Jing Ningâs face darkened. Without saying anything, he pulled Nanyang and walked away.
His actions were a bit rough, completely ignoring the fact that Nanyang was pregnant.
Mai Qi looked frostily at the retreating couple. I waved my hand in front of her eyes. âStop looking. Theyâre already gone!â
Mai Qi pulled her gaze back to glare at me. âShe was bullying you, and you arenât even angry? Professor Jing is another one. How can he fail to handle his own father?â
I smiled. âWell, that reminds of someone and her father.â Mai Qi became silent. She knew I was talking about her.
âNanxing, you donât seem too worried about the possibility of not able to marry into the Jing Family.â Mai Qi was concerned for me.
I sipped the soup gracefully, âMai Qi, worrying wonât solve the problem.â I glanced at her. âMai Qi, what if you fall in love with someone and his or your family objects? What will you do?â
She darted a glance at me, her face red.
I put down the spoon and propped my chin on my hand. âFor example, letâs take Mr. Tong Le. Tong Le doesnât have many family members left. I doubt you will hear any objection from the Tong Familyâs ancestral hall. As his only living family, I am open for bribes.â
She playfully hit me.
Then I added seriously, âBut what about your family? You have your parents and an older brother. What if they object to you marrying a mafia boss? What will you do?â
Mai Qi lowered her eyes and drank her soup. She did not respond but I knew she had heard me clearly. âOf what if one day, your parents or big brother suddenly arranged to have you marry someone you donât know? Will you obey them?â I asked.
Mai Qiâs face darkened and she retorted. âNanxing, what will you and Professor Jing do?â
I shrugged with a smile, âJing Tian said, at worst, he would leave the Jing Family to join me. My little uncle can take care of us for life. He can marry into the Nan Family. I donât think my little uncle will agree though. However, Jing Tian said he would know how to deal with my little uncle. Jing Tian said he would prepare a dowry for himself to marry into the Nan Family, my little uncle wouldnât object then.â
Mai Qi sighed. âNanxing, you are so blessed and lucky.â
I reached out to rub her head, just like Jing Tian usually did to me. âSilly girl, what is there to be envious of? You will find your happiness too. If someone gives you a hard time in the future, I will do my best to help you!â
âLike what?â She asked.
âHmmâ¦â I thought for a while. âMai Qi, for example, if someday your family forces you to marry someone you donât like, Iâll come to snatch you away. Then Iâll push you to my little uncle, and you can elope with him. It doesnât matter if your family disapproves! I will help you deal with all of them! So, what do you think? Arenât you glad Iâm your friend?â I said enthusiastically.
Mai Qi laughed. âWhat more can I ask for from a friend?â But her smile was forced. This seemingly carefree girl was actually very clever. She knew she wouldnât be able to fight her family. In her heart, she had already surrendered to her fate.
It was because she already saw her future that she was not afraid to act like a total princess. Because in the future, she would not be able to do that anymore.
Oftentimes, the stronger a person was on the outside, the weaker they were on the inside.
Mai Qi was constantly building layers of a solid outer shell, believing that it would be enough to shield her heart against the crushing destiny.
However, the girl didnât understand that no matter how strong the exterior shell was, it wouldnât withhold much pressure without a powerful interior. Inner strength was true strength.