Chapter 116
Qin Xiang looked at Meng Huaiqing, as if to verify the truth of this statement.
For most people these days, being in a relationship means they are not far from getting married.
She actually heard about love without marriage in the 1980s.
It was a bit strange, because even decades later in Hong Kong, people still attached great importance to marrying and having children when their social status was equal. Now she heard such words from the mouth of a big shot in Hong Kong.
Furthermore, Meng Huaiqing was clearly a man of integrity and a strong sense of professionalism; he wasn't simply looking for a bed partner. If he needed a woman, he could easily choose from any of the many celebrities he could choose from. Why would he waste his time and energy on her?
Meng Huaiqing still had a faint smile on his face, but his eyes were extremely serious. "Marriage is indeed a testament to mutual love, but it's not the only destination for love. As long as two people are happy and sweet, what does it matter whether they get married or not, or whether they have children or not?"
Qin Xiang looked at him and smiled. "I didn't expect you to think this way. Aren't wealthy families like yours in Hong Kong most concerned with inheritance?"
Hearing this, Meng Huaiqing shook his head, his tone serious. "That's them. I'm different. I have mainland blood in my veins. Furthermore, my birth wasn't born out of expectation, nor was it the fruit of love between a couple. So, I don't have a deep obsession with having children. All I want is someone who can truly love me, to hold my hand and grow old together."
Looking at him, Qin Xiang couldn't answer for a long time.
After a while, Qin Xiang finally spoke, "You know, I was married before."
"I know." Meng Huaiqing looked at Qin Xiang, without pity or sympathy, just looking at her as usual, but with a hint of affection that had been hidden before. "You are such a good person, but you still do things that hurt you. It's your ex-husband's fault. But..."
Meng Huaiqing suddenly smiled and said, "I suddenly feel a little grateful to him. If it weren't for his mistake, I might not have met such a good person like you, and how could I have had the opportunity to pursue you and show my affection to you."
Qin Xiang raised her eyebrows, "Do you know that what you said makes me want to beat you up?"
The lines around Meng Huaiqing's eyes deepened, but the charm he exuded was also more alluring. "If you want to beat me up, that's fine. Sometimes physical contact can deepen the relationship between two people. I don't mind getting close to you in this way."
Qin Xiang didn't respond to this. What she said next sounded like flirting. She breathed a sigh of relief and said, "But I'm not in the mood for a relationship right now. I'm still very busy."
There is no doubt that Meng Huaiqing is excellent and she admires him. Whether it is appearance or personality and temperament, they all meet Qin Xiang's aesthetic standards.
But she is really busy now, juggling career and studies, and she doesn't have enough time. If she has another boyfriend, it will not be enough for him to have three affairs with her.
Meng Huaiqing didn't seem surprised or regretful. He nodded and said, "I'm busy too. The mainland is underdeveloped, and it's not easy to develop."
"and you……"
Meng Huaiqing looked at her gently, his tone firm, "I'm not telling you so much because I want to get any response now. We are still young and have a lot of time. It's the time for us to work hard. Feelings are a natural thing. Maybe one day we can't be together, or maybe we are together because of love. Just give me a chance, and give yourself a chance, and don't reject my approach."
Qin Xiang looked at him and smiled for a while, "Okay. Let's just go with the flow."
Meng Huaiqing was already very satisfied to receive these words; at least it was a big step forward. But could Jie Zong expect such a response? He was afraid not. Qin Xiang had suffered emotional trauma and was unwilling to enter into a marriage. What she needed was a relationship that could heal her wounds and allow for equal dialogue, not an immature little wolfdog who needed her to coax him.
So after Meng Huaiqing got through those anxious days and figured it out, he no longer guarded against Jie Zong as an opponent.
"Let's go. I'll take you back." Meng Huaiqing said, "You're going back to the capital the day after tomorrow? I'll ask someone to help buy a ticket."
Qin Xiang didn't refuse. After all, plane tickets were really hard to buy. "Okay, I'll pay when the time comes."
Meng Huaiqing did not refuse. Qin Xiang had enough money for the plane ticket, and if he argued over such trivial matters, it would be more trouble than gain.
What lovers need is mutual understanding and respect.
Of course, this was just his thought. If he wanted to get into Qin Xiang's heart, he still had a long way to go.
Nowadays, keeping a safe distance is the best way to get close.
It was indeed late, and Qin Yang had been waiting at the door of the store.
The two returned to the store entrance and saw Qin Yang's dark face very clearly.
Facing the dark face of the third brother, Qin Xiang actually felt like she was caught in a premature love affair.
A little embarrassing.
Qin Xiang said, "Third brother, why haven't you slept yet?"
"Go inside and sleep."
Qin Yang told Qin Xiang to stand there without moving. Qin Xiang nodded to Meng Huaiqing and then went upstairs.
After washing up, Qin Xiang lifted a corner of the curtain and saw Qin Yang and Meng Huaiqing standing a little further away. They were talking about something, but Qin Yang's face seemed to have darkened. Meng Huaiqing was still the gentleman he always was, looking normal. Standing under the streetlight, he looked a little bright.
Qin Xiang raised his eyebrows. His third brother had also become cunning. Standing so far away, he couldn't eavesdrop at all.
I simply stopped watching and lay down to sleep.
I was really sleepy at this moment. I fell asleep soon after lying down. I didn't even know when Qin Yang came back.
The next morning, when Qin Xiang got up, she saw a little girl in the living room. When Nian Nian saw her aunt coming out, she rushed over and said, "Auntie."
Qin Xiang picked up Nian Nian and said in surprise, "Nian Nian has gained weight."
It seems that he has not only grown taller, but also has more flesh on his face, and his complexion is much better than before.
Qin Juan came out of the kitchen and said with a smile, "This girl can eat, sleep and run now, so she's growing taller and fatter."
"Have you gone to nursery?" Qin Xiang sat down holding Nian Nian and took a fried dough stick.
The fried dough sticks are crispy and hot, and paired with eggs and soy milk, this breakfast is the most delicious.
Qin Juan sat down next to him. "Yes, he goes to the nursery during the day. Aunt Liu comes to pick him up in the afternoon. He eats at his house every day. In the evening, Qin Zhen closes the store and sets up the stall here, and I go back to take care of the child. It's pretty busy."
Qin Xiang thought for a moment and said, "It's still too tiring. I think I should just stop setting up the stall at the night market. It's not bad to just run the shop. I can set up a stall again during the winter and summer holidays when there's no one there."
But Qin Juan hesitated and refused. "I think it's fine now. I can handle it. You have a lot to do too. Don't worry about me."
Now Qin Juan also had her own ideas, so Qin Xiang just asked a few questions and then ignored them.
After she had breakfast, she remembered, "Why didn't I see the third brother?"
"He left early this morning, saying he was going out to look at other shops. I guess Third Brother also wants to open another shop of his own."
Qin Xiang was stunned. "That's good. You know, I split this store with him, but he refused to take the one in the university town. So it's good that he has time to do something else."
Qin Juan said this and then stopped talking. She had made money from her own braised meat shop, and her back was straightened. She also had many new ideas in her mind that she had never had before. Her third brother and younger sister were both capable people. She couldn't help them much, so she just took care of herself and didn't cause trouble for her third brother and younger sister. She was very satisfied.
"Let's have dinner together tonight." Qin Juan wiped Nian Nian's mouth after finishing her breakfast. "I won't be setting up the stall tonight. At least we can celebrate the festival together."
After Qin Juan reminded him, Qin Xiang realized that today was Mid-Autumn Festival.
She thought for a moment and said, "Okay, let Qin Zhen come over here too."
After breakfast, Qin Juan took Nian Nian away. Nian Nian was a little reluctant when she left, but Qin Juan did not spoil her. She had to go to the nursery.
Qin Xiang actually intended to let Nian Nian stay here, but she didn't say anything because she thought she didn't want to take care of the child during her rare free time.
Qin Xiang went downstairs to entertain customers with other people when she had nothing to do. Miao Xiaofeng looked not in good spirits, and it was not known whether she was unhappy about what happened yesterday.
Qin Xiang didn't indulge her and went over to ask her, "How can you serve customers in this state?"
Miao Xiaofeng lowered her head and refused to speak.
Qin Xiang frowned, "If you still have this attitude, then don't come to work."
Upon hearing this, Miao Xiaofeng suddenly looked up, "Boss..."
Qin Xiang frowned, glanced around, and whispered, "Xiaofeng, we've been together for quite a while, you should know my temper and attitude. I don't tolerate any grain of sand in my eyes. I don't object to you liking my third brother, and if he likes you too, then I won't object either, and I'll even congratulate you. But you also know that my third brother has no feelings for you in that regard, so why are you so obsessed with him? Aren't you ashamed of yourself for doing this for a man?"
Miao Xiaofeng couldn't raise her head because of what she said. She started to wipe her tears and cry, but she refused to speak.
Qin Xiang's last bit of patience ran out. "I'll give you one last chance. Go back and rest for a day, and come back tomorrow. Don't think you can relax when I'm not here. That's impossible."
After saying that, Qin Xiang went to entertain the customers. When she looked up, she saw Zhao Qian and Jie Zong's mother Wen Yanan coming over.
"Zhao Qian, hello Aunt Wen." Qin Xiang greeted them warmly. Miao Xiaofeng wiped her tears, lowered her head, packed her things and prepared to go back.
Li Hongxia was puzzled, "Sister Xiaofeng, where are you going?"
"It's none of your business." Miao Xiaofeng shook off Li Hongxia and left.
When he went out, he happened to meet Zhao Qian face to face. Zhao Qian smiled good-naturedly and said, "Xiao Feng..."
Miao Xiaofeng glared at her fiercely and walked out sideways.
Zhao Qian was a little puzzled, "What happened to her?"
Qin Xiang was also unhappy, "It's okay, she's not feeling well, I asked her to go back and rest."
"Oh, so that's how it is." Zhao Qian didn't put her admiration on it, and turned around and said, "Jie Zong didn't come back during this holiday. Aunt Wen knew you were coming back, so she wanted to ask if she could bring something over."
Qin Xiang nodded, "Of course, my third brother will take me to the plane tomorrow, so it will be convenient to bring me along."
Wen Yanan handed over a small luggage bag. "He forgot to bring it when he left. Here are his favorite clothes and two of his favorite books. Thank you for your help, Qin Xiang."
Qin Xiang smiled. "No trouble."
While saying this, Zhao Qian couldn't help but go to see the new styles in the store.
Wen Yanan glanced around the store and saw that there were not many people around. He hesitated for a moment and said, "Miss Qin, can we talk?"
Qin Xiang was startled, then nodded, "Okay. Come with me upstairs."
Qin Xiang said hello to Li Hongxia and took Wen Yanan upstairs. Wen Yanan sat on a stool in the living room and looked around the house. Qin Xiang poured her a glass of warm water. "Auntie Wen, do you want to ask about Jie Zong's school life?"
Wen Yanan nodded. "Yes, it's been over a month since school started, and he's only called back a few times. It's the first time he's left us, and we're really worried."
"That's normal. Not only the parents, but also the children themselves may have difficulty adjusting. Even though they're college students, they're so far away from home and some even cried secretly at night when school started." Qin Xiang pushed the water cup over and looked at Wen Yanan, comforting her, "But Jie Zong should be able to endure it well, so you and Director Jie don't have to worry."
Wen Yanan smiled and asked more about Jie Zong. Qin Xiang shook her head. "Auntie, he and I are not in the same major, and we don't get to meet very often. I'm not sure what his current situation is. He should have called you. You can ask him directly."
Wen Yanan frowned upon hearing this. She looked at Qin Xiang and asked tentatively, "Qin Xiang, Auntie knows you're a good kid and I admire you very much. What do you think of Jie Zongren?"
Qin Xiang was stunned and became alert in his heart, "Jie Zong is a very good young man. I think he treats him as a younger brother."
"Brother?" Wen Yanan understood Qin Xiang's intentions immediately. Her son was too eager to care about Qin Xiang, but she only treated him as a younger brother.
At this time, Wen Yanan finally understood why her son was so depressed when she called. He was probably so disappointed because his confession was rejected.
Wen Yanan felt complicated as he looked at the girl in front of him.
From the perspective of an educator, she admired Qin Xiang very much, and her husband also praised Qin Xiang highly. They were also quite satisfied with Qin Xiang's behavior.
Even when their son showed excessive interest in Qin Xiang, they did not show any resistance or opposition.
But they didn't expect that the other party would reject their son so easily.
Not being disgusted is one thing, but having your own son being disgusted is another.
At this moment, Wen Yanan felt very uncomfortable.
Because she felt that her son was good enough to match Qin Xiang.
Wen Yanan pondered for a moment and said helplessly, "That kid is a bit stubborn. Sometimes when he likes someone or something, he will always like it. Just like the thing I asked him to bring this time, it's something he has liked for a long time."
Qin Xiang completely understood her intentions and smiled, "People and objects are different. If we like a piece of clothing, we just buy it and wear it. If we like an object, we just buy it and wear it. As long as we like it, it's fine. But people are different, especially men and women. It's not enough for us to just like it ourselves. The other person also has to like us. You can't force it, don't you think?"
Wen Yanan's breathing quickened a bit, but he suppressed his unhappiness, "You're right. It's really hard to force relationships."
She looked up at Qin Xiang and laughed. "You're several years older than Jie Zong, and now that you're in college, it's time for you to find a date. Otherwise, all the good ones will be picked up."
Qin Xiang felt unhappy after hearing this. "Finding a partner is not like picking carrots. If someone gets picked easily, then it's better not to have one. Besides, I'm busy with business and studies every day, so I don't have the mood for dating for the time being. I can live well on my own, so why should I find a partner who will become a burden to me?"
Wen Yanan said, "But a woman should always have someone to rely on."
"Like you?" Qin Xiang looked at Wen Yanan and said, "Even if you are already the vice principal, you work hard at school every day, and when you go home you still have to wash clothes, cook, and take care of your husband and children. Is that happy?"
Wen Yanan was speechless. She stood up and said, "I have something to do at home, so I'll go back first."
Qin Xiang did not try to persuade her to stay and sent her downstairs. "Don't worry, I will definitely hand the things over to Jie Zong. I will also bring your concern and thoughts for him."
"Okay, thank you."
Wen Yanan went downstairs with a stiff voice. Qin Xiang politely saw her out. Seeing Zhao Qian still picking out clothes, Wen Yanan said, "Xiao Qian, I'm going back first. You can take your time choosing."
Zhao Qian didn't see the person she wanted to see, and didn't want to leave at the moment, so she nodded, "Okay, Aunt Wen, please go slowly on your way."
Wen Yanan responded casually. After Qin Xiang opened the door, she came out and saw a Mercedes-Benz parked outside. Wen Yanan couldn't help but think of the rich man from Hong Kong next door that Jie Zong had mentioned. It seemed that he was talking about the man in front of her.
"Principal Wen, take care."
Wen Yanan seemed unaware of Qin Xiang's change of address. She suddenly turned around and asked, "Qin Xiang, Auntie, let me ask you something. Is your refusal to release Jie Zong due to this boss?"
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