Chapter 188  : Consider Me, On the Premise of Marriage

In a tea room in Yuncheng…

Qiao Aiyun’s fingertips were trembling. She pinched some Tieguanyin [1. A variety of Chinese oolong tea.] and put it in a purple clay teapot. Then she poured in some boiling water and waited for the tea leaves to steep before saying, “Auntie Yan, have some tea.”

The group of them had just come out of the police station. With Old Madam Yan’s testimony, those people couldn’t make false accusations against her even if they wanted to. They had initially wanted to extort some medical fees.

But Old Madam Yan was a tough nut to crack. She immediately said something.

“You want compensation? Then we might as well file a lawsuit. Look at what you’ve done in someone else’s house. You made the first move to hit someone and damaged a lot of furniture. How are you going to compensate her?

“If you people aren’t afraid of going to court, then let’s simply go through the legal process.

“I want to take a look too. How much can your medical expenses cost for those injuries?”

Although Qiao Aiyun had been holding a rolling pin, she was a woman after all. No matter how heavy-handed she had been, there would only be some swelling and bruising, and it wouldn’t hurt their muscles and bones.

“You asked for a million as soon as you opened your mouth. After your injuries are examined, if it’s not worth this amount, I’ll sue you for extortion!

“One million? I also want to see how many years you can get in jail.”

When this group of people reached the police station, they had still wanted to kick up a fuss. But Old Madam Yan’s attitude was firm. Upon hearing that they would have to go to jail, the three of them immediately chickened out. They didn’t even take the medical expenses. After settling the disagreement, they ran off.

Old Madam Yan glanced at Qiao Aiyun and Yan Wangchuan. “The two of you, come out with me.”

When they reached the tea room and after Old Madam Yan sat down, Qiao Aiyun finally dared to sit down opposite her. Yan Wangchuan sat beside his mother.

The atmosphere was very awkward.

***

Old Madam Yan picked up the purple clay teacup and slowly took a sip. “This tea is not bad.”

Qiao Aiyun tucked up her hair. She had been a bit ruthless when beating the people up just now, so her hair was incredibly messy. Although she had tidied it up, she still felt ashamed to look others in the face. “It’s good that you like it.”

“You’re considerate. You still remember that I like to drink Tieguanyin.” Old Madam Yan sighed. “Daughters are more considerate after all. I don’t expect this from this hot-headed fellow in my family anymore.”

Qiao Aiyun didn’t say anything.

“We haven’t seen each other in years, right?” Old Madam Yan’s expression was calm.

“It’s been more than twenty years.”

“You’ve changed a lot.”

Qiao Aiyun stiffened. She thought that she was talking about what had happened just now. Her face was flustered. “Auntie, excuse me, I’m going to the restroom.”

“Mhm.” Old Madam Yan stared at her back and sighed.?She’s still pretty.

The people of the Qiao family were all good-looking. Almost all of them had a pair of phoenix eyes and looked beautiful and magnificent. When Qiao Aiyun was young, someone had said that she looked too charming and that she would probably be unfaithful to her husband.

But Old Madam Yan didn’t think so. People’s looks were inborn, and it was not a sin to be beautiful. She liked pretty people and felt comfortable looking at them.

“Mom, why are you here?” Yan Wangchuan finally asked.

“You were quite a hit on TV earlier. Now, whenever I’m outside, everyone I know asks me if there will be good news from you soon. What do you think I should say?”

Yan Wangchuan was speechless.

“I left the house to lie low until the fuss dies down.

“I just didn’t expect this girl to become so fierce after not seeing her for more than twenty years. Look at how ruthless she was when she was pummeling those people just now. My god, she nearly gave me a heart attack.”

While speaking, Old Madam Yan picked up her cup and took a sip of tea to calm herself down.

Yan Wangchuan said, “You’ve changed too.”

“Yes?” Old Madam Yan was amused.?How have I changed?

“Your hair is curly now.”

Old Madam Yan smiled. “Oh my, isn’t this because I haven’t seen her in a long time? In order to come to Yuncheng, I specially ordered a new cotton shirt and permed my hair. I have to dress up too. Otherwise, it would be rude.”

“Looks old.”

Old Madam Yan was stunned. “Get lost immediately!”

Yan Wangchuan didn’t move. He selfishly felt that his mother was really hard to please.

***

In the blink of an eye, Qiao Aiyun had already returned. She had washed her hands and tidied up a little.

“Aiyun, what do you think of my hair?” Old Madam Yan raised her eyebrows.

Qiao Aiyun was a little stunned.?Why is she suddenly asking about her hair??“It’s very nice. This hairstyle makes you look very young.”

Old Madam Yan glared at Yan Wangchuan, her eyes clearly saying:

See this? This is someone who can talk.

Your mouth is too awful.

Yan Wangchuan frowned.?Why aren’t women willing to hear the truth?

“Oh, is your hand injured?” Old Madam Yan’s eyes were sharp, and she saw a bruise on her wrist hidden in her sleeve.

“I might have knocked into something. I’m fine.” She gathered her sleeve to cover it.

“Wangchuan, go buy some medicine.”

“No need. I’ll be fine in two days. There’s no need to apply medicine,” Qiao Aiyun declined hurriedly.

“Go now. What are you waiting for?” Old Madam Yan harrumphed coldly.?This ignorant person, can’t he see that I want to chat with her alone?

Yan Wangchuan got up. “I’ll go buy some medicine.”

Then he left.

Two people remained. Old Madam Yan was full of smiles, but Qiao Aiyun felt a little ashamed. Back then, her father had been the one to annul the engagement. She had had no face to go to the Yan Family then, so she naturally didn’t have the face to face her now.

“I know what happened to you recently. As a person, you have to look forward.”

“Yes.” Qiao Aiyun rubbed the teacup with her fingers, completely at a loss on how to communicate with her.

“You’re already divorced? Are the procedures all done?”

“Yes.”

“What are your plans for the future?”

Qiao Aiyun pursed her lips. “I’ll still be staying in Yuncheng in the near future. When Wanwan graduates, we may go back to Suzhou.”

“Nanjiang isn’t bad. Why don’t you come to our place? The weather is good as well. It’s quite cold in winter here.” Old Madam Yan smiled kindly.

Qiao Aiyun wasn’t stupid, nor was she an ignorant young lady. She naturally understood what she meant. “I haven’t considered it yet.”

“Haven’t considered it?” Old Madam Yan frowned. “Our Wangchuan hasn’t…”

She gritted her teeth and swallowed the words at the tip of her tongue.

Qiao Aiyun lowered her head, her face red. She didn’t speak.

***

At noon, when Qiao Wangbei heard that Old Madam Yan had come, he rushed back from the store. The four of them booked a restaurant for lunch and then went home separately afterward.

The Qiao siblings watched the Yan family leave before returning to their car.

Qiao Aiyun heaved a long sigh of relief. She was extremely nervous during the meal.

“… What happened? Did someone come cause trouble?” Qiao Wangbei started the car.

“Yes.” Qiao Aiyun briefly explained the situation.

“These people from the Song family are really persistent. Do they think they are respectful to their ancestors just because they’re guarding a small manor? How pedantic!” Who could they blame if they couldn’t protect their ancestral property?

Qiao Aiyun’s brows pinched together. “Actually, I was rushing to settle the assets with him. I only consulted the Real Estate Bureau about the sale of this property during the transfer of ownership. It was just a thought, and I didn’t tell anyone else.”

“Heh—That’s strange then. How did the Song family know?!”

She knew exactly who had informed the Song Family.

Qiao Wangbei’s eyes darkened.

There was dead silence in the car.

After a few seconds, Qiao Aiyun sighed. “Exactly what does he want?”

Qiao Wangbei remained silent. His fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly, and his eyes were sharp and deep.

***

On the other side…

As soon as Old Madam Yan and Yan Wangchuan got in the car, she exploded. “You brat! What did you come here to do?!”

The assistant, who was driving, was shocked. His hands, which were holding the steering wheel, were sweating slightly from fright.

Yan Wangchuan didn’t say anything.

“Have you not even confessed to her yet?”

Someone remained silent.

“Say something. Was there no confession of any sort?”

“Then, why would you get us to send you some kind of jewelry? Who did you give it to? Is it possible that you have other women outside behind Aiyun’s back?”

“I gave it to her.” Yan Wangchuan finally spoke. “There is no other woman.”

His tone was firm and forceful.

“You already gave her the item, but you didn’t say anything to her?” Old Madam Yan frowned.

He didn’t speak, meaning that he tacitly agreed.

“What thing exactly did I give birth to? You’re angering me to death! I even suggested to her to develop in Nanjiang just now. She said she hadn’t considered it. That’s when I guessed that you might not have mentioned it at all.

“Yan Wangchuan, as a man, if you don’t take the initiative, how will she know what you’re thinking? At the very least, make yourself clear. If she thinks you aren’t bad, she’ll consider it even if she doesn’t say it.

“She also has a child, so she must be thinking about a lot of things. Will they be able to come to Nanjiang in the future, how will they live, and so on. But you’re keeping so quiet. Do you expect her to ask you first? Let me ask you, how should she take the initiative to tell you?”

The little assistant was trembling in fear.?My god, the old madam is indeed impressive. She’s lashing out at him angrily without stop.

“I thought you must have mentioned this to her after coming to Yuncheng for so long. Don’t you know how awkward your?mother1. felt when she said she hadn’t considered it?”

“Mom, don’t curse.”

Old Madam Yan was taken aback and became even angrier. “I’m talking about your mother! I’m talking about myself! I’m very embarrassed!”

Yan Wangchuan nodded and continued listening to her admonishments.

“Say, you’re already in your forties, but you don’t even have a wife. Do you really think that I’m not anxious? This girl has really changed a lot after not seeing each other for many years. When you two interact privately, is she also this bold and fierce?”

“No.” Yan Wangchuan shook his head. “This is an exception.”

“That’s good. I’m afraid she’ll abuse you in the future. You’re already so old that you won’t be able to take it.”

Yan Wangchuan’s face darkened again.

The assistant in front tried to suppress his laughter and was about to cramp up from holding it in.

“Wangchuan, don’t blame me for being nosy. Although she has divorced once, divorce is not a big deal in current society. She’s pretty and rich, so someone will definitely woo her. You have to work faster.”

“Haven’t you always hated her?” Yan Wangchuan’s expression was cold. “You said that she has poor taste because she refused to marry our Yan family.”

“I…” He made Old Madam Yan choke on her words for a moment.

In that era, many people would gossip about an engagement annulment. Naturally, Old Madam Yan had been unhappy inside.

“You’re not angry anymore?” Yan Wangchuan asked.

“Who said I’m not angry anymore?! Why shouldn’t I be angry? I’m so angry! Hmph!” Old Madam Yan harrumphed coldly and put her arms akimbo as she looked out of the window.

Yan Wangchuan frowned. He couldn’t tell which of her words were true or false for a while.

Why are women always so confusing when they speak?

But she’s right about one thing.

Our relationship can’t stay stuck like this. Now that she’s divorced, she definitely has to plan for the future. I need to make her understand that it’s time to consider me.

But how should I open my mouth…?

Ask Fu Chen?

I can’t keep asking a junior for advice all the time.

The assistant looked at the two people in the backseat through the rearview mirror.

President Yan rarely speaks, but he can choke people to death with a single sentence. Old Madam is obviously very angry, but his face is still cold. His grave appearance makes him look like he’s thinking about major national affairs.

***

When Qiao Aiyun returned, she saw the woven bags at the entrance and felt a headache.

At this moment, she even wanted to kill Song Jingren. Since she hadn’t thrown these things away, it could be considered that she was trying to spare his feelings. How could he still scheme against her at this time?

“Give this to me. I’ll help you deal with it.” Qiao Wangbei narrowed his eyes, seeming to have a plan.

“Okay.” Qiao Aiyun had used too much force with the rolling pin just now, and her arm was still aching at this moment. She wanted to go back to her room to rest.

After she returned to her room, she called Song Fengwan and asked her what she was doing. Song Fengwan only just learned to ski by herself and didn’t say much to her before hanging up.

She smiled helplessly, feeling that girls truly weren’t willing to stay home when they got older. She no longer stuck to her after going out to have fun.

After what had happened in the morning, her head hurt terribly. She looked down at the ointment Yan Wangchuan had bought for her and rubbed a bit of it on her bruise. When she thought of his fierce look just now, she smiled.

It was currently afternoon nap time. Her arm ached, so she rubbed it twice before going to bed to rest.

***

When she woke up again, it was already dark outside. There were many messages and missed calls on her phone. When she was at the police station earlier, she had set her phone to silent mode. Later, when she met Old Madam Yan, she had forgotten to adjust it.

Besides Song Fengwan, who had called twice, they were all from Secretary Zhang.

Why did Song Jingren’s secretary call me?

She checked the unread messages first.

First, it was Secretary Zhang’s.

[Madam, please be kind. Come to the company quickly. When Mr. Qiao arrived at the company, he rushed into President Song’s office and locked the door from inside. Then he pinned President Song down and beat him ruthlessly.]

[Madam, there’s too much commotion inside. If this continues, something will definitely happen.]

[I’m begging you. Please come take a look.]

…

There were more than ten messages, all at around two and three in the afternoon. It was already close to six, so she naturally couldn’t make it in time anymore.

Just as she was about to get out of bed, she saw someone else’s message.

It was from Yan Wangchuan.

[Consider me, on the premise of marriage.]