Qiao Zhilan hesitated for a moment then stepped forward and opened the door. Qiao Wanxia came in immediately and walked straight inside. Seeing Qiao Zhiwei she set the things in her hands down on the table.
Zhiwei my mother prepared these wedding shoes especially for you. As for everything else the bride’s family needs to provide Mother’s already taking care of it would you like to come over and check? If anything does not meet your wishes you can say so right away.
Qiao Zhiwei had not expected Qiao Wanxia to be the one entering. She replied at once There is no need. Apart from Lanlan’s and my clothes the Huo family has arranged everything else. Please take the shoes back as well.
Qiao Wanxia opened her mouth in surprise the Huo family was being remarkably generous.
Qiao Zhilan spoke up. Did you not have something to tell my sister?
Qiao Wanxia glanced left and right looking as though she wanted to speak but hesitated. Qiao Zhiwei watched her calmly. Go ahead.
It is just everyone is saying outside that Huo Jingnian has long had designs on you. But since you were Huo Jingchen’s fiancée he could not very well come right out and say so that is why he invited you over and arranged this family meeting. People are saying his thoughts are sordid his conduct is unprincipled and he does not deserve the status and position he holds.
Her voice grew softer and softer toward the end as though she could barely bring herself to say the words.
Qiao Zhiwei’s face paled instantly. Where did this story start?
I only heard it from others’ loose talk. Think about it if Huo Jingnian had the means to resolve the Qiao family’s crisis why make marrying you the condition? After all you were once his younger brother’s fiancée. Any man would take issue with that. Yet he did not seem to mind in the least instead he promptly paid off every last debt for you.
Qiao Zhilan rebuked her sharply on the spot. Who is spreading such malicious gossip ruining a serviceman’s reputation? They would do well to watch their backs they could be arrested for this!
Qiao Wanxia looked hurt. It was not me! Even the He family has heard it. I only came because I care about you Zhiwei I would hate to see people pointing fingers at you after you marry into their family.
Qiao Zhiwei made no reply. She glanced at her watch Huo Jingnian was supposed to meet her to take wedding photos today but he had not shown up yet. No doubt the rumors had reached the Huo family too. But even if there were truth to them so what? She and Jingnian had never crossed a single improper line. They had barely even seen each other. Yet people’s minds in this day and age were far from forgiving. And Jingnian was simply not that kind of man.
With that thought she said to Qiao Wanxia I understand. You may go now.
Qiao Wanxia stole a glance at her. Seeing how pale and unwell she looked she knew her words had struck home. Her eyes flickered and she nodded and left.
Once Qiao Wanxia was gone Qiao Zhilan turned to Qiao Zhiwei asking anxiously Sister what are we going to do? Part of her hoped Jingnian had always loved her sister in secret but never like this never with people speaking so shamefully of him.
Qiao Zhiwei said We are going to the Huo residence.
Uncle Huo must be furious Qiao Zhilan said trembling at the thought. He has always cared more than anything about the family’s good name.
Then we must face it. Jingnian has stood by us so generously I will not let him suffer because of me Qiao Zhiwei said firmly.
Huo Jingnian and Old Master Huo sat on either side of the tea table in the main hall. Guests had already arrived the Xia mother and daughter Zhou Yu and his father as well as Huo Jingli and Chen Qingmei.
Jingnian you owe everyone an explanation Huo Qingshan said sternly. Uncle Zhou and Aunt Xia came straight over without breakfast that is how concerned everyone is.
I have nothing to explain. Let people say what they will.
Huo Qingshan struck the table hard. You insolent boy your grandfather has spoiled you beyond reason!
Old Master Huo objected at once. Who are you calling insolent? It seems to me you have no interest in hearing his side at all you have come to condemn him.
Huo Qingshan’s tone softened. Father can you not see the gravity of the situation? You still defend him?
Old Master Huo huffed. I trust my eldest grandson. His voice held a faint note of unease. If only he had seen it sooner he had been too focused on the boy’s career and prospects.
Huo Jingnian looked at his father. Then tell me Father what proof could I possibly offer that none of it is true?
Not true? What is not true?
That I have never harbored romantic feelings for Qiao Zhiwei Huo Jingnian stated clearly. If I had truly coveted her all this time do you think I would have waited until now?
Listen to the way you speak! Huo Qingshan was displeased.
There he has explained and you refuse to believe him? Old Master Huo looked exasperated.
It is not that I do not believe him Huo Qingshan said. It is how he expresses himself! As a military officer he ought to declare that he would never harbor thoughts contrary to morality and decency that is the very least expected of him. He honestly could not understand how his father and son had both risen so high with such little regard for appearances.
Before Huo Qingshan could say more Huo Jingli’s voice rang out Qiao Zhiwei! How dare you show your face here!
All heads turned toward the door where the two sisters stood. Xia Yin glanced at Qiao Zhiwei she had clearly heard Huo Jingnian’s words.
Old Master Huo glared at Huo Jingli. Is that any way to speak to your future sister in law?
Grandpa!
That is enough hold your tongue and listen to your brother explain! Old Master Huo corrected himself hastily. He looked at Qiao Zhiwei hoping she would overlook his slip of the tongue and not take Jingnian’s words too deeply to heart. At his age nearing retirement surely a small slip of the tongue could be forgiven. It was just that his grandsons were both such fine actors one feigned affection for years when he felt none the other feigned indifference just as long and just as flawlessly. They would have made excellent undercover agents what a waste of talent. He sighed inwardly chiding himself for not recognizing their true strengths.
Qiao Zhiwei stepped forward and faced Huo Qingshan. Uncle Huo Jingnian never wished to marry me. It was I who proposed the arrangement one year of marriage to settle all past grievances between our families after which he would be free. He only agreed out of kindness. I had no choice my sister and I must rebuild our business to repay our debts and a single woman finds it nearly impossible to gain a firm foothold quickly in commerce. I needed a powerful ally and Jingnian was the only one I could turn to. I exploited his sense of duty and his compassion. I took advantage of him.
Huo Jingli seethed. I knew it! You are despicable! Even if it lasts only one year he will be a divorced man!
Qiao Zhiwei nodded. Perhaps. But your family owes mine. If Huo Jingchen cannot or will not make amends then Huo Jingnian must stand in his place.
Old Master Huo’s heart sank. Zhiwei military marriages are not easily dissolved.
She was willing to say anything to protect Jingnian he thought truly who was taking advantage of whom? But he admired her spirit no matter the cost she would never let those who had helped her suffer.
Not easily but not impossible Qiao Zhiwei replied steadily. And for a man of Jingnian’s standing and yours such matters are not difficult. Even if he were considered a divorced man I do not believe his worth would diminish.
His worth? Huo Jingnian’s gaze deepened as he looked at her his voice low. Is that truly what you think?