After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1270 - 1269: The Mysterious Man

"If my brother truly minded, he wouldn’t have taken you under his wing in the army, nor would he have permitted you to visit the Ou Family," Xia Chuyi stated. "My estimation is... my brother harbors some reservations."

After a moment of reflection, Xia Chuyi continued, "Perhaps this way, I can inquire with my brother on your behalf later."

"Truly?" Xiao Jingqi’s eyes lit up at the offer. "Thank you, Chuyi!"

"Whatever for?" Xia Chuyi chuckled, a hint of amusement in her voice as she shook her head. "I simply cannot bear to witness the two of you in such a predicament."

A sigh escaped Xiao Jingqi’s lips, followed by a shrug. "Believe me, I don't wish to be entangled either..."

Precisely at that moment, Mrs. Ou made an appearance, intending to visit the child.

Their conversation, naturally, was put on momentary hold.

Mrs. Ou approached, carrying a platter of fresh fruits.

"Jingqi, dear, you're here?" Mrs. Ou addressed Xiao Jingqi with warmth. "Given that Chuyi rarely ventures out after childbirth, you should make an effort to visit her when you have the chance."

"Certainly, I will make sure to!" Xiao Jingqi maintained a decidedly upbeat and cheerful persona whenever Mrs. Ou was present.

All elders were invariably drawn to such a bright and sunny disposition, and Mrs. Ou was no exception.

Upon hearing Xiao Jingqi’s assurance, Mrs. Ou nodded, a look of contentment on her face. "You are a young lady I genuinely cherish from the depths of my heart."

"It would be a true blessing for our family if you were to join us through marriage," Mrs. Ou added with a wistful sigh.

The words elicited a dual reaction: surprise from Xia Chuyi and delight from Xiao Jingqi.

Naturally, Xiao Jingqi was the one overcome with joy.

Xia Chuyi, conversely, was filled with surprise.

A thought flickered through Xia Chuyi’s mind: Could her mother also have sensed the subtle connection between Xiao Jingqi and her elder brother?

Alas, the following second shattered that notion as Mrs. Ou declared, "However, it's a pity, my second son is already spoken for. Otherwise, your ages are so perfectly matched!"

Xia Chuyi was rendered speechless, her mouth agape.

Xiao Jingqi, after a moment of slight bewilderment, responded with a blush, "Age... age isn't necessarily the sole determining factor... Even if there's a small disparity, a minor gap... it might not be an issue."

The unspoken implication was clear: a similar age doesn't guarantee compatibility, but an age difference might not be a hindrance.

Mrs. Ou, taken aback by Xiao Jingqi’s candid remark, paused for a beat. "Hmm?"

Mrs. Ou directed a glance at Xiao Jingqi, blinked, and then shifted her gaze to her own daughter.

Xia Chuyi realized that with Xiao Jingqi’s unusually direct statement, Mrs. Ou was beginning to grasp the underlying situation.

Consequently, Xia Chuyi offered a subtle nod to Mrs. Ou.

Now, Mrs. Ou fully understood the implication.

"This..." Mrs. Ou hesitated, her brow furrowed in thought.

The possibility had never crossed her mind before.

Mrs. Ou had always assumed Xiao Jingqi and her second son were closer in age, making them an ideal match in her estimation.

At that very moment, Ou Cong, who was engrossed in a movie with Jiang Shuqin, let out an unexpected sneeze.

"Ou Er, have you caught a cold?" Jiang Shuqin inquired immediately upon hearing Ou Cong’s sneeze. "Your constitution seems rather frail, doesn't it?"

"Nonsense!" Ou Cong retorted, his voice laced with indignation. "My health is absolutely robust!"

Ou Cong emphatically patted his chest.

"Of course, keep telling yourself that..." Jiang Shuqin replied with a slight smirk. "I think we should move to a less crowded area with fresher air."

As Jiang Shuqin spoke, she gently guided Ou Cong away towards a quieter spot.

After walking a few paces, the couple inadvertently brushed past a figure moving with haste.

This individual, after passing them, found a secluded corner and whispered to someone seated there, "Regarding this marketing strategy, I've confirmed it was indeed conceptualized by Young Madam Huo."

"Indeed?" The person in the corner responded, a distinct note of interest coloring their voice upon hearing the news.