A heater was brought in, and tea and snacks were served one after another. Although the woman said she wanted to maintain her figure, Da Meng still ordered some things that could actually fill his stomach.
"Eat something, otherwise I won't feel good about you going hungry tonight."
Thinking about how she had always lived like this, Da Meng felt a little sad. She must not have met a man who truly loved her, which was why she was so demanding of herself.
The woman did not refuse again and, as he wished, picked up the food.
Da Meng's face showed relief.
After thinking for a moment, he added, "Lan'er, you are a young lady. If we keep meeting like this, and people who know you find out, they might spread some unpleasant rumors."
“I think if I tell my family about us, they will definitely like you, such a good girl. If you think I am acceptable and someone you can spend your life with, then we can make our relationship official.”
Du Qinglan was somewhat surprised: "But we've only known each other for half a month, isn't this a bit sudden?"
Seeing that she seemed a little startled, Da Meng quickly said, "I'm sorry, I was being presumptuous. I just thought you were a good girl, so I wanted to protect you."
This was the first time in his life that he had ever been moved by a woman. Du Qinglan was like a delicate flower that could not withstand the ravages of wind and rain, yet she was also so kind and understanding that he felt boundless pity for her.
“It’s not that I think you’re bad. I want to take things step by step, let things develop naturally, and get to know each other better. If your family finds out, it will feel like there are several pairs of eyes watching us, and I’ll feel uncomfortable.” Du Qinglan hugged her shoulders, a hint of fear in her voice.
Da Meng understood what she meant: "I understand. Don't worry, I'll bring it up whenever you want. It's all up to you, and I won't force you."
Du Qinglan breathed a sigh of relief: "As you know, I live alone and don't have any contact with my neighbors. I'm not afraid of any gossip. Being with you is the greatest blessing in my life. Nothing else matters."
Da Meng's face was filled with emotion. With a daughter like this, what more could a husband ask for?
Du Qinglan looked at him again, her eyes brimming with tears: "Brother Da Meng, you won't look down on me for having no father, no mother, no sisters, and no brothers, will you?"
"Nonsense." Da Meng's voice took on a serious tone: "You are all alone and miserable. I will only pity you and cherish you. How could I despise you?"
"Lan'er, if you need anything, just tell me. I still have some ability now, and I believe I can take good care of you."
Not to mention that he had a troop of soldiers under his command, every member of the Qiao family had a million taels of pocket money.
There was no way around it; he had earned too much, so he threw the sickle at everyone without any hesitation.
After they parted, Da Meng took out 30,000 taels of silver notes from his sleeve and put them in Du Qinglan's hand.
"Take this. Buy as many clothes and jewelry as you want. If it's not enough, I have more here."
Du Qinglan quickly declined, saying, "I can't accept so much money from you. I make a living by doing needlework every day."
Da Meng couldn't help but recall that when the Qiao family was particularly poor, Sister Xi'er would embroider handkerchiefs at home and sell them in town.
A few handkerchiefs could be made in a day, each one only worth a few coins, enough to buy two vegetarian buns. How agonizing that was.
Seeing his beloved woman doing needlework to support herself, he felt heartbroken and almost wanted to take out another 100,000 taels of silver.
But thinking about it, it's inevitable that a woman carrying too much money would attract attention, so it's better to give it to her slowly.
"Since God has brought you to me, it is so that I can cherish you. With me here, you will no longer have to live a hard life. Take this. If you are too polite to me, it will only make me feel uncomfortable and make me feel that I cannot even protect the person I want to protect."
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