Ch. 1371..1380

Nothing To Give But My Heart Chapter 1371

She desperately pushed Han Qing’s shoulders and anxiously said, “No!”

Since returning from the trip, the two had not slept together, and Yan had also stopped fantasizing about it. Furthermore, Han Qing would always like to be alone. If it was not for her pregnancy, she would have thought they were in a platonic relationship. That’s not right. At least Han Qing would still kiss her and show that sort of desire when kissing her. However, he had probably been worried about something as he did not do anything else to her during that period.

Eventually, Yan had also forgotten about this. Now that something was about to happen between the two of them, she started to panic. After all, she was not alone now—she was carrying a baby inside of her. After getting pregnant, she read a lot of articles online and found out that babies below three months of age were in unstable conditions, so the mothers needed to take cautionary measures. She did not care much about it when she read this, but at this moment, she suddenly remembered that her fetus was not in a stable condition yet. What if she went along with Han Qing and something happened to the baby?

However, Han Qing did not know these things and was just thinking that the young lady was shy, so his feet did not stop moving. Yan watched as they got closer and closer to the bedroom. She was so anxious that she was struggling to jump off him. Han Qing grabbed her wrist and said in a hoarse voice, “What are you nervous about?”

“I-I’m not nervous.”

“Then are you afraid?” Han Qing stared at her; his eyes were deep and boundless like the sea.

“I’m not afraid!” Yan really did not know how to explain it to him, so she could only keep shaking her head. “It’s just a no from me!”

“When we were abroad previously, wasn’t it you who took the initiative?” Han Qing narrowed his eyes and leaned down to get closer to her, breathing on her face. “Have you forgotten that time you were trying so hard to tease me?”

Huh? When he brought it up, Yan recalled. She was unable to accept it now that she thought back about it. What was I thinking at that time that I so shamelessly took the initiative to do such things?

“I can’t remember.” As such, Yan denied everything with a cheeky look on her face. Seeing her direct denial, Han Qing squeezed her face. “Are you sure you don’t remember?”

Yan nodded. “Yeah, I really don’t remember.”

“Okay.” Han Qing carried her from the side once more. Yan was shocked and brought her arms around his neck while exclaiming, “What are you doing? Didn’t I say I don’t remember? Let me down!”

“It’s great that you don’t remember. I’ll help you remember. After experiencing it again, maybe you’ll remember.”

Yan was shocked and took a breath. “Let’s not. It’s not that I want to refuse, it’s just that I have a cold now.” They were already inside the bedroom and were very close to the bed. “Let me down! We really can’t!”

He only responded by pressing her onto the soft, big bed before clasping her hands and raising them above her head. His cool thin lips found their way to the corners of her mouth. “I have a cold as well, so it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to worry about passing it to me and the same goes for me.”

“No, no, no!” Yan pushed him away and shook her head vigorously. “We really can’t.”

Han Qing frowned slightly, feeling a little confused about the way she was acting. Although he was planning to stay with her a little while more, the good atmosphere before was now ruined. He no longer wanted to continue, but he wanted to know what was going on with the young lady and why she was so adamant on refusing him.

If it was because of her cold, she was also being a little resistant when he first kissed her but she went with it afterward. When it came to this, however, she was strongly against it. After thinking about it, Han Qing could only think of one possibility. Frowning, he watched Yan without saying anything. “Why aren’t you willing? Did I hurt you the last time?”

What? Yan was still thinking about how to explain it when she suddenly heard such a sentence from him, leaving her stunned and blushing.

“Cough.” Han Qing probably felt embarrassed. After all, it was such a private topic. However, seeing that there were only the two of them here, he no longer hesitated after thinking about it. The two were supposed to lead long lives together, so this kind of thing might become common and normal in the future. After a while, he said, “At that time, I was drugged, so I couldn’t control myself too well. If you’re scared, I’ll be gentle this time.”

Yan almost choked on her saliva while furiously blushing. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

“It’s not nonsense.” Han Qing lowered his head and kissed her chin with his thin lips. “We’ll be doing this more and more often in the future. I’m already prepared.”

“W-What?” Prepared? Yan did not understand.

“In a ceremonial sense.”

When the words were spoken, Yan felt as if something cold was placed on her finger. She was taken aback before realizing what it was, but she could not believe it. She could only lie there in a daze while staring at Han Qing. “You… What did you put on my hand just now?”

Han Qing smiled faintly; his eyes were like a deep pool that were full of different emotions.

“You’ll know once you take a look at it yourself.”

Yan did not move. After a while, she laughed and said, “You’re joking with me, right?”

“Hmm?”

“What I really mean to say is—”

“Will you marry me?” Han Qing interrupted her and Yan’s eyes immediately turned red after hearing his words. She looked at him incredulously while her heart fluttered frantically. Her lips trembled as she spoke, “You… You just said…” She slowly brought her hand closer and finally saw what was on her finger. It was a shiny diamond ring.

The size was just right and it seemed to fit her finger perfectly. The diamond shone brightly under the lights too. The moment she laid her eyes on it, Yan could not help herself anymore and the tears that had welled in her eyes started streaming down. “Sob. Why are you… Why are you suddenly…”

“It’s not sudden. I started preparing for this after coming back from our vacation. It’s still hot from the oven and I wanted to find the right time to do this.”

After saying that much, Han Qing did not continue but Yan already understood what he meant to say. He did not expect her to throw him a birthday party after that. Furthermore, the fiancée incident happened right after, almost destroying their relationship.

“It’s best that I give it to you now. Although it lacks the ceremonial feeling, I’ll compensate for it during our wedding after this.”

“Wedding?” Yan felt as if she was dreaming. Will I actually get to marry Han Qing? I’ve never thought that a day like this would happen.

“Don’t you want to?” Han Qing smiled and clasped her fingers. “Even if you don’t want to, you no longer have a choice since you’ve already put on the ring.”

“What?”

“Should we have the wedding or register our marriage first?”

Yan did not know how to respond at the moment. Wait, how are things moving so quickly? What’s going on?! Didn’t he just want to sleep with me?! Why did he suddenly propose?

Nothing To Give But My Heart Chapter 1372

“About that… I think all of this is happening way too quickly. Why don’t you think about it again?” Yan coughed lightly to stop Han Qing from going crazy. She wondered if it was because she had run off this time around that Han Qing had a sense of urgency and that was why he was so anxious to put a ring on her. Regardless, Yan was moved when she heard that he started preparing for this proposal since returning from their vacation.

After all, when he was drugged back then, he had tried his best to control himself. He resisted it no matter how hard she tried to seduce him, all because he did not want to hurt her. She did not expect that he had long been preparing for it. Therefore, it was safe to say that they were mutually in love.

“Quick?” Han Qing narrowed his eyes and suddenly said something shocking, “If you conceived a baby that night and we count the days from then, you may not be able to hide your pregnant belly when the day of the wedding comes.”

Hearing this, Yan was shocked. She looked at Han Qing with widened eyes, “You… You…” Why did he suddenly bring up pregnancy? His words are right on point. Did he guess something? Does he already know that I’m pregnant? No, that can’t be right! It’s impossible!

If he knew that she was pregnant, he would not ask her to take medicine for her cold, nor would he want to sleep with her at this time. If that was the case, then he likely only brought it up to use as an example. After calming down from her shock, she said, “Marriage isn’t a small matter, and it’s not just because of the official ceremony. I just feel that you should think it over once more. After all, we haven’t been together for all that long. What if you get bored after just a couple of months? If we choose to divorce, it won’t be good for either of us.”

After she finished talking, Han Qing’s eyebrows were pulled into a deep frown as both his expression and eyes seemed a little unhappy. “Have you forgotten everything I told you before?”

“Hmm?”

Han Qing pursed his thin lips and did not speak. He was obviously angry. Yan did not know what she had said wrong. After thinking about it, she wondered if it was her statement about the divorce that made him angry. She quickly explained, “I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just worried that you’ll regret it.”

Han Qing did not know what she was thinking and stared at her for a long time before finally bending down to bury his face in the crook of her neck. His thin lips gently kissed her neck as his dull voice could be heard saying, “I’ve already said that I acknowledge you as the person I’ll spend my life with, but if you haven’t thought it through yet, then I’ll give you some time to think things over. Just don’t let me wait for too long.” He started to kiss her on the neck once more. Yan was a little confused by his kisses. Furthermore, he had just put a ring on her finger so her mind was blank at the moment.

Wait a minute. Yan suddenly thought of something very important. Why did Han Qing choose this specific time to propose to me? Is he using this trick to sleep with me?

Once this thought appeared in her head, Yan asked him immediately. Han Qing, who was lying on her body, did not move and only answered with silence.

“Did I guess it right? You were hoping to have a successful marriage proposal and then…” She did not say the following words, but it was obvious what she was getting at. When it was quiet for a long while, Yan thought that she had definitely gotten it right.

She could not laugh nor cry out. “Then should I be returning the ring to you now?” she whispered. Unfortunately, Han Qing had already guessed that she was pregnant, so he could not sleep with her.

Han Qing also understood what she meant and clasped her wrist. “Since I’ve already given it to you, then it’s yours. There’s no reason for me to take it back. But if you’re unwilling to keep it, then I won’t force you.”

Since he had said so, then he really meant it as such. Han Qing got up and did not do anything else to Yan. He simply sat on the side of the bed and buttoned up his clothes.

Looking at his back, Yan did not know what was going on. Her heart felt like it was a little empty. Actually, she was willing and really wanted to be with him, but she was pregnant now. What if something happened to the baby if they slept together? As such, she would let him endure this for a little while longer. After three months, perhaps. Hehehe.

This time, Yan stayed in Han Qing’s house for three days. When she was almost recovered from her cold, she packed up her things and went home. At first, Han Qing wanted to accompany her upstairs to her home to help explain the situation to her parents. However, Yan refused, saying that she would not know what to say if he was there with her. As such, she asked him to go back first and come back at another time. As the young lady had already said so, Han Qing did not say any more. He kissed her on her forehead and drove away.

She thought that since she had suddenly ran off, her parents would interrogate her upon her return. Unexpectedly, they did not say much. When they saw that she was back, they just happily said that they should prepare more dishes for tonight’s meal. Then, her father went out to buy groceries. Meanwhile, Luo Huimei headed to the kitchen and turned on the stove to fry Yan’s favorite meatballs.

Seeing all of this, Yan felt warm in her heart. She walked over and rested her chin on her mother’s shoulders, softly calling out, “Mom.”

“Why did you come into the kitchen? Go out and wait. Your dad and I will make you a delicious meal today.”

When Luo Huimei said that, Yan felt that her nose was becoming sore. “Mom, don’t you and Dad blame me? I ran off all of a sudden. Aren’t I too willful?”

“Silly girl, isn’t it normal to be reckless when we’re young? There’s always a new experience for everything. What’s important is that you’re back safely now. We’re relieved now, so how would we be blaming you?”

“Thank you, Mom.” Yan lowered her head and placed her face on her mother’s back. She said dully, “I think I was too impulsive this time, running off without first understanding the situation. If he hadn’t chased after me, our relationship would probably be over by now.”

Hearing this, Luo Huimei finally turned around. She neatened the collar of Yan’s clothes and sighed. “This is to say that you have to first go through things to experience them. If it wasn’t because the two of you talked it through later on, would you still think the you from before was wrong? You were being so stubborn back then and you refused to listen to anybody else.”

When Luo Huimei said these words, Yan found them reasonable.

“So, don’t be so impulsive in the future. If you encounter an issue, analyze it first and ask yourself why he did what he did and if it could be a misunderstanding. When talking about these matters, you have to do it calmly so that you won’t be prone to making mistakes. That’s how you won’t regret things in the future when you look back.”

Yan nodded, feeling enlightened. “Okay, I understand, Mom. I’ll be more calm in the future.”

“You’re already a grown up but you’re still so childish. You should take this opportunity to grow up after this incident.” After speaking, Luo Huimei pinched her nose. As she had put a little strength into it, Yan was in pain and subconsciously reached out to push her mom’s hand away. “Mom, you’re hurting me.”

That was when Luo Huimei saw the diamond ring on her finger.

Nothing To Give But My Heart Chapter 1373

“This is?” Luo Huimei had probably never seen such a big diamond ring before, so she grabbed her hand with a bedazzled expression. “Yan?”

Yan’s expression showed that she was feeling a little shy. She explained in a soft voice, “Mom, don’t ask.”

“Han Qing gave this to you?”

Yan nodded.

“He proposed?”

Yan nodded again.

Luo Huimei felt her breathing becoming frantic. “Then, my baby girl, did you say yes?”

Hearing this, Yan’s face flushed all the way down to her neck, making her look like a ripe apple. Her eyes shifted around as she glanced to the right, then to the left. “I… I haven’t agreed to it yet. I have to think about it.”

“Think about it?” Luo Huimei raised her eyebrows and teased her, “Oh, when did my daughter learn to be so reserved? Why didn’t you think about it first before mindlessly chasing after a certain someone? Now that he has proposed to you, you want to think about it?”

Yan snorted and pursed her lips. It was because he had caught her off guard with his sudden proposal, and there was nothing special about it either. Although she did not mind the ceremonial element in it, he should not be rushing things so soon. He did not say much before and just put a ring on her finger. Of course, she would not accept it easily. “Of course, I have to think about it first. If I just say yes to him without even thinking about it, wouldn’t I cheapen him?”

After the train incident, Yan knew that Han Qing’s tolerance for her was much higher than she had imagined. She also wanted to try being a little reckless and enjoyed the feeling of being pampered by him. Just thinking about it was enough to make her excited.

“Silly girl, do as you wish then. Anyway, your dad and I are already happy enough to see you like this.”

Yan smiled and went forward to hug Luo Huimei by wrapping her arms over her mother’s shoulders. “Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your understanding. I’ll always love you.”

“Could you be less clingy?” Luo Huimei patted her hand. Although she had said something to show her disgust, her eyes were warm and full of bright smiles.

It had been nearly a week before Han Qing returned to the company. As he had pushed back a lot of work, he did not have much free time after coming back. After settling all the important things that were put off from before, two days had passed.

He was indeed tired, but if he did not take the lead in this matter, there was no one else around him or a trusted relative of the Han family whom he could hand over this task to. As such, only he could handle the affairs of the company. After the incident with Yan, he recalled something she said although she had only said it out of anger. However, these words were probably hidden in her heart for a long time, so she was likely feeling aggrieved when she said them out. He needed to take it seriously. As such, Han Qing told Su Jiu that he would only handle matters of utmost importance from now on while general tasks would be handled by his subordinates.

After hearing this, Su Jiu was a little stunned. “Leave these matters to others? Will you be fine with this? Those old fellows from the board are…”

“Keep your eyes on them. As long as they’re not making any big moves, let them be.” The company was huge, so it was inevitable that some would make petty moves, but in the workplace, these sorts of things were common. As long as one did not poke a big cheese in the company, or treat the employees from the lower rungs poorly, or take money without contributing anything, Han Qing would not take the matter seriously. In short, one would have to put in the same amount of effort to the pay they were receiving.

Su Jiu looked at his determined gaze and understood that she could not say anything else. As such, she simply nodded. “Okay, then I’ll keep my eye on things. But if it’s like this, then my workload has increased once more, President Han. I still have babies to feed at home. Will you increase my salary?”

“I will.”

Su Jiu had always been a courteous person. Even if she previously liked Han Qing, she would never act hypocritically with him. If she thought that she was working hard to the point of exhaustion, she would ask to receive a raise. Han Qing trusted her, and she was capable of doing things. She had been working with him for so many years, so he accepted her request.

This time, Han Qing even said, “In addition to a raise, I’ll give you a big red envelope when I get married and there’ll be a considerable bonus for the Lunar New Year.”

Hearing these words, Su Jiu felt that she could smell the money. However, as soon as she smelled something else, she raised her eyebrows. “President Han, are you getting married? You successfully proposed?”

Han Qing furrowed his brows a little while pursing his lips. He said, “Not yet, but I will succeed.”

Hearing this, Su Jiu smiled lightly. “Okay. I’ll be waiting to hear the good news from you, President Han. When the time comes, I’ll ask you for a big red envelope.” After the matter was resolved, Su Jiu suddenly remembered something and said, “By the way, President Han, Miss Muzi came to the company to look for you a few days ago. When she heard that you weren’t here, she left.”

“Alright, I’ll give her a call later.”

“Oh, by the way, she met Xu Yanwan. And they didn’t seem to have a pleasant conversation together.”

Xu Yanwan. Hearing this name, Han Qing’s eyes sank a little. He had planned to deal with this matter after all the company’s affairs were in place. Regarding the incident of him and Xu Yanwan suddenly becoming an engaged couple in the company, he really wanted to know how such a rumor came to be. His young lady had felt so aggrieved because of the misunderstanding that made her out to be a mistress that she hopped on a train by herself and threw her phone card away.

Although it turned out to be a misunderstanding in the end and the young lady had returned to his side, she did not misunderstand for no reason. If no one had said this to her or added fuel to her jealousy, she would not have lost her mind due to anger in the first place. Thinking of this, Han Qing turned on the computer with his fingertip. “Understood. I’ll deal with this matter.”

Soon, Xu Yanwan received news that Han Qing wanted to meet her after she got off work at the cafe outside instead of the company. After she received the news, her heart thumped hard as a vague premonition rose from within her. He did not want to meet her in the company and instead asked her to meet him outside. According to her understanding of Han Qing, it was probably because he wanted to talk to her about serious matters. What would be discussed…

Han Qing had disappeared for a week and only returned to work a week later, which showed that he already resolved his matter. He had probably found out all about it. Thinking about this, Xu Yanwan kept feeling like her heart was sinking. Her head started to hurt from squeezing the mouse in her hand too tightly. Suddenly, she thought of the words Han Muzi had said to her before. She said that if she wanted to, she could have a better life in the future.

Really? Will I really be fine in a life without Han Qing? She had liked him since she was a child, and she continued to like him when she went abroad. She was the daughter of the Xu family, and many men were lining up for her. However, she only ever had eyes for Han Qing, who was like a god in her heart. Her love for him spanned countless days and nights, accompanying her for a long time. This love already ran deep in her heart and was flowing through her bloodstream since long ago. If she wanted to give it all up, could she really do it? With this in mind, Xu Yanwan slowly closed her eyes as two streams of tears slid down from the corners of her eyes.

Nothing To Give But My Heart Chapter 1374

At the cafe, Xu Yanwan had been looking at Han Qing, who was inside, from the side of the road for a long time. His face seemed a lot thinner after just a week of not seeing him. There was a tired look on his handsome face, but that sharp edge to his gaze was still obvious. He had become like this because of his girlfriend. The thought of this made Xu Yanwan’s heart even more bitter. She swallowed all the sad emotions before letting a smile bloom upon her face and walking in.

When he saw her, Han Qing remained expressionless. He only said ‘you’re here’ and nothing more. Xu Yanwan ordered a cup of coffee before sitting down quietly. She could guess what Han Qing wanted to say and she also knew what Han Qing wanted to do, but she still refused to say even a word. She would just let Han Qing begin.

Sure enough, when her coffee came, Han Qing started speaking, “In the past, the Han and Xu families shared a good relationship. In fact, the elders had the idea of going through life and death matters together. If the Han family was going through problems, Xu Group would not sit idly by. And when the Xu family was going through something, the Han family would naturally be obliged to help. But then the Xu family fell and the Han family did not fulfill our responsibility as well as keep to our promise at the time. That was my fault.”

Xu Yanwan stirred the coffee in front of her without saying anything.

“Before, you were unwilling to let me extend a helping hand to you, but now, I have to do it. Yanwan, you should start a company. I’ll assist and aid you until the company takes shape. You can get the help of any of the directors in Han Group. When the Xu family is revived, my duty will be fulfilled. It’s only in this way that I won’t feel sorry toward Uncle Xu and Aunt Xu any longer.”

These words sounded quite normal as he was talking about the promise the elders made in the past. Furthermore, Han Qing himself had agreed to it, so he would help till the end. However, Xu Yanwan still felt uncomfortable. She bit her lower lip and raised her head. “Are you doing all this just to get rid of me?” She gave a feeble smile as she continued, “I haven’t done anything and neither do I want to do anything. I’m just here to work at the company. Can’t you just let me be?”

Han Qing’s expression sank. “Yanwan, you grew up with me so I don’t want to say such unpleasant words to you.”

“Unpleasant?” Xu Yanwan smiled. “Then I really do want to hear what unpleasant words you want to say to me.”

Looking at Xu Yanwan, Han Qing thought of his aggrieved young lady and suddenly felt that there was no need for him to be tactful under these circumstances. He said bluntly, “Do I have an engagement with you?”

Xu Yanwan was taken aback and stared at him blankly. Even though she had guessed that he would bring it up, she did not expect him to ask in such a straightforward manner. She did not know how to answer for a while as she sat in place.

“Do we?” Han Qing repeated his question once more.

However, Xu Yanwan still did not provide an answer. She bit her lower lip, feeling as if her heart was being torn. Han Qing saw that she was not speaking, and he did not force her either. “I’m here today to clarify this matter with you. If I recall correctly, you and I have never openly discussed the engagement of both families, nor did we even exchange a token of promise.”

Xu Yanwan understood now that he was trying to disassociate himself from her and did not recognize their engagement from their childhood.

“Furthermore, my parents have never mentioned to me that I have a fiancée, so I want to know just how the news of you being my fiancée was spread.”

Hearing this, Xu Yanwan finally sat down. She raised her head and tears were already in her eyes. “So, you came here today to renounce me? Han Qing, we grew up together. I know you like Yan, but even if you like her, you can’t possibly do this to me, right?”

However, her tears did not have any effect on Han Qing. His eyes were still cold when he saw her this way. It was just like back when they were children. She fell and was sitting on the ground; she shouted at him that her knee hurt and wanted him to carry her back. Han Qing merely glanced at her with an indifferent look and said that since she had not broken her leg, she could walk back herself or just sit there all night. Then, he left her there.

At that time, Xu Yanwan was really angry and felt aggrieved. In the end, it was Lin Xuzheng who walked over to pull her up. However, Lin Xuzheng did not carry her on his back and only said to her, “Han Qing is an emotionless log of wood. It’s alright if you provoke others, but you can’t ever provoke him. If he agrees to carry you back, then red rain would fall from the sky. Be less pretentious in front of him or you won’t get anything in the end.”

As a result, Xu Yanwan learned to behave better as she knew that Han Qing was a piece of ice and that it was useless for her to act coy. It was also then when she stopped acting like a baby in front of Han Qing. She became a sensible girl who would always accompany him by his side. It was the same this time around with Han Qing not showing a trace of pity even when looking at her teary face. He merely frowned coldly and said, “I have nothing to do with you, so how could I be dissociating myself from you?”

Xu Yanwan was shocked by the sentence. “You… What did you say? Nothing to do with me?”

Han Qing pursed his lips, still looking at her indifferently.

“Why don’t we have anything to do with each other? The marriage contract was set by our two families. You don’t know it, but I do. I remember it since I was a child. I thought you knew it too.”

Hearing this, Han Qing’s brows furrowed deeper. “Then you should be thankful that I wasn’t made aware of this. If I had known about it, I wouldn’t have given you the chance to spew nonsense.”

He said these ruthless words, and Xu Yanwan understood. He was very unsympathetic to her. He could help her for the Xu family’s sake, let her receive help from the senior staff of Han Group, and give her a lot of money as a sponsorship, but apart from these, he would not give her anything else—even if it was just a little bit of affection. He was so cold and apathetic. This was what Han Qing was like, but he treated those he valued so well. Xu Yanwan bit her lower lip and soon tasted blood in her mouth.

“In the future, I don’t want to hear any more rumors about you being my fiancée in the company. I can let you clarify this yourself for the sake of the Xu family. If you can’t do it, then I’ll do it myself. Also, do consider my proposal of reviving the Xu Family.”

As soon as his voice fell, Han Qing’s phone started ringing. He took out his phone and glanced at the screen. His previously indifferent eyes turned soft in the next second, and this sort of change surprised Xu Yanwan, making her heart bitter. Why? Why is it that for the things that I desperately want, others can get them so easily? Meanwhile, I’m left with nothing. Why was liking someone so bitter? She simply liked him. Could it be that she had chosen to love the wrong person?

Just when Han Qing was about to answer the call, Xu Yanwan suddenly stopped biting her lower lip and said, “I don’t need to think it through anymore. I accept your offer of reviving the Xu family.”

She really had nothing now. If alas Han Qing could not belong to her, what else would she have? At the very least, she wanted to hold on to the Xu family. She could not just go down like this for nothing.

Nothing To Give But My Heart Chapter 1375

At the cafe, Xu Yanwan had been looking at Han Qing, who was inside, from the side of the road for a long time. His face seemed a lot thinner after just a week of not seeing him. There was a tired look on his handsome face, but that sharp edge to his gaze was still obvious. He had become like this because of his girlfriend. The thought of this made Xu Yanwan’s heart even more bitter. She swallowed all the sad emotions before letting a smile bloom upon her face and walking in.

When he saw her, Han Qing remained expressionless. He only said ‘you’re here’ and nothing more. Xu Yanwan ordered a cup of coffee before sitting down quietly. She could guess what Han Qing wanted to say and she also knew what Han Qing wanted to do, but she still refused to say even a word. She would just let Han Qing begin.

Sure enough, when her coffee came, Han Qing started speaking, “In the past, the Han and Xu families shared a good relationship. In fact, the elders had the idea of going through life and death matters together. If the Han family was going through problems, Xu Group would not sit idly by. And when the Xu family was going through something, the Han family would naturally be obliged to help. But then the Xu family fell and the Han family did not fulfill our responsibility as well as keep to our promise at the time. That was my fault.”

Xu Yanwan stirred the coffee in front of her without saying anything.

“Before, you were unwilling to let me extend a helping hand to you, but now, I have to do it. Yanwan, you should start a company. I’ll assist and aid you until the company takes shape. You can get the help of any of the directors in Han Group. When the Xu family is revived, my duty will be fulfilled. It’s only in this way that I won’t feel sorry toward Uncle Xu and Aunt Xu any longer.”

These words sounded quite normal as he was talking about the promise the elders made in the past. Furthermore, Han Qing himself had agreed to it, so he would help till the end. However, Xu Yanwan still felt uncomfortable. She bit her lower lip and raised her head. “Are you doing all this just to get rid of me?” She gave a feeble smile as she continued, “I haven’t done anything and neither do I want to do anything. I’m just here to work at the company. Can’t you just let me be?”

Han Qing’s expression sank. “Yanwan, you grew up with me so I don’t want to say such unpleasant words to you.”

“Unpleasant?” Xu Yanwan smiled. “Then I really do want to hear what unpleasant words you want to say to me.”

Looking at Xu Yanwan, Han Qing thought of his aggrieved young lady and suddenly felt that there was no need for him to be tactful under these circumstances. He said bluntly, “Do I have an engagement with you?”

Xu Yanwan was taken aback and stared at him blankly. Even though she had guessed that he would bring it up, she did not expect him to ask in such a straightforward manner. She did not know how to answer for a while as she sat in place.

“Do we?” Han Qing repeated his question once more.

However, Xu Yanwan still did not provide an answer. She bit her lower lip, feeling as if her heart was being torn. Han Qing saw that she was not speaking, and he did not force her either. “I’m here today to clarify this matter with you. If I recall correctly, you and I have never openly discussed the engagement of both families, nor did we even exchange a token of promise.”

Xu Yanwan understood now that he was trying to disassociate himself from her and did not recognize their engagement from their childhood.

“Furthermore, my parents have never mentioned to me that I have a fiancée, so I want to know just how the news of you being my fiancée was spread.”

Hearing this, Xu Yanwan finally sat down. She raised her head and tears were already in her eyes. “So, you came here today to renounce me? Han Qing, we grew up together. I know you like Yan, but even if you like her, you can’t possibly do this to me, right?”

However, her tears did not have any effect on Han Qing. His eyes were still cold when he saw her this way. It was just like back when they were children. She fell and was sitting on the ground; she shouted at him that her knee hurt and wanted him to carry her back. Han Qing merely glanced at her with an indifferent look and said that since she had not broken her leg, she could walk back herself or just sit there all night. Then, he left her there.

At that time, Xu Yanwan was really angry and felt aggrieved. In the end, it was Lin Xuzheng who walked over to pull her up. However, Lin Xuzheng did not carry her on his back and only said to her, “Han Qing is an emotionless log of wood. It’s alright if you provoke others, but you can’t ever provoke him. If he agrees to carry you back, then red rain would fall from the sky. Be less pretentious in front of him or you won’t get anything in the end.”

As a result, Xu Yanwan learned to behave better as she knew that Han Qing was a piece of ice and that it was useless for her to act coy. It was also then when she stopped acting like a baby in front of Han Qing. She became a sensible girl who would always accompany him by his side. It was the same this time around with Han Qing not showing a trace of pity even when looking at her teary face. He merely frowned coldly and said, “I have nothing to do with you, so how could I be dissociating myself from you?”

Xu Yanwan was shocked by the sentence. “You… What did you say? Nothing to do with me?”

Han Qing pursed his lips, still looking at her indifferently.

“Why don’t we have anything to do with each other? The marriage contract was set by our two families. You don’t know it, but I do. I remember it since I was a child. I thought you knew it too.”

Hearing this, Han Qing’s brows furrowed deeper. “Then you should be thankful that I wasn’t made aware of this. If I had known about it, I wouldn’t have given you the chance to spew nonsense.”

He said these ruthless words, and Xu Yanwan understood. He was very unsympathetic to her. He could help her for the Xu family’s sake, let her receive help from the senior staff of Han Group, and give her a lot of money as a sponsorship, but apart from these, he would not give her anything else—even if it was just a little bit of affection. He was so cold and apathetic. This was what Han Qing was like, but he treated those he valued so well. Xu Yanwan bit her lower lip and soon tasted blood in her mouth.

“In the future, I don’t want to hear any more rumors about you being my fiancée in the company. I can let you clarify this yourself for the sake of the Xu family. If you can’t do it, then I’ll do it myself. Also, do consider my proposal of reviving the Xu Family.”

As soon as his voice fell, Han Qing’s phone started ringing. He took out his phone and glanced at the screen. His previously indifferent eyes turned soft in the next second, and this sort of change surprised Xu Yanwan, making her heart bitter. Why? Why is it that for the things that I desperately want, others can get them so easily? Meanwhile, I’m left with nothing. Why was liking someone so bitter? She simply liked him. Could it be that she had chosen to love the wrong person?

Just when Han Qing was about to answer the call, Xu Yanwan suddenly stopped biting her lower lip and said, “I don’t need to think it through anymore. I accept your offer of reviving the Xu family.”

She really had nothing now. If alas Han Qing could not belong to her, what else would she have? At the very least, she wanted to hold on to the Xu family. She could not just go down like this for nothing.

Nothing To Give But My Heart Chapter 1376

Get a car for me? Xu Yanwan’s face immediately turned sour. She clenched her jaw tightly, then finally unfastened her seatbelt and stepped out of the car. “There’s no need to. If you don’t like me sitting here, then I’ll just get out.”

Upon seeing her give in, Yan kept her phone away and smiled. “If that’s the case, then very well. I’ll respect your decision.” With that, Yan went straight into the backseat without any hesitation instead of sitting where Xu Yanwan was before.

The air stiffened. At least, that was what Xu Yanwan thought. She automatically looked over at Han Qing. Although he doesn’t like me, he might still speak up on my behalf because of our family ties. But she was disappointed as Han Qing looked at her without any hint of sympathy and said, “I’ve spoiled Yan rotten. We’re not too far away from the place you mentioned so you can just get a taxi. The company will cover the fee.” Then, he carried the grocery bags and left as well.

Once the car was gone, Xu Yanwan stood there all alone. At first, she tried her best to hold it in, but the tears fought their way out and flowed down her face in a second. She was unable to hold them back anymore. It seemed like all the anguish she had all came pouring out in that moment. She squatted down as she trembled all over.

Meanwhile, after Yan sat in the backseat, she stayed looking out the window unhappily and did not talk to the person in the front seat. The atmosphere in the car was bleak. Han Qing saw her pouting through the rear view mirror. For some reason, he did not feel angry and was, in fact, delighted. Wowie, someone’s jealous.

To him, the seats were all the same and he did not read that much into it. Moreover, he did not know about the popular saying on the internet that the passenger seat was reserved for girlfriends only. It was just a seat, anyway. Anyone can sit there if they want to. Besides, it wouldn’t change how I feel. But he did not expect Yan to get so angry over it that she would not even say a word to him.

When they arrived at a red light, he brought the car to a stop and said, “I have something to tell you.”

Her gaze shifted. She was still angry at him, so she rejected him right away. “I don’t want to hear it.” As soon as she said that, she remembered the last time they argued. He wanted to explain things to her but she refused to hear him out which ended up in a misunderstanding. She was so hardheaded last time that she almost broke off their relationship. At the thought of that, she altered her statement. “I don’t want to hear what you have to say now. You can speak after three minutes!”

He held back a smile. “Okay. Start counting down now.”

But she couldn’t care less about the countdown. She only blurted out three minutes as a means to hold on to her last bit of pride. Although Yan was really mad, she knew that she should not be as stubborn as she was before after everything they went through. I have to at least know the full story before making a decision.

Since she was able to get some information from what Han Qing said earlier, she knew that Xu Yanwan had asked to sit in the front. As a man and an old friend, Han Qing could not have said no to her. I can’t blame him for that. Maybe I just lost my temper. The mere sight of Xu Yanwan bugs me.

Feelings played a big factor in a lot of things. If she and Han Qing did not have any ties with each other, then Yan and Xu Yanwan could have still been friends. On the other hand, if Xu Yanwan also liked Han Qing, then their friendship would never be as simple as it was anymore. If so, we’re better off not being friends at all. Furthermore, all the things Xu Yanwan said to her, including that message, had ruined her mood. That made her even more unwilling to force herself.

Three minutes went by very quickly. Han Qing checked the time before he said, “Three minutes are up. Can I tell you now?”

Hmph. “What do you want to say? Tell me.”

“Actually, I was the one who asked her out today.”

Yan’s eyes widened. “What?”

“But I only did it to clear things up with her. She and I have never been engaged before.”

So that’s what they talked about. Yan pursed her lips and thought of something. “If you’ve never been engaged to each other, then why—”

“She just misunderstood, but she apologized.”

Apologized? The way things unfolded did not seem right to Yan. Why was she so quick to deny it now? When so many people were talking about it at the company before, there was no way she did not hear the rumors and gossip. Why didn’t she deny it back then? Why did she deny it this time and apologized? Not to mention, she sat in the passenger seat and said those things to me. It feels like she’s trying to claim her territory. Yes. That’s right. She’s trying to claim her territory. Yan did not see the least bit of remorse in her eyes, and even detected a hint of annoyance. Annoyed at me? What for? Han Qing said so himself that he had no idea about an engagement. The two families never exchanged any marriage tokens, much less went through any ceremonies. That just means this engagement is not legitimate. Why is she mad at me then? Is she mad that I took away the person she liked?

“Do you think she has really given up on you? After all, you’ve known each other for so long. Her feelings for you must have developed a long time ago and not just recently.”

Yan was right. The two of them grew up together. Either she never had feelings for him, or she always did. How is it possible that she did not feel anything for him when they were younger and suddenly developed feelings for him now?

Yan debated over this question seriously in her mind. Han Qing did not give a half-hearted answer either. Still, he was not entirely sure, so he just said, “It doesn’t matter whether she has given up or not. The ending will still be the same.”

Yan paused, then quickly dismissed the thoughts in her mind. That’s right. It doesn’t matter whether she has given up or not. All that matters is that Han Qing only loves me, right? Why should I care about her? If someone likes him, then it shows that he’s awesome. It’s not his fault and I can’t control other people. All I can do is look after myself and stay happy with him.

Once Yan sorted out her feelings, she did not feel conflicted anymore. However, she was still bothered by one thing. “If she’s going to get in your car again, you can’t let her sit in the passenger seat. This seat is only for your girlfriend. Got it?”

This girl. So that was what bothered her.

When he did not reply, she leaned forward and pinched his ear. “Did you hear me?”

“I got it.” He grabbed her hand. “I’m driving. Don’t fool around.”

“How am I fooling around? You’re the one who didn’t reply to me. Tell me honestly—do you regret it? She is outstanding and is also the treasured daughter of the Xu Family. She is definitely very capable too. I, on the other hand, don’t know anything and I don’t have anything.”

“Yan, that’s not how feelings work. Do your feelings for me have anything to do with what I’m capable of or what I have?”

Nothing To Give But My Heart Chapter 1377

Get a car for me? Xu Yanwan’s face immediately turned sour. She clenched her jaw tightly, then finally unfastened her seatbelt and stepped out of the car. “There’s no need to. If you don’t like me sitting here, then I’ll just get out.”

Upon seeing her give in, Yan kept her phone away and smiled. “If that’s the case, then very well. I’ll respect your decision.” With that, Yan went straight into the backseat without any hesitation instead of sitting where Xu Yanwan was before.

The air stiffened. At least, that was what Xu Yanwan thought. She automatically looked over at Han Qing. Although he doesn’t like me, he might still speak up on my behalf because of our family ties. But she was disappointed as Han Qing looked at her without any hint of sympathy and said, “I’ve spoiled Yan rotten. We’re not too far away from the place you mentioned so you can just get a taxi. The company will cover the fee.” Then, he carried the grocery bags and left as well.

Once the car was gone, Xu Yanwan stood there all alone. At first, she tried her best to hold it in, but the tears fought their way out and flowed down her face in a second. She was unable to hold them back anymore. It seemed like all the anguish she had all came pouring out in that moment. She squatted down as she trembled all over.

Meanwhile, after Yan sat in the backseat, she stayed looking out the window unhappily and did not talk to the person in the front seat. The atmosphere in the car was bleak. Han Qing saw her pouting through the rear view mirror. For some reason, he did not feel angry and was, in fact, delighted. Wowie, someone’s jealous.

To him, the seats were all the same and he did not read that much into it. Moreover, he did not know about the popular saying on the internet that the passenger seat was reserved for girlfriends only. It was just a seat, anyway. Anyone can sit there if they want to. Besides, it wouldn’t change how I feel. But he did not expect Yan to get so angry over it that she would not even say a word to him.

When they arrived at a red light, he brought the car to a stop and said, “I have something to tell you.”

Her gaze shifted. She was still angry at him, so she rejected him right away. “I don’t want to hear it.” As soon as she said that, she remembered the last time they argued. He wanted to explain things to her but she refused to hear him out which ended up in a misunderstanding. She was so hardheaded last time that she almost broke off their relationship. At the thought of that, she altered her statement. “I don’t want to hear what you have to say now. You can speak after three minutes!”

He held back a smile. “Okay. Start counting down now.”

But she couldn’t care less about the countdown. She only blurted out three minutes as a means to hold on to her last bit of pride. Although Yan was really mad, she knew that she should not be as stubborn as she was before after everything they went through. I have to at least know the full story before making a decision.

Since she was able to get some information from what Han Qing said earlier, she knew that Xu Yanwan had asked to sit in the front. As a man and an old friend, Han Qing could not have said no to her. I can’t blame him for that. Maybe I just lost my temper. The mere sight of Xu Yanwan bugs me.

Feelings played a big factor in a lot of things. If she and Han Qing did not have any ties with each other, then Yan and Xu Yanwan could have still been friends. On the other hand, if Xu Yanwan also liked Han Qing, then their friendship would never be as simple as it was anymore. If so, we’re better off not being friends at all. Furthermore, all the things Xu Yanwan said to her, including that message, had ruined her mood. That made her even more unwilling to force herself.

Three minutes went by very quickly. Han Qing checked the time before he said, “Three minutes are up. Can I tell you now?”

Hmph. “What do you want to say? Tell me.”

“Actually, I was the one who asked her out today.”

Yan’s eyes widened. “What?”

“But I only did it to clear things up with her. She and I have never been engaged before.”

So that’s what they talked about. Yan pursed her lips and thought of something. “If you’ve never been engaged to each other, then why—”

“She just misunderstood, but she apologized.”

Apologized? The way things unfolded did not seem right to Yan. Why was she so quick to deny it now? When so many people were talking about it at the company before, there was no way she did not hear the rumors and gossip. Why didn’t she deny it back then? Why did she deny it this time and apologized? Not to mention, she sat in the passenger seat and said those things to me. It feels like she’s trying to claim her territory. Yes. That’s right. She’s trying to claim her territory. Yan did not see the least bit of remorse in her eyes, and even detected a hint of annoyance. Annoyed at me? What for? Han Qing said so himself that he had no idea about an engagement. The two families never exchanged any marriage tokens, much less went through any ceremonies. That just means this engagement is not legitimate. Why is she mad at me then? Is she mad that I took away the person she liked?

“Do you think she has really given up on you? After all, you’ve known each other for so long. Her feelings for you must have developed a long time ago and not just recently.”

Yan was right. The two of them grew up together. Either she never had feelings for him, or she always did. How is it possible that she did not feel anything for him when they were younger and suddenly developed feelings for him now?

Yan debated over this question seriously in her mind. Han Qing did not give a half-hearted answer either. Still, he was not entirely sure, so he just said, “It doesn’t matter whether she has given up or not. The ending will still be the same.”

Yan paused, then quickly dismissed the thoughts in her mind. That’s right. It doesn’t matter whether she has given up or not. All that matters is that Han Qing only loves me, right? Why should I care about her? If someone likes him, then it shows that he’s awesome. It’s not his fault and I can’t control other people. All I can do is look after myself and stay happy with him.

Once Yan sorted out her feelings, she did not feel conflicted anymore. However, she was still bothered by one thing. “If she’s going to get in your car again, you can’t let her sit in the passenger seat. This seat is only for your girlfriend. Got it?”

This girl. So that was what bothered her.

When he did not reply, she leaned forward and pinched his ear. “Did you hear me?”

“I got it.” He grabbed her hand. “I’m driving. Don’t fool around.”

“How am I fooling around? You’re the one who didn’t reply to me. Tell me honestly—do you regret it? She is outstanding and is also the treasured daughter of the Xu Family. She is definitely very capable too. I, on the other hand, don’t know anything and I don’t have anything.”

“Yan, that’s not how feelings work. Do your feelings for me have anything to do with what I’m capable of or what I have?”

Nothing To Give But My Heart Chapter 1378

Jiang Xiaobai, who was hiding around the corner, listened in on the entire conversation between the two. Then, she realized that they were Xiao Su’s parents, who had come to visit. Even so, she somewhat disagreed with what Xiao Su’s mother had said. Is Xiao Su ugly? As far as she was concerned, he was rather masculine, more so with the scar on his face. Not only did it not make him ugly, but it also gave him a sharp, tough, and hot-blooded vibe. Anyway, he was exactly her type.

“Will you stop insulting him? What if it happens to be an emotional scar in his heart? You must never say this to his face.”

“You d*mn, old man! How could I possibly insult my son to his face? Isn’t that why I’m saying these behind his back? If not for the fact that he is in no hurry to find a wife, would I need to worry so much? Sigh. Besides, we came here to ask him to go on a blind date anyway. The girls that Xiang Wang’s in-laws introduced to us looked pretty promising, didn’t they? They looked like nice girls to me. He is always so busy with work; I wonder if he will be good at taking care of his family after getting married? When that time comes, he should be more attentive toward his family affairs. I hope he’ll give me grandchildren soon.”

“His marriage isn’t even in sight yet, and you’re already daydreaming about the future. Stop dreaming so much.”

“Can’t I at least dream about it?”

Jiang Xiaobai had been listening intently to their conversation. All of a sudden, the two of them rounded the corner and came across her as she stood at the door to the kitchen, holding a flat-bottomed pan in her hands. At the sight of her, the Xiao couple were frightened out of their wits. They had been talking for a long time. Throughout their conversation, their surroundings had been quiet. However, upon rounding the corner, they came face-to-face with a living human standing in front of them. Similarly, Jiang Xiaobai had not expected them to round the corner so suddenly. Therefore, they ran into each other just like that—three pairs of eyes gazing at each other.

“Who are you?” Liang Yahe, Xiao Su’s mother, asked as she gave the girl in front of her a once over.

Today, Jiang Xiaobai happened to be dressed in her Doraemon-patterned pajamas—complete with a hood no less. Even the cotton slippers on her feet were part of the set. Thus, she stood there, looking like the blue, fat cat in question. Her small, fair face under the hood was delicate and beautiful. Moreover, her bright eyes glistened under the lights in the room, and her bare lips were rosy.

Taking one glance at her, Liang Yahe clutched at her heart in surprise as she staggered backward. In response, her husband, Xiao Mingzhi, immediately reached out his hand to support her. “Old man, where did this beautiful girl come from? It can’t be! Is she my son’s girlfriend? Why does it feel like I’m hallucinating?” How could Xiao Su possibly have such a beautiful girlfriend? This must be a dream.

Jiang Xiaobai was still in a daze. To her surprise, the other party started complimenting her for her looks, and the compliments were extremely pleasant to hear. Therefore, her impression of Liang Yahe instantly became better. Then, she gave Liang Yahe a sweet smile. “Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Xiao. Are you here to look for Xiao Su?”

The girl’s voice was sweet and clear. After hearing the voice ring out loud and clear, Liang Yahe finally confirmed that she was not dreaming it up. Similarly, Xiao Mingzhi was surprised by Jiang Xiaobai. Looking at the way she dressed, and the fact that she was living with Xiao Su, it seemed she really was his girlfriend. However, it was odd that Xiao Su had quietly gotten himself a girlfriend and even started living together with her, yet there had been no news of it. “Are you really Xiao Su’s girlfriend?”

“Uh…” Jiang Xiaobai thought about it, then she nodded her head. “Yes, I am.”

Although they were only pretending to be a couple, and Xiao Su was helping her out by doing so, it was only right of her to return the favor. After all, he didn’t seem like the type to go on blind dates. Besides, with the way she was currently dressed in his house, it would sound fake even if she denied it. Thus, she simply admitted to it in a natural and poised manner.

Liang Yahe was overjoyed to hear those words. “Oh my God! My son has a girlfriend! And such a pretty one too!” Nothing about her son stood out, and he had a scar on his face too. On the other hand, Jiang Xiaobai was so good-looking and sweet. Is my son worthy of this girl?

“Mr. Xiao, Mrs. Xiao, Xiao Su has gone to work. Why don’t you take a seat first? I will serve up some fruits for you.” As Jiang Xiaobai spoke, she pointed toward the kitchen. However, she was still holding the pan in her hand. When she pointed, the pan followed her hand upward and nearly hit the Xiao couple. Then, she hastily pulled the pan back toward her and smiled awkwardly. “I’m sorry; I was about to wash the pan.”

“Don’t worry; it’s no big deal. How can we allow you to cut the fruits? Let me do it.” Then, Liang Yahe pushed past her and entered the kitchen. On the other hand, Xiao Mingzhi did not bother to join them. Besides, he knew Yahe was excited. So, he went to the living room to wait.

Unfortunately, when he walked into the living room, he couldn’t find a spot to sit in. It wasn’t as if there was nowhere to sit, but the sofa in the living room was piled high with extremely girly cushions. It made the place look extremely cute—like a place for little girls to sit in. Hence, he, as a man, was too embarrassed to sit there.

Inside the kitchen, Jiang Xiaobai and Liang Yahe were washing the fruits. At the same time, Liang Yahe kept taking the opportunity to praise Jiang Xiaobai. Her eyes were filled with amazement. Every time she glanced over at Jiang Xiaobai, she would compliment her again. Thus, Jiang Xiaobai was very taken with Xiao Su’s mother. Mrs. Xiao is terrific, and she’s so good at giving compliments too. Furthermore, the looks she gives me makes me feel like I’m the prettiest woman in the world.

“What is your name?” Liang Yahe asked hesitatingly.

She continued to smile sweetly as she replied, “Mrs. Xiao, my name is Jiang Xiaobai. You can call me Xiaobai.”

“Wow! Xiaobai? What a beautiful name; it suits you. After all, you’re gorgeous and your skin is so fair.” The more Liang Yahe saw Jiang Xiaobai, the more she liked her. It was almost unbelievable to think that her crude son had managed to court such a good-looking young lady who seemed so much younger than him.

“Thank you, Mrs. Xiao. Please stop complimenting me; it makes me feel embarrassed to keep receiving such praises.”

“What is there to be embarrassed about? If a person is beautiful, I should compliment them. I wouldn’t compliment someone who isn’t pretty.”

After the two of them finished washing the fruits, they entered the living room to see Xiao Mingzhi awkwardly standing there. Thus, Liang Yahe immediately shot a glance at him. “Old man, why are you standing there awkwardly? Didn’t we ask you to sit and wait in the living room? What are you doing?”

“It’s nothing; I’m quite comfortable with standing,” Xiao Mingzhi responded, touching the back of his head awkwardly.

“Tsk.” She carried the plate of fruits and walked over. Just as she was about to sit down, she noticed the very girlish and candy-colored cushions. Moreover, it had been kept neat and tidy. The husband-and-wife duo were simple and down-to-earth people; plus, they had no daughters in the family. Thus, they rarely used cushions in their day-to-day life at home. Even if they did bring out the cushions, it was usually dark-colored. Even Liang Yahe didn’t dare to sit on the sofa if she saw such cushions on it.

“Mr. Xiao, Mrs. Xiao, please have a seat.” Jiang Xiaobai was used to using such things. Besides, it wasn’t just her. Since she was young, she had been influenced by a similar environment—her mother had always decorated her room in a cute and girly fashion. In the beginning, she was sick of it. However, after changing her style, she realized that she preferred this type of lively and energetic style. Therefore, she decided to adopt this style into her daily life.

Nothing To Give But My Heart Chapter 1379

After so many years, Jiang Xiaobai was used to it. Therefore, she failed to notice that the reason Liang Yahe and Xiao Mingzhi had not dared to sit down was due to the color of the cushions. Under her enthusiastic welcome, Liang Yahe took a seat and was surprised to find that the cushions were very soft. Then, she hastily waved Xiao Mingzhi over to take a seat. At the same time, she gave him a sideways glare; her gaze looked like she was about to murder him. Therefore, he had no choice but to sit, touching his nose awkwardly as he did so.

“Xiaobai, did you decorate this place?”

“Yes, I did.” Jiang Xiaobai nodded. “I like having a vibrant style. It doesn’t look dull and helps to lift my spirits.” Then, she suddenly seemed to realize something. “Oh, does it seem a little childish? I’ve been used to it since I was young, so I didn’t think too much about it.”

“No, it’s not childish. It’s very cute. Girls like you should use these. It’s vibrant and energetic.” When Liang Yahe saw that Jiang Xiaobai liked the style very much, she took the opportunity to praise her again. Then, she nudged at Xiao Mingzhi. Following her lead, he smiled honestly. “Yes, young people like you should use these.”

Afterward, they chatted for a bit. Then, Jiang Xiaobai found an excuse to slip to the bathroom and send a message to Xiao Su saying that his parents were here. By the time Xiao Su received the message, nearly 20 minutes had passed. When he saw that the message was from Jiang Xiaobai, he thought she was merely making small talk or had a question for him. However, his gaze wavered slightly after reading the contents carefully. Why didn’t they tell me in advance that they were coming?

Well, it wasn’t as if this was the first time his parents had done something like this. Unfortunately, these occurrences were so rare that he had completely forgotten about them. Thus, he failed to think about the possibility of both parties meeting each other after Jiang Xiaobai moved into his place. With the sudden appearance of a girl in his house, there was no doubt that his parents would misunderstand the situation.

After all, he and Jiang Xiaobai were simply pretending to be a couple—there were no feelings between them to speak of. It would take him a long time to explain the situation if his parents were to misunderstand. Just thinking about it was enough to give him a headache. Thus, Xiao Su mulled over it for a bit, then decided that it was best to return home.

On the other side, the Xiao couple had decided to stay for lunch. Upon hearing that, Jiang Xiaobai claimed that she would prepare a sumptuous meal for them. While she was cooking, Liang Yahe followed her into the kitchen. When she saw Jiang Xiaobai’s skillful cooking ability, her favorability and adoration toward the girl increased exponentially. What a treasure this daughter-in-law is! The more she got to know about Jiang Xiaobai, the more she liked the girl. Seeming to realize something, she then asked, “By the way, Xiaobai, you can cook so well. It can’t be that you are always the one doing the cooking when you and Xiao Su eat together, right?”

Responding to the question, Jiang Xiaobai nodded without hesitation. However, Liang Yahe’s expression immediately changed upon hearing her reply. “How can this be? You may be his girlfriend, but you don’t have to cook for him all the time! Xiao Su, that brat, is too much! Why doesn’t he cherish his girlfriend more? How can he let you do all the cooking? What a foolish child. Don’t worry, Xiaobai. When he comes back this afternoon, I will give him an earful about this!”

For a moment, Jiang Xiaobai was stunned speechless. She had answered casually, but it was unexpected to see Xiao Su’s mother reacting so strongly to it. Isn’t Xiao Su her son? Shouldn’t she be more protective toward her son? Why is she turning around and taking my side instead? Moreover, she and Xiao Su were not a real couple. She had agreed to do all the cooking. In exchange, he would pretend to be her boyfriend and act as her shield against troublesome blind dates. In short, they were providing what the other needed. Thus, she did not think that it was a big deal. Even so, Xiao Su’s mother had reacted so strongly to it.

After pondering over it, she sighed lightly and explained, “Mrs. Xiao, it’s okay. I stay at home doing nothing all day anyway. Besides, I only cook once in a while. It’s not like I’m always cooking. We also go out to eat sometimes.”

Instead, Liang Yahe came up with another question. “When you cook, does Xiao Su do the washing up?”

Thus, Jiang Xiaobai nodded again. When it came to doing the dishes, Xiao Su had always taken the chore upon himself. Not only did he not say a word in protest, but he also did it carefully. No matter how big of a mess she turned the kitchen into, he would clean it up nicely.

When Jiang Xiaobai nodded, Liang Yahe finally let out a breath of relief. “That’s good then. At least he is not beyond hope. If he doesn’t even bother to help with the cleaning, I would chop his legs off.”

When she heard those words, Jiang Xiaobai thought that Xiao Su was a little pitiful. Hahaha, his mother doesn’t seem to pull her punches against him.

Xiao Su came home very quickly. Even so, by the time he entered the house, Jiang Xiaobai and Liang Yahe had finished cooking, and Xiao Mingzhi was helping to set up the table. Then, Xiao Mingzhi broke into a smile at the sight of him. “Xiao Su, Xiaobai mentioned that you’d be back later. Why are you back so early today?”

Sweeping a glance across the room, he quietly changed his shoes and walked in. When he saw that the cutlery had been set out on the table, he asked, “It’s still early; are you eating already?”

Xiao Mingzhi nodded. “Yes, we are. Xiaobai told us to stay for lunch. Right now, your mother is cooking with her in the kitchen.”

Xiao Su felt his head throbbing after hearing those words. Removing all traces of emotion from his eyes, he asked in a low voice, “Why didn’t you give me a call before coming over? I could’ve gone to pick you up.” If they did that, he could have made prior arrangements on his end too. He and Jiang Xiaobai were not in a real relationship. However, if his parents saw them living together, they would definitely assume that the two of them were in a relationship. That would only serve to create unnecessary troubles for her when the time comes.

“Isn’t it because you are usually swamped with work? I wanted to give you a call, but your mother wouldn’t let me. She said that making you rush over to pick us up when you were already busy with work would only tire you out even more. Besides, we have a key, and we know the way. So, we came over by ourselves. There was no need to trouble you.”

Afterward, Xiao Su did not say another word. At that moment, Liang Yahe came out carrying a dish. Then, she widened her eyes at the sight of him. Placing the dish on the table, she dragged him into a room by his sleeve. “What’s wrong with you?”

Under his mother’s interrogative questioning, he pursed his lips. Then, he started to explain, “Mom, it’s not like what you think—”

“Xiaobai is your girlfriend. How can you allow her to do all the cooking for you? Don’t you know that a girlfriend exists for you to spoil her? Are you taking her to be a nanny by making her do all the cooking for you?”

Xiao Su choked suddenly; he was at a loss of what to do as he stared at his mother blankly.

“Are you listening to what I say? Besides, when did you get a girlfriend? Why didn’t you tell your family about it? Do you know how much your father and I have been worried about your marriage? Your father and I even came here with the plan to introduce some blind date candidates to you. Yet, here you are, quietly getting yourself a girlfriend without even letting your parents know about it!”

“Mom, it’s not like that. Please let me explain.”

“Whatever; don’t bother explaining. You want to talk about why you let her cook for you, right? Thank goodness Xiaobai is such a kind person for not making it an issue. If it were me, I would have dumped you a long time ago!”

Nothing To Give But My Heart Chapter 1380

Listening to his mother’s tirade, Xiao Su’s expression twisted in disbelief. However, he was not given the chance to speak as Liang Yahe continued to scold him. When she was done with her lecture, she still gave him no chance to speak. Instead, she ended it with a threat. “You better treat her well in the future; do you understand? You should cook sometimes too. With the way you are, do you even deserve a girlfriend as beautiful as she is?”

He said nothing in response. Wait. How am I unworthy? “Mom, you can’t say that.”

“Why can’t I say that? If you are worthy, then why have you been single all this while? Can’t you put in a little effort? You’ve even made your family worry about you. Now that you’ve gotten yourself a girlfriend, cherish her well. Otherwise, I’ll look for a hundred blind date candidates for you.”

A hundred. Pursing his lips, he no longer wanted to continue the conversation. Perhaps, there were all the more reasons to continue with the cooperation between him and Jiang Xiaobai now.

“Let’s go. Remember to help her fill her plate while we are having lunch later. Be gentler toward her; do you understand?” Afterward, she finally let him out of the room. At the same time, Jiang Xiaobai finished serving the dishes. Thus, everybody washed their hands and served the rice.

Xiao Su exchanged a glance with Jiang Xiaobai. Then, he randomly picked a seat at the table. At that moment, Liang Yahe kicked him hard in the shins. It hurt so much that he frowned from the pain and glanced at his mother. She then forced a smile at him. “Go on; sit next to Bai. I’m going to sit here with your Dad.”

He was speechless. How is this or that seat any different? Still, seeing as Liang Yahe had spoken, he sat next to Jiang Xiaobai. As soon as he sat down, Jiang Xiaobai whispered in a voice low enough that only the two of them could hear, “I spoke without thinking and accidentally admitted to being in a relationship with you.”

The expression on his face remained unchanged as he replied indifferently, “It’s fine.” Even if they denied it, his mother would forcefully label them as boyfriend and girlfriend anyway. If that was going to be the case, it would be better to just admit to it. At the very least, there would be fewer unnecessary issues cropping up.

Seeing him looking so indifferent about it, she let out a breath of relief. I thought it would cause trouble for him. If he gets mad at me and refuses to be my shield against my parents, what will I do then?

“Xiao Su, hurry and help Xiaobai fill up her plate.”

Just as he prepared to start eating, Liang Yahe smilingly reminded him. He paused. However, before he could say a word, Jiang Xiaobai’s voice rang out from next to him, “There’s no need; I can do it myself. Mrs. Xiao, Mr. Xiao, please have more.”

“Xiao Su, did you not hear what I said?” Liang Yahe raised her eyebrows. Thus, Xiao Su had no choice but to place some food on Jiang Xiaobai’s plate. When he was done, his expression seemed to say ‘That’s enough, right?’.

Staring at his expression and the look in his eyes, Liang Yahe could barely hold herself back from punching him in the face. What is wrong with this stupid child? How can he act like such an impatient mute just because I asked him to serve his girlfriend? Does he have any awareness about being a boyfriend?

Jiang Xiaobai looked at the food on her plate, then looked at Liang Yahe’s expression. She seemed to have figured out something from it. Subsequently, she thoughtfully helped Xiao Su place some food on his plate and smilingly told him to eat more. No matter what, he had helped her out in front of her mother. Therefore, if he required some help, how could she not play along?

At first, he could not understand the reason for her sudden enthusiasm. However, listening to the way Liang Yahe complimented Jiang Xiaobai, he immediately understood what was going on. Throughout the meal, Xiao Su suffered many eye-rolls. On the other hand, Jiang Xiaobai was showered with compliments and praises. In short, in the course of that one meal, he began to have an existential crisis.

The Xiao couple was very taken with Jiang Xiaobai. They went on and on, complimenting her for her looks and her ability to cook. When they learned that she wrote manuscripts for a living, they even praised her for being cultured. Then, when Liang Yahe was done praising Jiang Xiaobai, she would start criticizing Xiao Su; she would criticize him to the point where it seemed like he could get nothing right. By the time the two elders left that evening, Xiao Su was utterly speechless. He sat on the sofa, looking like his head was killing him. Then, Jiang Xiaobai sat down next to him.

“Did I cause any trouble for you?” she asked, thinking she should show some concern. “I stay at home every day and I thought your parents didn’t know where you lived. It was so unexpected to see that they have their own set of keys. When they first came into the house, I didn’t even know who they were. It gave me such a fright.”

In response, he lifted his head and stared at her silently; his gaze was dark. Under his gaze, her guilty conscience prickled. “W-What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Were you happy receiving so many compliments today?” he gloomily asked out of the blue

“Pfft.” She couldn’t stop her laughter from bubbling up after hearing his reply. “Of course, I’m happy. Your mother is so good at it; she complimented me to the sky and back! Still, are you her biological son? Why was every word she said to you so scathing? I don’t think I heard her mention a single good thing about you. Even so, you shouldn’t feel sad. It just proves that you are her biological son.”

Is that so? Then, am I supposed to feel honored? The living room fell into silence. After a while, he replied, “I’ve always been single and unmarried. For that, she has been very unhappy with me.”

When talk of being single came up, Jiang Xiaobai recalled the conversation she overheard during the day. “During the day, I heard them saying that they wanted to introduce blind date candidates to you. Moreover, they said there were many for you to choose from. You’re quite a ladies’ man.”

Xiao Su frowned unhappily at the words ‘ladies’ man’ and quickly said, “Now that they know of your existence, I don’t think they will try to introduce a blind date candidate to me anymore.”

“Then, do you want to go on a blind date or not? My existence has helped you solve your problems, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

At first, she thought he would deny it. Unexpectedly, he admitted to it so readily. Thinking back to Uncle Yanming’s request, she blinked her eyes. “In that case, I’ve done you a large favor.”

To that, he did not reply.

“Look, if your parents had not met me when they came over, they would have arranged many blind dates for you. If that happened, you would have gotten sick of meeting people. However, you were saved from a lot of trouble because of me, right?”

He glanced sideways at her. She sat leaning against the sofa and stared at him with a pair of bright, shining eyes—she looked at him as if he were her prey. Those eyes… He was way too familiar with them. “Go on; you have something you want to beg from me, don’t you?”

Beg? She blinked. “What do you mean by ‘beg’? Don’t put it in such a terrible way, will you? We are helping each other out.”

“Sure. You can put it however you like.” He couldn’t be bothered to fight her on this.

“Does that mean that you have agreed to help?” She suddenly leaned closer. She was so near that she was almost touching his face. Her beautiful and delicate eyelashes were right in front of him, fanning out like two tiny, little fans while her beautiful eyes practically shone with light.

A sweet scent coming from the girl wafted into his nose. He couldn’t help frowning, wondering what sort of perfume she was using. “Can you not use such strong perfume next time?”

Jiang Xiaobai was left speechless by his words. “What perfume? I’m not using any perfume.”

Is that so? Xiao Su stared at her suspiciously. If so, why does the scent coming from her make me feel short of breath as well as a tightness in my chest?