Romancing the Son of Heaven

Stratagem 26: Do the Right Thing for Your Beloved! (4)

Bai Fen shelved her curiosity even though she really would've liked to know more. But in any case, she was very clear that the more she tried to pry, the less she would find out. Her son just was that type of person. Thus, she tried to think of another topic.

Unfortunately, she had just been gossiping with Qiang Yan about the dragon king so there was no way to just pick up where they had left off. Thinking about it for a moment, she couldn't help but think that maybe it would be better to try and lower her son's defenses a bit. "Now, seriously, you don't need to feel embarrassed. I'm sure that whether it's your uncle or me, we both have much worse stories to tell about suitors when we were young."

There was a faint smile on Jing He's lips but he didn't say anything. In any case, this was a difficult statement to react to. On the one hand, he couldn't refute it because that might make it sound as if he thought that his mother and uncle weren't worthy of having those suitors. But clearly, both were good-looking and his uncle had been the disciple of the previous God of War, meaning that his status also hadn't been low even though the two of them hadn't been the children of any titled gods.

On the other hand, he also couldn't agree with what she said because that would make it sound as if the situation with Longjun was indeed weird. While he did actually think so, it wouldn't do to say that about the king of their allies. What kind of impression would it give if at some point it reached his ears? If he thought badly of him ... The minuscule chance that he had of getting together with Longjun would be completely gone then, wouldn't it? He did not want to risk that.

Bai Fen looked at her son with a complicated expression and then turned to her brother, slightly raising her brows so he could help her out. If he had some funny story to tell, it would definitely lighten the mood.

Qiang Yan just smiled, put his hands on his thighs, and stood up. "I'll see if there are some snacks to eat."

Bai Fen's eyes widened and she stared up at him. "Why are you suddenly leaving? Don't tell me that the stories you have to tell are so embarrassing that you can't even bring yourself to admit to them in front of your own sister and nephew? We're family! How bad can it be?"

Qiang Yan just chuckled and patted Jing He's shoulder on the way out. "The most embarrassing story is definitely the one of your father and mother. Have either of them tell you someday. You'll instantly feel better about what the dragon king is doing right now."

Jing He's cheeks flushed when his relationship with Qiu Ling was suddenly compared to that of his parents. Wasn't the implication behind that that the two of them might also get married just like his parents? This really was quite bold to say.

Bai Fen clicked her tongue and shook her head at her brother's back before she turned to Jing He. Seeing his expression, she really wanted to sigh. This son of hers ... he was much too timid. "Well, he isn't completely wrong. There were quite a few things that went wrong when your father pursued me back then."

Jing He glanced at her, not quite sure if this was something he should inquire further about. His uncle had brought it up and his mother didn't seem to mind telling him but maybe it would still better to just acknowledge it and then move on. After all, this was his parents' private matter. Most likely, they would not want to expose that in front of their own child of all people. Otherwise, it might be a bit embarrassing.

Weighing the matter carefully, Jing He still felt that he should say something. After all, he already hadn't responded much to what his mother said before and now, he was the only person left with her. To not say anything at all would be impolite. He just needed to say something that couldn't be construed wrong. "I remember how mother mentioned that father was engaged to somebody else before. I could imagine that that would cause a few problems."