The Peach Blossoms White by the Village Edge

Chapter 61: Liking

In Qu Qingjiang's heart, she no longer regarded those people as kin. Given their reckless behavior, it was certain that the relationship between both sides would continue to deteriorate, and being estranged from them would be the best possible outcome.

She was unwilling to argue with others; however, her interests were in conflict with those of the Qu clan. As long as they harbored the intention of cutting off all ties, they would inevitably remain in opposition.

Zhao Changxia said, "We have already made a concession regarding the issue of my father-in-law's memorial tablet, but they have not given up. They have repeatedly tested our bottom line. Now that I have taught them a lesson, they might hate me even more, which could drag you into it."

Qu Qingjiang shook her head. "As husband and wife, we are one. What is there to say about dragging each other into it? If not for your resolute stance, they wouldn't hold a grudge against me, but would instead have eaten me alive. Because you are here, I feel at ease."

This was meant to be a statement of closeness and gratitude, but Zhao Changxia, upon hearing it, furrowed her brows slightly. Her eyes flickered, and she seemed to be wavering internally.

Zhao Changxia was usually decisive in her actions and rarely conflicted, which was a rare sight for Qu Qingjiang. However, she had no leisure to tease Zhao Changxia because she sensed a hint of unease.

After a while, Zhao Changxia, having wrestled with her thoughts, finally solidified her resolve and asked, "Do you feel at ease because I saved your life?"

Qu Qingjiang was taken aback.

What does this mean?

It was correct that Zhao Changxia made her feel at ease, and it was also correct that Zhao Changxia saved her life. There was a connection between these two facts, but it was not a cause-and-effect relationship.

Yet Zhao Changxia seemed to regard it as such...

Qu Qingjiang didn't have time to ponder Zhao Changxia's meaning in detail; her intuition told her that confirming this answer would mean something irreversible.

She decisively said, "Yes, and no. When I was in danger, you came from the sky and saved my life. In my heart, you are kind and strong, and I feel very safe by your side..."

Zhao Changxia pursed her lips. As expected, Qu Qingjiang only saw her as a lifesaver. Perhaps the flirtations when drunk were what people referred to as "direct flirting"!

Qu Qingjiang changed the subject, sincerely saying, "...But every moment spent with you has become a cherished memory in my heart. With you by my side, I feel particularly fulfilled, as if I possess many wonderful things in this world."

As she spoke, she recalled every detail of their interactions, and gradually, she seemed to understand why Zhao Changxia had a conflicted expression.

In fact, Zhao Changxia had given her many hints a long time ago. For example, last time, when she asked Zhao Changxia why she didn't show affection to others, Zhao Changxia had already given her the answer — since meeting you, all possibilities have had only one answer.

Answer: You.

Zhao Changxia must have developed feelings for her, just as Qu Qingjiang had unknowingly fallen for this person of unknown origin, who was the most trusted person besides her own parents... and a woman at that.

Qu Qingjiang didn't struggle much with whether her feelings for Zhao Changxia were love or admiration, nor did she question why she liked a woman. Before Zhao Changxia was to establish her household, she had realized that apart from her family, Zhao Changxia was the only person who made her both deeply concerned and fearful of losing her.