Chapter 486: Have Not Reconciled
“Unknowingly, it’s already this time. I can’t decline an elder’s request. I’ll stay here for lunch then. Uncle Qiao, I’ll help you. You bought all the things that Nan Nan like, right? I still remember what you’ve taught me previously. Let’s prepare the food together for Nan Nan to eat?”
Afterward, Zhai Sheng grabbed hold of the bags of groceries purchased by Qiao Dongliang and pulled the latter into the kitchen. Qiao Dongliang did not have any time to react.
It was only when Qiao Dongliang started preparing the meal that he exclaimed that he had fallen into Zhai Sheng’s trap.
When did he invite Zhai Sheng to stay for lunch?
In normal circumstances, he certainly had to be more polite. However, toward Zhai Sheng, this wolf that wholeheartedly wanted to snatch Nan Nan away, he was not willing to feign politeness. He nearly chased Zhai Sheng away directly.
From the family member who once had the lowest status in the Qiao family to today, where two men in the house were preparing meals for her, Qiao Nan’s thoughts were elsewhere although she was sitting on the sofa, holding the remote controller and staring at the television.
Life was truly unbelievable.
Zhai Sheng dawdled in the house of the Qiao family until half-past three in the afternoon before he was willing to leave.
During this period, Qiao Dongliang ‘impolitely’ stayed at home and even deliberately sat in between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan to eliminate all the opportunities for Zhai Sheng to come into physical contact with his daughter.
The situation of the trio made Qiao Nan seem like a precious egg. As the hen, Qiao Dongliang was on his greatest guard to protect the egg beneath his wings. He used all his might and effort to prevent Zhai Sheng, the weasel, from having any slightest opportunity to steal away his egg.
Qiao Dongliang, who had been uptight the whole morning, nearly heaved out a loud and big sigh of relief when he heard that Zhai Sheng was finally going to leave. He was cheering in his heart when he sent Zhai Sheng to the door.
At the sight of Qiao Dongliang’s behavior, Zhai Sheng laughed. “Uncle Qiao, sorry to have disturbed you today. I’ll visit again tomorrow. Thank you.”
“No need…” Qiao Dongliang was about to decline, but Zhai Sheng had already got into his car. Zhai Sheng then stepped on the accelerator and left. He nearly made Qiao Dongliang take in a mouthful of exhaust gas.
Qiao Dongliang snorted like a cow and quickly ran back into the house. “Nan Nan, before I came back, nothing happened between Zhai Sheng and you, right?”
“Brother Zhai was chatting with me.”
“Just chatting?”
“Yes…”
“What did you chat about?”
“My studies.”
“Then, before I came back, how long had Zhai Sheng been here?”
“Brother Zhai was here about five to seven minutes before you came back.”
Zhai Sheng left so swiftly and quickly. Qiao Nan was left to fend for them and had to continue to lie according to what Zhai Sheng said earlier.
Qiao Nan had to face many questions from Qiao Dongliang. The situation of Zhai Sheng, who arrived home at the Zhai family’s residence, was not any better.
“You really came back? It looks like Shi Qing received information about it and already knew that you’re coming home. She visited us. Zhai Sheng, let me warn you. It’s not just Qiu Chenxi, but also Shi Qing. I won’t force you to marry other women if you really don’t want to, but these two are definitely out of the question.” Miao Jing was enduring a tummy of resentment.
Her stomach had been full of tea because of Shi Qing, and she had visited the restroom numerous times. Even the auntie thought that Miao Jing’s tummy was upset because there was something wrong with the food she had prepared.
Zhai Sheng sat down. “Shi Qing came to our house?”
There was a flash in Zhai Sheng’s eyes as he secretly assessed Miao Jing. He discovered that besides a little resentment, Miao Jing did not seem to have other feelings when she talked about Shi Qing. Zhai Sheng was assured then.
At the very least, this proved that Shi Qing did not tell his mother about Nan Nan’s matter behind his back for the sake of getting his mother’s favor.
“Wasn’t that so? In normal times, you’re such a stoic lad, never mixing around with other ladies. You’ve been like that since young. Forget about Qiu Chenxi. I don’t understand why Shi Qing kept coming to our house. You, you’ve gained love interests from women even with that attitude of yours. I’m really worried for your future wife.” Miao Jing sized up her son. Besides being good-looking, tall, and masculine, the expression on his face ‘stank’. He always carried that nonchalant look.
The children nowadays were excessively pampered.
Hence, she could not understand why everyone liked his son. She never thought that Zhai Sheng would be so popular among the ladies.
She only needed one daughter-in-law. Hence, it was not necessary for many ladies to take a liking to her son. She just needed one.
“Don’t worry. I’m fully devoted to my wife,” Zhai Sheng said without reservation.
Miao Jing was pleased. “Look at you. You said it as if you already have someone in mind to marry. Wait, Zhai Sheng, did you do anything behind my back? Have you filed a marriage report?!” After some thoughts, Miao Jing was simply frightened by this thought that appeared in her mind.
“The household register of family members has always been at home. Mom, are you kidding me?” Zhai Sheng replied calmly. If he could pretend in front of Qiao Dongliang, he could do so even more in front of Miao Jing. “Mom, don’t worry. I won’t promise you anything else, but I will not get married before getting your approval.”
Anyway, Nan Nan had already said this.
The husband and wife had to sing the same tune. Since Nan Nan said that, of course, he had to keep the words.
Miao Jing was both happy and surprised when she exclaimed, “Really? Don’t sweet-talk me. I will definitely take it for real!” Would Zhai Sheng really be so obedient and concerned about her opinion? She had thought that both Hua Hua and Zhai Sheng did not like her as their mother.
“I won’t joke about such matters.” Anyway, his mother could not stop him from marrying Nan Nan in secret. There was no point in asking whether it was real or not.
Miao Jing did not know the real thoughts of Zhai Sheng. Nevertheless, she felt so sweet at heart with this promise of Zhai Sheng. “Fine, this will do. Right, did Qiu Chenxi look for you?”
“Why do you ask that?”
“She’s Qi Minlan’s daughter. They have similar characters. They don’t seem like the sort that will give up easily.” Miao Jing snorted.
Zhai Sheng paused and looked at Miao Jing carefully. “Mom, is there something that you did not tell us?”
He and Zhai Hua never knew fully about the things that happened in his father’s generation. In the past, he and Zhai Hua thought that their mother’s behavior was due to her character. Judging from this, there might be more to the past happenings than met the eye.
“What matter could there be? Nothing, nothing.” Miao Jing was stubborn and refused to reveal further. “I’m hungry. Auntie, is dinner ready?”
“It’s ready. You can eat now,” the auntie in the kitchen replied sullenly.
Miao Jing stood up. “Dinner is ready. You go and inform your dad. I can’t be bothered about it.”
“You’re still angry with Dad? You’ve not reconciled?” Zhai Sheng looked in the direction of the study room as if he was implying something.
Miao Jing turned away unhappily. She sat on the dining table and did not respond.
Zhai Sheng knitted his brows. He already knew the answer in his heart.
Chapter 487: A Knack for Coaxing His Mother
When the auntie was serving the food, she said as she walked by Zhai Sheng, “It’s already been a month. Chief has been sleeping in the guest room. Madam is still angry.”
“Understood.”
The auntie let out a sigh of relief. At the very least, Zhai Sheng was willing to respond.
Fortunately, both the chief and madam were kind people. Even if they had arguments, they would never vent their frustration on the employees. They would continue to treat them in a polite manner. The better they treated her, the more the auntie did not wish to see the couple at odds with each other. The auntie was also worried about them.
As a salaried employee in the Zhai family, it was really not appropriate for the auntie to say certain things. Zhai Sheng was different as he was the couple’s son. It was certainly more appropriate for him to persuade them.
The auntie hoped that Zhai Sheng could think of a way to make the couple reconcile when he knew about the situation.
The auntie did not know that her effort would be in vain this time.
It was just a little argument. Since it was a matter between the couple, Zhai Sheng was not willing to interfere.
During mealtime, Zhai Yaohui, who had been sleeping alone for many nights, was in quite a bad temper. “You’ve been coming back so often recently. Aren’t there any matters in the army? If a soldier has so much spare time, then who’s protecting the country? It looks like I have to go back and request to increase all of your workloads!”
For the sake of a young lady, Zhai Sheng was so hardworking. Why wasn’t he spending more time and effort on the matter regarding his own parents?
Facing the nagging of an old man who was never satisfied with anything, holding the belief of respect and love for both the elder and the young, Zhai Sheng did not lose his temper. Furthermore, although he still felt angry, the relationship between Nan Nan and him was sweet and good. Hence, he did not take issue with his father.
Zhai Sheng’s temper was good, but not Miao Jing.
Miao Jing endured the impulse to throw her chopsticks on her table. Her face turned black. “My son has been coming back often? Since the Lunar New Year, my son only came back twice or thrice. Each time, he would leave only after a few days. Clearly, I have a son and a daughter, but eventually, both of them are not by my side. It’s rare that my son came home to see me and accompany me. Did he get in your way again?”
When Miao Jing flared up, Zhai Yaohui’s voice became softer. “Weren’t you doing fine just now? Why did you flare up again? I didn’t chide Zhai Sheng much. I was just reminding him that he is young and should focus on his career and future. He should not put aside the country and his future because of a ‘small matter’.”
“Yes, coming back to see me and keeping me company is a small matter. It’s not as important as the major affairs of the country. To you, you can certainly put aside all these unimportant matters.” At the end of her speech, Miao Jing was saddened.
When she was at a young age, such was the situation. Miao Jing was always secondary in Zhai Yaohui’s eyes.
Now that she was older, she did not hope that Zhai Yaohui’s heart would be with her. She just wished that her children would spend more time with her. But why were her children being chided by Zhai Yaohui?
Having finished her words, Miao Jing placed her chopsticks aside. “I’m full. Auntie, help me clear the table.”
“Madam, you’ve not eaten much.” The auntie looked a little worried when she saw the bowl that was still full of rice.
Once Miao Jing left, Zhai Yaohui’s tone to Zhai Sheng worsened. “Brat, look at what you’ve done! Is your own mother or other family’s daughter more important? See, your mom is so angry that she’s not eating anymore. This is my order. No matter what way you use, quickly make your mom finish her food. Your mom is not young anymore. Her health is not good and can’t afford to go hungry.”
Zhai Sheng put down his chopsticks. “Dad, you’re good at putting the blame on others when it’s your own fault.” Thereafter, Zhai Sheng carried the rice and dishes and served it to Miao Jing.
“Not eating!” Miao Jing was still angry. She was not happy even when she saw her son.
Zhai Sheng placed the food down. “Mom, clearly, you’re not eating because you’re worried about Zhai Hua and me… If other people know that you’re too angry to have your meals, won’t they be so happy that they’ll consume three bowls of rice?”
“I…” Miao Jing was at a loss of words. “I won’t be so foolish to see my enemies happy! Happily consuming three bowls of rice? That’s wishful thinking on her part!”
At the thought of Qi Minlan, Miao Jing’s tummy was like a bottomless pit. She finished whatever Zhai Sheng brought to her in a few mouthfuls.
She had to eat well and eat her fill to ensure that she was in good health.
As long as she was alive, Qi Minlan’s daughter would not be able to harm her son. If she was no longer around, Zhai Yaohui would agree to whatever Qi Minlan asked for. Her son’s happiness would eventually be destroyed in these people’s hands.
For the sake of her son and daughter, she had to live well!
“Is one bowl of rice enough? If you’re still hungry, get auntie to cook some dessert for supper three hours later.” Zhai Sheng did not encourage Miao Jing to get into the habit of eating and drinking too much. “Right, I passed by the Qiao family’s residence today when I was on my way back. I heard good news.”
“What’s the good news?”
“Nan Nan ranked first again in this round of examination, scoring half a point mark higher than Shi Qing.”
“Really?!” Miao Jing’s eyes lit up. “I heard that Shi Qing is excellent in her studies. She has always ranked first in her school, never in second place. Initially, when I heard that Shi Qing would be transferred to Ping Cheng High School, I was worried about Nan Nan. Nan Nan, this child, is very determined. She has never been careless or lazy in her studies. She could score better than Shi Qing. She’s really capable!”
“Nan Nan said that you’re very concerned about her. Initially, she wanted to tell you this piece of good news herself as soon as possible. Coincidentally, she met me, so she asked me to send you this news to make you happy.”
“Happy! I’m so happy!” Miao Jing’s eyes were smiling. “Since a young age, your results have been good. Zhai Hua’s was not that good. Actually, Nan Nan resembles you when you’re young. Her results are excellent.”
“Ah,” Zhai Yaohui, who ‘coincidentally’ passed by the master bedroom, heard the entire conversation between Miao Jing and Zhai Sheng. He sneered and snorted. For the sake of the woman that he liked, Zhai Sheng had a lot of tricks up his sleeves. He indirectly helped Qiao Nan coax Miao Miao.
As if he had expected it, when Zhai Sheng opened the door, he used his body to shield Miao Jing’s view in case she saw Zhai Yaohui eavesdropping on them. “Dad, what a ‘coincidence’.”
“What coincidence? This is my house. Is there anywhere I shouldn’t be at?” Zhai Yaohui’s old face stiffened. He straightened his back and maintained his authority as a father in front of his son. “Qiao Nan ranked first and scored half a point mark higher than Shi Qing?”
“Yes.”
“That’s really not too bad.” Zhai Yaohui paused in silence. “It’s rare that she has something redeemable.”
“Is there any other matter?”
“There’s still one more thing. Is other people’s daughter or your own mother more important? You think about this carefully. Your mom has a very stubborn character. There are certain things that she will never be able to accept. The deeper you’re into this relationship, the more difficult it will be to resolve this when the time comes. You will be hurt more deeply. Zhai Sheng, I hope you can make a decision between Qiao Nan and your mom. If you have to hurt someone, who will that be?”
Chapter 488: A Special Way of Getting Along
“If you don’t want any of them to be hurt, give up when there’s still time.”
Having been married for more than twenty years, nobody else understood Miao Miao’s temperament better than him.
It was true that Miao Miao liked Qiao Nan, but it was also true that she could not accept Qiao Nan as her daughter-in-law.
If Miao Miao found out about the relationship between Zhai Sheng and Qiao Nan one day, the blow and hurt that she would receive would be doubled.
“Why does it have to be harm and not protection?” Zhai Sheng was unconvinced. He looked sullenly at Zhai Yaohui. “Be it Nan Nan or Mom, I will protect them well. I won’t let either of them receive any sort of harm. Nan Nan has the same thought as me. Similarly, she’s not willing to see Mom getting hurt. Regardless of the psychological barrier in Mom’s heart, I don’t believe that Nan Nan and I won’t be able to remove it if we work hard. Dad, you should know better than anyone about Nan Nan’s influence on Mom. What you owe Mom, Nan Nan and I are helping you to repay her. Do you understand?”
All the knots in his mother’s heart were caused by his father.
Despite being understanding, his father was cracking wise with his words. Sorry, he would not accept that.
As a soldier, he did not believe that there was anything impossible in this world!
“Also, this kind of words, I only wish to hear it once. Don’t let me hear it again next time. If you really don’t want Mom to be hurt, even if you’re my dad, I have to remind you that you have to reflect on yourself first.”
Leaving those words behind, Zhai Sheng returned to his bedroom.
As his biological father, Zhai Yaohui not only did not fulfill his responsibility to Miao Jing but also his pair of children.
Nevertheless, after Zhai Hua and Zhai Sheng became military personnel, they were aware of the difficulties and responsibilities that Zhai Yaohui had in the past. Although they knew, it did not mean that Zhai Yaohui’s lack of fulfillment in his duties toward them was correct. It also did not mean that they understood and accepted his doings.
Zhai Sheng could choose not to take issue with what happened in the past. However, his future lay in his own hands. He was not willing to be denied a good future just because his father said it was ‘impossible’.
In the face of his son’s blame, Zhai Yaohui’s face turned sullen. He did not refute him because it was the truth. He had no means to retaliate.
When he was at a young age, he did not let down his father, his country, or the citizens. The only three people that he felt guilty toward were his spouse and children.
His wife had knots in her heart due to him, and his son had resentment toward him.
Zhai Yaohui, who typically had a clear conscience, felt lost and helpless at that moment. Throughout the many years, was there anything that he did correctly?
In the end, all his questions turned into a sigh. When he thought of his son’s words, Zhai Yaohui smiled bitterly. Fine, he fell into that little sly fox’s trap again. What could he do? The little fox held on to his tender spot and targeted his Achilles’ heel. He had to continue to keep the matter between the little fox and Qiao Nan from Miao Miao until the latter could accept Qiao Nan.
When he returned to his bedroom, Zhai Sheng changed his gloomy expression. He happily bathed as he hummed military songs.
That old sly fox. He could deceive others but not him. He was very satisfied with Nan Nan’s resilience and continuous strive for excellence.
When Nan Nan completed her apprenticeship with Lin Yuankang, even his mother would not have a reason not to accept Nan Nan.
At this time, Zhai Sheng could not help feeling glad that he had made such a sudden decision back then. He had been so resolute and determined when he brought Qiao Nan to Lin Yuankang. He had even built a foundation for Qiao Nan when she was young by accepting private assignments from Lin Yuankang on behalf of Nan Nan, gaining Lin Yuankang’s favor and affirmation of Nan Nan’s capability.
The situation of Zhai Yaohui and Zhai Sheng might seem bitterly disappointing in other families.
Nevertheless, Zhai Yaohui brought Zhai Sheng up in this way since the latter was at a young age. The father and son were already used to this. This had become a special way in which they got along with each other.
“Hello?” Qiao Nan, who had a little walk after her meal, received a call when she was preparing to bathe and go to bed.
“Sleepy? Going to bed soon?”
“…” Qiao Nan knitted her brows. “You are… Shi Qing? How did you know my phone number?” She had not told her before.
“Don’t need to bother about how I knew about it. Qiao Nan, this afternoon, I loitered at the entrance of your door for more than an hour.”
“…” Qiao Nan fell silent for a while. “Then?”
“Isn’t there a saying that when you fail in love, you will win at a gamble? Why is it that I had to suffer another setback in love when I already suffered one in my examinations? All the good things befell you. Isn’t that too unfair?” Shi Qing’s sullen voice could be heard from the other side of the phone.
Qiao Nan sighed as she sat on the sofa. “If it’s true that all the good things happen to me only, then I’ll be so mad with happiness. Shi Qing, you just came here for a month. Most probably, you had been focusing on your studies in order to compete with me for the top place in the first-year cohort. My life is not as good as you think. Also, Shi Qing, when you talk about first-come-first-serve, it’s not feasible in this situation. In comparison to Qiu Chenxi and you, I got to know Brother Zhai last. But for love-related matters, it’s not just about how long you’ve known each other, and it’s not about first-come-first-serve either. It’s because the person appears at the right timing. Understand?”
“So, are you telling me that you’re the right one that Brother Zhai met at the right time?”
“Shi Qing, I’m telling you this because you did not tell Auntie Miao about Brother Zhai and me. I’m not sure if I’m the right person in Brother Zhai’s life, but before the outcome is known, I’m working hard for it because both Brother Zhai and I feel that we are the right one for each other.”
“Brother Zhai said that he will marry you?!!!” Shi Qing’s heart nearly suffocated.
“Yes, I rejected him. I’m still too young and have not reached the legal age for marriage. Furthermore, there are a lot of issues between Brother Zhai and me. We need to settle the problem about Auntie Miao first before we can consider marriage. So, I’ve told Brother Zhai clearly that we will talk about it two years later.”
“You’re telling me this. Aren’t you afraid that I’ll be jealous to death and play some cheap tricks on you?!” Shi Qing gritted her teeth. The pain in her heart made her cry.
So, she was still too late?
She had thought that since it was impossible between Brother Zhai and Qiu Chenxi now, her opportunity finally came. Even if there was already Qiao Nan, she was prepared to give it a try for the sake of her own happiness.
She never would have imagined that that opportunity of hers was actually created due to Qiao Nan’s appearance.
“If you wanted to, you would have already done it. Moreover, I believe you. You won’t.”
“Don’t be overconfident!” On what grounds should Qiao Nan believe in her? She was also a woman. She, too, could be scheming. She would also feel jealous. She was jealous that Qiao Nan snatched away the Brother Zhai that she had liked for ten years!
Qiao Nan laughed. “Are you crying?”
“Bullshit!” Shi Qing nearly spurted out vulgarities.
“I wonder how happy Zhu Baoguo will be if he knows that you cried.”
Shi Qing was stunned for a while before wiping away her tears. “I didn’t cry. I’m warning you. Don’t talk about my matter in front of that moron. That Zhu Baoguo is an idiot who’s well-developed physically. None but the Zhu family treats him like a treasure!”
Chapter 489: Are You Really Giving Up?
“Yes, he’s a treasure of the Zhu family, but I’m not sure if he’s anyone else’s treasure. You already knew that Brother Zhai was at my house this entire afternoon. What do you intend to do then?” Wait, something was not right. “Why did you suddenly come to my house?”
“Because I’ve been to Brother Zhai’s house and I heard that Qiu Chenxi came back. There’s no reason that Qiu Chenxi arrived home but not Brother Zhai,” Shi Qing said sullenly.
She had caused inconvenience to the Zhai family for the whole morning. She only left after she could no longer endure a bursting bladder.
When she arrived home, she found out that Qiu Chenxi had returned from the army and even came to look for her at her new house.
If Brother Zhai was not out of the camp, Qiu Chenxi would definitely not look for her.
Since Qiu Chenxi had already arrived home, Brother Zhai should have arrived home even before Qiu Chenxi did.
After thinking, Shi Qing thought of a possibility. She thus went to the house of the Qiao family to try her luck.
Never did she expect that she would hear Zhai Sheng’s voice coming from the house even before she could knock the door. With that, she guessed that Zhai Sheng was in the house without going into it.
There were a few times that Shi Qing mustered her courage and wanted to knock on the door and enter the house. She could at least meet Brother Zhai and have a chat with him. However, when she realized that Brother Zhai’s tone and voice was something that she had never heard before, Shi Qing lost the courage to knock on the door.
“…” Shi Qing was really good.
“I don’t want to give up.” Shi Qing’s pained voice came from the phone.
Qiao Nan sighed. “Although I don’t know if this happiness eventually belongs to me, at the very least, I don’t wish to give up now.”
“You don’t seem quite confident.” Brother Zhai clearly liked Qiao Nan so much. What did Qiao Nan have to worry about?
“Not confident.” Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. “In front of Brother Zhai, I’ve never had much confidence. I don’t think I’m much worse than Brother Zhai, but my thinking does not represent that of others. Subsequently, it does not represent what the Zhai family thinks. China is a very conventional society. Who will be able to completely ignore how others see you and live in a carefree way? Shi Qing, I may not be confident when I’m facing others, but when I face Qiu Chenxi and you, I’m still quite confident. This is because all three of us are not accepted by Auntie Miao.”
“Why?” What was wrong with her that Auntie Miao did not like her?
“I can only say that you wouldn’t be here if Auntie Miao could accept you. Most likely, Qiu Chenxi would have gotten engaged with Brother Zhai long ago. The reason why Qiu Chenxi and Brother Zhai’s matter was dashed was mainly due to Auntie Miao. On the other hand, it’s also partly due to Brother Zhai’s attitude.”
“No wonder…” It was no wonder that Auntie Miao behaved strangely when she visited the Zhai family this afternoon. “Auntie Miao doesn’t accept you? Why?”
“Tell me, what else can it be?”
“I don’t think so. We’re already in this era. Do they still have so many conventional excuses?” Shi Qing did not believe it. “Since Brother Zhai is such a good man, Auntie Miao must be an elder who’s very understanding and morally principled. Can it be that you’re just being paranoid?”
Qiao Nan leaned on the sofa. She did not know whether to laugh or cry. “Auntie Miao can’t accept me. Why do you care about the reason? Shouldn’t you feel happy about this?” Shi Qing even had the mood to chat with her. Didn’t she seem like she had been dealt with a tremendous blow earlier?
Shi Qing leaned on the chair listlessly, rolling her eyes sullenly. “Brother Zhai doesn’t like me. There’s nothing that I can do about it. Even if he doesn’t pick you, he’ll eventually get married. Compared to letting him marry another woman, it may be better if he marries you. At the very least, you’ve won against me once. If the woman that Brother Zhai is going to marry is not better than me, I’ll feel more depressed. Therefore, if that person is you instead of someone else, I’ll be more able to accept it.”
“Do you mean that you’ve given up?” You had persisted for ten years, yet you’re giving up today?
“Miss Shi, you said that you’ve loved Brother Zhai for ten years, didn’t you? I’m eighteen years old this year. You’re one year older than me at most. Does that mean you started to like Brother Zhai when you were nine years old and have always wished to marry him ever since?” At such a young age, Shi Qing was so mature?
Shi Qing’s face turned red. “What do you know? That’s because my intelligence quotient and emotional intelligence quotient are both top-notch. Since a young age, I’ve already known what I want. And don’t laugh at me. At that time, Qiu Chenxi was only older than me by a few years, yet she told me shamelessly that she was already Brother Zhai’s fiancée, saying that when we grew up, she would be Brother Zhai’s wife. Because of what Qiu Chenxi said, I did not come to Ping Cheng for almost ten years!”
“Oh my god, it’s true that I don’t really understand.” Qiao Nan felt ashamed. Compared to Qiu Chenxi and Shi Qing who matured at such a young age, she was simply too far behind.
“Qiao Nan, since you’re the one that Brother Zhai likes, I hope you can take good care of Brother Zhai in the future. Don’t let Brother Zhai down because of another man. Otherwise, I’ll definitely ensure that you suffer.” After thinking for some time, Shi Qing then gritted her teeth and added, “Don’t think that I’m giving my blessings to Brother Zhai and you. Don’t hope for it. I only wish that Brother Zhai will be happy. I don’t care whether you’re happy or not.”
Qiao Nan raised her eyebrows. “You… have really given up?”
In comparison to Qiu Chenxi, or even Chen Jun, wasn’t Shi Qing giving up too quickly? It was so quick that she felt that she might have fallen into a trap.
“You don’t know anything!” Shi Qing slammed the phone with a loud bang.
Once she hung up, Shi Qing ran to the bathroom and cried.
She had known and liked Brother Zhai for a long time. Although she had not seen or interacted with Brother Zhai that many times, judging from what she heard this afternoon, Brother Zhai was truly very happy when he was at the house of the Qiao family.
That cold, aloof, and emotionless child from back then could, in fact, have feelings when he found someone he liked. He could actually become that happy.
For the entire afternoon, Shi Qing continuously asked herself what would happen if she used all ways and means or stoop to anything to snatch Brother Zhai.
She had already seen the fact that Zhai Sheng really had such a side to him. If Zhai Sheng was together with her in the future, was she confident that she would be able to make Zhai Sheng show that happy and carefree side of him?
If she could not, yet she knew that Zhai Sheng was also someone with feelings, could she face a stoic Zhai Sheng who was like a block of wood? Could she really accept it? Was she even willing to sacrifice everything to maintain such a relationship that would not be reciprocated?
The final answer was apparent: No!
Shi Qing was an intelligent and sensitive individual. From every perspective, Shi Qing concluded that even if she had the chance to be together with Zhai Sheng, she could not make Zhai Sheng happy, and neither could she accept the fact that Zhai Sheng would behave like a piece of stone in front of her.
Rather than causing everyone to be unhappy, she would let go as soon as possible to avoid that situation.
Chapter 490: Scram, Sister
When she heard the beeping tone coming from the other end of the phone, Qiao Nan was stunned and confused. Wasn’t she fine just now? Why did she flare up all of a sudden?
After being classmates for over a month, Qiao Nan, in fact, had quite a good impression of Shi Qing.
Shi Qing was clearly physically strong. However, unlike Zhu Baoguo’s style, she did not use this to threaten Qiao Nan or bully Qiao Nan physically just because she was unhappy. If Zhu Baoguo did not tell Qiao Nan, she really did not know that a seemingly skinny and frail Shi Qing was actually a pretty lady who’s physically strong.
In particular, when she thought of the notebook that Shi Qing gave her before the examination, she really saw Shi Qing in the same light as Qiu Chenxi.
After clarifying everything today, Qiao Nan felt much better.
Qiao Nan had been relieved, but not Shi Qing.
To prevent the neighbors from hearing her cries, she turned the volume of the television to the highest. She even turned on the showerhead in her bathroom and cried loudly under the sound of the water splashing.
Before Shi Qing could vent out all her frustration, the phone in the house rang nonstop. It was so noisy that Shi Qing could not continue to cry.
The phone rang and stopped, and rang again thereafter. It continued for about half an hour.
Shi Qing turned off the tap and changed into a set of clean clothes. She held her hair which was dripping with water continuously and walked into the living room. She then turned down the volume of the television. “Who’s that?”
“Qing Qing, it’s me.”
“What’s the matter?”
“I just came back from the army today. You should have collected your results slip, right? How’s it?”
“What has it got to do with you?!” When Shi Qing, who was already in a sour mood, heard Qiu Chenxi’s words, she nearly exploded in anger.
Could she stop talking about how unlucky she was today? She initially thought that there was a chance that her first love would blossom. Never did she expect that it had not even budded and Qiao Nan had nipped it with just one move. Forget it. Qiao Nan even surpassed her by half a point mark in the studies that she excelled in.
She could not withstand a life like this!
“Qing Qing, why did you say that? I’m your sister. Aren’t I just being concerned about you? That’s why I came to ask you. What kind of tone is that?” Qiu Chenxi’s face turned black. Zhai Sheng shunned her and did not allow her to get onto his car. Now, Shi Qing was also shunning her too?
“I’ll use whatever tone I like. This is not the first day that we’re sisters. It’s been more than ten years. I didn’t realize that you’re so concerned about me. Don’t you think that it’s too late to pretend to be the good guy now? Qiu Chenxi, don’t always treat others as fools. Do you think that I don’t know what you have been thinking of? I’m very sorry to tell you that your plan is going to fail. Qiao Nan is so capable. In this examination, she’s still the top in the first-year cohort. She scored half a point mark more than me. Are you satisfied with this answer?!”
Having finished with her words, Shi Qing slammed the phone, hanging up.
What kind of relative was that? She definitely had to tell her father one day. No auntie or cousin would behave in this way.
Qiu Chenxi’s eyes turned stiff. She stared at the phone in her hand, looking foolish and stunned.
“Chen Xi, didn’t the phone go through? What did Qing Qing say? Did she rank first in the cohort? It looks like you can ask Qiao Nan out and have a good talk with her tomorrow. There are only a few things that a man will wish for in his life. Furthermore, Qiao Nan is still young and materialistic. The top place in the cohort must be very important to her. Look for her tomorrow and have a chat with her. You will definitely succeed.”
Qi Minlan did not hear the conversation between the duo. She was only guessing and having her own monolog.
“So what if the top place in the cohort is important to Qiao Nan? Our efforts were all in vain. I really did not expect that Shi Qing was so useless. The ever-victorious general who had never come in second failed when she met Qiao Nan. Qiao Nan scored half a point mark more than her. Shi Qing ranked second in the cohort. Even if the top place is important to Qiao Nan, it has nothing to do with us. Qiao Nan has it in her hands!”
In the end, Qiu Chenxi was so angry that she smashed the phone. “This useless thing! Other than giving me trouble, she did not help me at all. If I knew that Shi Qing was so useless, would I let her come to Ping Cheng? She’s even so rude to me. She seemed to have forgotten where she had stayed at previously!”
Qi Minlan was shocked too. “Qiao Nan’s results were better than that of Qing Qing? Impossible!”
She usually did not care about the situation at her maternal home. Nevertheless, she had long heard about Shi Qing’s excellent results.
As such, Qi Minlan was confidently waiting for Shi Qing to defeat Qiao Nan after they made Shi Qing come to Ping Cheng. They were waiting for the day that Qiu Chenxi could be the third party that benefited from the conflict of the two.
She would never have expected such an ‘accident’!
“Did you hear incorrectly? Qiao Nan won by half a point mark? How’s it possible that Qiao Nan scored half a point mark higher than Qing Qing? You must have made a mistake.”
“I’ve made a mistake? If there’s really a mistake, then Qing Qing would be the one who made it. The whole Ping Cheng High School would have made a mistake! Do I have the capability to ‘make this mistake’? If I did, I’d definitely make Qing Qing score higher than Qiao Nan by more than ten or even twenty marks!”
Qiu Chenxi was so furious that she wanted to cry. “Mom, what should we do now? Qiao Nan is still the top of the cohort. Then, what handle of her do I have that I can use to negotiate with and get her to help me? If we keep dawdling like this, most likely, Brother Zhai will file a marriage report with that vixen soon! By then, this matter will really have nothing to do with us.”
“Don’t cry. It’s not so urgent.” Qiu Chenxi quickly helped Qiu Chenxi wipe her tears. “Why don’t we do this? Tomorrow, I’ll ask your Uncle Zhai out. I can’t deal with Miao Jing, but your Uncle Zhai is quite good to Mom. He still owes it to Mom.”
“Will it work? Even when Miao Jing did not object to the matter between Brother Zhai and me, Brother Zhai did not marry me. Even if Uncle Zhai promises you, will it work just with his words alone?”
“Even if it can’t make Zhai Sheng marry you directly, at the very least, Zhai Sheng can’t marry that vixen without letting anyone know. Chenxi, you know about the situation. If you really don’t want Zhai Sheng to be taken away, it’s not enough with Mom’s help. You have to work harder and settle Zhai Sheng. He’s the crux of this matter.” As long as Zhai Sheng nodded, Zhai Yaohui and Miao Jing were merely fake ornaments and vases.
Qi Minlan sighed. If Zhai Yaohui could be as persistent as Zhai Sheng many years ago, that would be great. She would not have to marry Qiu Qin and lead such an ordinary and annoying life.
“Brother Zhai is not willing to bother about me. He wouldn’t even let me sit in his car. What can I do? You can’t expect me to strip naked in front of Brother Zhai to seduce him and create a done deal?” She was truly at her wits’ end.
She could not catch that vixen. Brother Zhai had changed his mind the moment he saw the other woman and gave her cold shoulders. She was afraid that she would lack the will to persist even if she wanted to.