Chapter 148: Chapter 149: At the Moment of Parting (1)
What?
Nianyangâs fair, pretty face darkened as her shimmering eyes instantly turned to ice.
Ayan... Oh no...
Itâs that bastard Li Tingyan; he actually has a childhood sweetheart, and his parents have even approved it for marriage. Doesnât that mean sheâs essentially his child bride?
Yesterday, when Auntie asked if his parents had arranged any marriage prospects for him, he acted nonchalant saying heâs never even been involved in such talk, and now this child bride situation comes up!
What a big hypocrite!
"Nianyang dear, donât misunderstand. Regarding this Chu Huan, it was arranged privately by his parents behind Tingyanâs back, never discussed openly. I just happened to overhear his parents mentioning it last year. Tingyan is hardly ever home, and he knows nothing about it."
Fang Lan hurriedly explained when she noticed Nianyangâs displeased expression.
She just wanted Nianyang to understand the behind-the-scenes truth because Tingyanâs taciturn nature meant he wouldnât speak about it, and she hoped Nianyang wouldnât misunderstand Tingyan as being two-faced if she heard this from someone else.
Nianyangâs expression was momentarily stunned, and the bitterness in her heart suddenly calmed down.
She realized she had let anger cloud her judgment. How could she think Ayan was the kind of jerk who looks at others while eating whatâs in his bowl?
Besides, as Tuanzh said, in his previous life, Li Tingyan remained a solitary figure until his death.
That alone was enough to prove Li Tingyanâs dedication to self-discipline and that he wouldnât flirt around outside.
"Aunt Fang, I want to know, what is Ayanâs relationship with this Miss Chu Huan?"
Nianyang couldnât help but ask the question lingering in her heart, refusing to admit to herself that she was merely jealous, just curious.
"Tingyan and Chu Huan did grow up in the same Big Courtyard, but Tingyan was sent to a boarding school from a young age and rarely came home throughout the year. He and Chu Huan are merely acquaintances, not even familiar with each other."
Nianyang couldnât help but smile. If that was the case, there was nothing to worry about.
"Nianyang dear, rest assured, Tingyan has no interest in Chu Huan. His parents just value the old family ties and want to strengthen them through marriage. As long as Tingyan disagrees, no one can force him to marry Chu Huan, can they?
Moreover, Tingyanâs parents are not the kind to seek power and status. Other than your background not matching Chu Huanâs, you are better than that young lady in countless ways. When the time comes and you go home with Tingyan, his parents are sure to like you."
Fang Lan had met Chu Huan before; she wasnât as pretty as Nianyang, had a spoiled nature, looked down upon the less fortunate, and was two-faced.
Last year, when she visited Tingyanâs home, Chu Huan mocked her for being a poor relative seeking favors, which maddened her. If Chu Huan wasnât the City Lordâs daughter, she wouldâve torn her to pieces!
"I got it. Thank you for the reminder, Aunt Fang."
Nianyang smiled gratefully at Fang Lan, feeling more at ease now.
Knowing the facts, she didnât care about Chu Huanâs existence, but she yearned to achieve something herself so that, when she met Li Tingyanâs parents in the future, she would stand confidently.
Li Tingyanâs family background was too good, while her original self came from a village girl background.
Though she didnât see herself as inferior to Li Tingyan, she wanted people to feel that being with Li Tingyan was a perfect match, not that she wasnât good enough for him!
"Youâre welcome." Fang Lan smiled, "Iâve already said what I should and shouldnât have said. Now, let me be shameless and ask you a favor, Nianyang dear."
"What is it? Please just say it, Aunt Fang."
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Fang Lan said, "Itâs about the time you pointed out some health issues for me during the family split, suggesting youâd give me a prescription. I didnât recognize your medical skills at the time, thinking you were too young to know medicine, and didnât take it seriously, so..."