"Xu Lin, I can't be this selfish. The other party's family has truly saved our family. Because of my stubbornness, how would it make the other side perceive my parents, and what will happen to the relationship between the two families?"
"If you think that way, then go ahead and marry. What's the point of being so tormented? Haven't you already run out of choices?!"
Xu Lin couldn't help but raise his tone, and Su Qingwan also clenched her fists. She still couldn't refute this statement.
Yes, if she had completely given up, why would she be so tormented? Why not accept it early and become a wealthy wife? This way, the relationship between the two families could be maintained or even improved. Her parents would be happy, and Uncle Jia would be happy.
But honestly, had she really compromised? Not really!
To be honest, at the moment Xu Lin helped her, she didn't feel anger but excitement, thrill, and joy. He had broken one of her chains.
After returning, she entered into another silent conflict with her parents. However, in the past few days, she hasn't been forced into any arranged meetings. She felt considerably relieved.
But tonight, the other party was coming to her house for dinner. Her parents wanted her to clarify this matter face-to-face. She couldn't help but think of Xu Lin again. She wanted to resist but lacked the determination.
"Su Qingwan, summon the courage. What can't you do? People are inherently selfish. What's wrong with that? We don't necessarily have to repay our lifetime of happiness for a sense of obligation."
"But my parents..."
"Do you think your parents love you?"
"Yes."
Without hesitation, she, being the only child in the family, knew better than anyone else about her parents' love.
"So for your rebellion, your parents will definitely forgive you. Faced with a benefactor and their own flesh and blood, they will have their own choices."
"But what about the relationship between the two families? Uncle Jia is actually a good person; he is just doing it for his son."
"That's not something for you to consider. You should only be concerned about yourself and your happiness."
"But I've resisted, and the result is still the same."
"Su Qingwan, can you call that resistance? You're like cotton hitting someone! Go in front of everyone, say it, that you won't marry, that you don't like the other person; do it or leave it!"
At this moment, Xulin also held back a surge of anger. His vigour rose, and he shouted at Su Qingwan.
"Don't worry; make a scene as you please. As long as you're sure your parents love you and this Uncle Jia is a reasonable person, what are you afraid of?"
"Even if your parents are genuinely selling you, Uncle Jia is just pretending to be kind with a black heart, wanting you to marry his son. That's even better; you won't have to worry about anyone else."
"There's nothing wrong with being completely selfish! Forced arranged marriages are not recognised by the country nowadays."
"And most importantly, nobody is dragging you to the Civil Affairs Bureau! If, in the end, you and the other party become a couple, it's not someone else forcing you; it's your own willingness to compromise."
Xu Lin's last sentence hit her mind like thunder. She froze for a moment.
Everything she had been troubled and frustrated about for so long was refuted by Xu Lin's simple words, and it seemed there was no problem at all.
As he said, it's not someone else forcing her. In the past six months, she could have rejected every date, stood them up every time, said she didn't like the other person each time, had the chance each time to explain things to Uncle Jia, and could have cried and complained to her parents each time.
But she felt she had to be a good child and endured it all—no, compromised. Little did she know, her compromise led her parents and the other party to misunderstand her intentions.
Or perhaps they knew she would continue to compromise. From the beginning, not wanting to go on a date, to compromising when her parents said, Just try it once,.
From not wanting to marry to compromising by going on several dates with the other person, If Xu Lin hadn't appeared that day and told her these things, maybe the next time, and the next time after that, she would have continued to compromise and eventually given up... and then married that man.
She suddenly felt a sense of fear, stronger than before. She didn't want this; she didn't want to go on like this; she had to truly resist!
"It seems Teacher Su understands my words."
Seeing Su Qingwan's face calm down, Xu Lin smiled slightly, stabilising his own emotions. He had empathised a bit too much just now.In fact, these things aren't really that significant; it's just that Su Qingwan is too kind and too gentle, so she keeps compromising, allowing fate to knock her down.
Perhaps this is the perspective of those involved being confused, while bystanders are clear-headed. Hopefully, this time she can truly resist; even if it's unsuccessful, she can still break a few chains.
But before he could stabilise, he felt a cold little hand touching his own hand. He looked at the other person in surprise.
"Xu Lin, I'd like to ask you for a favour."
"Well, you're the teacher; whatever you say goes. But no touching; I'm not really your boyfriend."
"Xu Lin! Forget about the teacher's identity; right now, I'm just Su Qingwan, and I need your help!"
Xu Lin looked into her eyes. The gloom and despondency that were there before had now turned into a sparkle again. He sighed deeply, directly grabbing her hand.
Then he turned around and held her hand. "Su Qingwan, I will help you to the best of my ability."
A few minutes later, both of them had calmed down from their previous emotions. Xu Lin also felt some relief from the discomfort in his body; the injection wasn't in vain.
"Teacher Su, do you have any ideas? If so, let me help you."
"I want to talk to my parents first, and then go talk to Uncle Jia, firmly and seriously expressing my thoughts. If it's as you said, they will understand me."
"How do you want to say it?"
"I would just say that I don't like Jia Qing and hope they all can understand."
"If it still doesn't work, I'll make a scene! Just as you said, as long as I don't compromise, no one can force me."
"Alright, there is courage. But can you really handle the situation at that time?"
"I think I can..."
Squaring her fists, Su Qingwan hesitated, but under the gaze of Xu Lin beside her, she relaxed her grip. "I should be able to."
"Must be bolder. Today, when the Jia family comes to your house for dinner, say it in front of everyone. That's the only way to cut it off directly."
"But won't I have to face both sides then? I..."
"If you have no courage, then just obediently get married. As a student, I'll give you a congratulatory gift when the time comes," Xu Lin sarcastically added.
"Xu Lin! Rest assured, I, your teacher, will make an effort!" Hearing Xu Lin looking down on her, a fire ignited within her.
"Also, they think you have a boyfriend; this matter hasn't been clarified yet, right?"
"Yes."
"Or you can say you have a boyfriend who is younger than you, so you haven't told them yet. Also, would you be willing to make yourself look less appealing?"
"Less appealing?"
"Make yourself seem less impressive. For example, you've been living together with me for some time. It'll make the other party lose interest in you."
"You're suggesting this. Don't I care about my reputation?"
"Then are you going to marry that guy? He doesn't look bad, except for the face shape, too big nose, small eyes, wearing big glasses, and having thick lips. Other than that, no problem."
"You're really blunt. Fine, I'll improvise when the time comes."
"Well, if you really don't have the courage, just give up. After becoming a wealthy lady, remember to support me."
"With your physique? Better not."
"What's wrong with my physique?"
The two of them started joking. Su Qingwan reached out and pinched his shoulder. "Look at how skinny you are, like a little chick."
But before she could retract her arm, Dr. Wang walked in from outside. Seeing the two of them so close, he was momentarily stunned.