Chapter 84: Arranging a Meeting

Pei Yixue was even more astonished now.

The Lu family had been worried about Lu Qian'an's marriage for the past two years, constantly introducing suitable candidates for him, but in the last year or so, the matter had quieted down. There were rumors he might already have someone, though the truth remained unclear. No one expected he would get married so suddenly, and the bride turned out to be Miaoyu—what's more, theirs was a contractual marriage. Heaven help us!

She couldn't help but ask, "Such a handsome partner, with a good reputation too—did you never think about giving it a try?"

Qin Miaoyu smiled calmly. "Would trying really lead to a happy ending?"

"Well, there doesn't always have to be an ending, does there?"

"But if you truly try, you'll inevitably want an ending."

When you're not deeply involved, everything seems easy—just date and see how it goes. But if feelings could remain so simple, why would there be so much entanglement and heartache in this world?

That evening, Qin Miaoyu received a video call from her second brother, Liang Siyuan.

"You've returned to Jingcheng?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied.

"Why not come to Nancheng first? Your Sister Su Ning and I haven't seen you in ages."

Qin Miaoyu cradled her teacup with a smile. "I'll set up my studio in Jingcheng first. Once things settle, I'll head to Nancheng to visit you."

In the past year, Qin Miaoyu hadn't returned to Jingcheng, nor had she gone back to Nancheng. However, Liang Siyuan and Zheng Su Ning had managed to travel with her several times, so they still met every few months.

"Alright. By the way, now that you're back in Jingcheng, what's your plan with Lu Qian'an?"

Liang Siyuan already knew the story behind their marriage from Qin Miaoyu, and he also understood from Lu Qian'an why he had kept his identity from her. Although he could sympathize with Lu Qian'an, since Miaoyu believed he was absolutely wrong, then he must be absolutely wrong, and Liang Siyuan naturally sided with his sister.

"There's nothing to plan. When the time comes, we'll go to the Civil Affairs Bureau."

Liang Siyuan actually wanted to ask what she thought of Lu Qian'an now. In nearly a year, Miaoyu hadn't mentioned his name, yet Liang Siyuan had clearly seen her feelings for him before. He worried that sometimes the less you touch upon something, the deeper it lingers in your heart.

But since Qin Miaoyu answered so simply, he didn't press further.

Qin Miaoyu could easily sense what her brother was really asking. For some reason, everyone close to her seemed to be able to see how she felt about Lu Qian'an back then. Since she left Nancheng, no one dared mention anything about him. She herself avoided the topic, but every time she noticed such caution, she inevitably thought of Lu Qian'an.

Fortunately, those moments were rare, especially after she started working everywhere with Xu Xiaoqi and Pei Yixue. Busy days left little time for tangled thoughts.

Still, recalling her meeting with Lu Qian'an today, she realized he had changed quite a bit from a year ago. Perhaps it was because he had become president of the Lu Corporation, now responsible for more people and matters. Any trace of youthful innocence—once evident when he didn't wear glasses—was gone. He carried himself with a commanding presence, which made him feel unfamiliar to her.

But after a year apart, feeling estranged was normal.

She shook her head at the thought; there was no need to dwell on this. If she pondered too much, it would only complicate things. Better to wait for the two-year agreement to end and bring this marriage to a smooth close.

At that moment, Lu Qian'an was also thinking of Qin Miaoyu.

After more than half a year apart, she too had changed. She seemed more capable, no longer carrying the youthful air she had right after university—no doubt she had faced many challenges outside. Yet, no matter how she changed, she was still the Qin Miaoyu who moved his heart at a single glance.

But now, he couldn't see her feelings for him in her eyes.

To this day, Lu Qian'an regretted not clearing things up sooner. If only he hadn't hesitated, perhaps things wouldn't have come to this point. But there is no medicine for regret in this world, and too many "what ifs" are meaningless, no matter how much he wished otherwise.

Looking at the calendar on his desk, he realized only a few months remained before the two-year deadline.

If possible, he hoped their marriage wouldn't end in divorce...

But how could he win her back?

Because Qin Miaoyu had been so resolute, even when he repeatedly sought advice from Ji Xuan, Gu Jing, and Liang Siyuan, none of them spoke to him about her. So, even though he was decisive and ruthless in managing the vast Lu Corporation, at this moment Lu Qian'an was uncertain, unable to find a single useful solution.

His phone rang. After answering, he heard his grandfather once again repeating the old refrain. Since he hadn’t brought Qin Miaoyu home for two consecutive New Years, the old man, who once believed him, had grown suspicious again. Every few days, he’d call to discuss matchmaking, and though Lu Qian'an refused every time, his grandfather would bring it up again on the next call.

After finally handling his grandfather, Lu Qian'an felt relieved.

He took the agreement from his drawer and glanced over it. Suddenly, an idea struck him.

Qin Miaoyu didn't expect to see Lu Qian'an again at noon the next day.

Xu Xiaoqi walked a bit ahead of her, and with sharp eyes spotted a discreetly luxurious car a few meters away. She was always interested in cars, and instantly recognized its exceptional quality, pulling Qin Miaoyu over to take a look.

As they walked closer, the car window rolled down, revealing a familiar face.

"Miaoyu, I need to discuss something with you."

Xu Xiaoqi glanced between them, then wisely stepped away.

"Can't you say it now?" Qin Miaoyu asked.

"It's a long story, and it has to do with our original agreement. Would you let me treat you to lunch?"

Something to do with the agreement?

It had been a long time since she’d reviewed it; aside from the few important clauses, she couldn’t recall the rest. But Lu Qian'an didn’t seem to be deceiving her. Besides, she wanted to properly discuss the divorce with him. She signaled Xu Xiaoqi to go ahead and eat, then opened the car door and got in.

"Uncle Mo, to Shishan Restaurant," Lu Qian'an instructed.

He then asked, "Your tastes haven’t changed, have they? If they have, I can have Shishan prepare a few different dishes."

"No need, they haven’t changed."

Strictly speaking, that wasn’t entirely true. In the past year, she hadn’t traveled the whole country, but she’d been to many places north and south, sampling all kinds of flavors. She was more open to different cuisines now, but her favorites remained the same.