SWNOVELXO 105. Why Did It Turn Out Like This?
After listening to Ling Ning’s account, Zhou Jingshan and his wife appeared nostalgic, as it reminded them of how they had first met. Back then, Zhou Jingshan was just a skinny young man who managed to rescue his beloved thanks to a “backstab of justice.” Because of this, they found Ling Ning’s words quite endearing.
“So, what’s your current family situation like?” This time, it was Zhou Xiaoxiao’s mother who spoke up.
“My parents died in a car accident when I was very young. I’ve been taking care of my younger sister ever since.” Ling Ning’s voice was calm, as if she were talking about something trivial.
“That must have been difficult for you.”
“Those days are behind me now. I have my own career, and I have someone I love.” As Ling Ning spoke, she took Zhou Xiaoxiao’s hand and gazed at her with deep affection. Even Ling Ning herself was almost moved by her own acting.
Zhou Xiaoxiao, looking into Ling Ning’s eyes, felt her heart pounding uncontrollably. She tried to remind herself that Ling Ning was a woman, but she simply couldn’t stop the rush of emotions.
“Ahem, ahem~”
Qian Xu couldn’t stand it any longer. Watching his fiancée act all lovey-dovey with someone else in front of him, he felt a deep sense of jealousy and frustration.
“My apologies, that was improper of me.”
Ling Ning awkwardly scratched her head and then pointed towards the chess table in the yard, feigning surprise. “Uncle, do you play chess as well?”
According to the information Zhou Xiaoxiao had provided, Zhou Jingshan loved to play chess, though he wasn’t very good at it and was known for often taking back his moves. Apart from Zhou Xiaoxiao, no one else was willing to play with him.
“How about we go out and have a match?”
“If you don’t mind my poor skills, Uncle~”
Ling Ning did know how to play chess. In her own opinion, her chess skills were top-notch. In her past life, the only person who played with her was her girlfriend—everyone else refused because… well, she was awful at it and had a bad habit of taking back her moves.
Seeing Zhou Xiaoxiao’s parents head out, Qian Xu wanted to follow, but Zhou Xiaoxiao stopped him. One reason was that she didn’t want him interfering while Ling Ning tried to win over her father, and the other was that she had something she wanted to say to Qian Xu.
“Xiaoxiao, why did you pick someone like him? Just one look at that pretty face, and you know he’s no good. And he’s so frail—he wouldn’t be able to protect you.”
“Who I like is my own business. As for you, I’ve always considered you just a friend.” Zhou Xiaoxiao looked seriously at Qian Xu.
“But…”
“Don’t say any more. I don’t want our friendship to end here.”
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Out in the yard, Zhou Jingshan found himself surprised. His daughter’s so-called “boyfriend” was actually pretty decent at chess, matching him move for move.
Ling Ning, for her part, also noticed that Zhou Jingshan’s skills were not as poor as she had been led to believe. In fact, she found him rather formidable, capable of giving her a good challenge.
“What do you like about my daughter? Are you even aware that she’s still underage?” Zhou Jingshan asked as he made his next move.
“Underage or not, it doesn’t matter how long I have to wait for her. I love how Xiaoxiao makes me feel when we’re together—her spontaneity, her playful ways, her little tempers, her kind and understanding nature…” Ling Ning went on and on, blending in real traits of Zhou Xiaoxiao with some embellishments of her own. She felt goosebumps forming from all the saccharine words, even though she was the one saying them.
At that moment, Zhou Xiaoxiao and Qian Xu walked back outside, just in time to hear Ling Ning’s overly affectionate declaration. Though she knew it was all an act, Zhou Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but feel her heart pounding wildly again.
Zhou Jingshan fell silent for a moment before speaking. “You do realize that Xiaoxiao is already engaged, don’t you?”
“Of course I do. Xiaoxiao has told me. But so what? Uncle, Auntie! A lifelong marriage is a matter that concerns Xiaoxiao’s happiness. To disregard the wishes of those involved and arrange it solely based on ‘parental orders and matchmakers’ words’ seems rather extreme, doesn’t it?”
“I’m sure you’ve read or seen enough on TV about how forced marriages rarely end well—they often result in tragedy.”
“Do you think Xiaoxiao will be happy if she marries someone she doesn’t love?”
After Ling Ning finished speaking, the atmosphere turned heavy with silence.
“Xiaoxiao just doesn’t understand yet…”
“Understand what? Do you really think Xiaoxiao will be happy marrying Qian Xu? Living a life where she’s materially satisfied—is that your definition of happiness? Besides, given your family’s financial situation, Xiaoxiao hardly needs someone else to provide her with that.”
“Everyone has a different definition of happiness. Only Xiaoxiao knows what will truly make her happy—not me, not you, not anyone else.”
“Checkmate, Uncle.”
After saying all of that, Ling Ning’s mouth felt dry. At that moment, Zhou Xiaoxiao thoughtfully handed her a cup of water.
“Thank you.”
Zhou Xiaoxiao smiled gently, saying nothing.
“……”
Zhou Jingshan stared at the chessboard, realizing he was completely outmatched. Deep in thought, he questioned whether he had been wrong—whether an old promise was truly more important than his daughter’s happiness.
With a deep sigh, Zhou Jingshan looked at Ling Ning and said, “This game doesn’t count. You distracted me with all that talking. Let’s play again!”
“Uncle, that’s a bit unfair, isn’t it?”
“Are you going to play or not, kid?”
“Of course, Uncle! If you’re asking, I wouldn’t dare refuse.”
Jiang Yuan glanced at her husband, shook her head with a smile, and said nothing.
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“Five wins and five losses—not bad, kid. You can actually keep up with me.”
“Oh, it was all thanks to you going easy on me, Uncle. Otherwise, I’d have no chance.”
Zhou Xiaoxiao watched in disbelief as the two men praised each other. In her eyes, their chess skills were simply abysmal, yet neither seemed even remotely aware of it. It was ridiculous.
“Alright, I’ll go prepare dinner. Xiao Ling, stay and eat with us.” Jiang Yuan stood up and headed to the kitchen.
“Auntie, let me help.”
“You know how to cook?” Jiang Yuan looked at Ling Ning with surprise. After all, it wasn’t common for young men nowadays to know their way around the kitchen.
Ling Ning smiled shyly. “I know a little.”
“Well, then, let’s exchange some tips~” With a bright smile, Jiang Yuan pulled Ling Ning into the kitchen. She was growing fonder of her daughter’s “boyfriend” by the minute.
Qian Xu, watching all of this, gritted his teeth in frustration. How did things turn out like this? He was supposed to be the one in her life…
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Author’s Note:
“Salty Fish is just too handsome.” Since I have no idea what else to say, I might as well compliment myself.