He Gang paled and stepped back forcing a smile. “Jingnian-ge Zhiwei was only boasting when she said she would marry you.”
All eyes turned to Huo Jingnian especially those of Qiao Luwen and Qiao Xiaowan. Huo Jingnian nodded. “It is true. I intend to marry her.”
A murmur ran through the crowd. He Gang stood stunned for a moment and then looked about in alarm. “Jingnian-ge do you know how much the Qiao family owes?”
Huo Jingnian did not answer directly. “What are you doing here?”
“I turned myself in.” He Gang explained hurriedly. “I received criticism and education. Jingchen-ge personally stood as my guarantor at the police station. Since it was my first offence they gave me a chance to reform.”
“Huo Jingchen guaranteed your release?”
He Gang nodded quickly. “I have admired Zhiwei since we were children. She never looked at me. I acted out of frustration and foolishness. When the creditors first came I spoke for them. I made it clear no one was to harm the Qiao sisters. Otherwise two girls alone could not have remained safe. Zhiwei is beautiful and many men have designs on her. Ask them yourselves if you do not believe me.”
He had learned these lines from Huo Jingchen. He was relieved to have remembered them. He turned to the creditors for confirmation. They had only heard of Huo Jingnian before and seeing him in person struck them with awe. Yet they still looked to He Gang for a solution so they nodded in agreement. “That is true. We were pressed for money but He Xiaoye gave us his word.”
“What promise?” Huo Jingnian asked.
“That so long as he stood surety the debt would not vanish and we should give Zhiwei time.”
“Precisely.”
Huo Jingnian walked up to He Gang. “Then why do you bring them here now?”
“I only wanted a chance.” He Gang said. “I have done nothing improper.” Huo Jingnian was tall and imposing. He Gang felt the pressure and the place where he had been trampled yesterday ached.
“There is no chance.” Huo Jingnian said his voice cold and steady. “She is to be my wife. If you harass her again I shall deal with you personally.”
He Gang’s heart sank. “But the Qiao family owes my family twenty thousand yuan. How can collecting a debt be harassment?” He looked toward the creditors and then at Qiao Luwen. Qiao Luwen said nothing. Huo Jingchen would have spoken for him with kindness. Huo Jingnian had not even glanced at him. He stood aloof and formidable making it clear they were beneath his notice.
One creditor summoned his courage. “Debts must be paid.” He reasoned the Huo family could not simply ignore the law.
Huo Jingnian looked at him. “How much is owed in total?”
“Four of us together are owed forty thousand.”
Huo Jingnian addressed He Gang. “Bring all the creditors tomorrow. I shall settle the debt.”
Qiao Zhiwei called out surprised. “Jingnian-ge.” She remembered Huo Jingchen suggesting this very thing and calling it shameless. Now Huo Jingnian offered it himself. She knew he had means yet she was astonished.
Huo Jingnian raised a hand signalling silence. She said no more. He Gang looked pale and helpless. He nodded slowly. “Very well.” The Qiao house alone was worth more than thirty thousand. He had hoped to secure both repayment and Zhiwei. He was bitterly disappointed but he dared not oppose Huo Jingnian. He could not believe Old Master Huo would go so far for the Qiao family.
Huo Jingnian met his gaze. “Why are you still here?”
“We are leaving now.” He Gang departed with the others.
Qiao Luwen lingered. He looked at Zhiwei awkwardly. “Do come and visit us. Your parents are gone and a wedding needs family. We shall help with whatever you need.”
Qiao Xiaowan finally recovered from the shock. “I can help you choose your wedding clothes.”
Zhiwei looked at them both. “There is no need. We have no family left.” Qiao Luwen began to speak but Huo Jingnian glanced at him and he fell silent pulling his daughter away. “Let us go.” They left and the yard fell quiet.
Qiao Zhilan looked at Huo Jingnian gratefully. “Thank you Jingnian-ge. Truly a blessing in disguise.”
Huo Jingnian gave a quiet acknowledging hum.
Zhiwei said earnestly. “I shall repay every yuan I owe you.”
He looked at her and a faint smile touched his lips. “I believe you. Then you shall owe only me.”
Zhilan smiled. “Have you come early for something?”
“To take wedding photographs.”
“So early?”
He checked his watch. “I must travel to Jin City later and will not return until evening.”
Zhiwei realised and said quickly. “May I change my clothes first?”
“By all means.”
She went to her room. Huo Jingnian stepped inside and looked around then sat on a sofa with a damaged corner. Zhilan said sheepishly. “Everything was fine before. They broke things when they came.”
He nodded. “It will not happen again.”
She smiled. “Thank you Jingnian-ge.” She glanced toward Zhiwei’s door and whispered. “My sister is very capable. She will not let you down.” He hummed in response. Zhilan was cheerful and easy to talk to. Huo Jingnian was quiet but always answered. He noticed the moment Zhiwei opened her door. He looked up and saw her. She wore a pale pink dress that set off her complexion beautifully. The simple neckline suited her perfectly. Pearl drops swung gently from her ears.
“I am ready.” She said.
He stood up. “Let us go.”
Zhilan admired her. “I have not seen you dressed up in so long. You look lovely.”
Zhiwei smiled. “It feels right for our photographs.”
“This is also my first time.” Huo Jingnian said softly.
Zhilan laughed. “I shall not come. I shall go and buy things instead.”
“Everything is already arranged.” Huo Jingnian told her. “My cousin has prepared the list and orders have been placed. If there are no guests to invite we shall leave the banquet to Aunt Chen. She has agreed. You need only prepare two outfits you like.”
Zhiwei was touched by his thoughtfulness. With Huo Jingchen she had always managed everything herself while he merely spoke. “Thank you.” She turned to Zhilan. “Come with us if you are lonely.”
“I shall be fine here.” Zhilan said. “I will rest and prepare lunch.”
Zhiwei nodded. “Very well.”
They drove out together. Once seated Huo Jingnian said. “Come sit in the front.” His tone was gentle yet firm. She felt a little shy. She moved to the passenger seat and fastened her belt. They drove in quiet for a while. She stole glances at him. Light and shadow played across his fine profile. His forearms were strong and lean where his sleeves were rolled. She had never dared look at him so closely before.
“Am I nice to look at?” He asked suddenly.
She turned away flustered. “Yes.” She admitted honestly.
He smiled. “I thought you were only bold and honest with Jingchen.”
She fell quiet again. The car stopped before a photography studio newly opened and the finest in the capital. Zhiwei looked around. “Is this not too grand for simple identification photos?”
“A friend owns it.”
“You came here on purpose to support him?” She realised. He was kind beneath his reserve unlike Huo Jingchen who was fair of face yet hollow within.
She saw displayed portraits and wedding photographs. The quality was excellent though different from styles she knew from her lifetime. He noticed her hesitation. “What is it?”
“I was thinking.” She said. “Your photographer does excellent work. You might offer creative packages to attract more business. Couples come for one photograph but if they see beautiful options they may choose more. A wedding is a special occasion and people are willing to spend.”
A young man in his twenties came out smiling holding a camera. “You have a fine idea Miss Qiao. What kind of designs would they choose?”
“You know who I am?” She asked surprised.
“I received a call last night.” He said. “I had to see for myself who had won over our distant and noble Huo Jingnian.”
Zhiwei smiled uncomfortably. “Is that so?”
“Identification photographs are taken at the marriage bureau.” He said. “Why come all the way here?”
“Will they do them there?” She asked.
Huo Jingnian interjected. “Do you not need sample photographs for your new studio?”
“Exactly.” Zhou Yu nodded eagerly. He had always tried to persuade Huo Jingnian before without success. Now he came of his own accord and brought a beautiful wife. They made a striking couple. “May I take extra photographs to display?” Zhou Yu asked. “As samples?”
“Certainly.” Zhiwei said.
“And those creative ideas?” Zhou Yu pressed. “Will you demonstrate them?”
Huo Jingnian spoke. “What is in it for us?”