The morning mist lingered, honey-gold rays bathing the lake with a warm light.
Three beautiful women stood by the lake, looking like angels in the fantasy-like lighting.
Yan Lingqing regarded the approaching Lu Qinger with faint interest. This girl had clearly been interested in Li Luo since their time together in the Tianshu Province.
Still, it was not unexpected. Considering what Li Luo brought to the table, it would be stranger if girls were uninterested in him.
This Lu Qinger was something special. She had not backed down upon seeing Jiang Qinge, instead coming up to them. It spoke of inner pride and self-confidence.
Enough to consider herself worthy of taking on Jiang Qinge and the legacy she had.
Besides, Jiang Qinge and Li Luo were engaged. If Lu Qinger had feelings for him, she should be feeling guilty right about now, so coming up to them was a surprising move indeed.
Yan Lingqing could feel a slight stirring of excitement. Another entertaining show was about to begin.
Qinger, were you at Li Luos? Jiang Qinge asked neutrally.
Lu Qinger inclined her head. This meeting was no coincidence. Jiang Qinge might have seen her and Yu Lang headed for Li Luos earlier.
We went to meet Li Luo and his squad, she replied.
You dont look too happy, Jiang Qinge said with a faint smile. Is that because Li Luo is as responsive as a fish carved out of wood? Its very normal. Hes still young, and you two have been close for a while. If the topic isnt breached directly, Im afraid he wont make the leap to realize that you have romantic feelings for him.
Yan Lingqings eyebrows shot up. Jiang Qinges opening move was insanely daring, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.
A lower-born opponent might have fainted from that statement.
Lu Qinger was indeed a little ruffled, but she still looked like she was in control. She gave a small nod of confirmation. It looked like she indeed had the mettle to take on a queen.
What are you trying to say, Senior Qinge? Lu Qinger asked slowly.
Jiang Qinges golden eyes regarded Lu Qinger in turn. I think it was you who had something to say?
Lu Qinger shook her head. I dont, really. If Senior Qinge is trying to tell me to back down because you are engaged to Li Luo, then Im sorry to say that I cant oblige.
Yan Lingqings fingers curled in anticipation. Lu Qinger was even better than she had expected. A counter attack against the wife-to-be?
Hoo!
Oh? Why is that? Jiang Qinge asked, interest piqued.
Lu Qinger fearlessly looked into her golden eyes. Because your engagement is a loveless one. Perhaps Senior Qinge knows best just how much of it was born of gratitude to Li Luos parents.
Im not saying that you have no feelings for Li Luo. Conversely, perhaps he holds an important place in your heart. A place more important than romance.
You are not blood-related, and yet maybe you think of him as an irreplaceable part of your family. For him, you would do anything. Perhaps even more so than I.
Lu Qinger paused. But that is not what marriage is about. Senior Qinge, you like Li Luo. But you also do not like Li Luo. At least not right now.
Masterful!
Yan Lingqing whooped inwardly. This Lu Qinger was no slouch, delivering an incisive emotional riposte straight to Jiang Qinges heart. As Jiang Qinges best friend, she knew best that Jiang Qinge valued Li Luo more than her own life. But she had yet to really be romantically moved.
This was not Jiang Qinges fault. And perhaps she had never taken romantic relationships seriously.
After all, what more could even be done to strengthen the bond between her and Li Luo?
Still, emotions were complicated, and it was clear that Jiang Qinge had not fully sorted out the complexities of her relationship with Li Luo.
Jiang Qinges eyes widened at Lu Qingers words. And so? she said mildly.
And so you should take the lead and annul the engagement, if you truly care about Li Luo.
That seems very ideal for you. Ill annul the engagement, which gives you free rein to pursue him openly?
Lu Qinger did not deny it. That is the best outcome for Li Luo.
Jiang Qinge inclined her head. Well, from a certain perspective, what you say makes sense.
Lu Qingers eyes widened with a cautious delight. Had Jiang Qinge really been swayed?
It was quickly quelled. Canceling the engagement is impossible Jiang Qinge said, bringing down a metaphorical bucket of cold water over Lu Qingers head.
The marriage was approved by the House Lords, my mentors. Rest assured that no matter how complicated the feelings between Li Luo and I, this engagement will not change.
Lu Qinger clenched her fists. Senior Qinge, youre being selfish! she burst out. You dont care about Li Luos feelings at all! What if what if he really likes someone else in the future? Will you rather he be sad? For you?
Yan Lingqing nodded. It was a valid question.
Whats your reply, Jiang Qinge?
Jiang Qinge cocked her head slightly, then broke into a smile. You wouldnt be talking about yourself, would you? Are you that confident?
Lu Qinger flushed, but she met her eyes. Cant I be?
Well, its not that you cant
Jiang Qinge leaned against a stone railing, tilting her chin up in a queenly manner. but House Luolan is a big place. I dont mind another woman in the house.
Not only Lu Qinger, even Yan Lingqing was speechless at that.
Jiang Qinge, have you lost your mind?!
Lu Qinger reeled for a good while. Jiang Qinge, she whispered in an almost mortified tone. Wh-what are you saying!?
Must I really spell it out? If youre that capable, I really dont mind, Jiang Qinge said mildly.
But I do mind!Lu Qinger cried in her heart. Jiang Qinge had pitched a real curveball. It had blown all of her prepared thoughts away.
But she backed down, shaking her head as she turned and fled.
Thoroughly intimidated.
A little too forward, dont you think? Yan Lingqing said, watching the fleeing Lu Qinger.
Jiang Qinge did not reply.
You werent for real, right? Yan Lingqing asked carefully.
You think?
I dont know Yan Lingqing shook her head. But if you were for real, all I can say is-
-to include you as well? Jiang Qinge teased.
Yan Lingqing punched her in outrage. Do you want to die?! She turned serious. Jiang Qinge, your attitude just now was not that of a girl talking about her fiance. Rather It was like an older sister choosing a bride for her younger brother.
Li Luo might not like that. Jiang Qinge, I know that your feelings for Li Luo are complex, perhaps so much so that no one besides you can understand them. But I think that if you keep this up a time might come when you will regret it.
Jiang Qinge remained silent for a long while.
Are we still going to Li Luos place for a meal? Yan Lingqing broke the silence eventually.
Jiang Qinge carelessly pressed down against a stone on the railing, crushing it to powder.
She turned and started walking away.
We are not. Im afraid I might treat his head like that stone if I see him now.
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