Blossom in Adversity

C177. Tender Affections.

Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Seven: Tender Affections

"Why?"

Why?

Hua Zhi smiled, of course, she didn't want to go to someone else's house and be treated like a child!

In the capital city, these noble families were all ruthless, and a young bride from another family had to endure a lot in order to stand firm in her husband's household. Hua Zhi wasn't afraid of that, but she didn't want to get involved at all. She even had a deep aversion to it.

Naturally, she kept these blunt thoughts to herself, softening her reasons a bit. "I don't like complicated interpersonal relationships. I don't like scheming for personal gain or being forced to comfort my husband after he spoils his concubines. I don't want to live in such a small world, surrounded by ignorant women who think the capital city is the whole world. What joy is there in that kind of life?"

"Coincidentally, I don't like those things either." Gu Yan Xi's eyes remained gentle and affectionate. "We can explore the world together, see the endless sea, the lush green grasslands. We can go wherever you want to go. I won't demand you confine yourself to the inner quarters, or bear children. In our home, you can do as you please. Just take me with you."

How could she not be moved?

How could she not be moved!

Hua Zhi bit her tongue lightly to keep herself calm. Her only regret in this world was not being able to travel freely, to see an untouched, unpolluted world. But that was just a pipe dream.

So she had envisioned a future where she would live with a few maids who didn't want to marry in a house built according to her wishes. When she was older and no one cared about her, she could venture out, but her travels would be limited. She never dreamed of going far away.

She wasn't afraid, but she had to consider the dangers. If she had the skills of Shao Yao, she could roam the world freely, but she didn't. With her limited abilities, she couldn't fend off a few people.

And now, Gu Yan Xi was offering her such a future. Her whole being was restless, and if she didn't have responsibilities, she would agree just for the sake of being able to go wherever she wanted.

But, it was all just talk.

"Has Mr. Lu forgotten his own identity?"

"There will be a day when he can let go of that."

Hua Zhi lowered her eyes, not knowing where her overwhelming disappointment came from, but she truly couldn't muster up her usual smile.

Gu Yan Xi stood up and walked around to squat beside Hua Zhi, taking her hand and stubbornly meeting her gaze. "You carry your responsibilities, and I carry mine. But these responsibilities are not forever. The people of the Hua family will return, and even if the heir of the Seven Stars Bureau is not yet mature, I still hold the title of the heir apparent. No one can stop the heir apparent from marrying a legitimate wife and having a child. Trust me, Ah Zhi, I will make things go in the direction I envision, and the future I promise you will come true."

"Five years? Or ten years?" Hua Zhi allowed him to hold her hand without resistance. "Tomorrow is uncertain, let alone a long time from now, Mr. Lu. I hope that we can form a mutually beneficial partnership. I will earn money for you, and you will provide protection for the Hua family. If Mr. Lu can bring my family back, I would gladly offer everything I have, even if it means sacrificing more years for Mr. Lu."

Looking at the determined man in front of her, Hua Zhi felt a moment of softness. "I don't want to manipulate your feelings to achieve my goals, so Mr. Lu, please don't always let me have my way. I'm afraid that one day I will cross a line and become someone I dislike."

"I am willing to be used by you. If there is something that requires the use of influence and power, I hope that you will use me," Mr. Lu said.

Gu Yanxi understood this woman. While others may not see her as a noble Hua family member, deep down she was proud and unwilling to take advantage of anyone. If she were to use someone, she would do it openly and ensure that the person being used benefits as well. He wanted to be that person she would never forget and would not give anyone else the chance to take his place.

"I once read a saying that as people grow up, they become the person they most dislike. I promised myself that I would never become that person," Hua Zhi said. But like all adults, she eventually couldn't fulfill that promise. Now, she did not want to be the kind of adult she detested.

Hua Zhi lowered her head and smiled sadly, feeling misunderstood by Gu Yanxi. "Mr. Lu, I don't want to use you or anyone else. I hope that we can have a mutually supportive partnership. I will earn money for you, and you will provide protection for me. That's all I seek."

Gu Yanxi clasped Hua Zhi's hands in his. "If that's what you want, then it's settled."

Hua Zhi looked at him in surprise, as if she did not expect him to agree.

Gu Yanxi smiled gently and brushed her cheek with his hand. "I will support you in whatever you want."

Feeling the warmth and dryness of his hand on her face, Hua Zhi was reminded of the last time she was treated with such kindness, which was when her father was on his deathbed. She closed her eyes and leaned back, withdrawing her hand from his grasp, as if trying to break free from his spell.

Gu Yanxi stood up, his imposing height making Hua Zhi instinctively want to retreat. She bit her tongue to hold back her emotions and said, "Mr. Lu, your tea is ready."

Seeing Hua Zhi's current state, Gu Yanxi felt a newfound sense of joy. He remembered asking her if anyone had ever made her lose her composure, and she had said yes. Now, he realized that he could be that person if he persisted a little longer.

But she doesn't want to!

Gu Yanxi followed her train of thought, "You've had enough tea. We can discuss the alliance another time."

"Please, Mr. Lu."

Gu Yanxi pulled a small box from his inner pocket and placed it on the table. Yet, his words were unrelated, "I'd like to ask Ah Zhi for some pickled vegetables that Fu Dong made. I wonder if there are any?"

As long as she could get this great Buddha to leave, she'd have no objections to giving away all her pickled vegetables. Hua Zhi called out, "Suyun Mama."

"Yes, Miss." Suyun Mama pushed open the door and stood outside, her expression impassive.

"Take Mr. Lu to find Fu Dong and get some pickled vegetables. Every kind, and as much as Mr. Lu wants."

"Yes, Mr. Lu, please follow me."

Gu Yanxi gave Hua Zhi one last look before following Suyun Mama away.

Finally, the gaze that had been fixed upon her vanished. Hua Zhi sat back in her chair and tried to calm her racing heart.

It had nothing to do with love. It was just that a mark had been left on her heart.