Chapter 11: Getting Married as Soon as Possible

Jing Shang deliberately asked, "Why don't you invite him over for dinner? Since we've decided to be together, it's better to bring him home so that we can feel reassured."

Qiao Xin's heart was a little afraid. Jing Shang has always been gentle and polite. She has never seen him so anxious before. She nervously said, "That's too abrupt. We've only just started dating."

"What's so abrupt about it? If my little sister has found a partner, as her big brother, can't I look out for her? Xin, whether you are being stubborn or for whatever reason, you can't just casually find someone to make me give up."

Jing Shang's tone grew urgent and even his expression seemed somewhat fierce. Qiao Xin desperately shook her head, "I didn't, I didn't."

"Xin, after all these years, can't you feel my feelings for you? Do you really only consider me as your brother?"

"Brother, you're crazy, let go, you're hurting me."

"Don't call me brother. Why do I have to be your brother?" With that, Jing Shang suddenly pulled her arm, drawing her close to him. He held her face, and when she least expected it, he kissed her quickly.

Qiao Xin widened her eyes, stunned for a moment. Kissing her own brother was like being forced to swallow raw meat- she could not accept it.

Just then, Xiang Ling suddenly opened the door, hearing the commotion outside. "Jing Shang, Xin, what are you doing?!"

Jing Shang finally let go of Xin. Before Xin could say anything, Xiang Ling slapped her.

Perhaps she used too much force, as Xiang Ling aggravated her already injured waist. She could barely move, leaning against the door frame. Yet, her anger rose because of the scene she had just witnessed. She pointed at her daughter, her finger trembling, "Are you trying to kill me? I've raised you, and you're so thoughtless. You've really... you've made me so angry."

"Mum..." Both of them went to help Xiang Ling, and Jing Shang voluntarily confessed, "Mum, it's not about Xin. It's me. I've always liked her."

But Xiang Ling wouldn't blame Jing Shang. After all, he wasn't her own son. She could only scold her own daughter, "If you dare to do such a despicable thing, I'll disown you."

Qiao Xin shook her head, her cheeks burning. She knelt in front of her mother, swearing, "Mum, I will never have any inappropriate relationship with Jing Shang. If I do, I... if I do, then let me meet someone like Ji Xiaohai again."

Her family knew how much Ji Xiaohai's betrayal had hurt her. Even death could not surpass the weight of this vow.

In the room, Xiang Ling lay in bed, Qiao Xin sat by the bed, and Jing Shang sat alone in the living room. They had expected opposition from Jing Zhi, but they hadn't anticipated Xiang Ling's resistance. In a war, the most terrifying thing was not how strong the opponent was, but how lonely it was to fight alone. He felt his future was dark.

"Mum, please don't cry. I promise you, I will never have anything with Jing Shang," Xin repeatedly assured her mother by her bedside.

Xiang Ling held her daughter's hand, tears spilling from the corners of her eyes, streaming into her hair. Apart from anger, she was more pained for her daughter, "Xin, you understand our family's situation. Gossip is powerful. We live to save face. We can't become the subject of gossip."

"Mum, I know. I won't."

"Xin, Mum knows you have nothing for Jing Shang, but it's not the same for him. Your father has told me. He's been worrying for days because of this. In our hearts, you are siblings. We truly cannot accept this. Jing Shang is single-minded, and once he sets his mind on something, it's hard to change. If this isn't resolved, he'll keep yearning for you."

Qiao Xin frowned, it was also her worry. "What should I do then?"

Xiang Ling patted her daughter's hand, "Get married. Get married as soon as possible."

----

To judge a city's vigor, one should observe it at night.

The capital city under the night sky did not slow down its pace. The subway remained crowded, and high-end venues were still bustling with life. The night made the city more fascinating and mysterious.

Qiao Xin wandered through the streets alone, more like drifting aimlessly, with no purpose and no soul.

Suddenly, she saw Jiang Hao in a coffee shop across the street.

Qiao Xin stopped in her tracks, and the sounds of the people and cars around her seemed to fade away. She walked slowly towards the shop.

Through the transparent glass window, warm yellow light and romantic lace curtains exuded an ambiguous atmosphere. This place was not suitable for the stern and serious Jiang Hao, but it was perfect for a blind date.

Sitting across from Jiang Hao was a woman with romantic curls, wearing a champagne-colored strapless dress highlighting her beautiful shoulders and neck. She was smiling confidently, her eyes shining as she looked at Jiang Hao.

Qiao Xin sneered. Who said she was the only one with a backup plan for blind dates? Others had one too, and it seemed to be a high-quality backup.

Just as he was about to leave, Jiang Hao's head turned towards the window, and their eyes met, expressing indescribable emotions.

Qiao Xinwei pursed her lips, and a subtle smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. She nodded at the man by the window, then quickly turned and walked away.

Jiang Hao suddenly stood up, startling the woman sitting across from him. He adjusted his suit and quickly said, "I'm sorry, I need to go."

Hurriedly, Jiang Hao dashed out of the coffee shop and caught up to Qiao Xinwei with the speed of a 100-meter sprint.

"What's the matter?" She had a displeased tone and expression.

As a military man, Jiang Hao quickly regained his composure after just a few breaths. He straightened up and couldn't help but find it amusing to see her angry face. "I think I need to explain."

"There's no need," Qiao Xinwei pretended to be indifferent, "You have your freedom to make friends. You don't need to explain anything to me."

As she spoke, another woman came running after them, the one who had been sitting across from Jiang Hao earlier. She had put on a lace shrug outside, with a mature charm mixed with a hint of allure. Nude-colored high heels made her legs look even longer, but she seemed a little flustered as she ran. She called out as she ran, "Jiang Hao, Jiang Hao, where are you going? Wait for me!"

Jiang Hao confidently took Qiao Xinwei's hand and introduced, "This is my girlfriend, Qiao Xinwei. Xinwei, this is Ji Shanshan."

Not only Ji Shanshan but also Qiao Xinwei were surprised. "Hey, who...?"

"Silly, what's with the temper?" Jiang Hao reached out and pulled her close, "I told you I'd go with you right away. I'll watch whatever movie you want to see."