Upon learning that Yang Qiu and Li Fugui were together, Old Mr. Yang was already disappointed with his daughter. Now that he realized Xiaoqiu was actually Yang Xia, he knew he had to prevent Yang Qiu and Li Fugui from being together; how could two sisters share one husband?
"Father, there’s really nothing between me and Li Fugui," said Yang Qiu aggrievedly, wondering how to explain herself so her family would believe her.
"You better be telling the truth, or you’ll face consequences." Old Mr. Yang didn’t lack compassion for his daughter; he just feared she would get hurt again — her prior wounds had been deep enough.
Tears welled up in Yang Qiu’s eyes as she clutched Xiaoxiao’s clothing corner in distress. "Sister-in-law, you believe me."
Seeing Yang Qiu , Xiaoxiao didn’t know what to say, fearing the girl had taken the wrong path. If someday Li Fugui recovered, he would not accept Yang Qiu; she would be the only one hurt. "It’s not that I don’t believe you. Tell me how you ended up in each other’s arms!"
"I went there today to fish for information about that necklace, always thinking it must be my sister’s. By the time I snapped back to my senses, I had been embraced; I really hadn’t thought about it like that."
"..." So that was it? No wonder the necklace was on Yang Qiu — had she misunderstood Yang Qiu?
But what was the crying about last night when she said she couldn’t like Li Fugui? Xiaoxiao was utterly confused, worried that Yang Qiu was developing feelings — this could mean interfering in another’s relationship.
"Last night when I said you couldn’t like Li Fugui, you started crying," she remarked.
Yang Qiu stayed silent, crying even harder, leaving the family perplexed.
"..." Was her silence because she had hit the mark? Had she fallen for Li Fugui after all?
"Sister-in-law, I..." Yang Qiu stammered, unsure how to begin.
Listening to his daughter-in-law and observing his own daughter’s reaction, Old Mr. Yang sensed trouble brewing. "Your sister-in-law is asking you a question. Answer her."
Yang Qiu wiped her tears with a handkerchief, finally voicing her deepest fears, "I’m distraught because I’ve been married and had a child. Who would want me now? Sister-in-law must think the same, which is why she warned me. I just felt so awful I couldn’t hold back the tears, but there’s really nothing between me and Li Fugui."
"..." Xiaoxiao hadn’t expected Yang Qiu to be so pessimistic. So what if she was married or had a child? She was only fifteen, with many years ahead and every right to choose happiness.
"Yang Qiu, I never thought that way. I warned you against liking Li Fugui because he is your brother-in-law, but I never said you couldn’t like someone else. You’re still young, and there’s a long road ahead. You will marry again!"
"Would anyone want to marry me?" Yang Qiu felt her sister-in-law was just comforting her. How could she possibly remarry? No one would want her.
"Of course! Our Yang Qiu is so beautiful. You will definitely find someone who loves you reciprocally. When the time comes, I’ll help you prepare a splendid dowry for your wedding."
Hearing her sister-in-law’s words, Yang Qiu’s eyes brightened, no longer dull. A blush tinged her cheeks as a smile slowly formed; she felt maybe she could find someone just as her sister-in-law had said.
"If you find someone you like, tell me. I’ll help you make sure he’s right, and then we can strategize on how to win him over."
Upon hearing Xiaoxiao’s words, waves of thoughts stirred in the family’s hearts. Their sister-in-law was plotting something big — even strategizing to win someone over. Could she be forcing a marriage just like she did?