Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C370. Revealing True Feelings.

Chapter 370: Revealing True Feelings

As the evening settled in, the warm, rosy glow of the sunset bathed the sky with hues of red, casting a soft light that made everyone look almost serene. Shao Yao stepped out of Shi Zai restaurant, feeling content after a hearty meal. Her stomach was pleasantly full, and with a content sigh, she took a moment to admire the sky, remarking, "Wow, the view is just stunning."

Hua Zhi, who had been walking alongside her, turned around just as she was about to get into the carriage. She heard someone call her name, "Miss Hua."

She glanced back, a little surprised, and asked, "Is Master Jiang here to pick up Old Master Jiang? He already left."

But Jiang Huanran wasn’t actually there for his father. He had overheard the steward mention that his father was meeting with Miss Hua and, on a whim, decided to follow along. He hadn’t planned on revealing himself, choosing to stay hidden until his father was gone.

"Miss, could I speak with you for a moment?" Jiang Huanran asked, breaking the brief silence.

Thinking he was about to discuss business, Hua Zhi gave a quick nod and, without much hesitation, led him back into the room.

*

In a quiet, private room with only a few people present, Ying Chun was serving tea while Shao Yao casually leaned against the wall, arms crossed. Her gaze was fixed on Jiang Huanran, who, in her opinion, resembled Sima Zhao—someone who clearly had feelings for Hua Zhi, yet was being met with indifference.

Curiously, Hua Zhi broke the silence. “I wonder what Master Jiang wants to discuss.”

Jiang Huanran, surveying the people around him, took a deep breath and decided to get straight to the point. "Miss, I admire you deeply, and I was wondering if, perhaps, you might feel the same way about me."

Hua Zhi blinked, a bit taken aback. Having lived in this world for sixteen years, she’d never encountered someone who was so direct about their feelings. It was a bit of a shock, and for a moment, she found herself at a loss for words.

Meanwhile, Shao Yao, unable to hold back, started fidgeting. “Come on, there’s no way Hua Zhi would like you. She already... ”

"Shao Yao," Hua Zhi cut her off, not wanting to let the conversation escalate.

Shao Yao, a bit sulky, pouted. It seemed like, despite being the sister-in-law, she wasn't allowed to defend her sister's reputation. Her frustration was clear.

Hua Zhi, however, took a moment to collect herself, her response warm yet firm. "I appreciate your feelings, Master Jiang, but I can't return them."

Jiang Huanran, determined, immediately pleaded. "Why? Is it because of my family’s situation? I can live on my own if need be. I will work hard to improve, and I promise I won’t cause you any grief. If business calls you away or if you need to travel, I’ll be there beside you. I’ll do everything I can to be someone worthy of you. Please, think about it."

Hua Zhi looked at him gently but resolutely. “I already have someone in mind.”

At this, Shao Yao’s mood lifted instantly, her earlier irritation forgotten as she smiled to herself.

Jiang Huanran stood silent for a moment, processing the words. “Is it the man from Xiangyang?”

Hua Zhi nodded softly, confirming his suspicion. “Yes.”

Jiang Huanran wasn’t exactly shocked. He had noticed the way the man treated Miss Hua differently from everyone else. But still, a sense of disappointment crept over him. “What has he promised you? Whatever he can offer, I can give you too, and even more.”