He Gang’s face went pale. He took a few steps back and said with an awkward smile, “Brother Jingnian, Weiwei just now spoke very boldly and said she wanted to marry you.”
As soon as the words fell, everyone’s gaze gathered on Huo Jingnian especially Qiao Luwen and Qiao Wanxia.
Huo Jingnian nodded. “Yes. That’s right. I’m the one who wants to marry her.”
The moment he said that, the entire place erupted in an uproar.
He Gang stood there stunned for a long while before reacting. He glanced around nervously and blurted out, “Brother Jingnian, do you know how much money the Qiao family owes?”
Huo Jingnian didn’t answer. Instead, he asked, “Why are you here?”
He Gang hurriedly explained, “Brother Jingnian, I already turned myself in and accepted strict ideological education. Because my attitude was good, Brother Jingchen personally went to the police station to stand bail for me. And since I’m a first-time offender, the police comrades gave me a chance to reform.”
“Huo Jingchen stood bail for you?”
He Gang nodded repeatedly. “I’ve liked Weiwei since we were young, but she never looked at me properly. I felt stifled, and I had no experience pursuing someone. In a moment of impulse, I did something so outrageous.
“And when those creditors first came to collect the debt, they were incredibly fierce. I was the one who laid down the rules in front of them, saying that if anyone dared to lay a hand on the Qiao sisters, I would never let it slide.
“Otherwise, with just two girls like Weiwei and Lanlan, how could they have lived unharmed until today?
“Especially Weiwei she’s beautiful. Who knows how many men covet her.
“If you don’t believe me, ask them.”
This was the speech Huo Jingchen had taught him to use when dealing with Huo Jingnian. Luckily, he had memorized it.
After finishing in one breath, he turned and looked at the creditors behind him, signaling them to back him up.
Those creditors had only heard of Huo Jingnian by reputation. Seeing him in person for the first time, they felt intimidated for no clear reason even though he was simply standing there, not angry at all.
But at present, only He Gang had any chance of resolving their debts, so they hurriedly nodded and echoed him. “Yes, yes. Even though we urgently needed the money back then, we didn’t do anything extreme. It was Young Master He who gave us his word.”
Huo Jingnian asked again, “What promise?”
“He… he said… he said that as long as Young Master He was around, the Qiao family’s debt wouldn’t just disappear, and that we should give Miss Qiao some time.”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!”
After hearing this, Huo Jingnian took a few steps forward and stopped in front of He Gang. “Then what are you doing here now with these people?”
“I just wanted Weiwei to give me a chance. This time I didn’t make any excessive moves toward her,” He Gang hurriedly explained.
Huo Jingnian was extremely tall. The moment he stepped close, the pressure was overwhelming, and even the spot on He Gang’s body that had been stepped on the day before began to ache faintly.
“You no longer have that chance,” Huo Jingnian said coldly and heavily. “Because she’ll soon be my wife. If you dare harass her again, I will personally deal with you.”
He Gang’s heart sank to the bottom. “No… no, Brother Jingnian. The Qiao family still owes my He family twenty thousand yuan.
“How can collecting a debt be called harassment?
“And them…”
He Gang turned to look at the creditors behind him, then finally fixed his gaze on Qiao Luwen.
At this moment, Qiao Luwen didn’t dare say a single word.
If it were the former Huo Jingchen, he might still have been able to say something, since Jingchen was gentle and always addressed him as Uncle.
But this Huo Jingnian since entering, he hadn’t even spared him a glance.
Standing there expressionless, his lofty, cold aura seemed to divide people into ranks.
As if people like them weren’t even worthy of speaking to him.
After a long while, one of the creditors finally mustered the courage. “Debts must be repaid. That’s only natural.”
No matter how powerful the Huo family was, they weren’t bandits. Collecting debts according to the rules surely the Huo family couldn’t do anything to them.
If he didn’t dare speak up today, what would happen to the debt later?
Huo Jingnian lifted his cold gaze slightly. “How much does she owe you?”
“Four of us together it’s forty thousand.”
Huo Jingnian said to He Gang, “Bring all the creditors here tomorrow. I’ll repay this debt.”
Qiao Zhiwei stared at his back and called out in shock, “Brother Jingnian.”
Yesterday, Huo Jingchen had told her there was another way meaning Huo Jingnian would pay. She had cursed him as shameless, never expecting Huo Jingnian to say it himself.
She knew Huo Jingnian was wealthy, but she was still surprised to hear him take on all the debt in one sentence.
Huo Jingnian didn’t turn around. He raised a hand to signal her not to speak.
Qiao Zhiwei fell silent.
He Gang’s face was anxious and pale, but he had no way out. In the end, he could only nod stiffly. “Alright.”
That Western-style house owned by the Qiao family was worth just over thirty thousand. Originally, he could have gotten both the debt and the woman.
The remaining ten thousand could have been split among the obedient creditors.
He had wanted this woman for a long time. He had finally waited for this opportunity.
He was extremely unwilling but when he met Huo Jingnian’s face, he chickened out again.
He had never dreamed that Old Master Huo would be willing to sacrifice so much for the Qiao family.
Seeing He Gang’s dazed expression, Huo Jingnian asked, “Still not leaving?”
“Leaving. We’ll leave right away.”
He Gang immediately led the creditors away.
Only Qiao Luwen remained in the courtyard.
He looked awkwardly at Qiao Zhiwei. “Weiwei, when you have time, come sit at your uncle’s house. Your parents aren’t around anymore, and something as big as a wedding still needs elders to preside over it.
“If you need anything, you can tell me or your aunt. We can prepare in advance.”
Qiao Wanxia finally snapped out of it and quickly chimed in, “Yes, Sister. I can go with you to pick out wedding clothes.”
Qiao Zhiwei glanced at the father and daughter. “No need. My sister and I have no relatives left.”
Qiao Luwen still wanted to say something, but Huo Jingnian glanced back at him. He immediately shut his mouth, hurriedly pulling his daughter away. “Let’s go.”
After the two left, the courtyard returned to silence.
Qiao Zhilan looked at Huo Jingnian gratefully. “Thank you, Brother Jingnian. My sister really turned misfortune into blessing.”
Huo Jingnian responded without false modesty with a light “Mm.”
Qiao Zhiwei said seriously, “Brother Jingnian, believe me. I’ll repay this money in full in the future.”
Huo Jingnian looked at her. His dark, star-like eyes flickered slightly, and the corner of his lips lifted faintly. “Alright. I believe you. Then from now on, you’ll only owe me.”
Qiao Zhilan smiled and asked curiously, “Brother Jingnian, you came so early do you have something planned?”
“To take wedding photos.”
“Isn’t it still early?” Qiao Zhilan laughed.
Huo Jingnian glanced at his watch. “I need to go to Jin City later for work and won’t be back until evening, so we need to do it earlier.”
Only then did Qiao Zhiwei react. She looked down at herself and hurriedly said, “Brother Jingnian, could you wait a bit? I want to change clothes.”
“Mm.”
Qiao Zhiwei quickly went back to her room.
Huo Jingnian entered as well, glanced around, and finally sat down on a sofa with one corner collapsed.
Qiao Zhilan felt embarrassed. “These things were originally fine. They were smashed when those people came to collect debts.”
Huo Jingnian nodded. “Mm.”
Then he added gently, “It won’t happen again.”
Qiao Zhilan smiled. “I know. Thank you, Brother Jingnian.”
She glanced at Qiao Zhiwei’s door and, seeing no movement, lowered her voice. “Brother Jingnian, my sister is very smart and capable. She can do anything. She’s absolutely no worse than anyone else.”
Huo Jingnian gave another quiet “Mm.”
Fortunately, Qiao Zhilan was lively and good at making conversation. Although Huo Jingnian didn’t talk much, he always responded, so the atmosphere never felt awkward.
Even though the hall was filled with Qiao Zhilan’s chatter, his senses were sharp. The moment Qiao Zhiwei’s door opened, he noticed.
He lifted his gaze and saw Qiao Zhiwei walk out.
She was wearing a light lotus-colored dress that made her skin look snow-white. The simple V-neck opened just right, accentuating her long, elegant swan-like neck.
The pearl earrings at her ears swayed gently as she moved. In the glow of light, the details were indistinct, but her brows curved softly.
“Brother Jingnian, I’m ready,” Qiao Zhiwei called.
Huo Jingnian lowered his lashes slightly, stood up, and walked to her side. “Alright. Let’s go.”
Qiao Zhilan looked at her in amazement. “I haven’t seen you dress up in so long. I didn’t expect you to look this beautiful with just a little effort.”
Qiao Zhiwei smiled. “It’s my first time taking wedding photos. It should be more formal.”
“It’s my first time too,” Huo Jingnian said, his lips curving slightly.
Qiao Zhiwei: !!!
Qiao Zhilan laughed. “I won’t go with you to take wedding photos. I’ll go buy some wedding supplies for you instead.”
“What’s needed for the wedding has already been listed by my cousin. Someone has already gone to purchase everything.
“As for the banquet, if you don’t have guests to invite on your side, leave it to Aunt Chen.
“She’s already agreed.
“You only need to prepare two outfits you like.”
Qiao Zhiwei hadn’t expected Huo Jingnian to be so thoughtful and meticulous. In the past, when she was with Huo Jingchen, whether he traveled or studied abroad, she handled everything—he only gave instructions.
She nodded gratefully. “Alright.”
Then she looked at Qiao Zhilan. “If you’re scared staying at home, you can come take wedding photos with us. After I’m done, I can go buy clothes with you.”
Qiao Zhilan shook her head. “Without those creditors coming around, I’m not scared at all. I’ll stay home and rest and prepare lunch for you.”
Qiao Zhiwei smiled. “That works.”
Qiao Zhiwei and Huo Jingnian left together.
They got into the car. As soon as Qiao Zhiwei settled into the back seat, she heard Huo Jingnian say, “Come sit in the front passenger seat.”
His voice was cool and gentle, yet left no room for doubt.
For some reason, she felt a little afraid of him.
After hesitating, she got out, moved to the passenger seat, sat down, and fastened her seatbelt.
Huo Jingnian stepped on the accelerator, and the car started moving. For a while, neither of them spoke.
It was the first time she had been this close to him. Qiao Zhiwei couldn’t help sneaking glances at him. Light and shadow outside the window played across his face, outlining his refined profile. His hands rested on the steering wheel, sleeves casually rolled up, revealing lean forearms.
In the past, she never dared look at him like this even the last time they spoke alone in a room.
“Good-looking?”
Huo Jingnian’s cool, low voice suddenly sounded by her ear.
Qiao Zhiwei hurriedly looked away. Being caught peeking even with her thick skin still made her embarrassed.
But since she had already looked, she might as well tell the truth. “Mm. Good-looking.”
Huo Jingnian smiled. “I thought you were only bold and straightforward in front of Jingchen.”
Qiao Zhiwei fell silent again.
The car stopped in front of a photography studio.
Huo Jingnian jumped out, walked around to the passenger side, and opened the door for her. Qiao Zhiwei got out.
She looked at the studio. It was the largest and newest one to open in the capital, and she felt a little curious. “We’re just taking wedding certificate photos. Do we really need such a high-end studio?”
Huo Jingnian replied, “A friend of mine owns it.”
Qiao Zhiwei understood. “So you came specially to support his business?”
She hadn’t expected Huo Jingnian to be cold on the outside but warm-hearted.
Completely unlike Huo Jingchen.
He was a beast in human skin.
As they approached, she saw samples displayed at the entrance ID photos, wedding photos, family portraits, children’s photos.
The technology was indeed ahead of every other studio in the capital.
Though compared to future generations’ creative photo shoots, it still fell far behind.
Seeing her standing still, Huo Jingnian asked, “What are you looking at?”
Qiao Zhiwei smiled. “I was thinking the photographer here is really good. But if they added some more innovative concepts, it would definitely increase the studio’s revenue.”
After explaining, she met Huo Jingnian’s puzzled gaze and quickly clarified, “I mean, a couple might originally just want a wedding ID photo. But if they knew they could also take more beautiful styles as keepsakes, they might consider taking more photos even several sets.
“Marriage is one of life’s three major events. Most people are willing to spend money on it.”
“Well, well worthy of being Miss Qiao. That’s a great idea. But what kind of styles would customers be willing to pay for without hesitation?”
At the sound of the voice, Qiao Zhiwei quickly looked up and saw a young man in his twenties holding a camera, smiling as he walked out.
“You know me?” she asked in surprise.
He nodded. “Yes. Someone called me in the middle of the night saying he was coming to take wedding certificate photos. As a friend, I was not only shocked but extremely curious, so I couldn’t help asking which young lady managed to make our lofty Young Master Huo willingly step into marriage.”
Qiao Zhiwei knew perfectly well why he was willing, and smiled awkwardly. “Is that so?”
Zhou Yu nodded. “Mm. You could’ve taken the wedding photo when registering at the Civil Affairs Bureau, but he insisted on coming here.”
“They take photos there too?” Qiao Zhiwei asked, surprised.
Just as Zhou Yu was about to explain, Huo Jingnian said, “Doesn’t your new studio need sample photos?”
Zhou Yu immediately nodded. “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
In the past, he had begged this man to help shoot sample photos, only to be rejected every time.
Such a perfect living billboard standing there was already a painting.
Now not only did he show up voluntarily, but he even brought a bonus.
And standing together, the two of them truly matched perfectly.
He immediately smiled again. “Miss Qiao wouldn’t mind, right?”
“Mind what?”
“I want to take a few extra photos of the two of you and enlarge them to hang at the entrance as sample displays.”
Qiao Zhiwei smiled. “I don’t mind.”
“And that creative idea you mentioned could you and Jingnian demonstrate it for us later?”
Before Qiao Zhiwei could answer, Huo Jingnian asked calmly, “What’s in it for us?”