"Where I take my woman is none of your business, do I need to ask for your opinion?" Ji Zhuo's words were sharp and unyielding, his cold gaze seemingly able to pierce through one's heart.
Having been on the battlefield for many years, Gu Qinghuai had never been deterred by bloodshed and carnage, so he was naturally not afraid of Ji Zhuo's toughness at this moment.
Seeing Ji Zhuo acting so unreasonably, he didn't hesitate and suddenly reached out, grabbed Lin Xihe who was still confused and hadn't figured out what was going on, and pulled her forcefully to his side.
Ji Zhuo was not about to let go easily, so he held Lin Xihe's hand tightly.
The two locked eyes, sparks flying between them. The atmosphere became as tense as a taut bowstring, ready to erupt at any moment.
Passersby noticed the unusual atmosphere and stopped to gather around, their curious gazes shifting between the three.
"What are you two doing? Gu Qinghuai, let go!" Lin Xihe was both anxious and angry, and immediately tried to shake her arms to break free from Gu Qinghuai's grasp.
Gu Qinghuai ignored Lin Xihe's protests, his eyes like cold stars as he stared intently at Ji Zhuo: "Lord Ji, although you hold a high position and great power, you cannot forcibly take another man's wife."
"She has nothing to do with you," Ji Zhuo replied through gritted teeth, his words carrying an undeniable firmness.
Lin Xihe's hands were in excruciating pain from being gripped so tightly. She glanced awkwardly at the murmuring crowd around her and could only helplessly say to Ji Zhuo, "Zhuo, why don't you let go first? So many people are watching."
Hearing Lin Xihe's plea, Ji Zhuo, though unwilling, slowly released his hand.
"Gu Qinghuai, please step aside. There are too many people around here. Could we speak in private?" Lin Xihe turned to Gu Qinghuai, her tone pleading.
"Let's talk in that teahouse next door." Gu Qinghuai not only didn't let go, but instead pointed to the teahouse next door, his unyielding posture seemingly asserting his dominance.
"Can we go to that restaurant over there? Ah Zhuo and I haven't eaten yet." Lin Xihe struggled a couple more times, but still couldn't break free, her eyes full of helplessness.
Ji Zhuo, standing beside her, was already burning with rage in his chest, almost out of control. However, the moment his eyes met Lin Xihe's, he was stopped by her gentle gaze and had to suppress his anger, though his chest still heaved violently with rage.
The group moved to a private room and sat down in turn.
Lin Xihe broke the silence first, saying softly, "Azhuo, please don't interfere in my matter. Let me explain it myself, okay?"
She was filled with worry, fearing that the two of them might start arguing again if they disagreed.
In her opinion, as long as she could explain things clearly to Gu Qinghuai, everything would be resolved.
Just as Ji Zhuo was about to refuse, he heard Lin Xihe continue, "If you don't listen to me, I won't come to your residence tonight."
Upon hearing this, Ji Zhuo, though unwilling, could only nod reluctantly, considering the consequences.
Seeing this, Gu Qinghuai slowly released Lin Xihe's hand.
Lin Xihe looked directly into Gu Qinghuai's eyes and said, "General Gu, your mother sent someone to discuss the annulment of the engagement with me. At that time, she did not give me a letter of annulment to sign. Today, I will make it up to you."
Gu Qinghuai frowned and quickly said, "Miss Lin, the annulment of the engagement was decided by my mother without my consent. At that time, I was far away fighting in the north and was completely unaware of it. I do not agree to the annulment."
Lin Xihe sighed softly and slowly said according to the original owner's memories: "General Gu, please listen to me first. Although I don't know if you know about this, I still want to thank you for settling me in Xinghua Village. However, after arriving in Xinghua Village, I decided to settle down there. At that time, I had already severed all feelings for you."
She remembered the original owner's state of mind at the time. Since the engagement had been broken off and she had gone through many twists and turns, she only wanted to spend the rest of her life in that remote place, away from the troubles and grudges of the capital.
Gu Qinghuai shook his head slightly, his tone firm: "If you're with that doctor, I might consider giving you my blessing, but if you're with him..."
As she spoke, she glanced at Ji Zhuo, seemingly unintentionally, and said, "Absolutely impossible."
Upon hearing this, Lin Xihe's heart stirred. She suddenly recalled the plot of the book. Perhaps Gu Qinghuai in the book really went to Xinghua Village the following year, and Lin Xihe at that time might have already fallen in love with Ye Yunfan, which is why Gu Qinghuai returned to the capital alone in sorrow.
"Gu Qinghuai, are you out of your mind?" Ji Zhuo finally couldn't contain his anger after hearing Gu Qinghuai's words and shouted loudly.
Gu Qinghuai seemed not to hear Ji Zhuo's question, but focused on Lin Xihe and patiently explained, "If you only want to live a peaceful life, I will grant your wish. However, if you are still caught up in the vortex of conflict in the capital, then you can only stay by my side and I will protect you."
His eyes revealed concern and determination, as if he were showing Lin Xihe his resolve.
Just as Ji Zhuo was about to retort, Lin Xihe spoke first: "General Gu, I truly appreciate your kindness. However, Ji Zhuo and I have spent a long time together, and we have developed deep feelings for each other day and night. Our original intention in returning to the capital was to choose a date to get married."
Lin Xihe spoke slowly and earnestly, as if she wanted to present this established fact clearly to Gu Qinghuai.
Upon hearing this, Ji Zhuo's eyebrows shot up instantly, and the smile on his lips could no longer be suppressed, quickly spreading across his face, his eyes filled with smugness and joy.
Upon hearing this, Gu Qinghuai's eyes instantly turned icy cold, as if covered with a thick layer of frost, exuding a chilling aura: "So what if you two have feelings for each other? As long as I don't agree, no one in this world can marry you."
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