After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1269: 1268: Matters of the Heart

Hearing Xiao Jingqi’s words, a smile played on Xia Chuyi’s lips once more. "Is that so?" she inquired.

With a subtle, almost unintentional movement, Xia Chuyi’s gaze drifted towards her elder brother.

Xiao Jingqi followed suit, her eyes also turning towards Ou Jun.

However, Ou Jun remained remarkably composed. He approached, cast a glance at the sleeping child, and then inquired, "Is Shi Wu asleep?"

"You two continue your conversation; I'll be heading to the study to attend to some pressing matters." With a brief nod in Xiao Jingqi's direction, he turned and departed.

A flicker of wistfulness crossed Xiao Jingqi’s eyes upon hearing this.

Noticing this, Xia Chuyi’s brow furrowed slightly. She mused, 'Have my brother and Xiao Jingqi still not made any headway?'

Once Ou Jun had left, Xia Chuyi couldn’t refrain from asking, "Jingqi, are you and my brother still… like that?"

Xia Chuyi was well aware of the situation between Xiao Jingqi and Ou Jun.

It was often said that a woman pursuing a man was separated only by a thin veil.

Therefore, Xia Chuyi had anticipated that a relationship would soon blossom between them.

To her surprise, even after Xia Chuyi had given birth, there seemed to be no tangible progress in their dynamic.

Observing them together today, Xia Chuyi had harbored a hope that perhaps some advancement had been made.

At Xia Chuyi’s question, Xiao Jingqi wrinkled her nose without hesitation. "Chuyi, could you help me figure out if Captain Ou and I truly have no hope?"

Xiao Jingqi’s expression was one of profound dejection.

Xia Chuyi pondered the question for a moment. "Jingqi, tell me, what do you perceive as the most significant obstacle between you and my brother?"

Xia Chuyi felt that her second brother and Jiang Shuqin were somewhat oblivious, which prevented them from forming a connection.

However, with the tacit approval of both families now, even if the pair remained unaware, they would likely naturally gravitate towards each other in due course.

Xiao Jingqi and her elder brother, on the other hand, presented a different scenario.

Xiao Jingqi was forthright about her affections and had consistently taken the initiative.

As for Ou Jun, based on Xia Chuyi’s observations, her brother appeared to harbor some feelings for Xiao Jingqi as well.

Otherwise, why would Ou Jun have permitted Xiao Jingqi to serve as Xia Chuyi’s bodyguard?

Thus, the inability of these two to be together left Xia Chuyi genuinely perplexed.

"Sigh…" Xiao Jingqi let out a long breath. "To be entirely honest, when you put it that way, I can't quite articulate it myself…"

"I know I like the Captain; that much is certain," Xiao Jingqi stated. "And regarding the Captain, I’ve always felt he probably likes me too…"

"Yet, ever since I confessed my feelings, he’s actually started to create distance…" A hint of hurt flickered in Xiao Jingqi’s eyes as she spoke.

Xiao Jingqi then paused briefly before continuing, "Chuyi, do you believe the Captain is unwilling to accept me because… of the incident involving Fang Caiqin and my cousin?"

Upon hearing this, Xia Chuyi was initially taken aback, then fell into a thoughtful silence.

There was no denying that Xiao Jingqi’s concern held a significant degree of validity.

Fang Caiqin was Ou Jun's former betrothed.

It was Xiao Jingqi's cousin and Fang Caiqin who had orchestrated the circumstances leading to Fang Caiqin breaking her engagement with Ou Jun.

Even with Ou Jun's magnanimity, the repercussions of that affair must have undoubtedly left emotional scars.

If these past events were the reason Ou Jun hesitated to accept Xiao Jingqi, it would indeed be understandable.

However, after careful consideration, Xia Chuyi offered her perspective: "Jingqi, I don't think… it reaches that point…"