"Chen Ge, we've done all we can. What happens next is out of our hands," Cheng You consoled him.
Chen Qin remained silent, lost in his own thoughts. He blamed himself for pushing Pei Lanlan to this point, taking all the responsibility onto his own shoulders. It was no wonder he wasn't happy.
Cheng You sighed, unsure how to comfort him. They parted ways at the Zhen Shan Tang. Chen Qin had to go back to work, while Cheng You headed straight home. The final exams were approaching, and she didn't have much time to spare.
After the final exams, Zeng Xiuyun caused a scene at the entrance of the military compound. Sister-in-law He told Cheng You that Qiu Desheng had beaten Qiu Yingxun to a pulp and sent him to the hospital after finding out about Qiu Yingxun and Cheng Tao's affair. This wasn't the first time Qiu Desheng had assaulted someone, and his past military achievements couldn't shield him this time.
"It's split open here, and it bled a lot. I even saw people cleaning it up today."
Cheng You was taken aback. "Isn't his wedding coming up soon? Is this going to delay it?"
"It seems so. The bride's father came today and said that they haven't gotten the marriage certificate yet. They'll wait until he's recovered."
Cheng You let out a laugh. It was true poetic justice.
Sister-in-law He studied her expression. "You don't seem to think this marriage is a good thing?"
Cheng You shrugged. "Someone like Qiu Yingxun... I don't think any relationship he's in would be a good thing."
Sister-in-law He nodded thoughtfully. "That's true."
However, Pei Kesheng had only mentioned a postponement, not a cancellation. It seemed Qiu Yingxun was destined to be the live-in son-in-law.
The gossip session concluded, and Cheng You entered her house with the things she was carrying. Her mind was still on Pei Lanlan's situation.
Not long after, there was a knock at the door. She turned to see Qiu Tingting leaning against the doorframe, looking dejected.
"Well, well, a rare visitor. Aren't you busy chasing men? How do you have time to come see me?"
Qiu Tingting pouted, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm not chasing him anymore."
Seeing that she was on the verge of tears, Cheng You quickly walked over. Qiu Tingting had faced countless setbacks since she started pursuing Feng Xianxu. Every time she said she was giving up, she'd be back at his doorstep the next day with gifts. But this time, it seemed she was serious.
"Why have you suddenly decided to stop chasing him? Did he hurt your feelings?"
Qiu Tingting bit her lip, wiping away the tears on her cheeks. "It's just pointless. I won't chase him anymore. He doesn't like me, and I can't force someone to like me." She had thrown all her female dignity away to pursue a man, and the entire cultural troupe was laughing at her.
Cheng You eyed her. "When I tried to advise you before, why didn't you give up then?"
Qiu Tingting said, "He was single before. Now it's different. He has someone now."
"What?" Feng Xianxu has someone? She didn't know about that.
"Then forget about it. Find someone better!" Cheng You comforted her.
Qiu Tingting, tears drying, broke into a smile. "My parents said the same thing. They've already asked a matchmaker to look for someone for me. I'll take leave and go home in a few days."
Cheng You's eyes widened. "So soon?" Was she recovering from heartbreak that fast?
Qiu Tingting said righteously, "The best way to get over a past relationship is to start a new one, isn't that what you told me?"
Cheng You: "..." She told her to start one, not to sprint forward.
"Alright, tell me about the person you're going to meet later. I'll help you vet them."
After talking to Cheng You, Qiu Tingting felt a bit better. A few days later, when she took leave to go home, she said goodbye to Cheng You. Cheng You was packing some items sent by the Lao Jiang family and happened to pack some for her to take back. She then sat in the yard and divided the rest. She needed to send some to the Qi family and some to Feng Xianxu's grandparents. Zhao Jisheng and Old Master Yun also needed some, as a form of New Year's gift.
After dividing them, she took Feng Xianxu's grandparents' share over. She ran into Feng Xianxu at the door.
She smiled. "Brother Xu, I heard you have someone. Why don't you bring her to see Grandma and Grandpa?"
Feng Xianxu's face froze for a moment. "Who told you that?"
"Tingting. She's taking leave to go home for a blind date today and said she won't bother you anymore. Since you have someone now, this is unethical."
Feng Xianxu's focus shifted. His voice deepened. "She's going home for a blind date?"
Cheng You nodded. "Yes. It's a shame. I thought she could be my sister-in-law." She pretended not to notice Feng Xianxu's changing expression and went inside with the items. Little trickster!
"Grandma, Grandpa, I brought you some things."
Feng Xianxu's grandparents' faces had been grim, but they brightened slightly when they saw her. Cheng You sensitively noticed their expressions. "What's wrong?"
The old lady shook her head. "It's your uncle's family matter. Nothing worth talking about."
"Eldest uncle?"
Old Master Feng snorted. "It's your second uncle!"
Cheng You was a bit surprised. Feng Yaojie seemed much more reliable; he didn't strike her as someone who caused trouble. "What happened to second uncle?" A relationship with a younger woman was one thing, but now he had a wife and child. What more could he have done?
The old lady shook her head with disgust, unable to voice it. With only two sons, how could they both be so shameless!
Cheng You smiled. "If you don't want to talk about it, then let's not dwell on it."
Just then, Feng Xianxu walked in. The old lady asked, "What were you and your brother talking about outside? I heard about a partner. Who has a partner?"
"Brother Xu!"
Feng Xianxu didn't have time to stop her. Cheng You blurted it out so casually. He had used that statement to deter Qiu Tingting, and who knew Cheng You would take it seriously.
The old lady quickly asked, "Which girl? Is it that Qiu Tingting? I think that young lady is quite good, pretty and lively."
Feng Xianxu pursed his lips, not speaking. Qiu Tingting had already been angered away by him.
"Tsk, say something!" The old lady nudged him.
Feng Xianxu said in a deep voice, "No."
The two elders looked at each other. They had no idea Feng Xianxu had another partner.
The old man frowned and looked at him. "You must not follow the example of the two useless elders in our family. You must be devoted to your partner. If you have time, bring her home for us to see. If she's suitable, find a time to get the certificate. You're not young anymore."
Feng Xianxu felt both amused and exasperated. He had only intended to make Qiu Tingting back off, but he had ended up creating a bigger problem for himself. He secretly glared at Cheng You. She must have done it on purpose.
Cheng You blinked innocently. "Brother Xu, this isn't my fault. I only heard it from Tingting. She's not bothering you anymore, so you should focus on your relationship. You're not getting any younger; it's time to settle down." She mimicked the old man's words, advising him with great earnestness.