Qiao Zhiwei paused for a moment then nodded. Yes.
Huo Jingnian withdrew his gaze and said nothing more. His long fingers tapped idly against the armrest of his chair as if lost in thought.
Chen Qingmei smiled gently and graciously. Qingshan since this is all a misunderstanding there is no need to be hard on Jingnian anymore.
She feared Huo Jingnian might grow angry and say he had already resolved the Qiao family’s debt crisis so there was no real need to marry Qiao Zhiwei. Hearing the terms Qiao Zhiwei had laid out she knew the girl still held feelings for her son.
She hoped to use Huo Jingnian’s comeback to win her son’s admiration again. Yet no matter what the Qiao family would never return to how things were. Huo Jingchen was no longer the man he once was. He had a bright future ahead and could not afford any entanglement with her.
Huo Qingshan’s expression remained stern. You should have brought that money forward sooner.
To part with such a staggering sum it was hard not to wonder how much wealth his late wife’s family had left the boy.
Huo Jingnian spoke in a calm low voice. Yes. Had I done so we might have avoided all this. But the money would have been gone with nothing to show for it. None of you would have been grateful you would simply assume I had endless means. By marrying Qiao Zhiwei however the debt becomes a shared one between husband and wife. It gives me every right and duty to stand by her as she earns the means to repay me.
Old Master Huo could not bring himself to meet Qiao Zhiwei’s eyes and covered his face with a hand. Zhiwei was this arrangement something the two of you agreed upon beforehand?
Qiao Zhiwei had never intended to take his money for free yet hearing him calculate every detail so clearly still stung. She nodded slowly. Yes.
Huo Qingshan spoke up. You should have explained this to Father sooner. None of this misunderstanding would have happened.
Huo Jingnian continued. If everyone believes our marriage is a pretense then what purpose does the agreement serve? He turned his gaze to Huo Jingli.
I will not breathe a word about the marriage being in name only Huo Jingli said at once. But I must make it clear to everyone that you have been wronged.
Huo Jingnian paused then looked at Huo Qingshan. Father in your view should I proceed with the marriage or call it off?
Old Master Huo answered immediately. It must go ahead. If word gets out that the Huo family broke off the engagement again over baseless rumors people will say we kicked someone when they were down and treated them like a joke. They will call our men selfish and without honor.
Huo Qingshan fell silent. After a long pause he let out a heavy breath. Very well. The wedding will proceed as planned.
Zhou Yu spoke with a smile. The next time someone spreads such lies about Jingnian I will not let them get away with it.
Xia Yin’s mother agreed. Exactly. Jingnian has already suffered enough for Jingchen and Grandfather Huo. We cannot let his reputation be dragged through the mud.
Xia Yin rose quietly and walked to Qiao Zhiwei’s side looking out at the room. None of us are perfect. It is only natural that Miss Qiao should think of her own situation. Times have changed but for a woman in business without protection people will always try to take advantage. Especially someone as beautiful as Miss Qiao. Most would have crumbled under such heavy debt yet she has chosen to repay it with a clear plan of her own. She is both wise and strong.
Qiao Zhiwei looked back at her in surprise. This was only their second meeting. The first time she had been mistaken for Huo Jingnian’s fiancée and targeted by a scheming woman. The situation had been uncomfortable and Huo Jingnian had stood apart. She had resolved it all on her own. Xia Yin was clearly thoughtful and intelligent.
Huo Jingli let out a huff. You are always so quick to defend everyone Xia Yin.
Xia Yin smiled gently. That is enough. From now on we must stand together when people speak outside. You are old enough to know what should be said and what should remain private.
Huo Qingshan nodded in approval. Jingnian you follow Xia Yin around everywhere yet you never seem to learn from her example. See how considerate she is.
Xia Yin’s mother Liu Shuyi kept up a polite smile though her feelings were clear. Being too considerate is not always a virtue. Some people give everything to others and forget to look after themselves. She thought of Qiao Zhiwei in contrast. If only her own daughter had half the girl’s shrewdness things might have turned out differently.
Huo Qingshan caught the implication and shifted awkwardly. Everyone holds your daughter in high regard and thinks of her often.
Old Master Huo smiled warmly. Shuyi your daughter does not lack ambition she simply has her own way of doing things. There is no cause for concern.
Liu Shuyi fell quiet uncertain how to respond. As an elder and a man of influence she could not very well argue. I hope that is true she said.
Old Master Huo turned to Qiao Zhiwei who had remained standing. Come sit here Zhiwei. When she hesitated he waved her over with a kind smile. Come along.
She saw the warmth in his face took Qiao Zhilan’s hand and sat in the empty seat beside him.
Old Master Huo addressed the room. If there is nothing further we should let everyone go about their day.
Chen Qingmei stood up at once and walked over to Liu Shuyi glancing toward Zhou Yu and his father. Thank you all for coming. Please stay for a meal. I have already asked Aunt Liu to prepare everything.
Zhou Yu accepted readily.
Liu Shuyi was about to decline when Xia Yin spoke. We would love to. Jingli has often told me how excellent the braised fish is here. I have been wanting to try it.
Chen Qingmei smiled with relief. Xia Yin seemed entirely unbothered by the engagement. It was only natural someone so bright and open minded would not dwell on one disappointment. She decided to bring up Huo Jingchen during the meal. Wonderful. Jingli will show you upstairs for tea while everything is ready.
Huo Jingli took Xia Yin’s arm cheerfully and gestured to the Zhou family. Please come up. My father has just received some excellent tea. And there are persimmons fresh from his hometown not yet available in the capital.
Zhou Yu laughed. In that case I certainly will not say no.
The group headed upstairs talking and laughing. Qiao Zhilan squeezed her sister’s hand. She could not hide how hurt she felt. Qiao Zhiwei simply patted her hand calmly.
Old Master Huo saw the sadness beneath her composure. Zhiwei if you need to you may speak your mind. If he dares to argue I will set him straight.
Speak your mind about whom?
Huo Jingnian. It cannot have been easy hearing him speak so plainly.
Qiao Zhiwei shook her head with a gentle smile. He has every reason to be careful Grandfather. I am not hurt.
Old Master Huo looked toward Huo Jingnian and sighed quietly. If you do not expect anything you can never truly be disappointed.