Jingya's escape left Tianchen, who had just been full of happiness and anticipation, at a loss. He stared blankly at the garden but couldn't see Jingya's figure.
Ye Zhenting did not anticipate his daughter's reaction. He thought that since she had been playing with Tianchen and his brother since childhood, this political union, a powerful alliance, was the destiny of every heiress from a prestigious family. The handsome and ambitious Tianchen was the ideal son-in-law candidate, the most suitable husband for his daughter, right?
But his daughter had run away! What did that mean? Did it mean she opposed this marriage?
Lin Yuanxiang, an experienced business man, saw the awkward situation on the table. Although he was also dissatisfied with Jingya's actions, he had to smooth things over.
"Alright, let's continue eating. Jingya is a girl, perhaps she felt shy after hearing this news. It's normal. Tianchen, go to the garden and check on Jingya," he said, giving a meaningful look to his eldest son, Tianchen.
Understanding the signal, Tianchen nodded. He stood up. "Uncle Ye, Dad, please continue. I'll check on Jingya. It's chilly outside; I'll bring her a coat."
Ye Zhenting nodded, appreciating Tianchen's thoughtfulness and politeness.
Tianchen went to the garden and found Jingya standing under a tree lost in thought.
"Jingya, let's go back. It's too cold outside," he said, draping his suit jacket over Jingya's shoulders.
"I'm sorry, Tianchen. I..." Jingya didn't know how to explain her feelings to Tianchen.
She admitted that she had a fondness for Tianchen, but over the years, her feelings for him were more like a sister's dependence on her older brother. Tianchen's care always made her feel comfortable. Perhaps he was the ideal candidate for marriage, but when Tianchen's father announced the news, her immediate reaction was that she didn't want it.
Even at that moment, she wished Lin Yuanxiang had announced her engagement to Tianhao instead. Although Tianhao was wild and unruly, liked to tease and bully her since childhood, and seemed quite flirtatious, she was hopelessly attracted to him.
"It's okay, Jingya. I don't want to force you into anything. Take your time to think about it," Tianchen's gentle words brought Jingya back from her chaotic thoughts.
"Thank you, Tianchen. You can go back. I want to be alone for a while."
Tianchen nodded understandingly and returned to the dining room.
"Jingya is enjoying the moonlight," Tianchen smiled, making up an excuse to deal with the puzzled looks of a few people.
Lin Yuanxiang sighed silently. It seemed his son hadn't convinced Jingya. Tianchen was a good kid in many ways, but he lacked decisiveness and toughness in his character. Sometimes, his overly romantic sentiments weren't suitable for a good businessman.
"Brother, you're so clueless. Watch me," Tianhao, seeing his brother return alone, was angry. What was Jingya playing at? His brother was such an excellent man, and she still wanted something else. After speaking, Tianhao stood up, deciding to question Jingya in the garden.
"Sit down." Lin Yuanxiang sternly stopped his second son. This troublemaker wouldn't help and might make things worse.
Tianhao looked at his father provocatively, then patted his butt and left. At home, his relationship with his father was always like this.
Ye Zhenting shook his head helplessly. His daughter had been spoiled by him.
"Jingya, what do you mean by this? What's wrong with my brother? Why isn't he good enough for you?" Tianhao, upon entering the garden, shouted at Jingya.
Seeing Tianhao, a deep smile appeared in Jingya's heart, but on the surface, she maintained a cold demeanor.
"Your brother is very good. How about you find a better sister-in-law for him?"
Tianhao unexpectedly pinched Jingya's nose. This action surprised Jingya, and then, she became angry, stomping her feet and trying to get rid of Tianhao's rudeness.
But Tianhao wouldn't let go. "Miss, wait until I teach you a lesson. You've been afraid of me since you were little, and now that you've angered me, I'll show you."
Angry, Jingya unexpectedly tiptoed and kissed Tianhao's lips.
Jingya's rosy lips emitted a fragrance like blooming petals. This beautiful feeling made Tianhao involuntarily let go of her, and this seasoned playboy was caught off guard, standing there passively accepting it.
Finally, Jingya blushed, her lips leaving Tianhao's moist lips, and she lowered her head, lightly playing with the edge of her clothes.
Tianhao finally regained his senses. Like he had been wronged, he exclaimed, "Oh my, why did you kiss me? You assaulted me!"
Angry, Jingya gave him a punch. "Stop talking. If you don't let go, I'll shout harassment."
Tianhao, realizing the situation, laughed heartily. "Miss, when did you become so bold? Today, you're acting really out of character."
"Stop the nonsense. If your brother hears about this later, it'll be embarrassing."
"Right, right." Tianhao realized that this matter should not be known to anyone in the house, because in his heart, Jingya had long been his most suitable sister-in-law candidate.
"Tianhao, do you know? I... like you." Jingya's head almost hung to the ground, but these words were spoken very clearly.
"What a joke. Stop fooling around with me. You're so unusual today. Are you crazy?" Tianhao couldn't understand what was going on with Jingya today. In a huff, he walked towards the dining room.
Strange, there were only two old guys in the dining room.
"Where's my brother?" Tianhao asked, looking at his father's gloomy face.
"I was afraid you would bully Jingya, so I asked Tianchen to call you just now," Lin Yuanxiang looked disapprovingly at Tianhao, this troublesome son of his.
"Damn." Tianhao angrily slapped the table. It seemed that his brother had probably seen the scene just now.
Indeed, Lin Tianchen had heard and seen Jingya's sincere confession to his brother under the tree shade.