“Young Master Jiang, since I’ve already destroyed the betrothal document, why are you still so persistent?”
“Persistent? We were betrothed from infancy…”
“Wait,” Gu Qingtong quickly stopped him. “Young Master Jiang, are you insisting on marrying me because of the betrothal, or do you have feelings for me?”
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21 Exchange
Jiang Shangheng had never thought about love between men and women. He had simply been convinced since childhood that she would be his wife. Now, Gu Qingtong didn’t care about the betrothal at all and instead asked if he had feelings for her.
He had truly never considered this and didn’t know how to answer.
Gu Qingtong saw his discomfort and smiled faintly: “Young Master Jiang, I appreciate your intentions. But a mere betrothal document is not worth worrying about.”
Jiang Shangheng wanted to speak but hesitated. His mind was muddled by her question. To him, marriage meant mutual respect, growing old together, and having many children. But Gu Qingtong clearly didn’t think the same way.
“Young Master Jiang, you can go be the royal consort with peace of mind. This is good for you, for me, and for the Jiang family,” Gu Qingtong continued without waiting for his response. “You care about a mere promise without considering my identity. The gap between us is already evident. As a trial wife, I’ve shared a bed with many men, so you needn’t compromise your reputation for me.”
“Reputation? What does sharing a bed matter when they never touched you,” Jiang Shangheng said in a low voice.
“You really don’t mind?”
“I don’t mind.”
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“The betrothal document is destroyed. I won’t entangle you. Let’s draw a clear line between us.”
Gu Qingtong thought this meal was probably not going to happen and prepared to leave.
“Gu Qingtong!”
Hearing him call, she paused briefly. But with no further words, she quickened her pace and returned with Lüguo. She looked back at the Zhiqing Yue signboard, thinking she should probably not come again.
Fortunately, the kitchen had just prepared two dishes. Lüguo paid and immediately followed: “Miss, you haven’t had lunch yet. Shall we go to Zhiwei Zhai?”
