Qiao Zhiwei paused for a moment, then nodded. “Mm.”
Huo Jingnian withdrew his gaze and remained silent. His long fingers tapped absentmindedly on the armrest of the chair, thoughts hidden behind his calm expression.
Chen Qingmei smiled gently, radiating warmth and kindness. “Qingshan, since it’s just a misunderstanding, you don’t need to keep worrying about Huo Nian.”
He feared that if Huo Jingnian got angry, he might say something like, “The Qiao family’s debt crisis is already resolved; it’s not necessary for me to marry Qiao Zhiwei.”
Hearing the terms Qiao Zhiwei had discussed with Huo Jingnian, it was clear she still cared about her son. She wanted to take advantage of Huo Jingnian’s resurgence to impress him, to make him see her in a new light.
But no matter what, the Qiao family could never go back to how things were. Moreover, Huo Jingchen was no longer the man he once was he now had a promising future, and naturally could no longer have any ties with her.
Huo Qingshan’s expression remained stern. “You should have brought out this money earlier.”
Making such a bold move, it was hard to imagine how much the ex-wife had left for this boy at his grandmother’s house.
Huo Jingnian’s voice was cold and deep. “Yes. If the money had been released earlier, everything would have been peaceful. But that money would have gone without return, and you wouldn’t have been grateful you would only think I have too much money. But marrying Qiao Zhiwei changes things. It becomes a debt between us as husband and wife, and I have the duty and responsibility to help her earn that money properly and repay it to me.”
Old Master Huo, upon hearing this, dared not look at Qiao Zhiwei. He covered his face with his hand, feeling awkward. “Weiwei… this… you two discussed this debt together?”
Although Qiao Zhiwei had never expected to get the money for free, hearing him explain it so clearly still made her feel an inexplicable sadness. She finally nodded. “Mm.”
Huo Qingshan spoke. “This is something you should have clarified with Dad earlier; otherwise, such a huge misunderstanding wouldn’t have occurred.”
Huo Jingnian added, “If everyone believes that my marriage to Qiao Zhiwei is fake, then what’s the point of this agreement?”
His gaze then fell on Huo Jingli. She immediately spoke up, “I would never reveal that your marriage was fake. But this misunderstanding about you must be clarified.”
Huo Jingnian fell silent for a moment, then asked Huo Qingshan, “Dad, given my current situation, should I continue with the marriage to Weiwei, or not marry at all?”
Old Master Huo immediately said, “Of course you must marry. If outsiders learn that the Huo family considered breaking off the engagement with the Qiao family over a baseless rumor, they’ll say the Huo family is not only ruthless but also treats people like fools. Every man in this family will be seen as selfish and irresponsible.”
Huo Qingshan remained silent for a while, then took a deep breath. “Alright, let it be. The wedding will proceed as scheduled.”
Zhou Yu smiled. “Next time anyone spreads rumors about Jingnian, I’ll make sure to shut them up.”
Mrs. Xia agreed. “Exactly. No matter what, Jingnian suffered because of Jingchen and Old Master Huo. We can’t let anyone ruin his reputation.”
Xia Yin gently rose and walked over to Qiao Zhiwei. She looked at everyone and said, “No one is perfect. Under these circumstances, it’s normal for Miss Qiao to have her own thoughts. Even after so many years of emancipated thinking, a woman doing business alone will always have people taking advantage. Besides, Miss Qiao is also very beautiful. Handling such a huge debt most people would have already collapsed. But Miss Qiao not only wants to repay it, she even has a plan to do so. She’s both smart and resilient.”
Hearing this, Qiao Zhiwei couldn’t help but glance back at Xia Yin. This was the second time she had met her. The first time had been when people mistakenly thought she was Huo Jingnian’s fiancée and the scheming girl had made things difficult for her. The situation had been awkward, but Qiao Zhiwei had cleverly resolved it herself.
Xia Yin was clearly intelligent and composed.
Huo Jingli snorted. “Xia Yin, you’re only kind because you care for her.”
Xia Yin smiled. “Alright. From now on, whatever people say outside, make sure to protect her. You’re grown up now; you should know what’s appropriate to say and what isn’t.”
Huo Qingshan listened and nodded approvingly. “Jingli, you follow Yin all day and still haven’t learned anything? Look at how sensible she is.”
Mrs. Xia tried to maintain her composure, forcing a smile. “Being too sensible isn’t always good. Never fighting or competing, always thinking of others, and in the end forgetting yourself.”
Unlike the scheming girl of the Qiao family. If their Yin had half of her intelligence, she wouldn’t have ended up in such a situation.
Huo Qingshan understood the implication of Mrs. Xia’s words and smiled awkwardly. “Not at all. Everyone likes her and always keeps her in mind.”
Old Master Huo chuckled. “Shuyi, your Yin isn’t uncompetitive she just has her own way of handling things. You don’t need to worry too much.”
Shuyi Liu was Xia Yin’s mother.
Old Master Huo’s remark had a double meaning, which made Liu Shuyi pause. She had no evidence and, being a junior to a senior with authority, couldn’t argue she could only nod awkwardly. “I hope so.”
Old Master Huo looked at Qiao Zhiwei, who had been standing nearby, and called her, “Big Qiao, Little Qiao, come sit over here.”
Seeing she hadn’t moved, he waved again. “Come on now.”
Qiao Zhiwei turned and saw his kind smile, then held Qiao Zhilan’s hand and sat in the empty spot next to him.
Old Master Huo said to Huo Qingshan, “If nothing else, everyone go back to your business.”
Chen Qingmei immediately got up, walked over to Liu Shuyi, and glanced at Zhou Yu and his father. “Thanks for coming. If nothing else, stay and have a meal. I’ve asked Aunt Liu to prepare everything anyway.”
Zhou Yu agreed at once.
Liu Shuyi was about to refuse, but Xia Yin immediately said, “Sure. I’ve often heard Jingli say your aunt’s braised fish is amazing. I want to try it.”
Chen Qingmei smiled, satisfied. The girl had readily agreed, clearly not worrying about Huo Jingnian’s marriage.
Such an outstanding and smart girl, open-minded and capable—there’s no way she would be stuck on just one person.
Since she hadn’t dared to bring up Jingchen before, she planned to test the waters at this meal.
“Alright, let Lili take you upstairs to have tea and watch TV.”
Huo Jingli happily went forward, holding Xia Yin’s hand, and told Zhou Yu and his father, “Go upstairs. My dad recently bought two boxes of good tea; I’ll make some for you.”
She added, “Oh, and we also bought some persimmons my dad’s colleague brought them from our hometown; they haven’t even hit the market in Beijing yet.”
Zhou Yu laughed. “Then I definitely have to try them.”
The group went upstairs, chatting and laughing.
Qiao Zhilan sat beside her, feeling a pang of sadness as she tugged her sister’s hand. She couldn’t hide her emotions; whatever she felt showed on her face.
But Qiao Zhiwei simply patted her hand calmly.
Old Master Huo knew her heart was troubled. He asked, “Big Qiao, if you’re upset, you can scold him. If he talks back, I’ll deal with him myself.”
“Scold who?”
“Huo Jingnian. His words have disappointed you.”
Qiao Zhiwei shook her head with a smile. “It’s understandable that Jingnian thinks that way. I’m not disappointed.”
Old Master Huo glanced at Huo Jingnian and sighed softly. “That’s true without expectations, there’s no disappointment.”