NOVPUBChapter 184: 184, Crisis, Falling into water
Chapter 184: 184, Crisis, Falling into water
Song Qinghuan looked at her in confusion, “Why? He is better than that Shi Guozheng.”
Han Qianqian left the dining table as soon as she was done, visibly unwilling to join their discussion regarding the topic of marrying Shi Guozheng. Just a brief mention of the matter had elicited a strong negative reaction from her. She clearly had intended to refuse outright, only to be interrupted by Shi Xiuren.
Han Qianqian picked up a small stone and hurled it forcefully into the lake, causing ripples of water to splash.
She said, “My father is getting old. It’s less about him choosing me a husband, more about choosing himself a successor, someone who can protect the Han family after his death, when I’m unable or unwilling to uphold it. It’s about choosing, not just a simple son-in-law, but a capable helmsman, an appropriate successor. The role of the heir to the Han Family and the one who holds power in the Shi Family are alike; it’s not easy to be either…”
Just then, she abruptly stood up and said, “Annuo is unfit.”
Song Qinghuan also stood up, locking eyes with her, “How can you know if you don’t give it a try?”
Han Qianqian glared at Song Qinghuan, “Some things can’t be put to the test!”
Having said this, she turned around and said, “I’m leaving. You enjoy the view on your own!”
Watching her walk away, Song Qinghuan was suddenly flooded with deep insights. Perhaps Han Qianqian did not truly love Shi Yuhuan. Maybe Shi Yuhuan was merely her ideal husband, not who she truly wanted to love. Perhaps, she did not dislike Shi Annuo, but simply because Shi Annuo was not her ideal husband, she chose to ignore him completely.
The upper class? If this is what the upper class is like, can she say she doesn’t like it one bit?
In the past, even though her life was far from perfect, at least it was free of scheming and cutthroat competition.
Sometimes, a simple hug or a bowl of hot noodles could bring her immense happiness.
What about them? Living amongst the upper class, when would they ever feel true happiness?
The second person Song Qinghuan encountered at the riverside was Shi Mu.
“It’s cold, and there’s a strong wind by the lake. Don’t catch a chill,” a concerned voice said as a thick coat was draped over her.
Surprised, Song Qinghuan turned around to find Shi Mu. Stunned at the man’s concern, “Thank you,” she said.
She immediately took off Shi Mu’s coat, returning it to him, “Hello Director Shi.”
Shi Mu responded with a gentle smile, “Hello, it’s nice to meet you again. I didn’t expect to meet at the Shi Mansion.”
Song Qinghuan awkwardly laughed, “I also didn’t expect to meet you here.”
“Yuhuan and I are distant relatives. I’ve been staying at the Shi Country Villa for a while now. My grandfather has always been fond of me. But I went abroad for studies, and only after that did Yuhuan return. Later, he went abroad too. We studied at the same university, and everyone just assumed we were classmates.” Shi Mu patiently explained, his voice coating the words in a layer of warmth.
Song Qinghuan responded with an acknowledging “Oh,” before nodding courteously.
The conversation trailed off. Sensing that she wasn’t keen on chatting, Shi Mu tactfully excused himself.
Once again left alone by the riverside, Song Qinghuan sat on a rock, watching the fish in the lake.
She didn’t want to step into the main house; that world wasn’t hers, and one day she’d leave it anyway. Therefore, it was better not to get involved any more than necessary.
Catching her breath after some time, she suddenly felt a push on her back, and before she could turn to see what happened, she tumbled into the lake with a splash.
Song Qinghuan jumped in shock. She didn’t know how to swim, and her hands flailed in the water in panic. Trying to turn around and see what happened, she sank back into the water before she could make any significant movements, her vision obscured.
Desperately hitting the water surface, she screamed out, “Help…”
She choked several times on the lake water, her desperate cries unheard.
As her body sunk and floated unsteadily and her breathing became uneven, Song Qinghuan felt a suffocating pressure in her chest. Her nostrils and mouth were filled with the numbing cold of the lake water, which started to take over her, causing her to slowly lose consciousness…
(PS: Today is Christmas, wishing all my babies a Merry Christmas. May you always be happy, beautiful and adorable! Finally, may I announce today’s lucky baby: Blooming Summer!)
