Chapter 19
Lu An looked at Jin Nian and did not say anything. He did not reach out his hand again, nor did he make any overstepping movements. This did not seem like the gentlemanly behavior of a man with a large tattoo on his arm. It seemed a little hypocritical. It was as if it was just a trick to lure the enemy in, and in the next second, it would devour the enemy completely. He stood up, took out two band-aids from nowhere, and handed them to Jin Nian. He said calmly, “Why aren’t you throwing your shoes away when your feet are hurting? Is your reputation more important than your comfort?”
There was a hidden meaning in his words. Jin Nian pursed her lips tightly, “I’m fine with it.” With that, she turned around and left, not taking the band-aid that Lu An handed her.
Lu An looked at Jin Nian, who was wearing a pink dress. The corridor seemed endless. Her back was straight, her long hair was smooth, and her steps were steady in her high heels. To what extent could one favorite another person? Even though she already had someone in her heart and was about to get married and have children, he was still willing to waste his time guarding their pitiful memories. However, Lu An could not bear to see her shed a single tear, and he did not want to wait any longer.
…
When Jin Nian returned to the private room, it was as if everything that had happened just now was just an illusion. Jiang Qingchi was entertaining the relatives of both parties with a warm smile on his face. When he saw her, he whispered gently into her ear again, “Niannian, don’t be angry. I’ve already explained it to the elders. Don’t be unhappy, okay?” Jin Nian still did not say a word. From the corner of her eye, she saw that the bouquet of black roses had been smashed into pieces and was lying in the trash can. Tan Siyun and Qiao Ranran went up to her and asked her what they had talked about, but Jin Nian just shook her head. Before they continued, someone knocked on the door and brought in 111 exquisitely packaged roses. It was Jiang Qingchi who had specially instructed someone to go out and buy it. In order to make Jin Nian happy, he walked up to her with the flowers in his arms, “Niannian, I love you. I hope you can forgive me for my mistake just now.”
Jin Nian could not hold such a large bouquet of flowers with one hand, so she only reached out and asked Qiao Ranran to put the flowers on the coffee table. She had been with Jiang Qingchi for six years. Whether it was Valentine’s Day or any other anniversaries, Jiang Qingchi rarely gave her flowers. 111 roses was the first time, but when she looked at the dazzling red roses, she did not feel touched at all. She only felt that they were an eyesore. The process continued. Next was the exchange of engagement rings. Jiang Qingchi had specially spent a high price to custom-make the female ring. The main diamond on it was a full two carats, and with the diamonds inlaid around it, it looked more than twice as big to the naked eye.
Jin Nian recalled that night when Jiang Qingchi put on the ring and proposed to her devoutly. She was so touched. However, when she thought of what he had said in the corridor just now, she felt a chill in her heart. So, did he really want to marry her? She longed to marry the person she loved, but she had never thought of forcing him. Jin Nian looked at the familiar diamond ring and her mood was completely different from that night. She did not feel touched at all, instead she felt that it was ironic. The sparkling diamond reflected a cold light under the light, adding a false sense of affection.
All of the family and friends exclaimed. Even the engagement ring was so luxurious. It was obvious how important Jin Nian was to Jiang Qingchi.
“What a shiny diamond! This must have cost a lot of money!”
“Niannian and Qingchi have such a good relationship. I’m really envious!”
“I wish you two a great marriage! You’ll be united forever!”
“Jin Nian really found a good man!”
Jin Nian’s heart was in a mess, and she allowed Jiang Qingchi to put the ring on her. Perhaps it was because she had been working too hard recently, she had lost some weight and there were some gaps on her finger when she wore the ring. Everything went smoothly. The dishes in the Wanhe Huayuan were famous for their appearance, aroma, and taste. In fact, for most of the people present, eating a banquet was the proper business.
Jin Nian did not have an appet.i.te. She only picked up a few vegetables before putting down her chopsticks. Jiang Qingchi stretched out his hand and gently stroked her long hair. He put his arm around her shoulder and said, “Let’s go and give everyone a toast.” Jin Nian did not like to be surrounded by relatives, but today was her engagement party, so she had to go. When she went to toast with Jiang Qingchi, her ears were filled with the blessings of her relatives.
The elders became more and more excited as they held Jin Nian’s hand and said, “You’ve been with Qingchi for so long, and now you’re finally tying it together. The two of you must support and care for each other in the future. There are often times when the two of you will be against each other, but you must tolerate each other.”
“Jin Nian, don’t take that unlucky thing to heart. Today is a good day. You must be happy.”
“Same for you too, Jiang Qingchi. You married such a reasonable wife like Jin Nian. You must treat her well in the future, okay?” Jiang Qingchi smiled warmly. No matter what other people said, he would accept it without hesitation. He had a bit of a profligate air about him.