The Qiao sisters both froze. Huo Jingnian had for years been known only by name in the Huo family. He had spent most of his time away with Old Master Huo in the military and rarely came home. His sudden appearance here was entirely unexpected.
“Let her go.” Huo Jingnian fixed He Gang with a steady low voice.
It was then that He Gang realized he was still gripping Qiao Zhiwei’s arm. He released her at once as if burned.
Qiao Zhilan stepped forward to steady her sister and her voice was thick with tears. “Jingnian-ge, if you’d been even a moment later, my sister would’ve… she would’ve…”
For some reason He Gang was trembling with fear. He hastened to explain, “That’s not how it was! I’ve liked Weiwei for years. I only came to ask her to be my wife. And I got Jingchen’s permission first!”
“The Huo family does not answer to Jingchen yet.” Huo Jingnian said, his gaze resting heavily on He Gang. “Will you turn yourself in to the police, or shall I take you there?”
Though he stood alone, He Gang felt utterly powerless to resist. He stiffened his neck and blurted, “I came for the debt! The Qiao family owes our family twenty thousand!”
Qiao Zhiwei spoke up at once. “Is that how you collect a debt? You threatened Zhilan’s life, and you laid hands on me!”
“Others break things and beat people to collect what’s owed. I only pulled her arm a little…”
Before he could finish, Huo Jingnian seized him by the collar and lifted him slowly off his feet. Terrified, He Gang yelped, “I… I’ll go myself!”
Huo Jingnian loosened his grip. He Gang dropped to the floor, landed hard, and sat there dazed for a long moment before he could gather his wits. No wonder they call him the Fair-Faced Yama. He might have a handsome face, but his presence was terrifying. He scrambled to his feet and snapped at his men, “Let’s go now!”
With their departure, the house fell quiet.
Qiao Zhiwei let out a breath she’d been holding and turned to Huo Jingnian. “Thank you, Jingnian-ge.”
Huo Jingnian gave a short solemn nod. “You’re welcome. We in the Huo family have failed to protect you, and I am sorry. You cannot stay here any longer. Come with me to the Huo residence. Grandfather is on his way back. You may tell him everything that has happened and ask for whatever you wish.”
Qiao Zhiwei looked up at him. “I went to the Huo house this morning.”
His gaze softened as he noticed the faint redness around her eyes. “I was not there then, nor was Grandfather. I have come specially to fetch you both now. Is there nothing you wish to discuss with him beyond your betrothal to Jingchen?”
There was, of course. She nodded. “Then I am in your care, Jingnian-ge.”
“Mm.” He turned to leave. The sisters followed, and climbed into the waiting car outside.
When they arrived, everyone except Huo Jingchen was home.
Huo Jingnian’s stepmother greeted him warmly. “We had just heard from your grandfather. We’ve been waiting for you in the sitting room. Are you tired? Let me make you some tea at once.”
“Thank you, Aunt Chen.” Huo Jingnian replied evenly.
Huo Jingchen and Huo Jingnian shared the same father but different mothers. After Huo Jingnian’s mother passed away, his father had married Chen Qingmei. She gave birth to Jingchen not long after, and Huo Jingnian was sent to live with his maternal grandparents. He had never formed any strong attachment to his stepmother, neither liking nor disliking her, and so he had always called her Aunt Chen.
Huo Jingnian’s father rose to welcome the Qiao sisters and told his daughter Huo Jingli to pour tea. She shot Qiao Zhiwei a look of open resentment but met her father’s sharp gaze and went reluctantly.
“Zhiwei,” said Father Huo with a smile, “only your aunt was at home when you called this morning. I hope you will forgive any discourtesy.”
“If all she did was pass on what she was told, there is nothing to forgive.” Qiao Zhiwei said calmly. She was here to resolve matters, not give way to hurt feelings.
Father Huo paused, then asked, “You mean the proposed marriage between Jingchen and the He family?”
“I do.” She said plainly.
He smiled. “Zhiwei, I know you have always cared deeply for Jingchen. He has studied hard for years, and now he is to take up an important post at a university. His reputation must be protected above all else.”
“So you are cutting ties with my family to protect his reputation?” Qiao Zhiwei asked. She found his reasoning both sad and absurd.
“We have no choice.” He said with a show of helplessness. “I know you are a sensible girl.”
Qiao Zhilan shook with rage and started to speak, but Qiao Zhiwei gently restrained her. She looked steadily at Father Huo. “In that case, let us settle our accounts. Let us part as friends.”
Father Huo had not expected her to be so bold. “Zhiwei, your family has been very good to us. We have not forgotten that. Jingchen and I have no intention of abandoning you. Will you hear what we propose?”
Qiao Zhiwei doubted it would be fair, but they were still in his home. “Go on, Uncle Huo.”
“We will arrange safe passage to send you and your sister away from the capital. What do you think of that?”
Qiao Zhiwei gave a bitter laugh. “You truly are a banker, Uncle Huo. Your sums are impeccable. We vanish, and the Huo family is troubled no more. The Qiao name bears all the shame, and whatever becomes of us, hounded by creditors or destitute, is no concern of yours.”
Father Huo’s face darkened.
Huo Jingli returned with tea and overheard her. “Qiao Zhiwei, your family owes not twelve thousand, but a hundred and twenty thousand! Do you expect my brother to spend his life paying off a debt like that? And besides, his wedding is set for the first of next month. Nothing you say will change that.”
Huo Jingnian, who had been silent until now, spoke firmly. “They are not yet man and wife. Breaking an engagement is not impossible.”
He turned to Qiao Zhiwei. “Do you wish to settle accounts with Jingchen, or do you wish to see the engagement ended? If accounts, we shall tally everything and lay it before Grandfather on his return. If the engagement, then sit easy and pay them no mind. Grandfather will decide.”
“Jingnian!”
“Brother!”
Father Huo and his daughter spoke in unison.
Huo Jingnian looked at his father. “Jingchen and Jingli have been raised to think this way.” His tone was quiet but unyielding. “Is truth no longer welcome in this house?”