Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Soon, the news of Su Qingyou's death arrived, leaving a large portion of An City in shock once the matter was exposed.

When the news reached the Zhao family, Zhao Tingyuan was on the brink of collapse.

Su Qingyou had left a detailed suicide note at home, along with incriminating evidence, taking all the blame upon herself, including the sudden deterioration of Zhao Yayuan’s health, and the methods and motives behind their confinement of her at home - everything was confessed.

Throughout the note, there was no mention of Zhao Tingyuan.

It merely contained a postscript that she had left a special message for Zhao Xiuyi, hoping that Zhao Tingyuan would give it to him on the day he comes of age.

The outside world was abuzz with discussions, remarking that one should marry a virtuous wife to avoid endless troubles. The Zhao family had deep roots and neither son was irresponsible. Yet, they were embroiled in a scandal linked to a murder case, reaching the point of sibling rivalry, all because of marrying a girl from a fallen family.

Zhao Tingyuan became extremely despondent, shutting himself in and refusing to see anyone.

Lu Zhihong was still in the hospital. During this time, Lu Nian and Qiu Li visited him frequently. They had heard about the situation at the Zhao family but could only maintain silence.

After all, it was a family matter, and they still had intricate connections with them. No matter what, Lu Zhihong was still their father.

However, before they could ponder further, shocking news arrived. Zhao Tingyuan had disappeared from the Zhao household, nowhere to be found, and soon lost contact completely.

Chaos enveloped the Zhao family. Zhao Quan, whose health had always been frail, completely broke down upon hearing the news, passing away earlier than in the original timeline, dying on the day of the beginning of autumn.

Due to the consecutive scandals caused by his son and daughter-in-law, although he had always favored Zhao Yayuan more, Zhao Tingyuan was still his son, the child he had carried for ten months. The usually domineering Jiang Wenyan also fell seriously ill. After Zhao Quan's funeral, she left for overseas treatment accompanied by Zhao Rulan.

The burden on Zhao Yayuan's shoulders became almost crushingly heavy overnight.

Qiu Li was now starting to take over the Lu family business. He had resumed using his name Lu Zuo and began to assist Zhao Yayuan with various matters.

Time can erase many things.

Qiu Li realized that he was no longer as obsessed with certain things as before. He didn't have a close relationship with Lu Zhihong, nor would he call him father. However, Lu Zhihong was exceptionally frail both physically and mentally now. Even if they, as siblings, were not willing to forgive him, they could not abandon him at this critical juncture.

The wedding date that Lu Nian had originally set had to be postponed due to this unforeseen circumstance.

She felt a bit guilty inside.

Knowing that Qin Si has been longing to marry her for a long, long time, she, however, has kept delaying it for various reasons, not yet settling on a wedding date even now.

Lu Nian knows that Qin Si is quite sensitive, and she fears he might overthink, assuming she is using the situation as an excuse to stall.

Therefore, she can only be extra caring towards him in their daily interactions.

Actually, he's quite easy to appease.

Just showing him a bit more love, expressing it more, be it through words or actions, he appreciates immensely. Although he doesn't articulate it, his mood lifts considerably, becoming even more affectionate and actively seeking intimacy.

Lu Zhihong's condition has finally stabilized, and he can essentially be discharged from the hospital.

He still wishes to return to Haicheng. This catastrophe has changed him significantly, diminishing his previous ambitions. Now, he simply desires to retreat to a tranquil place to relive his past life, losing interest in both Qiu Li and Lu Nian, no longer keen on persuading Qiu Li to return home.

Qiu Li spoke with indifference, "He has always been that kind of person."

Once they no longer hold any utility for him, he won't harbor any attachment to them.

Lu Nian wasn't surprised either; together, they bid farewell to Lu Zhihong.

On the way home.

"Have you been pushing yourself too hard lately?" Lu Nian asked.

Lu Nian couldn't bear to see Qiu Li having lost so much weight. Though she doesn't meet Zhao Yayuan often now, she has heard about and seen him through a video call. The once spirited young man has now fully matured.

Qiu Li's expression darkened, "It's really bad, the issues at his home..."

"However, we're fortunate to have Mr. Qin's assistance," Qiu Li said, brightening up and dispelling the gloom.

The capabilities and prowess of Qin Si were something Qiu Li has now fully witnessed.

Despite not being much older than them, Qin Si's mental maturity and adeptness in handling matters, along with his perfect blend of decisiveness and ruthlessness, surpassed them by a wide margin. The more they knew him, the more they felt this way.

Qiu Li was indeed surprised by Qin Si's willingness to help, knowing that because of past issues with Lu Nian, Qin Si had a strong dislike for Zhao Yayuan.

Lu Nian could only smile.

In order to persuade that man, who harbors an irrational level of jealousy and possessiveness, to assist, she used a mixture of coaxing and coercion, offering him numerous incentives, until he finally agreed to temporarily set aside his grudges to assist Zhao Yayuan.

Grounded in reality, she again pondered another issue, asking Qiu Li worriedly, "What is to be done about Xiuyi now?"

Zhao Xiuyi, not yet two years old, has already lost both parents. Regardless of what Su Qingyou did, the child is innocent. Now, with Zhao Tingyuan also missing, it is as if he has lost both parents at the same time.

"Yayuan is taking care of him for the time being," Qiu Li mentioned.

This was beyond Lu Nian's expectations.

In fact, many people cannot comprehend Zhao Yayuan's choice. After all, he is exceedingly busy at the moment, and the Su family still has relatives around; the Zhao family isn't just dependent on him.

Moreover, he hasn't married yet. If he wants to find a spouse from a matching background who can provide support in the future, let alone the current predicament of the Zhao family, having to take care of a child without knowing for how long, has already deterred some people.

Zhao Xiuyi has always been close to him. Now, when he gets to relax, playing with Zhao Xiuyi becomes the most soothing part of his day.

All Lu Nian could do was sigh.

These grudges and debts, in the end, are nothing but personal choices. As one drinks water, only they can tell the temperature, outsiders cannot comment too much.

Ming Ge's store is booming.

Xiao Qu unexpectedly decided to go back to school, registering for the adult college entrance examination. It wasn't until the results came out that he shyly told them that attending university had always been a dream of his, but it was unattainable due to previous life constraints. Now that he has the means, he hopes to make up for lost time.

Huang Mao's business is flourishing, and life post-marriage is like honey mixed with oil; being sticky-sweet with his wife, having a child and a spouse, he has everything he needs.

"Now it's just you guys left, huh?" Ming Ge, quite drunk, asked, "When are you going to tie the knot?"

"Then, have a chubby baby, I, Ming Ge, will help you take care of them." He was clearly drunk, thumping his chest vigorously with each proclamation.

"Push yourself a bit, are you even a man anymore?" He shouted at Qin Si, "It's been so long, and there's no progress at all."

The man's gaze was icy, his strength formidable as he effortlessly lifted Ming Ge, dragging him back to the sofa before throwing him down, muttering, "Completely drunk."

Xiao Qu: QAQ

Hearing Ming Ge dare to speak to Qin Si like that, he confirmed that Ming Ge was genuinely completely intoxicated.

Lu Nian, "..."

In reality, they might have been a bit too diligent... Their intimate moments were numerous, but due to her physical condition, the times they fully consummated were few. Hence, each occasion required a considerably long duration.

However, because he took precautions so meticulously, pregnancy was utterly impossible, an absolute impossibility.

Now she genuinely believed that Qin Si did not have an affinity for children.

Nonetheless, Lu Nian didn't think too far ahead; after all, they were still so young with plenty of time to spare, there was no rush.

Ming Ge, tossed onto the sofa in a disheveled heap, hadn't sobered up and even started snoring.

Lu Nian was caught between laughter and tears, having no choice but to join everyone in helping to clean up Ming Ge, eventually getting him to bed.

Lately, they have all been very busy, indeed it has been a while since she had the chance to spend time alone with Qin Si.

They didn't call the family driver to pick them up.

The two walked along the lakeside, the moon tonight was beautiful, the river's surface shimmering in the moonlight. The river bathed half in moonlight, half in clarity, the deep autumn night started to reveal a bit of chill, yet it was exceedingly comforting.

"Is there something on your mind?" Lu Nian instinctively felt that the man beside her seemed slightly off.

It seems like there is something he wants to say.

Qin Si held her hand, initially warming her silently with his own body temperature; now he halted his steps.

"Come on!" Lu Nian tugged at his hand.

Now, when she wanted to act cute with him, she was quite skilled at it.

"If you don't tell me, are we going to sleep in separate beds tonight when we get back?" She tiptoed, leaned on his shoulder, blinked, and reminded him, "Today's Friday."

It was their agreed-upon date night.

Qin Si hesitated, "..."

Of course, he remembered it very clearly, even more so than she did.

Every time this hour came around, he would silently prepare and come over after taking a shower.

Now, he also knew some of Lu Nian's preferences. In bed, blushing and somewhat uneasy, he tried to please her. When she remained silent during their intimate moments, Lu Nian loved him in this state the most, often willing to indulge him a little more.

As expected, the man surrendered.

He took something out of the pocket of his black coat and swiftly placed it in her palm. Lu Nian almost dropped it.

"Be careful, you might drop it into the river here." Lu Nian muttered.

His long eyelashes trembled slightly, and he tightly pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

It was a deep red velvet box. Before Lu Nian opened it, she already had a vague sense of what it contained. However, when she saw the actual contents, she couldn't help but be surprised.

Lu Nian had thought that Qin Si's proposal, the casual remark he had made before, had already passed. She had even been seriously considering the wedding date. Unexpectedly, tonight brought this unexpected turn.

"What's this?" She lifted the small box and held it in front of him.

The man's gaze shifted slightly, and he said in a low voice, "...It's for you."

Lu Nian asked, "For me, what?"

He didn't know if she would like it and felt instinctively nervous, his ears turning red. "Do you want it?"

Lu Nian replied, "Yes, but you can't do it like this. You need to say something."

Qin Si hesitated, "..."

This scenario was all too familiar. Every time he silently hinted at his desires, she would say something like this. She always required him to speak up before she could be satisfied.

Lu Nian was still smiling, unaware of the memories she had triggered in him until her waist was firmly held, and her lips stung sharply.

He expressed himself in silence, and Lu Nian was left in a daze, unable to resist his strength. Her waist was somewhat sore from the force he used, and moonlight bathed the two of them. The man's features were exceptionally clear and exquisite, and it seemed like even his long eyelashes were tinted with moonlight.

While he maintained most of the characteristics of his youth when he was outside, he was still cold and reserved, appearing cool and restrained. Lu Nian couldn't help but itch with anticipation when she thought about what they would do tonight and how she could make him beg for her.

It wasn't until she sensed something unusual that she noticed the ring was already on her ring finger.

"Qin Si, not tonight!!" She read his unspoken words and huffed in frustration. She hadn't even given her consent yet, why was he being so direct?

"I love you," he whispered softly by her lips, his voice husky, "never leave me again."

A lifetime.

From now on, he would only have eyes for her, to be with her alone, accompanying her throughout life, never to part again.

The wild thoughts that he harbored for so many years, never daring to vocalize, were spoken at this moment, addressed to the person who had been loving silently for years, hiding in the depth of his heart.

In his youth, he never dared to hope for a response, only able to humble this affection, to an extent not even daring to let her have the slightest inkling.

Just like many years ago, under the moonlight, a young boy and a young girl walking one after the other, he loved her back then, a love so silent, painful, yet never wavered in the slightest.

And now, he prays for the compassion of the moonlight, fantasizing about becoming her one and only for a lifetime.

Everything has come full circle.

Author's note: The main story ends here.

Starting with extras tomorrow~~ (The plot of the extras won't change the character personalities, the newlywed extra is a continuation of the grand finale~ Mostly sweet scenes in the extras, no heartbreak~)

Fantasy Setting: A proud and abstinent demon hunter knight, infected by a vampire, constantly suppresses his thirst for blood. In the moment of his greatest agony, he meets a girl who willingly steps into his life... and thus, after offering up his dual virginities, he falls into complete depravity.

Ancient Setting: The little princess sneakily seduces her personal bodyguard, a story of gradually winning his affection step by step.

New Wedding Extra in this World: Continuation of 44 being teased (snicker) along with Schrödinger's Buns.

Taking this opportunity to promote my Weibo, "Wu Xia Song", after the completion of the whole story, a small extra chapter will be given away~~ everyone can check it out then~