Chapter 17: Ambiguity

Jiang Yan observed every small movement of Shen Qingyao closely.

He opened the snow cream and gently applied it to Shen Qingyao’s face with his index finger.

Her breathing grew unsteady.

Especially since Jiang Yan was so close to her at that moment.

“Go back and have a proper talk with your brother. If he wants me to do something, I need to know everything,” he said.

On impulse, Shen Qingyao nodded.

But the next second, she felt something was off.

Why bring up such a topic at such an ambiguous moment?

“Don’t you think we’re being a bit ambiguous right now?”

“No, I don’t.”

Shen Qingyao raised an eyebrow, looking at Jiang Yan, seemingly wanting to say something but hesitating.

What was this dog man’s intention?

Could it be that he acted this way with everyone?

Just as Shen Qingyao was about to ask, Jiang Yan spoke slowly.

“You’re my wife, my beloved. What we have isn’t ambiguity; it’s love.”

Wow, he really knew how to flirt.

Having been in two relationships before, Shen Qingyao felt she was no match for Jiang Yan.

At this moment, she was curious about how many relationships Jiang Yan had experienced.

Otherwise, how could a man be so eloquent?

Every word was music to her ears.

She said sincerely, “Then could you not talk about work at such an ambiguous time?”

“I can sense your anxiety because of your brother’s matter. I just want to resolve it as soon as possible.”

“And after it’s resolved?”

Shen Qingyao was puzzled.

Even if she was afraid, the matter still existed.

Besides, it wasn’t something that could be easily resolved.

What started as a casual question led to Jiang Yan genuinely pondering.

“Once it’s resolved, we can hold the wedding.”

“What!?” Shen Qingyao was startled.

So soon?

It had only been a few days since they submitted the marriage application, and now they could have the wedding?

Were people these days really in such a rush to get married?

Before knowing that Jiang Yan had just been transferred back from Beijing, Shen Qingyao thought it was fine. Now that she knew, there was no need to be so hasty, right?

Looking at Shen Qingyao’s delicate face, Jiang Yan’s heart was lightly stirred.

She looked troubled, as if she wanted to say something but didn’t know how.

“Are you afraid I won’t be prepared?”

There was no dowry or big-ticket items, so what was there to prepare?

At least, Shen Qingyao wasn’t worried about that.

“Well, the wedding involves so many things. I don’t want you to handle everything alone.”

“I see.”

Jiang Yan pondered.

Actually, before he brought it up, Xie Meiyi had already offered to help with the arrangements.

She was idle at home anyway; giving her something to do would be best.

Xie Meiyi was skilled at sewing and knew many ladies from influential families, familiar with various styles.

Many wealthy families in Xi’an who could afford Western clothes also sought her out for custom garments.

Now, she still did needlework from time to time, fearing she might lose her skills.

Jiang Yan wanted to agree but inwardly used Shen Qingyao as an excuse to refuse.

Xie Meiyi, being a woman herself, understood and repeatedly urged Jiang Yan to be more accommodating to Shen Qingyao.

Sometimes, Xie Meiyi found this family quite peculiar.

They knew little about their son and even less about their daughter-in-law.

Yet, despite this, they lived together harmoniously.

Jiang Feng wasn’t a petty man; he believed that harmony in the family brings prosperity.

Xie Meiyi agreed even more, as long as her son’s spouse was healthy and happy, nothing else mattered.

After the thought of Xie Meiyi crossed his mind, Jiang Yan confidently said, “I won’t be the only one busy; someone will help me.”

“Well, alright then…”

Now there was truly no reason to refuse.

Though she didn’t want to reject it either.

Her current dilemma was that she needed to ease the tension between Shen Qingye and Jiang Yan.

As Jiang Yan said, Shen Qingye disliked him.

Her brother hoped she would marry a good man, someone who would love her deeply.

But Shen Qingyao didn’t believe she would find such a person in this world.

Two failed relationships had made her lose faith in the word “love.”

She admitted she liked Jiang Yan’s words, but sometimes she feared he might also be unfaithful in the future.

She didn’t want to think ill of Jiang Yan, but she couldn’t help herself.

Forget it.

The future could be dealt with when it came.

Ten minutes passed quickly.

Before leaving, Jiang Yan kissed Shen Qingyao on the forehead.

His lips touched the very spot where she had been injured last time.

His lips felt a bit cool. Shen Qingyao watched him leave, her hand instinctively touching her forehead.

She felt the chill, but it faded quickly.

Jiang Yan got into the car and left with Jiang Feng and Xu Kaifeng.

By the time Shen Qingyao chased outside, she didn’t even see the back of the car.

When Shen Qingyao came to her senses, Shen Qingye was already standing beside her.

They said nothing, but their eyes seemed to communicate volumes.

“I’ll take you home.”

“Brother, Grandma misses you too.”

As soon as Shen Qingyao said this, Shen Qingye sighed.

If there was anyone in the world Shen Qingye dreaded facing, it was Qiao Yufen.

Qiao Yufen had no idea that Shen Qingye had started working at the factory early on, nor that he had been kicked out of the house by Wang Guihua long ago.

If Qiao Yufen found out, she would surely clash with Wang Guihua.

Unfortunately, Qiao Yufen’s heart had always been weak.

Shen Qingye didn’t want the elderly lady to worry and get upset every day over this, so he conspired with Shen Qingyao to keep it from her.

Wang Guihua, preferring less trouble, was happy to go along.

Thus, the Shen family managed to keep this secret from Qiao Yufen.

Later, when Qiao Yufen learned that Shen Qingye worked at the steel mill, she was heartbroken for a long time.

Shen Qingye made an excuse that he was saving money at the mill to continue his studies, which pacified Qiao Yufen.

The two walked home slowly, Shen Qingye silent all the while.

Not a word was spoken until they reached Qiao Yufen’s doorstep.

Qiao Yufen was originally sitting at the door shelling peanuts.

Seeing her grandchildren return together, her face brightened with joy.

She dropped the peanut bowl and went out to greet them.

“Xiaoye is back too!”

“Grandma, I’m back! Why don’t you ask me?”

Qiao Yufen glared playfully. “Didn’t I just see you the day before yesterday?”

Shen Qingyao pretended to be annoyed, “It wasn’t the day before yesterday; that was many days ago!”

Qiao Yufen both loved and was exasperated by Shen Qingyao’s antics.

She laughed outright and tugged at them, pushing them inside.

“All right, all right, come in quickly. Grandma’s cooking some cured pork for you today.”

After going inside, Shen Qingyao found a blanket and made a soft seat for herself in the living room.

Shen Qingye saw this and said nothing, instead heading to the kitchen to assist Qiao Yufen.