Chapter 133
Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=1363950 This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com
As the hot water boiled, Zuo Qinghuan took the initiative to prepare tea. Having spent three years in Japan, she had become adept at the tea ceremony, leaving Qin Zheng unable to find fault.
"Grandpa, I wonder if there's anything you're still dissatisfied with after these three years? Feel free to point it out, and I'll do my best to improve," Zuo Qinghuan said modestly and respectfully, subtly reminding Qin Zheng to keep his promises.
"Indeed, you have indeed made a lot of progress," Qin Zheng gave Zuo Qinghuan a rare positive affirmation. Compared to her naive cleverness three years ago, she now had a bit of wisdom. She not only understood the art of indirect warfare but also knew when to regain control.
"Thanks to your guidance, Grandpa." Only heaven knew how much she had suffered to make this progress. But it was all worth it. She believed that Qin Zheng would not break his promise to her. After all, with his reputation at his age, integrity was the most fundamental quality.
Qin Zheng remained silent for a moment, and then he picked up his teacup again, lightly rubbing the patterns on its surface with his fingertips. It seemed that this girl was determined, unlike before when she was easily shaken. It wouldn't be easy to drive a wedge between them, especially since he had made the promise first. Breaking that promise was beneath him, but acknowledging them now left a lump in his heart, making him feel uneasy.
Zuo Qinghuan was waiting for Qin Zheng's response, but it was evident that Qin Zheng wasn't ready to give one just yet.
"You can go now," Qin Zheng waved his hand, signaling for Zuo Qinghuan to leave first.
Although Zuo Qinghuan felt a bit unwilling, she had no choice but to leave Qin Zheng's study for now.
"Are you okay?" Qin Wanshu asked Zuo Qinghuan with some concern, unsure if Zuo Qinghuan's resolve would waver this time.
"Although your grandfather hasn't made a decision yet, I believe he won't break his promise to me," Zuo Qinghuan reassured Qin Wanshu.
“Mm, my grandfather won't break his promise. I think he's just feeling a bit reluctant right now," Qin Wanshu felt a bit relieved seeing Zuo Qinghuan's confidence. She reached out and quietly held Zuo Qinghuan's hand, and Zuo Qinghuan's fingers immediately interlocked with hers. Zuo Qinghuan knew that she would never let go of Qin Wanshu's hand for the rest of her life.
"Qin Wanshu, I'll always stay by your side, and this time, I absolutely won't deceive you," Zuo Qinghuan said in a very soft voice.
"If you deceive me again, I won't want you anymore," Qin Wanshu said seriously. Even if it meant growing old alone, she wouldn't want Zuo Qinghuan again. But she believed that Zuo Qinghuan wouldn't deceive her this time.
During dinner, Qin Zheng didn't make things difficult for Zuo Qinghuan. His attitude towards her was neither cold nor warm. Seeing Qin Zheng's attitude, Zuo Qinghuan couldn't do much to please him, so she could only wait and see. The other members of the Qin family also treated Zuo Qinghuan politely in the absence of a clear stance from Qin Zheng. Even Lin Jingxian didn't dare to be too enthusiastic towards Zuo Qinghuan in front of her father-in-law. Qin Wanshu had already anticipated her grandfather's attitude to some extent, so she just quietly ate her meal, occasionally casting gentle glances at Zuo Qinghuan. Although the dinner was unusually quiet, Zuo Qinghuan felt quite at ease.
As dinner was nearing its end, Lin Jingxian asked Qin Wanshu if they would be staying overnight together at home. When Qin Wanshu said there was no need, Qin Zheng glanced at them but didn't say anything, then he went upstairs.
Qin Wanshu let Zuo Qinghuan chat with the others while she pulled Lin Jingxian aside for a few whispered words.
"Mom, I think Grandpa won't be so staunchly opposed to me and Zuo Qinghuan now. Otherwise, he wouldn't have allowed Zuo Qinghuan to be here in the Qin Mansion. It's just that he's having a hard time making up his mind and doesn't want to acknowledge me and Zuo Qinghuan just yet. I can't do much about it now, so could you say a few words to him and try to persuade him a bit?" Qin Wanshu pleaded.
"If it weren't for you, if it were any other child of the Qin family, your grandfather would have kicked them out without a second thought. It's all thanks to you. Your Grandpa clearly has some reservations, but he'll have to accept it eventually. I'll give it a try with your Grandpa," Lin Jingxian said with a smile. She also guessed that the old man didn't want to go back on his word, but he also didn't want to fully accept their relationship. He was stuck in an uncomfortable position. Yet, Qin Wanshu had a knack for understanding her grandfather's thoughts. Lin Jingxian didn't want to be the mediator forever, but she also feared that the old man might get sick from holding back his feelings. Besides, her daughter's happiness was paramount. So, even if Qin Wanshu didn't bring it up herself, Lin Jingxian would still speak up for them.
Qin Wanshu just smiled. She knew her mom wasn't exaggerating at all. If it weren't for her, her grandfather would have kicked her out without hesitation. Making her grandfather accept her and Zuo Qinghuan's unconventional relationship was indeed a bit difficult for him.
"Thank you, Mom," Qin Wanshu said, knowing that with her mom's intervention, things would be fine.
"Silly girl, no need to thank me!" Lin Jingxian said indulgently to Qin Wanshu. No matter how mature and obedient her daughter was, she was still a child in her eyes, and she would always worry about her.
Zuo Qinghuan didn't interact much with Dad Qin. In the Qin family, where handsome men and beautiful women gathered, Dad Qin's appearance was not outstanding. He had a kind and quiet personality, didn't talk much, and was easy to get along with. He was involved in research and didn't stay long before heading to his study. Qin Yu, on the other hand, was not unfamiliar to Zuo Qinghuan. He was reserved and steady, showing a bit more kindness than before. They could chat about business matters. The most challenging to deal with was probably Qin Teng, but there was no malice like before, and Zuo Qinghuan could handle it. Fortunately, there were no other extended family members at this meal, which made Zuo Qinghuan feel much more relaxed. Her mood was surprisingly good. Obviously, Mom Qin's attitude had won over the majority of the Qin family members. Mom Qin was such a key figure. The only thing missing was Grandpa Qin's stance.
The next morning, before breakfast, Qin Zheng was sitting on the sofa in the hall reading the newspaper. Since Qin Zheng always woke up early, the hall was empty except for him. Lin Jingxian seized this opportunity.
"These past three years, Wanshu has been traveling abroad quite often. It's been a while since she stayed at home for this long," Lin Jingxian sighed.
Qin Zheng knew this remark was directed at him by his daughter-in-law, but he remained expressionless as if he hadn't heard.
Seeing Qin Zheng's lack of response, Lin Jingxian didn't mind, but she knew that her father-in-law must have heard her words.
"Wanshu cares a lot about that girl, doesn't she? She only started traveling abroad after the girl left. No matter how outstanding my daughter is outside, I always worry about her," Lin Jingxian said, seemingly talking to herself.
Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=1363950 This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com
These past three years, Qin Wanshu has been spending very little time at home. Even Qin Zheng himself has felt quite lonely. You know, finding someone you can really connect with is difficult, but he didn't want to say anything. After all, everything his granddaughter did was something he was proud of. Now, reminded by Lin Jingxian, Qin Zheng was thinking about it. Was it really all because of Zuo Qinghuan that Wanshu left?
"Now that girl is back, Wanshu will settle down, right? She won't keep running around all the time. It's better for girls to be stable," Lin Jingxian said with relief.
"A woman's understanding is so shallow. Wanshu is the most outstanding child in the Qin family. Naturally, she should make achievements. How can she confine herself because of that shameful affection?" Qin Zheng frowned.
"Most women hope for a stable life. Even if Wanshu is outstanding, she's still a woman. And she's stubborn. I remember her favorite things haven't changed since she was a child, like her love for antiques. It's been so many years, and she still likes them just the same. Without that girl, I'm afraid Wanshu will end up alone. Although Wanshu has always been able to endure loneliness since she was a child, as parents, how can we bear to let her be alone for the rest of her life?" Lin Jingxian said with concern.
Qin Zheng fell silent. He knew Qin Wanshu's temperament better than anyone else. Others might not understand, but Qin Zheng knew. He truly cherished Qin Wanshu, so he was afraid of making a mistake that would affect her entire life. Well, Zuo Qinghuan now isn't too bad. It's not too much to ask her to accompany Wanshu. Qin Zheng decided to turn a blind eye to certain things.
"Did she send you here to plead her case?" Qin Zheng asked, setting down the magazine.
"She's worried you might feel uncomfortable," Lin Jingxian replied, seeing her father-in-law relenting, secretly pleased.
"If she's worried about me feeling uncomfortable, she should stop entangling with Zuo Qinghuan," Qin Zheng muttered irritably, though he did feel somewhat relieved. At least he didn't feel as suffocated as before.
Author’s Note:
Starting next week, work will be very busy. Fortunately, "Willingly Baited" is also nearing its end. Mr. Qin has compromised, and the main story will soon be concluded, considering whether or not to add some meat at the end. If there's meat, it'll take two chapters to complete; without meat, one chapter will do. There will probably be two or three extra chapters, the details are yet to be determined.
