Chapter 686: Giving Gifts to Clear the Way

Chapter 686: Giving Gifts to Clear the Way
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Li Xue’s frustration surged, tears streaming down her face.
“What are you implying? Am I not your biological daughter?” Li Xue exclaimed, stomping her foot and gritting her teeth. ‘You forbade me from pursuing him before, and now Brother Hengyang is Su Wen’s husband. I controlled my feelings for him, and now that I’ve finally found someone I genuinely like— someone decent—why would you attack me with such words? Mom, you’re ruining me!”
“I’m not.” Wang Chunyan anxiously observed her tearful daughter. “I’m doing this for your good. This isn’t the right path either.”
Experienced and discerning, she sensed a connection between Su Qing and her classmate.
“What do you mean it’s for my good? Su Qing herself said he’s not her boyfriend, just an ordinary classmate.” Li Xue, the village chief’s daughter, had always been in the spotlight. Though she might not be as good-looking as Su Wen, she excelled in demeanour and popularity.
She joined the radio station for work. Everyone admired Li Xue. Pursued by many men from a young age, but none met her standards.
She refused to settle for a weak-willed man.
Finding someone she liked became challenging for Li Xue, and discovering that he was Su Wen’s husband added complexity. She believed Su Wen was unworthy of him and resolved to treat him better than Su Wen ever could.
But she kept waiting and waited for a long time. Finally, she has given up.
However, Su Wen didn’t divorce Brother Hengyang, and their relationship flourished.
As time passed, Li Xue, facing family pressure to marry, endured numerous blind dates. Her parents and family members urged her not to be so picky, yet she was not satisfied with the guys she dated. None of them compared to Brother Hengyang. Li Xue found herself in a state of anxiety, afraid that as time passed, she would get older and become an object of disdain by her sister-in-law if she delayed any longer. Yet, marrying just anyone out of desperation was something she couldn’t bring herself to accept.
Fate intervened.
When she saw the man riding towards her on a bicycle at one glance, she couldn’t look at anyone else.
Li Xue, captivated at first sight, pleaded, “Mom, help me. If he’s single, maybe we’re meant to be together?” Uncharacteristically softening her stance, she added, “Help me. If it works, I’ll reward Su Qing generously when we marry.”
Reluctantly, Wang Chunyan agreed.
After lunch at Su’s house, Zhou Hengguang toured Trinity Village. He scrutinized every corner of the five large tile-roofed houses in the Su family compound, including the cacti on the courtyard walls. Observing Su Qing’s brother-in-law’s handiwork, his expression betrayed mixed emotions—amusement, satisfaction, and perhaps a touch of pain.
Upon parting, he gave a gift to Su Xiu. Su Qing presented him with a basket of local delicacies, including freshly made pickled plums, dried mountain yams, and sun-dried green beans. Su Xiu had prepared him some steamed cakes. They were packed to the brim, almost overflowing from the large basket.
Zhou Hengguang watched Su Qing’s prepared gift with a curious expression from beginning to end.
As they left, Su Qing asked for Brother Er Kui’s help to free the car from a ditch.
Once alone, Su Xiu opened Zhou Hengguang’s gift—a small box containing a stunning crescent-shaped hairpin adorned with sparkling diamonds.
“This is too expensive!” she said..