Rebirth to a Military Marriage: Good Morning Chief Chapter 2533 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (34)
Previously on Rebirth to a Military Marriage: Good Morning Chief...
That country vixen hadn't been begging for mercy at that time. Instead, she had been mocking her!
Qi Minlan desperately wished to demand an explanation from Zhai Yaohui: what exactly did he see in Miao Jing? In what aspect was Miao Jing superior to her, to the point that Zhai Yaohui would forsake their shared history for her sake?
Could it be that because of an outsider like Miao Jing, who hailed from the countryside, Zhai Yaohui was willing to discard the deep affection they had cultivated since their youth?
There were simply too many unresolved questions swirling in Qi Minlan's mind, too many actions she wished to take.
Yet, she harbored a fear that the moment she began to speak, her emotions would spiral out of control, leading to an uncontrollable outburst.
Only those who are unable to control themselves are labelled as failures.
Even if Zhai Yaohui no longer desired a future with her, she had to maintain her composure and avoid disgracing herself in this situation.
To achieve this, Qi Minlan's fingernails dug so deeply into her palm that it felt as though she might pierce through it.
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Brother Zhai, you must understand that I've never viewed you merely as a brother. My feelings for you have always been... Brother Zhai, how could you possibly be unaware of my true feelings throughout these years? Brother Zhai, we were perfectly fine before. Can you enlighten me as to why you've suddenly decided to view me as a sister, rather than a partner or fiancée?"
Zhai Yaohui felt a pang of guilt in response to Qi Minlan's poignant question.
Why?
Zhai Yaohui admitted to himself that he had always been somewhat ambiguous in his interactions with Qi Minlan. His actions had failed to clearly delineate whether he saw her as a sister or a prospective partner.
It was only after Miao Jing's arrival that Zhai Yaohui's feelings began to shift.
Particularly upon his return home after a year away and seeing Miao Jing once more, Zhai Yaohui realized he could no longer perceive Qi Minlan as a partner.
Zhai Yaohui was acutely aware of this internal realization.
He believed this shift in his perspective was the direct cause of his altered feelings towards Qi Minlan.
In this light, Qi Minlan was not at fault; the blame rested solely on him.
He was not afraid to acknowledge his error, for the purpose of setting things right.
"Minlan, I apologize for not being clearer about my true feelings in the past. That ambiguity has undoubtedly caused you pain. However, I genuinely regard you as my own younger sister. Should you encounter any difficulties in the future, please do not hesitate to seek my assistance."
Zhai Yaohui was aware that Qi Minlan had close male companions, yet she was correct. These were friends, not romantic partners.
Qi Minlan had not abandoned her childhood sweetheart for another man; it was Zhai Yaohui who had initiated the idea of parting ways.
As a man of integrity, Zhai Yaohui truly felt indebted to Qi Minlan in this matter.
It was not excessive to repay what was owed. He would certainly find a way to make amends to Qi Minlan.
Qi Minlan's face drained of color, her hands beginning to tremble. "Brother Zhai, is it truly impossible for us to be together? Would it be possible if I tried harder? Or perhaps if we allowed ourselves more time?"
What right did Zhai Yaohui possess to discard her so easily and declare he now saw her only as a sister, especially after achieving such prominence?
How could Zhai Yaohui be so utterly blind as to choose a country bumpkin over her, when she was so clearly his superior?
This was fundamentally unfair! Terribly unfair!
Qi Minlan harbored a deep resentment towards Zhai Yaohui for his heartlessness, as well as towards Elder Zhai and Grandma Zhai for their lack of compassion.
Even in the face of their long-standing bond and Zhai Yaohui's misguided decision, neither Elder Zhai nor Grandma Zhai had intervened to dissuade him. Astonishingly, the elder couple had even acquiesced to Zhai Yaohui's foolish desires!
Qi Minlan detested the entire Zhai family with every fiber of her being.
She yearned to witness firsthand how the Zhai family would fare in the future, given their preference for an unrefined country girl as their daughter-in-law, turning away such an exceptional candidate as herself!
The day would inevitably come when the Zhai family would deeply regret choosing Miao Jing over her!
She vowed to patiently await that day. She would employ undeniable proof to demonstrate to the Zhai family that only women of her caliber possessed the inherent right to assume the esteemed position of mistress within a family like theirs.
"It is impossible." Zhai Yaohui had already reached a definitive conclusion. A future between him and Qi Minlan was simply not feasible. Therefore, he could not permit Qi Minlan to entertain any false hopes.
If he showed any leniency now, he would truly be doing her a disservice, as she might never recover from her delusions. "Minlan, you are a wonderful person. You will undoubtedly find someone who will cherish and love you unconditionally."
"But that person isn't you, is it?"
"..."
"Heh heh..." Qi Minlan let out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh. "I love you, yet you do not reciprocate my feelings. Is the identity of that person who will love and cherish me significant? No, of course not. Brother Zhai, I truly cannot comprehend how your heart could change so swiftly. Are men inherently more fickle than women? You managed to extricate yourself, but I cannot. Brother Zhai, it would be best if we ceased our encounters. Otherwise, I fear I will only become more distressed."
With those words, Qi Minlan covered her tear-streaked face and fled from the Zhai family's residence.
“…” Zhai Yaohui drew a long, steadying breath. This whole issue with Qi Minlan was finally concluded. “Mom, since Qi Minlan has departed, would you prefer I escort you to the hospital, or should I summon a physician to our home? Actually, on second thought, I believe dispatching for a doctor is the more prudent course of action.” Grandma Zhai brushed Zhai Yaohui aside with a wave of her hand. “There is no necessity for a doctor, nor the inconvenience of a hospital visit. My condition has significantly improved. Naturally, should you succeed in bringing Miao Miao back into our fold, all discomfort will vanish. I anticipate feeling revitalized and brimming with life!” “Mom, was your indisposition earlier merely an act?” When Qi Minlan was present, his mother had appeared so frail as to require immediate medical attention. Yet, the instant Qi Minlan departed, his mother’s countenance brightened considerably. Could Qi Minlan’s presence be akin to a poison? “Naturally, it was genuine. At my age, why would I resort to feigning illness? Choose your words with greater care!” Grandma Zhai cast a pointed glare at Zhai Yaohui. However, the outcome was satisfactory as long as her son harbored no lingering affection for Minlan. She regretted not recognizing sooner that Minlan was never a suitable match for their family. Continued association would only lead to protracted suffering for all involved.