"Fake."
Fang Chengyu knew many things were fake.
Her abuse of herself was fake.
Her making a fuss because of the maid's affairs was fake.
Her behaving tyrannically at home was fake.
Her being wild, rude, vulgar, and annoying was also fake.
But could this marriage arrangement be fake as well?
There was a moment of silence in the room.
"Chengyu, please sit down first," Lady Fang said uneasily, while glancing at Old Lady Fang, "Mother, this matter requires a lengthy explanation. Wouldn't it be better to wait for Zhenzhen to return so we can all discuss it together?"
This kind of matter should be discussed with Jun Zhenzhen and her son.
"This matter involves Zhenzhen doing something for us, so of course we should clarify it," Old Lady Fang interjected, "If she has to handle the matter herself and explain it too, I can't help but feel it's too pitiable."
But her own son was even more pitiable.
Lady Fang looked at Fang Chengyu. It was very clear her son already regarded Jun Zhenzhen as his wife, and moreover, was deeply in love with her.
How would he accept being told that this was all fake?
Her son had once lost everything, and had just begun to regain it all, and yet he was about to have a chunk torn away once more, the uppermost piece of his heart.
Can't one have everything go according to plan in life?
Can't a happy moment last a little longer?
"How could it be fake?" Fang Chengyu suddenly laughed and asked, "How could this matter be fake?"
"Chengyu, this was just to treat your illness and dupe others," Old Lady Fang explained, "You also know how she treated you—those kinds of things are only suitable for a married couple to perform."
Fang Chengyu looked at her without speaking.
Lady Fang couldn't help but once again imploringly call out to her mother.
The women of the Fang Family were heartless, and the men should not be too sentimental.
Things are what they are; one shouldn't foster illusions for oneself.
Old Lady Fang had a solemn expression.
"You have been with her for so long. Apart from treating your illness, has she ever done anything with you that a husband and wife should do?" she questioned.
Fang Chengyu looked stunned, and Lady Fang appeared embarrassed.
This... how could she say such a thing...
"Mother, Chengyu is ill," she blurted out unwittingly.
How could they do that sort of thing.
"Is there affection between husband and wife?" Old Lady Fang pressed on, staring at Fang Chengyu, "You are a smart child; you surely know if it exists or not."
Fang Chengyu remained silent.
She was very kind to him, very kind indeed.
"There is something you have never asked about, and we have never mentioned," Old Lady Fang spoke without stopping, "Do you know why she initially offered to treat your illness?"
"Mother," Lady Fang's face changed drastically as she stepped forward to grab at Old Lady Fang's sleeve, shaking her head in entreaty.
Old Lady Fang shook off her hand, only looking at Fang Chengyu.
"It was a transaction," she declared, "To cure your illness, she wanted compensation."
Compensation.
Fang Chengyu continued to look at Old Lady Fang without saying a word.
This was simply too cruel.
"No, Mother, Zhenzhen didn't want compensation; she just wanted to live a good life like us," Lady Fang hurriedly said, looking at Fang Chengyu.
"What did she say when you initially uttered the words that if Chengyu truly could keep his life, you were willing to give up everything he was entitled to?" Old Lady Fang asked, regarding Lady Fang.
"Mother, that was just a casual joke," Lady Fang contended, "It was to express our mutual trust and determination."
Old Lady Fang stared at her.
"A joke? Is that what you think this is?" she said, furrowing her brow. "But from what I see, Zhenzhen doesn't seem to take it as a joke."
Lady Fang wanted to say something, but Fang Chengyu spoke up.
"Mother, what was her response at the time?" he asked, his expression tinged with curiosity.
Lady Fang looked at him and shook her head.
"She agreed, saying, 'Auntie, don't forget what you promised,'" Old Lady Fang said directly.
Finally, the truth came out. Lady Fang looked at Fang Chengyu with a face full of worry and sorrow.
His joy and sincerity were actually related to a transaction, which must be a tremendous blow to this young man experiencing his first awakening of love.
Fang Chengyu's expression became somewhat enlightened.
"I see," he said, then chuckled. "Is that so?"
"Chengyu, don't overthink it. At that time, Zhenzhen's relationship with our family was not very good. When relationships are strained, words can easily turn cold," Lady Fang said quickly, reaching out to steady him.
Fang Chengyu gave her a smile and then let out a resigned sigh.
"So she really had considered that," he stated.
Considered what?
Old Lady Fang and Lady Fang were both taken aback.
"But Chengyu, don't think too much. Actually, things are not like that," Lady Fang said, holding his arm.
Fang Chengyu reached back and grasped her arm, interrupting her.
"Mother, yes, things are no longer like that," he said with a smile. "She no longer thinks that way."
What does that mean?
Lady Fang was startled once more.
Old Lady Fang frowned.
"Chengyu, as a man, you should not dwell on these sentimental issues," she said. "One must be decisive in their actions—when it's time to let go, then let go, when it's time to cut ties..."
She didn't finish her sentence as Fang Chengyu interrupted her.
"Grandmother, yes, this matter must be clarified," Fang Chengyu said. "How could this be fake?"
Had all the explanations been in vain?
Old Lady Fang's frown deepened.
"What's fake is fake," she said impatiently. "There shouldn't be so many questions."
"A fake play can turn into reality," Lady Fang couldn't help but say anxiously. "Chengyu, let's talk properly with Zhenzhen. Once she knows your true feelings, this pretend act can turn real..."
Fang Chengyu laughed.
"Mother, Grandmother, what I mean is, how can this matter be fake," he said. "This is about marriage, not feigning illness. Marriage involves the worship of heaven and earth, the reverence of deities, and the witnessing of the entire city."
How could it be fake?
"This isn't something we can call fake just because we know it's fake," Fang Chengyu said. "Even if we know, it's still unfair to Cousin."
Old Lady Fang and Lady Fang looked at him.
Yes, indeed. A girl who has gone through the wedding ceremony and entered the bridal chamber is known by the whole city to be married. No one cares whether she was treating an illness or whether there was a true marital relationship; in everyone's eyes, she's considered married, another man's wife.
"So what are you suggesting, Chengyu?" Old Lady Fang asked.
"That's why not only I need to be clear on this matter," Fang Chengyu said, his face alight with a smile, his expression vibrant. "The entire city must know, as well as heaven and earth and all the deities."
She had deceived heaven and earth, the deities, and the people of the entire city for him. He would now tell heaven and earth, the deities, and the people of the entire city what a good person she was and what kind of good deeds she had done.
That would be true justice for her.
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Recommended new book by Liuan Huaming "My Cell Phone Can See Ghosts"
Xin Huohuo was really unlucky, accidentally picking up two freeloaders who were also incredibly picky eaters.
What's the use of good looks! Can a handsome face make payments? Can it be used for mobile pay?
Not to mention, he's also stirred up trouble with a sinister guy, along with a whole bunch of ghosts.
A money-loving woman with a dark side + a goofy violent man + an expressionless venomous-tongued man, three rascals involved in shady dealings that shouldn't see the light of day.