Rebirth to a Military Marriage: Good Morning Chief Chapter 2532 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (33)
“If you wish to look after my mother, then leaving would be the greatest assistance you could offer.”
“…”
“…”
Both Qi Minlan and Grandma Zhai were taken aback. Grandma Zhai had never anticipated Zhai Yaohui could utter such blunt words. Qi Minlan, too, hadn't expected that his intention in preventing her from caring for Grandma Zhai wasn't due to concern for her effort, but rather his perception of her as an outsider, essentially telling her to leave!
Qi Minlan’s complexion turned ashen. “Brother Zhai, what was that? I-I must have misheard. Did I misunderstand you?”
This possibility seemed remote.
If Zhai Yaohui treated her this way, how could he have driven away that country girl, even knowing Chief Zhai favored her?
Hadn't Zhai Yaohui acted that way for her benefit?
Furthermore, her own interpretation couldn't possibly be that far off, could it?
Otherwise, why would that country girl have resided there for so long, only to move out abruptly upon Zhai Yaohui’s return? It simply didn't add up.
“Whether there was a misunderstanding, I can’t say for sure. What I do know is that there must have been one in the past. Qi Minlan, please depart. While we aren't in a private room together, it’s difficult to avoid speculation. It would be unfortunate if this situation leads to conflict between you and your boyfriend. We grew up together, and I am like an elder brother to you. If anyone mistreats you, you can come to me, and I will help.”
“Elder brother? Boyfriend?” The moment these words were spoken, Qi Minlan felt a wave of dizziness, as if the entire world were tilting. Her balance faltered precariously. “Brother Zhai, what precisely do you mean? Since-since when have I ever had a boyfriend?”
Qi Minlan hastily offered an explanation. “It’s true I have male acquaintances, but a boyfriend…” *You are him!*
Being sharp-witted, Qi Minlan understood that although the Zhai family's standing might have faced challenges over the past decade, they had never truly fallen.
Consequently, Qi Minlan had maintained her connection with Zhai Yaohui, ensuring she had a fallback option.
Even with numerous men in her orbit, Qi Minlan consistently maintained a degree of separation, never allowing any relationship to progress to its furthest extent.
In truth, they were all merely good friends. Not a single one of these men had ever been in a position to claim the title of Qi Minlan’s boyfriend.
This was precisely why Qi Minlan had been able to respond to Zhai Yaohui with such immediate fluency.
However, such a swift response could, at times, betray a hidden layer of guilt more effectively.
This was the seventies, a time when, unless a couple was actively preparing for marriage, it was uncommon for men and women to be seen together, let alone hold hands. An accidental brush of hands between a man and woman would invariably result in blushing.
Frequently, men wouldn't even dare to gaze openly at women they fancied, instead resorting to visits at their homes.
Despite the talk of gender equality, it was still considered improper for male and female comrades to be overly close. Females, in particular, were easily misconstrued as being promiscuous.
Fortunately, the Shi family possessed a respectable background, and Zhai Yaohui himself was exceptional.
Otherwise, gossip would have undoubtedly spread like wildfire.
Given that a distinguished man like Zhai Yaohui did not object to his fiancée, Qi Minlan, having numerous male companions, it was perhaps best for onlookers to refrain from excessive commentary.
After all, it was often said that destroying ten temples was less grievous than ruining a single marriage.
Perhaps influenced by the prevailing atmosphere, Qi Minlan found solace in her self-deception, believing it reflected the truth. She had never engaged in any action that betrayed Zhai Yaohui.
Her interactions with her male friends were limited to ordinary conversations, just as any friends would have. The only man with whom she shared any true intimacy was her fiancé, Zhai Yaohui.
Qi Minlan believed she had a perfect grasp of the situation, yet Zhai Yaohui’s pointed remark jolted her, revealing that everything had been a profound misunderstanding.
The past? What exactly had transpired?
Naturally, it pertained to their status as an engaged couple.
With Zhai Yaohui having made his stance so unequivocally clear, Qi Minlan could no longer deceive herself or anyone else. “Brother Zhai, we’ve known each other since childhood. You can speak frankly with me. Trying to decipher your meaning is driving me mad. Would you please just tell me what you intend?”
“I am aware that you and the Shi family have been informing others that you are my fiancée. You must also be well aware that our families have never formally finalized this arrangement, nor have we ever held any engagement ceremonies or parties. To me, you are merely like a younger sister.”
He harbored no romantic sentiments towards Qi Minlan.
Zhai Yaohui hadn't truly felt it in the past, but now, remaining in Qi Minlan's presence felt increasingly unbearable.
Zhai Yaohui was never one to force himself into situations against his will; he often dealt with things he disliked through sheer silence.
However, Zhai Yaohui had now come to a firm decision. He needed to definitively resolve the ambiguity surrounding his relationship with Qi Minlan.
“Younger-younger sister?” Although Qi Minlan had anticipated this possibility, the words still struck her with disbelief. Younger sister? Who was he attempting to deceive? Who could possibly remain silent without any reaction when someone declared their own sister to be their fiancée? Was Zhai Yaohui trying to fool her, others, or even himself? Qi Minlan resorted to pinching herself, a desperate attempt to contain her surging emotions. This situation was beyond her comprehension. She had followed her father’s advice, aiming to mend her relationship with Auntie Zhai. Her intention was to gain Auntie Zhai’s approval, hoping she would then push Zhai Yaohui towards marrying Qi Minlan swiftly, thus cementing her position as the Zhai family’s daughter-in-law. Yet, before she could even initiate contact with Auntie Zhai, Zhai Yaohui had intervened, halting her progress entirely! His demeanor had shifted so abruptly, his stance becoming unyieldingly firm, leaving no room for discussion. All because of that country vixen, they were now mere siblings, not betrothed individuals. When Miao Jing departed, Qi Minlan had exuded happiness, believing victory was hers. Coincidentally encountering Miao Jing as she was leaving, Qi Minlan had even received some congratulatory remarks. At that moment, Qi Minlan had felt utterly triumphant over Miao Jing! However, with the benefit of hindsight, Qi Minlan now recognized that encounter not as a victory, but as a subtle challenge.