"What are you talking about? In the end, there are good men in this world who can accept your flaws. Your kind heart, generous nature, and hardworking abilities make you a good woman. Of course, you’ll meet a good man who will treat you right. Don’t see the world as so bleak," Bai Xiao advised her.
Liu Hong gave a bitter smile, "You make it sound so easy. Where is this man who can tolerate all my flaws and embrace me? Will he only appear when I’m old and grey?"
"I am!" a voice suddenly appeared.
Bai Xiao was dumbfounded, and so was Liu Hong.
He Weng was holding an egg, standing at the kitchen doorway.
Liu Hong chuckled, "He Weng, what are you doing jumping out like that? We were talking about my marriage affairs; what does this have to do with you?" She knew He Weng was a good person who had helped her a lot—in fact, they were the best business partners and much of her business success was thanks to him.
Their partnership had also made them very good friends.
Because she knew He Weng was a good person, Liu Hong had already guessed that He Weng was worried about her, which is why he spoke out.
"I’m not joking. I really...really want to treat you well." After saying this, He Weng’s face turned red, and he turned his head back into the kitchen.
Liu Hong, completely confused, pointed at He Weng’s retreating figure, "Has he lost his mind?"
Bai Xiao laughed, "It’s not his brain that’s waterlogged; it’s yours that has potholes."
If she couldn’t see that He Weng had feelings for Liu Hong, she had lived for nothing.
"Even a woman like me, he can like. Oh my god, and you say I have holes in my brain?" Liu Hong couldn’t believe this logic.
"You, being in the situation can’t see clearly, but outsiders can. He Weng has taken a fancy to you, how is that not okay?" Bai Xiao pointed out directly.
Looking at Liu Hong, she seemed not unwilling, but tangled in her past and rooted deeply in believing she was a "tainted" woman, thus thinking she didn’t deserve happiness.
It was probably the era that created many women with such desperate values.
Once they lost their chastity, they might be seen as damaged goods.
"Bai Xiao, you know about me and my issues. How could a man not have concerns about that? I just think ahead. Rather than being looked down upon by a man, especially since I don’t have children, one day, what if he has an illegitimate child from elsewhere? Rather than face that harsh reality and blow, I’d rather live on my own and have peace of mind." Liu Hong was despairing and denying herself and all relationships.
"Silly girl, it’s not your fault. If you stop moving forward in relationships because of someone else’s mistake and deny yourself, that’s truly wrong. You must believe there are many people in this world who value what’s inside. You’re a kind and hardworking good girl, and you definitely deserve happiness. In fact, last time I treated you, though I said your path would be difficult, I didn’t say you couldn’t have children, so you must have confidence in yourself.
Moreover, I believe He Weng is a good person. Just ask yourself, do you also wish to be with him? If so, these are all not excuses or reasons." Bai Xiao encouraged Liu Hong to take that step towards her own happiness.
People make mistakes, but one should not deny oneself happiness because of them.