emerged, Hai En actually felt regret for the first time, although Jian Dan was too naive and not really suited for him in reality.
But in all honesty, Jian Dan was the most suitable for him.
With all the scheming at home already wearying him, did he really need to marry someone even more troublesome?
After definitely confirming his poor image in Jian Dan’s heart, he compromised, "Jian Dan, setting aside your previous impression of me, can we get to know each other again?"
Jian Dan looked at him oddly, not understanding why he would suggest such a thing.
After contemplating, she shook her head decisively, "I don’t think it’s necessary."
Watching the three girls walk away, he felt a profound sense of defeat for the first time.
Here was an unprecedented Waterloo that had made its appearance.
He had even assured his sister that he would definitely win Jian Dan over, but now it seemed utterly impossible.
Hai En didn’t feel like he had persuaded Jian Dan, but the words he said lingered in her mind—that Uncle Bo Qin wanted to get married.
Thinking about Uncle Bo Qin’s age, it seemed getting married wasn’t such a big deal.
So, was Uncle Bo Qin really going to get married?
Jian Dan was lost in thought, and neither Mi Lu nor Lulu planned to disturb her. They sensed her mood was a bit off and exchanged glances before Lai Wei went to sit beside her.
"What are you thinking about? Would you mind sharing it with Lulu and me?"
Jian Dan shook her head, "I don’t mind, but I don’t know how to say it."
Mi Lu was puzzled and sat down beside her, "There’s nothing that can’t be said between the two of us. Go ahead, we’re listening attentively."
After a moment of silence, Jian Dan began, "Do you think it’s strange for someone to fall in love with the uncle who raised them?"