Ye Qiu had read Qian Duoduo’s diary before and knew the boy had been secretly in love with a woman for a long time.
Could Qian Duoduo’s decision to become a monk be related to this woman?
That doesn’t add up!
If that woman got heartbroken, shouldn’t Qian Duoduo seize the chance to pursue her? Why would he want to become a monk?
Ye Qiu couldn’t understand and asked, “Don’t you like her? Her heartbreak is good news for you!”
Qian Duoduo gave a bitter smile, “I thought her heartbreak was my chance, but before I could confess, she got married again.”
Ye Qiu understood. The woman’s marriage left Qian Duoduo with no hope.
It truly proved the saying: licking until you’re left with nothing.
“Son, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Why fixate on one flower?” Qian Weidong said. “As long as you don’t become a monk, tell me what kind of woman you like, and I’ll help you pursue her.”
Guo Yuting, hearing this, grabbed Qian Weidong’s ear, “You’re helping our son chase women? If you succeed, is she yours or his?”
Qian Weidong hurriedly said, “Of course she’s his. I’m just helping out.”
“Don’t make things worse,” Guo Yuting said. “Son, I’m close friends with many prominent women in Suzhou. Their families have daughters who are not only beautiful but also refined, educated, gentle, and virtuous.”
“Tomorrow, I’ll take you to visit them. If you like any girl, tell me, and I’ll arrange the proposal.”
“Don’t worry, as long as you don’t become a monk, even if you want the stars in the sky, I’ll get them for you.”
But Qian Duoduo didn’t listen to a word from Qian Weidong or Guo Yuting.
He said blankly, “My goddess got divorced again.”
What?
Ye Qiu was stunned, not expecting another twist, and asked, “So, after her divorce, did you confess to her?”
“No,” Qian Duoduo said. “Our Qian family is a century-old scholarly household. Grandpa would never allow me to marry a divorced woman, just like Dad loves cars but never touches used ones.”
This wretched boy, dragging me into this?
Qian Weidong wanted to curse but held back, fearing he’d upset Qian Duoduo further, and stayed silent.
At that moment, Old Master Qian, leaning on his cane, came out of the bedroom and stood at the door, saying, “Though I value family tradition, I’m not inflexible. Duoduo, as long as you don’t become a monk, I’ll agree to you marrying that woman.”
Qian Weidong quickly added, “Duoduo, your grandpa agrees. Don’t become a monk…”
“She’s pregnant,” Qian Duoduo suddenly said.
Instantly, everyone’s expressions froze.
Old Master Qian’s face darkened. From Qian Duoduo’s story, he could tell this woman’s private life was chaotic—married, divorced, now pregnant. What was she trying to do, make the Qian family raise her child?
The Qian family is a century-old scholarly household!
Letting such a woman in would make the Qian family a laughingstock in Suzhou!
No way could she be allowed in!
Old Master Qian was about to speak when Qian Duoduo added, “She miscarried.”
Huh?
Old Master Qian’s expression shifted, and he said, “Though I haven’t met this woman, I can tell she’s not respectable.”
“If she has no child and you insist on marrying her, Duoduo, I can agree.”
“But you cannot become a monk!”
Ye Qiu and Qian Weidong’s couple glanced at Old Master Qian, surprised. They hadn’t expected the usually rigid Old Master to make such a concession.
Back when Qian Jinglan had a child out of wedlock, she was disowned for decades.
This showed Old Master Qian’s fear of the family line ending.
After all, scholars often say the greatest unfilial act is to leave no heirs.
As a renowned scholar and the current head of the Qian family, Old Master Qian would feel ashamed before his ancestors if the family line ended.
Qian Duoduo said, “She’s pregnant again.”
Damn, Ye Qiu nearly swore. Why isn’t this story over?
“She miscarried, so how is she pregnant again? Unless…” Ye Qiu considered a possibility: the woman found another man.
He couldn’t help but feel pity for Qian Duoduo.
You’ve been her spare tire for years—her heartbreak, divorce, miscarriage…
Time after time, she never chose you. What a tragedy!
Qian Duoduo said, “She didn’t date anyone. She got drunk and slept with someone, and now the guy won’t take responsibility.”
Old Master Qian slammed his cane on the ground, “I don’t care if she’s pregnant. As long as you don’t become a monk, I agree to you marrying her. The child can be born and raised by our Qian family.”
Qian Duoduo said, “But she… she’s pregnant with twins… of mixed race.”
Damn it all.
Old Master Qian nearly swore, swallowing the words as they reached his lips. His forehead veins throbbed, and he wanted to club Qian Duoduo with his cane.
With so many women in the world, why love such a mess?
Qian Duoduo sighed, “A few days ago, I finally couldn’t hold back and confessed to my goddess.”
Old Master Qian snapped, “After all this, you still confessed? Are you trying to kill me?”
Qian Duoduo said, “I thought if I didn’t mind her past, married her, raised her kids, loved her forever, and made her happy, she’d accept me.”
“But…”
Qian Duoduo’s face was full of bitterness, “She told me we’re not suitable.”
“I asked why not. She said I’m a good person!”
“I don’t get it. Why can’t a good person find true love?”
Qian Duoduo continued, “After this, I’ve seen it clearly. The world’s love and hate are just passing clouds.”
“Rather than wasting my years in the mortal world, I’d rather face the ancient Buddha and cultivate enlightenment.”
“Grandpa, you said I’m the Qian family’s heir, my status is special, and I can’t become a monk. But consider this: even Prince Siddhartha became a monk. Compared to him, what’s a mere Qian family heir?”
“Dad, Mum, forgive my unfilial act. If you’re angry, just pretend you never had this son!”
“I’ve made up my mind…”
“You wretched boy, I’ll beat you to death!” Qian Weidong, unable to hold back, rushed forward and kicked Qian Duoduo over.
Guo Yuting cried hysterically.
Old Master Qian nearly fainted, his body trembling. If Ye Qiu hadn’t quickly supported him, he might have collapsed.
“Ye Qiu, please talk to him,” Guo Yuting sobbed.
“Yes, Ye Qiu, persuade him. He only listens to you,” Qian Weidong urged.
Unexpectedly, Ye Qiu said, “Let him go!”
