“I know father means well, but I don’t want to…”
Lin Shi’s thin eyebrows furrowed, and she coldly laughed: “Then tell me, what’s so good about him! You don’t want to marry Lan’er, fine. The fallen young gentleman you used to fancy, I’ll let him enter the door. Are you satisfied now?”
Qu Xiaojue slightly lowered her eyes, but took Lin Shi’s hand and gently held it, softly and bitterly smiling: “Father, Lan’er is my cousin. Wu Gongzi I can only regard as a confidant… He indeed has nothing good about him, doesn’t know how to serve a wife, and doesn’t care about me at all. But he’s the only one who would always look me in the eyes while speaking, even if he’s unwilling to pay me attention. I’ve always believed that he remembers how I treat him… I don’t want anyone else! Mother passed away six years ago, and I’m twenty-five this year. Can’t I make this decision?”
Lin Shi looked at the hand she was holding, her heart softening slightly. Being confronted with her daughter’s status, a wave of indescribable sorrow surged in her heart, thinking of the person who left early. Father and daughter fell silent.
“Forget it!” Lin Shi’s heart ached, looking at her daughter’s pale face with a mix of bitter love and resigned acceptance: “You have no siblings. I’ll personally find a good match for Lan’er and return to the ancestral home to keep vigil for our ancestors!”
“Qu Xiaojue turned her attention to Lin Lan, the initial warmth in her heart now mingled with a hint of sorrow. She straightened her posture, forcing herself to focus. “What is it, Lin Lan?”
Lin Lan hesitated, her expression uncertain, as if weighing her words. “I… I just wanted to see how you are doing. You look upset.”
“It’s nothing,” Qu Xiaojue replied, her voice steady, although the heaviness remained in her heart. “Just a little family matter.”
Lin Lan nodded but did not press further. Instead, she changed the subject, trying to lift the mood. “Have you thought about the upcoming festivities? It could be a welcome distraction.”
