Chapter 133 A Delicate Negotiation
Seeing the water boil, Zuo Qinghuan proactively began to brew tea. Having spent three years in Japan, she had become quite adept at the tea ceremony, handling it with ease and leaving Qin Zheng with no room for criticism.
"Old Master Qin, after three years, I wonder if there's anything else you find unsatisfactory about me? Please feel free to point it out, and I will do my best to improve," Zuo Qinghuan said humbly and respectfully, subtly reminding Qin Zheng that he should honor his promise.
"Not bad. You have indeed grown considerably," Qin Zheng offered Zuo Qinghuan rare, direct affirmation. Compared to the petty cleverness she displayed three years ago, she now possessed a degree of wisdom, knowing not only how to employ indirect tactics but also when to seize back the initiative at the right moment.
"Thanks to your guidance, Old Master." Heaven knew how much hardship she had endured for this growth, but it was all worthwhile. She believed Qin Zheng wouldn't break his word to her; after all, for someone of his age and prestige, integrity was a fundamental quality.
Qin Zheng remained silent for a moment. He picked up a new teacup, his fingertips gently tracing the pattern on its side. It seemed this girl was truly determined now, no longer as fragile as she once was. Separating them wouldn't be easy. Besides, he had made a promise back then, and breaking his word was something he disdained. Yet, simply accepting them left a knot in his heart, a distinct feeling of unease.
Zuo Qinghuan waited for Qin Zheng's reply, but it was clear he didn't want to give it immediately.
"You may leave first," Qin Zheng waved his hand, dismissing Zuo Qinghuan.
Though somewhat unwilling, Zuo Qinghuan had no choice but to exit Qin Zheng's study.
"Are you alright?" Qin Wanshu asked with some concern as Zuo Qinghuan emerged, wondering if her determination had been shaken this time.
"Although your grandfather hasn't stated his position yet, I believe he won't go back on his word to me," Zuo Qinghuan reassured Qin Wanshu.
"Mm, my grandfather won't break his promise. I think he's just a bit reluctant right now," Qin Wanshu felt somewhat relieved seeing Zuo Qinghuan like this. She reached out and quietly took Zuo Qinghuan's hand. Zuo Qinghuan's fingers immediately intertwined with hers. Zuo Qinghuan knew that she would never let go of Qin Wanshu's hand again in this lifetime.
"Qin Wanshu, I will stay by your side forever. I'm definitely not deceiving you this time," Zuo Qinghuan whispered very softly.
"If you deceive me again, I'll never want you again," Qin Wanshu said seriously. Even if it meant growing old alone, she wouldn't want her. However, she believed Zuo Qinghuan wouldn't deceive her this time.
During dinner that evening, Qin Zheng didn't make things difficult for Zuo Qinghuan, maintaining a lukewarm attitude towards her. Seeing this, Zuo Qinghuan found no opportunity to curry favor and could only observe the situation quietly. With Qin Zheng's stance undeclared, the rest of the Qin family treated Zuo Qinghuan politely. Even Lin Jingxian didn't dare show excessive warmth towards Zuo Qinghuan in front of her father-in-law. Qin Wanshu had anticipated her grandfather's attitude somewhat, so she wasn't too surprised. She ate quietly, occasionally casting gentle glances at Zuo Qinghuan. Although the meal was unusually silent, Zuo Qinghuan still felt a sense of peace.
As dinner was ending, Lin Jingxian asked Qin Wanshu if the two of them would be staying overnight. When Qin Wanshu said they wouldn't, Qin Zheng glanced at them but said nothing before heading upstairs.
Qin Wanshu asked Zuo Qinghuan to chat with the others while she pulled Lin Jingxian aside for a private word.
"Mom, I don't think Grandpa is as staunchly opposed to me and Zuo Qinghuan now. Otherwise, he wouldn't have tacitly allowed her presence in the Qin house. It's just that he feels caught in a difficult position and doesn't want to simply accept us like this. I can't exert much influence right now, so could you please help put in a good word for us with Grandpa, and maybe help him see things from our perspective?" Qin Wanshu pleaded.
"If it were any other child in the Qin family, your grandfather would have kicked them out without a second thought. It's only because it's you that he's clearly uncomfortable yet feels compelled to accept it. I'll try talking to your grandfather," Lin Jingxian said with a smile. She had guessed the Old Master didn't want to break his word and play the villain, nor did he want to give them his blessing, leaving him feeling frustrated and stuck. And Wanshu had seen right through him, immediately asking her to act as their advocate. However, Lin Jingxian was also worried the Old Master might genuinely make himself ill from bottling it up, and her daughter's happiness was paramount. So, even if Wanshu hadn't asked, she would have spoken up for them.
Qin Wanshu just smiled. She knew her mother wasn't exaggerating. If it weren't her, her grandfather probably would have thrown her out. Making him accept her and Zuo Qinghuan's relationship, which went against convention, was indeed putting him in a difficult spot.
"Thank you, Mom," Qin Wanshu knew that with her mother stepping in, the issue was mostly resolved.
"Silly girl, what's there to thank me for!" Lin Jingxian said dotingly to Qin Wanshu. No matter how sensible and well-behaved her daughter was, she was still a child in her eyes, someone she needed to worry about.
Zuo Qinghuan didn't interact much with Qin Wanshu's father. In the Qin family, filled with handsome men and beautiful women, the father's appearance wasn't outstanding. He had an honest and steady personality, wasn't talkative, but wasn't difficult to get along with either. He was involved in research and soon excused himself to his lab after a brief chat. Zuo Qinghuan was familiar with Qin Yu; he was reserved and stable, now showing a bit more goodwill than before. They could even discuss some business matters. Perhaps the most difficult to deal with was still Qin Teng, but without his previous malice, Zuo Qinghuan could manage. Fortunately, no other extended family members were present at this meal, which was a relief for Zuo Qinghuan. Her mood was surprisingly good. It was evident that Qin Mama's attitude had already swayed the majority of the Qin family in her favor. Qin Mama was such a crucial figure, and the only thing still needed was Old Master Qin's final word.
The next morning before breakfast, Qin Zheng was reading the newspaper on the sofa in the living room. Since he always woke up very early, he was the only one there at that time. Lin Jingxian seized this opportune moment.
"These past three years, Wanshu has been flying abroad constantly. It's been a long time since we've seen her stay home for so long," Lin Jingxian remarked with a sigh.
Qin Zheng knew his daughter-in-law was speaking to him, but he remained impassive, pretending not to hear.
Lin Jingxian wasn't bothered by his lack of reaction; she knew her father-in-law had definitely heard her.
"Wanshu cares a lot about that girl, doesn't she? She only started running around outside after that girl left, right? No matter how outstanding my daughter is out there, I always worry about her," Lin Jingxian continued, seemingly talking to herself.
Indeed, Qin Wanshu had rarely stayed home these past three years. Even Qin Zheng himself felt a bit lonely; finding a kindred spirit was rare. But he couldn't really say anything, as his granddaughter's achievements were all things that made him proud. Now, reminded by Lin Jingxian, Qin Zheng recalled that Wanshu did start leaving frequently after Zuo Qinghuan went to Japan. Could it really all be because of Zuo Qinghuan?
"Now that the girl is back, Wanshu will probably settle down and stop running around so much, right? It's better for a girl to be more settled," Lin Jingxian said with apparent relief.
"Women… always such shallow views. Wanshu is the most outstanding child of the Qin family; naturally, she must build her own career. How could she seek peace in a corner because of some unsanctioned relationship?" Qin Zheng frowned.
"Most women hope for a stable life. No matter how outstanding Wanshu is, she's still a woman. And she's such a devoted child. I remember the things she liked have never changed since childhood, like her love for antiques—so many years, and she still loves them just the same. Without that girl, I fear Wanshu might end up alone for life. Although Wanshu has always been a child who could endure loneliness, as parents, how could we bear to let her be alone forever?" Lin Jingxian said, filled with worry.
Qin Zheng fell silent. He knew Wanshu's temperament better than anyone. Others might not, but with Wanshu, Qin Zheng wasn't sure. He truly doted on Qin Wanshu dearly, so he also feared ruining her life. Fine. The current Zuo Qinghuan wasn't too bad. Being with Wanshu wasn't completely unfair to her. He might as well turn a blind eye.
"Did she ask you to be her advocate?" Qin Zheng put down his magazine and asked.
"She was worried you would feel upset," Lin Jingxian, seeing her father-in-law softening, rejoiced inwardly.
"If she were worried about upsetting me, she shouldn't have gotten entangled with Zuo Qinghuan in the first place," Qin Zheng muttered resentfully, though his heart felt somewhat lighter, the previous blockage easing slightly.