novelraw Chapter 835: The Ultimate Mother!
Chapter 835: The Ultimate Mother!
"What's the matter?"
Jiang Feng looked at Zhang Qinyao with her hesitant expression, and asked.
To Jiang Feng, Zhang Qinyao now was no longer the impression she had left before.
After Zhang Qinyao's relentless efforts and changes, along with her sincere dedication, Jiang Feng truly saw her as family.
Moreover, Jiang Feng was well aware that Zhang Qinyao, like Bai Zhiqing, also held feelings for him.
This was evident from her previous midnight stolen kisses and her confession to him.
Yet Jiang Feng could only pretend not to notice her feelings, just as he did with Bai Zhiqing, to avoid much awkwardness.
At this moment, seeing her conflicted expression upon speaking, Jiang Feng's demeanor also became serious.
Zhang Qinyao took a deep breath and continued to approach Jiang Feng.
"Brother Feng, do you have time tomorrow?"
With a fragrance that was soothing to the heart, she quietly sat beside Jiang Feng and asked.
"I don't have any plans for now, what's up?"
Originally, Jiang Feng planned that if Qi Mengge kept provoking him, he'd promptly deal with her, even if it meant wiping her out at the Provincial City. There wouldn't be much of an issue as long as he acted swiftly.
However, Zhang Qinyao now seemed to be seeking his favor, and Jiang Feng had to put that idea on hold.
"Tomorrow, I want you to accompany me back home, is that okay?" Zhang Qinyao asked with some embarrassment, but her cheeks flushed crimson.
"Your home?"
"Hmm..." Zhang Qinyao nodded gently, her voice barely audible. "Brother Feng, you probably don't know this, but tomorrow is my birthday..."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Feng was directly surprised: "Birthday?"
"Yeah. Brother Feng, don't be shocked. Not only you don't know, but Qingcheng and the others also aren't aware because I haven't told anyone..." Zhang Qinyao sighed in self-pity.
"Why?"
"Because... I originally wanted to spend it well with everyone, and call Sister Zhiqing, Sister Feng, and Sister Mu to celebrate together and have fun. But my mom called me early asking me to go home for my birthday..." Zhang Qinyao said with a face full of helplessness.
"She made arrangements for you?" Jiang Feng asked.
"Sort of, but my mom isn't that kind-hearted! She's taking this opportunity to arrange a matchmaking banquet for me!" Zhang Qinyao said with a bitter smile.
She was really fed up with her opportunistic and harsh mother but couldn't help it. Blood is thicker than water; she couldn't truly turn against her family.
"What's really going on?"
Jiang Feng, keenly aware of the complexity, asked.
"Brother Feng, you know even if I don't say it. I was frivolous, materialistic, and opportunistic mainly due to my mom's influence. She always taught me to act that way..."
Zhang Qinyao said more bitterly, "Later, it was only after meeting you that I realized my shortcomings and decided to mend my ways and regret my past actions..."
Jiang Feng nodded.
Zhang Qinyao was indeed affected by her mother, which Jiang Feng himself knew well.
Once on the boat, he had personally heard Zhang Qinyao's phone call with her mother, instructing her to ingratiate herself with young heirs and officials.
So from that perspective, Zhang Qinyao wasn't inherently bad; she was just misguided by her mother.
"My mom always imposes her views on me. She feels her life with my dad wasn't easy, so she hopes I'll find a good family. I understand that part... but sometimes her views are overly rigid, and I can't change her..."
"I know, continue." Jiang Feng said calmly.
Zhang Qinyao's eyes reddened slightly, "Since returning from the Provincial City, my mom has called more than once to ask about developments on the boat and at the Business Alliance Conference, whether I hooked any wealthy guys, etc..."
Saying such things in front of Jiang Feng made Zhang Qinyao's face redden further. She covered her face with her hands, speaking through her fingers, "I didn't know what else to say, just told her no, that I already have someone in mind. Asked her not to interfere with my life..."
"But she didn't listen or believe it. She thought I was hopeless and then took the opportunity of my birthday to presumptively invite someone home, supposedly to celebrate my birthday. But actually, it's just her way of getting me on a blind date, to see if that person likes me..."
Jiang Feng fell silent; there truly existed mothers like this in the world, surely one of a kind!
"I can choose not to go home, asserting my stance and attitude. But that's temporary. Knowing her, she won't let me off. She might even cause a scene at home or school afterward..."
Feeling helpless, Zhang Qinyao said, "I don't want to embarrass myself in front of Qingcheng and the others, nor let everyone know I have such a mother, so..."
"Don't say anymore, I understand." Jiang Feng suddenly interrupted Zhang Qinyao, speaking with detachment.
Zhang Qinyao froze, thinking perhaps she spoke too much and annoyed Jiang Feng.
"When will it be tomorrow?" Jiang Feng continued to ask.
Zhang Qinyao's beautiful eyes instantly filled with mist, overwhelmed with joy: "Brother Feng, you're willing to help me?"
"It's a minor issue. If you had a bigger trouble, I'd help without hesitation. So such a small matter is nothing." Jiang Feng said calmly, "Whenever it is, I'll accompany you."
"Noon! Lunch is set for noon! Brother Feng, I... I..." Zhang Qinyao was too excited to speak, her figure slightly trembling.
"Go to bed. There's nothing to feel embarrassed about; if you don't like it, just speak up. Who can make you if you don't agree? Even if anyone dares, they'd have to get past me first!"
Jiang Feng patted Zhang Qinyao's fragrant shoulder and said.
Deeply moved, Zhang Qinyao's tears fell incompetently, wiping them away as she forced a smile: "Alright! Brother Feng, let's head out early tomorrow to keep it hidden from Qingcheng and the others, shall we?"
"No problem." Jiang Feng nodded, promising her.
Zhang Qinyao stumbled back to her room, even forgetting how she managed to walk back.
She felt that tonight was the happiest night of her life, enveloped entirely by a strong sense of happiness!
Had she not restrained herself, she almost ran into Jiang Feng's embrace at the last moment, wanting to hug him tightly and offer him her most fervent heart.
Yet out of restraint and considering her identity, she ultimately held back, silently burying the impulse deep within her heart.
As he watched her return to her room, Jiang Feng sighed with resignation and lay back on the sofa, closing his eyes to rest.