Chapter 369 The Dull Wife in Republic of China Literature (26)

Chapter 369: The Rigid Wife in a Republic of China Era Story (26)

"Qu Wanran is proud and conceited. If she said anything, don’t take it to heart."

After Xiao He left, Yan Ningcheng spoke up first. His words, however, surprised Tang Qing.

"She’s riding high on her fame now. Everyone praises her as the representative of modern progressive women."

"It's rare, indeed, to hear such an evaluation from you."

In this world, everyone adored Qu Wanran.

In the eyes of outsiders, Qu Wanran was exceptionally knowledgeable, independent, and thoughtful. Whether it was her family background or her appearance, she deserved all the praise.

Unexpectedly, it was Yan Ningcheng who held a completely different view.

Yan Ningcheng stated seriously, "I don’t like judging others."

"But..."

Tang Qing smiled slightly, "But what?"

"Worried that I’d be discouraged or hurt?"

"Qu Wanran isn’t capable of that."

Indeed.

From the first day he met Tang Qing, he knew she was different from other women—composed and aloof, naturally unaffected by a few harsh words from Qu Wanran.

Worry made him narrow-minded.

Yan Ningcheng then said, "Just as well."

Tang Qing maintained her smile and slowly replied, "It seems, then, that Young Master Yan’s trouble to wait for me today was likely wasted..."

But Yan Ningcheng looked intently at the person before him, his tone softening: "Tang Qing, I waited for you for an hour..."

"In that hour, I paced back and forth many times... until..."

"The moment you appeared."

"I knew then... this wait was worth it."

The usually rigid and meticulous Yan Ningcheng had never spoken words of love before. In his simple, direct way of speaking, every word carried a deep affection.

System notification: "Detected: Yan Ningcheng’s affection value has increased. Current level: 89 points."

......

Recently, Fang Zhuo had been busy with the factory setup. On this day, he finally received the good news he'd been waiting for!

"Dad!"

"I just received notice that the initial review stage for the Nanyang factory has been approved!"

Having received Duke Gelong’s reply, Young Master Fang was thrilled and immediately rushed into the study!

"According to the Duke, at the earliest—within half a month! Every document for the factory construction will be approved!"

Fang Weimin also lit up to hear this and quickly put down the newspaper in his hands. "Is it true?" he asked.

"Absolutely true!"

"The email is right here in my hands!"

This was truly the best piece of news the Fang family had received recently!

Fang Weimin couldn’t read English, but he still carefully examined the email and urged, "Zhuo, read it to me, line by line."

"What exactly does the email say…"

As his father instructed, Fang Zhuo translated it again and remarked, "Indeed, those books recommended by Duke Gelong last time were truly useful!"

At first, Fang Zhuo had been somewhat skeptical about those books. They had been sitting on his desk for a long time, and he hadn’t even bothered to open the cover.

But the more he thought about it, the more unwilling he became, so he finally opened the translations Xu Jing provided.

Once he started reading, he realized how incredibly helpful they were!

Xu Jing's publishing background truly showed—her insight was keen! These books were translated exceptionally well!

As someone who studied economics, once he got into them, Fang Zhuo immediately understood the value of these books!

The translator must be a remarkable economist with a deep understanding of capital and the market!

After carefully studying these books and revisiting his initial factory proposal, Fang Zhuo finally understood why Duke Gelong had given such an unfavorable evaluation at the time…

It really was absolutely terrible!

He went through several revisions after that, and finally, his hard work paid off.

"Zhuo, this time…" Fang Weimin patted his son on the shoulder and praised, "You’ve done very well," he said.

"You’ve found a path forward for the future of our Fang family!"

His son had always been free-spirited and unruly since childhood, never one to make things easy. Who would have thought he would prove to be surprisingly dependable this time!

The more he thought about it, the happier Fang Weimin became. For the first time, he showed a satisfied look toward his son.

"Dad, there’s one thing…"

"I still want to discuss it with you."

Seeing his chance while his father was in a good mood, Fang Zhuo spoke up, "Actually, regarding this factory proposal…"

"Wan Ran was also involved…"

But the moment he heard the name 'Qu Wanran,' the joy on Fang Weimin’s face instantly froze!

"You’re bringing up that girl from the Qu family again!"

"I’m telling you, it’s impossible!"

"Don’t even think about it…"

Fang Zhuo quickly said, "Dad, please hear me out first!"

"I’m considering divorce for other reasons!"

Before Fang Weimin could scold him, Fang Zhuo cut in quickly, "Professionally speaking, Wan Ran and I both studied economics and get how business works."

"You've seen it yourself—in this era of great change, the old ways don’t cut it anymore."

"Wan Ran has the ability to learn and is also good with people. Even when communicating with foreigners, she has no issues."

"On a personal level, Wan Ran and I... have already gone too far..."

Pausing for a moment, Fang Zhuo looked firmly at his father. "Dad! I can’t give up Wan Ran!"

"Moreover... I don’t have feelings for Tang Qing. This marriage not only ties me down, but it holds Tang Qing back too..."

These were words Fang Zhuo had been thinking about for a long time, and today he finally spoke them.

Fang Weimin instinctively wanted to argue, but he happened to see the serious expression on his son’s face.

The scolding on the tip of his tongue caught in his throat for a moment...

Since childhood, this son of his had been the most rebellious and stubborn!

Once he set his mind on something, you couldn’t talk him out of it with ten oxen.

That look in his eyes—Fang Weimin knew that look all too well...

It was the same as when he insisted on studying abroad back then!

He was determined to go, no matter what!

Massaging his temples wearily, Fang Weimin finally sighed and asked, "Have you thought it through?"

"Zhuo Er, in this world... there’s no such thing as a cure for regret."

Regret?

A flicker of doubt crossed Fang Zhuo’s mind, but he didn’t even have time to grasp it.

The sudden surge of emotion was gone in a flash.

Fang Zhuo said firmly, "I won’t regret it!"

"Dad... I made my decision a long time ago."

Their marriage was already over in everything but name—better to end it now than drag it out!

"Tang Qing did nothing wrong. If you two really separate..."

Fang Weimin sighed and said, "Ask her what she wants."

"Don’t leave her with nothing."

Did that mean…?

Was he saying yes?

After asking for days, he’d actually said yes!

Fang Zhuo was thrilled!

He brushed off that weird feeling he had felt moments earlier!

"Of course!"

"Our Fang family is not some small, insignificant household. I will definitely honor Tang Qing's requests!"

"Dad, don't worry. I will take good care of Tang Qing."

Fang Weimin couldn't bear to listen to what came next and simply instructed, "That's enough..."

"Just go!"

Just looking at him gave him a headache...

The thought of that brat insisting on a mutual divorce with Tang Qing made his head ache even more.

Watching his son's back as he walked away, Fang Weimin said with a bitter tone, "Ah..."

"I just hope he won't regret this someday."