“I was just offering a friendly suggestion. I have no problem with the Qiao family. It’s just that some dangers are beyond human control and driven by actual circumstances. The Qiao family may not have had any intention of doing so, but do you think others didn’t? Over time, rumors spread and falsehoods became the truth.” Ouyang Yi spoke earnestly.
“If that’s really the case, then the Qiao family has been wronged, and I’m willing to stand with the Qiao family,” Lin Songyan said.
Qiao Zhizhi was deeply moved. Whether in public or in private, Lin Songyan was a person of high moral character who never made unfounded speculations.
"Don't forget, Brother Lin, you have a family behind you. When the time comes, you'll have to drag them down with you." Ouyang Yi was quite surprised.
“Then I will voluntarily leave the family and bear the burden myself, so that my family members will not be implicated.”
"Oh, Brother Lin, you—" Ouyang Yi was greatly shocked. He did not expect that Lin Songyan, who seemed so humble and polite, would be so resolute.
"Forget it, I won't say anything more. Think about it yourself."
"Don't let this affect our brotherly relationship." He raised his glass and toasted Lin Songyan.
Lin Songyan clearly harbored resentment towards him because of what he had just said, and his expression remained indifferent as he ignored her.
Ouyang Yi realized he had made a fool of himself, so he considered it for a moment and chose to listen to what Lin Songyan liked.
"The Qiao family has not arranged a marriage for Miss Zhizhi, perhaps because Miss Zhizhi is also deeply in love with you and is waiting for your news."
Lin Songyan's expression softened slightly.
"If she is interested, that would be best. If she is not interested, I will first get my family's consent before trying to win her over. If she does not accept, her reputation will not be affected in any way. It will be considered that my Lin family's marriage proposal has failed."
“A romantic.” Ouyang Yi uttered two words.
"No, this is about respecting a girl."
Qiao Zhizhi pulled Qiao Lian'er to leave; if she listened any longer, her eyes would well up with tears.
Qiao Lian'er pulled her hand back and led her behind a large potted plant, raising her chin.
Then a woman carrying a painting came over. She was wearing a bright red cloak, which made her stand out. This was Sun Hetang, the fifth young lady of the Sun family. She was seventeen years old, with a round face, big eyes, and long eyelashes. She was very cute.
Lin Songyan saw Sun Hetang first, and his expression became somewhat unnatural. He quickly got up.
"Brother Ouyang, I'm going to see which friends have come. Would you like to come along?"
His attitude towards Ouyang Yi was no longer as close as before.
Such unfounded rumors are mostly the result of gossip. He was already wondering who was talking nonsense in front of his father when Ouyang Yi brought up similar claims, making him suspicious.
"Brother Lin, what's the rush? Whether they come or not, you'll know at a glance when they get to the banquet. Are you worried about not being able to drink with them then? I bet you want to see Miss Zhizhi."
As Ouyang Yi spoke, he reached out to tug at Lin Songyan's sleeve.
Lin Songyan did not deny it, but politely but firmly refused, brushing Ouyang Yi's hand away.
"Brother Ouyang, please make yourself at home."
Just as he was about to leave, Sun Hetang appeared before him.
"Brother Lin, don't go! You're the best oil painter. I just finished a painting, and I hope you'll give me your feedback."
Ouyang Yi smiled as she looked at Lin Songyan.
They were all from prominent families in the capital, and they would often run into each other at banquets and events. Lin Songyan couldn't refuse, so he had no choice but to accept the painting from her.
Sun Hetang's paintings were indeed terrible, and she had never enrolled in Qiao Zhizhi's classes; it must have been a spur-of-the-moment decision, and she hadn't studied for more than a few days.
Lin Songyan shook his head: "Miss Sun, you need to practice more. I don't need to explain further. Practice for a while longer, and you'll know where the problem lies."
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