Song Wang finally withdrew his hand, but regarding Qin Xiangnuan’s eyes that always gave him a chilling sensation, he could only smile awkwardly. They definitely knew each other; Qin Xiangmei had spoken about her family matters, mentioning that her sister had severed all ties with them long ago. Now, he was holding his breath, fearing that Qin Xiangnuan might say something to Grandfather, which would complicate things. He’d barely managed to calm down his own parents; if Grandfather chose not to intervene, handling things would be much easier.
Fortunately, Qin Xiangnuan didn’t say anything and was led away by Jian Zhiqing. Yet, he felt he could never forget those cold eyes of Qin Xiangnuan, which simultaneously baffled and terrified him.
"Grandfather, why did you call me here?" Song Wang shrugged his shoulders, the sudden fright having left him covered in sweat, wondering whom he had provoked.
"How can you ask that?" Mr. Sun kicked his grandson vigorously. "You’re usually so sharp; how can you act so foolishly now? That young lady is remarkable, writes beautifully, and even knows embroidery. Who else in our times masters our national essence like that? I look at those two families in Baishi, none compare to her," he lamented, feeling utterly exasperated. "Am I not giving you a chance here? How can you be so oblivious and not seize it?"
"Grandfather, the lady is already married. How can I possibly interfere?" Song Wang was truly exasperated, thinking his grandfather was asking too much of him.
Their relationship with Qin Xiangnuan was indefensible; even without Qin Xiangmei, it just wouldn’t be possible since Qin Xiangnuan was already someone else’s.
"You good-for-nothing," Mr. Sun scolded as he poked his grandson on the head, "even a marriage can end in divorce. Can’t you just bring her back for your grandfather? Don’t forget, I also snatched your grandmother away in the past. I told you earlier about a lovely girl and wanted you to meet her, but you refused. Now, the perfect granddaughter-in-law almost slipped through your fingers."
Thinking hard, Song Wang realized that Grandfather was speaking of Qin Xiangnuan. No, he thought, Qin Xiangnuan and he were impossible now, but Qin Xiangmei might be a possibility. If only Grandfather knew Qin Xiangmei was Qin Xiangnuan’s sister, perhaps he would agree. Once Grandfather approves, convincing his parents would be even smoother.
However, he needed to think this through carefully, as Grandfather was clearly furious currently. It would be better to wait until he had cooled down.
Unaware, Qin Xiangnuan had again become the subject of someone’s interest, specifically her name.
As for Song Wang, Qin Xiangnuan had no affection for him in two lifetimes, hence she decided to definitively draw a line against him.
The families of her and Jian Zhiqing must be anxious. In his age group, Jian Zhiqing was indeed old at twenty-seven; soon, it would not be unusual for men over thirty to remain unmarried, but now a typical twenty-seven-year-old man would likely be a father. Hence, Li Qiuhua was eager for Qin Xiangnuan to bear her a grandson this year.
The new home of Qin Xiangnuan and Jian Zhiqing was located in the small Siheyuan, where only Granny Lu resided. Qin Xiangyang was either busy at school or at his new home. The Jin family looked after the child since Qin Xiangyang’s son Taotao had only them for now. Granny Lu, although yearning to see her grandson, was tied down by the busy store and her age. However, Qin Xiangchu would occasionally bring the child to Granny Lu, allowing her a moment with the chubby little one.
Old folks hate loneliness. It so happened Mr. Li would also reside in the same place, and the two younger generations would take care of these two elders. Now that Qin Xiangnuan had graduated, the business was well established, and she wouldn’t be as busy anymore. With the system as her backing, everything necessary was scheduled efficiently without wasting outside time. Jian Zhiqing worked regular hours, and except for occasional business trips, he was almost always home. It seemed likely that Jian Zhiqin and Taotao might join them soon, making the household increasingly lively. However, it was different now; they weren’t like a family before, but from now on, they would truly be one.
Qin Xiangnuan woke up in the morning.
Hugging the quilt, she turned over only to see a giant teddy bear sitting on the floor, its eyebrows downturned, looking foolish. She still felt somewhat muddled, unsure whether she was dreaming or awake.
She squinted as light shined through the window, not wanting to get up. She pulled the quilt over her head again, but a hand reached over and pulled it away, freeing her head in the process.
"You’re awake," Jian Zhiqing placed his hand on her forehead, the delicate skin of her face blushing slightly from the warmth.
Qin Xiangnuan pulled down his hand, placing it on her face.
"I have some regrets," she slightly lowered her long eyelashes, filled with more than a few regrets.
"Oh?" Jian Zhiqing arched an eyebrow. "What are you regretting now? Let’s hear it."
"Regretting that I took those few steps too late, wasting so many years and making Brother Jian wait too long," she rolled over, resting her head on Jian Zhiqing’s lap, realizing he was right. Once the initial step was taken, what followed wasn’t difficult. Qin Xiangnuan and Jian Zhiqing, Jian Zhiqing and Qin Xiangnuan, understood each other best. Indeed, there might not be another like Jian Zhiqing suited for Qin Xiangnuan, nor another Qin Xiangnuan quite right for Jian Zhiqing.
It would have been almost against natural justice if they hadn’t ended up together.
Qin Xiangnuan was genuinely glad she had dared to take that step back then; otherwise, she might have carelessly married someone other than Jian Zhiqing. It was due to Jian Zhiqing’s persistence and her timely realization.
"Now that you’re awake, it’s not too late," Jian Zhiqing sat beside the bed, allowing her to numb his legs without changing his position.
He leaned down, tucking her hair behind her ear. No, she was not a little girl anymore; she had grown up, now his wife, his cherished wife, actually quite a dainty lady, a fact he hadn’t noticed before but was now fully aware of. Indeed, her temper was not so mild