Chapter 1812: Chapter 1810: Change of Heart
She often thought her second son was raised in vain; no matter how many times she asked him, he always said he didnât know.
Pressing further, he would turn hostile, and she dared not ask more, for the family would rely on him in the future.
Her eldest sonâs life seemed finished; it was impossible for him to have descendants. The two young girls were useless, lazy and cunning; it would be a blessing if they could marry out.
Old Lady Lu clearly saw that this family would depend on her second son Lu Hao to support it in the future.
So naturally, she didnât dare treat Lu Hao like before.
Especially about his partner, she dared not even ask now.
But things were different now; Li Gufen, regardless, had been her daughter-in-law for over ten years.
Feelings had developed.
Moreover, Li Gufen had earned so much money and owned a house. At her age, who would marry her? Even if someone did, her money and house would benefit others.
So Old Lady Lu felt she should take her eldest son to the Imperial Capital.
She planned to find a way to coax Li Gufen into changing her mind. That way, she could live in Li Gufenâs house, and bring her two daughters to the Imperial Capital for school, leaving the land at home to others, as farming was so tiring.
Li Gufen had so much money; as a woman, how could she manage it? She could have Li Gufen hand all the money to her, and she would manage it for her.
Family doesnât hold overnight grudges, right?
Without the Lu Family back then, Li Gufen might have starved to death long ago.
Regardless, the Lu Family were her benefactors.
The more Old Lady Lu thought, the more feasible it seemed, and her heart grew sweeter; over a year, the dark clouds pressing on her seemed to dissipate quietly.
So after Liu Ling left, Old Lady Lu made up her mind.
Meanwhile, Li Gufen was completely unaware of what was going to happen next.
Her emotions now surged without calm.
Just now, Li He confessed to her!
Li He was an orphan adopted by Grandpa Gu, two years older than her, divorced as well, honest and kind, and took care of Grandpa Gu meticulously.
From all perspectives, he was a good man.
Li He now ran a Great Northwest specialty shop, and business was good.
Li Gufen also knew that despite his age, many young women wanted to marry him.
His status and conditions were evident.
He was tall, not particularly handsome, but had a determined look, and seemed kind and honest.
A man like him standing there naturally gave off a sense of security.
Though over thirty and once married, he had no children.
In the eyes of many young women, he was the ideal husband.
Li Gufen realized she was no longer young. She wasnât foolish; in their daily interactions, she somewhat saw Li Heâs intentions, but she always felt it wasnât quite right.
Furthermore, for Li Gufen now, she had finally left an oppressive marriage and didnât want to easily enter another.
Li He was good everywhere, but she really didnât want to marry now.
At this moment, only the two of them were in the living room. Old Master Li had gone for a walk.
Recently, he met several elders his age and went out every day after dinner to play chess, drink tea, and chat with his old buddies, living leisurely.
This was a front shop and a back courtyard.
Sister Li bought this courtyard. Initially, she lived here, later reuniting with Grandpa. Although Old Lee bought another place nearby, after considering it, they moved in together.
So this was also part of Li Gufenâs hesitation.
She was no longer young, yet her face couldnât help but blush; she lowered her head and dared not look at Li He.
Li He looked down at the young girl in front of him.
He knew what she was thinking.
They had been together for over a year.
The time wasnât long, yet not short.
They were not young anymore.
If life could extend to seventy years, they were halfway through.
So once Li He confirmed his feelings, he didnât want to delay any longer.
Because he knew, they didnât have the luxury to delay.
And Li Gufen was a good woman; he knew her worries and believed himself capable of bringing her a happy life.
The living room was very quiet, seemingly able to hear the heartbeat of the two.
Li He couldnât help but chuckle, "Xiao Fen, does it feel too sudden? Did I scare you?"
Li Gufen quickly raised her head, hurriedly saying, "No, no, I wasnât scared."
Li He couldnât help but let out a gentle laugh.
"Xiao Fen, what I said earlier was sincere. Weâve known each other for a long time, you know what kind of person I am. I canât promise you the happiest life, but I can promise that Iâll offer you the best life I can."
Li Gufen was stunned.
Looking up at the serious Li He, a warmth rose in her heart.
These words were more impactful than sweet talk.
She softened her expression and finally spoke, "Brother, I feel itâs a bit sudden. I never thought about it that way. I know your character, and I believe your words are sincere, but..."
"But what?" Li He asked gently, yet his tone carried an imposing force.
Naturally, he was a man from the Great Northwest, preferring directness in dealing with emotions. In his view, nothing was more straightforward than a kiss.
Yet, he dared not.
Afraid of scaring Xiao Fen.
"I, I havenât thought it through." Li Gufen murmured.
"Xiao Fen, itâs not that complicated. I think you should consider it seriously now. If youâre looking for someone to marry, I hope Iâm your first choice."
Once some words are expressed, they seem smoother.
Li Gufenâs heart tightened, staring at him in a daze.
Li He continued, "Before meeting you, I never thought about remarriage. I just wanted to stay by Grandpaâs side, take him wherever he wanted, provide for him in his old age, and not think too much about anything else."
Li He paused for a moment, then continued, "I know you were hurt in your first marriage. Being able to move on and start your life anew is something I greatly admire. In my eyes, thereâs no one better than you, which is why I had this idea.
After all, weâre not young anymore, unlike young lovers who can hide feelings in their hearts because they have plenty of time to waste. We canât allow that, nor do we have those means; if we think it, we do it. No matter the outcome, we wonât regret it."
"But..."
Li Gufen hesitantly began to speak, yet left it incomplete.
Li He looked at her quietly.
He knew she needed time.
But this time couldnât be prolonged too much.