Ch 109: Let’s Get Married
Xiao Jianbo watched Xiao Yao leave resolutely. His heart quickened, and he called out her name several times, but she ignored him, directly taking the elevator and leaving.
Xiao Jianbo and his wife were dumbfounded. They hadn’t expected that even after humbling themselves and apologizing to their junior, Xiao Yao still left, completely disregarding their family’s well-being.
The couple looked at each other, their minds instantly filled with worry.
Xiao Jianbo sighed, “This child’s temperament is just like hers, stubborn and inflexible!”
His wife, beside him, responded thoughtfully, “Do you think she might have guessed that we wanted to borrow money, so she deliberately said that and left, cutting us off before we could even ask?”
Xiao Jianbo was thoughtful. Before he could speak, a police officer suddenly opened the door and came out. He glanced at the couple as he passed by before leaving.
Xiao Jianbo immediately rushed into the VIP ward with his wife, asking, “Wenxing, did you say anything?”
Xiao Wenxing looked at his parents’ anxious faces, his complexion not looking good. Instead of answering, he asked, “What were you two talking about with Xiao Yao outside?”
The conversation was quiet, and Xiao Wenxing only heard vaguely, not quite sure. “Dad, Mom, this has nothing to do with Xiao Yao. It was the doctor who called the police.”
“I didn’t tell her anything. Don’t worry about it. Quickly tell me what the police asked. You didn’t mention that man surnamed Zhuge, did you? If you did, and they catch him, he’ll definitely reveal Jiang Yu.”
Xiao Wenxing lowered his head, silently looking at the bandage on his abdomen. “What difference does it make whether I said it or not? The police will find out easily; they can’t escape.”
Hearing this, the couple’s expressions changed again.
Jiang Lufang, Maternal Aunt Yu Ling, and Xiao Qiang arrived in Xinjiang on the evening of the second day.
The morning of the third day was rainy. Continuous drizzle mixed with gusts of cold wind beat against the car windows, blurring the outside world.
Everyone in the car was unusually silent on the way to the Funeral Home. Xiao Wenxing, despite his injuries and need for hospital rest, insisted on going, sitting in a wheelchair.
The funeral ceremony went smoothly, and the emotions of those present were relatively calm.
During this time, Third Aunt repeatedly tried to talk to Xiao Yao, but Xiao Yao ignored her, quietly praying before her grandmother’s body.
After the cremation ceremony, Xiao Jianbo held the urn, placing it in the pre-selected grave site.
Xiao Wenxing was weak, and as soon as the ceremony ended, Third Uncle and Third Aunt had to take him back to the hospital.
Before getting into the car, Third Uncle watched Xiao Yao and Zhuang Lingyun repeatedly hesitate to speak. Finally, his gaze fell on Jiang Lufang. He sighed and got into the car, leaving.
Xiao Yao and Zhuang Lingyun were staying in a Three-Star Hotel. Jiang Lufang naturally stayed at the same hotel with Xiao Yao. Xiao Yao had booked a suite, and Yu Ling and Xiao Qiang also stayed in the same room.
That night, Jiang Lufang called Xiao Yao over to a quiet, unoccupied balcony to talk.
“Yaoyao, your Third Uncle contacted me earlier and told me about his current situation…”
Before Jiang Lufang could finish, Xiao Yao, having guessed the gist of it, interrupted, “Mom, are you here to act as your Third Uncle’s intermediary? He wants to borrow money from me to pay off his son’s debts, right?”
Seeing Xiao Yao’s displeasure, Jiang Lufang nodded. “Mom isn’t here to be an intermediary. I know how well you’re doing financially. Your good life is because you married Lingyun. He treats you well and spends money on you, but that money is his blood and sweat money, not money that fell from the sky. Five million is a huge sum, and your Third Uncle even dared to ask. If you lend it to him, he probably won’t be able to repay it in his lifetime. Besides, Lingyun has no obligation to help him.”
“Mom, you understand. Regardless of the amount, this is inherently unreasonable. I strongly disapprove of my Third Uncle’s favoritism and protection. Small mistakes are one thing, but fraud involving over ten million yuan? He even dares to bear the consequences. If he’s capable enough to bear it, let him repay it with his own ability. I can’t help, and as you said, Zhuang Lingyun has no obligation either.”
Jiang Lufang sighed and nodded. “Yes, after he asked me, I refused immediately. I can’t make that decision.”
“Mom, let’s not get involved in their family matters. We have a flight tomorrow morning. Get some rest early.”
Xiao Yao left Jiang Lufang’s room and returned to her own. Zhuang Lingyun was on a phone call, having been on it since she left the room. He still hadn’t finished. Seeing his cold expression, she wondered if something had gone wrong at the company.
Mom was right; his money wasn’t from the sky. It was earned through countless days and nights of hard work and struggle, bit by bit. Why should it be used to clean up other people’s messes? They enjoy a rich and luxurious life but don’t want to shoulder their responsibilities. There’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night. With the rainy weather, it felt like autumn at night. The wind pouring in from the open window was cold and biting.
Xiao Yao came out of the shower, her hair still wet. The wind made her shiver.
Zhuang Lingyun just hung up the phone. Seeing her shivering and heading to close the window, he quickly came out from the balcony and stopped her, “Go sit on the sofa; I’ll close it.”
Xiao Yao nodded. As soon as she sat down, Zhuang Lingyun grabbed a dry towel to dry her hair. “Still cold? Should we add another blanket tonight?”
Xiao Yao said no, turning to look at the man behind her, his brows furrowed. Feeling heart-wrenching concern, she turned around, knelt on the sofa, hugged his waist, and buried her face in his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.
Xiao Yao’s sudden tenderness finally dispelled the gloom on Zhuang Lingyun’s face. He smiled slightly and hugged her back. They hadn’t been this close in a long time and both cherished the feeling, not letting go for a long time.
“Did something happen at your company?”
She had never interfered in his business affairs and naturally knew nothing about them, unable to help.
Zhuang Lingyun patted Xiao Yao’s head gently and said softly, “It’s just a minor issue.”
Anything unrelated to her was a minor issue.
“You already have a lot of money. You don’t need to work so hard. I’m very content with our current life, really.”
Zhuang Lingyun chuckled and hummed in agreement. “But I want you to live even better.”
She looked up at the stubble on his jaw and leaned in to rub her forehead against his, saying affectionately, “I also want you to relax a bit and have more time to spend with me.”
He smiled, cupped her face, and kissed her soft lips gently. “Okay, I’ll listen to you.”
“Zhuang Lingyun, let’s get our marriage certificate when we go back.”
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