C8 Making Fun of Her

Two days later, Xue Zhengqing arrived punctually. Qian Duojing greeted him at the door and offered him a glass of cool, boiled water. After a moment's hesitation, she finally spoke up.

"Xue Zhengqing, we're just not a good match. I'm just a girl from a small mountain village, uneducated, crude, and clueless. I'm prone to throwing fits and making a scene. You come from a fine family, a world apart from mine. I shouldn't hold you back."

Qian Duojing anxiously awaited Xue Zhengqing's response. He seemed amused by her declaration and challenged her, "Why don't you throw one of those tantrums now, roll on the ground, show me your temper?"

Flustered and blushing, Qian Duojing bit her lip and retorted, "Haven't you heard the stories? On our wedding day, when you took off, I lost it—yelling and rolling in the street, crying my eyes out. All your friends witnessed it."

Xue Zhengqing observed the fragile girl before him, resembling a delicate lilac, and struggled to imagine her in a fit of rage.

"I didn't see it, and I don't trust hearsay. The Qian Duojing I see now is like a timid rabbit, seemingly afraid I'll devour her," he said.

Biting back her frustration, Qian Duojing insisted, "Regardless, we're not suited for each other. I... I don't like you."

"Oh? Have you fallen for someone else, then? Like Daniu, who escorted you home that day? But that doesn't add up. If you liked him, why were you so eager to set the record straight when others suggested you were a couple?"

Unyielding, Qian Duojing pressed on, "The bottom line is, I don't like you, and you don't like me. Why should we force ourselves to spend a lifetime together? If we divorce, someone with your prospects could find any girl you desire."

Xue Zhengqing's expression turned grave as he fixed his gaze on her. "I can't do such a thing. You're all alone in the world, and it's pitiful. I married you to take care of you for life, to repay a debt of gratitude. Now you're suggesting I abandon you after deceiving you into marriage? Do you realize our marriage is officially documented, certificate and all? What will you do then?"

Qian Duojing said anxiously, "Repaying a favor doesn't mean you have to devote your life to me. I like money. Just give me some, and there's no need for marriage. Later, if you want, I can write a note for you to take back, saying I've changed my mind and don't want to be with you. That way, you and your father can settle the matter."

"Qian Duojing, I couldn't possibly do such a thing to you. I've been educated in modern ways and don't agree with arranged marriages, but I'm also a man of responsibility. I won't abandon my wife who has no one else to turn to, especially when you've done nothing wrong. Besides, it's not like I dislike you that much," Xue Zhengqing replied.

Xue Zhengqing stood up and added, "Let's both take a moment to cool off. We'll leave this conversation here for now. I'll come to get you in a few days."

As soon as Xue Zhengqing stepped outside, he encountered Daniu, who was sneakily lurking nearby.

He approached and asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Why haven't you taken Duojing with you yet?"

Surprisingly, they both spoke at the same time.

Xue Zhengqing, reflecting on the conversation he'd just had with Qian Duojing in the room, sensed her genuine reluctance to leave with him. He remained silent upon hearing Daniu's question.

Seeing no response, Daniu grew impatient. "Listen, Duojing is a good girl. She's been waiting for you, waiting faithfully. She told me that if you never came for her, she'd wait for you her whole life."

Xue Zhengqing was taken aback. "Did she really say that?"

"Why would I lie to you? Just so you know, if you ever let her down or mistreat her again, watch out for my fist," Daniu warned before dashing off.

Xue Zhengqing stood there, stunned for a long while, before getting into Shang Wu's car, still smiling.

Shang Wu asked curiously, "Qing, what's got you smiling? Did your sister-in-law agree to go with you?"

Xue Zhengqing responded, "It's looking good. If she's upset, I'll just have to woo her a few more times. If Zhuge Liang could visit the thatched cottage three times, coaxing her twice is nothing."