Qi Yan looked so dejected, but he smiled and replied, "Fine, let's break this engagement,". Just like that? I thought it would be much harder. I guess not. "Thank you," I muttered.
I turned towards Qi Yan's family and bowed a 90-degree bow. "I'm so sorry you had to witness that. I must also apologise for my previous actions. Although we won't be able to become one family, I hope both our families will still be able to cooperate in other sectors," I apologised. Qi Yan's father looked at me degradingly but my words weren't really directed at him, they were directed at Grandpa Qi. His step-mother looked quite happy though, which is quite weird.
"Hui Qing, must it come down to this?" Grandpa Qi asked. I sat down next to him and explained, "Grandpa, although I don't have many memories of you, my diary tells me you were always very kind and endearing towards me. I know you really wanted me to be your grandaughter-in-law, but I can't. I can't get married to someone I don't love. It will just hurt for both of us,". He looked at me and suggested, "You guys could always get married and then fall in love,". I laughed heartfully and muttered, "It doesn't work like that. Grandpa Qi, you watched too many movies. And besides, I don't think I should marry someone I currently don't love,". "I understand, if this is both of you's decision then I will respect it. Cancel the engagement then," he mumbled.
My grandfather looked at him and apologised saying, "I'm sorry my old friend, we tried to set these two up and they did have an amazing time at first, but it just didn't work out. It's partly my family's fault, if there's anything we can do to compensate Qi Yan or the Qi family, let me know. As long as it's in range, I can always help out,". Grandpa Qi smiled and shook his head, "Even though those two didn't work out and we aren't exactly family, but we will always be friends. Don't apologise it's not your fault," he uttered as they hugged. The two old men really do share a remarkable friendship. To this day it's one I could never understand.
My grandad grabbed out the paper in which the two families signed the engagement and handed it back to Grandpa Qi. "Again, I'm sorry it had to come down to this," Grandad apologised. "Stop apologising my old friend. Even without the help of these 2, we will still be good friends and cooperate in business," acknowledged Grandpa Qi.
Qi Yan took the paper and asked, "Are you sure you're not gonna regret it?". I nodded in confirmation. He then proceeded to rip the papers apart. "From this moment, our families will just be friends," he muttered. As soon as he ripped the papers apart, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. Finally, I was free again.
*
In the future, I will come to regret my decision but right now I'm more than happy.
*
The Qi family stayed for a little while before they decided to go. Grandad wanted them to stay for dinner but I think even Qi Yan realised it would be a little too awkward because he declined Grandad's offer. "Qi Yan, although we won't be able to become family, you are always welcome here," mother muttered as he smiled politely. I saw them out quickly before turning to face my dearest families question.