Chapter 209

Yu Xiangnian felt it was necessary to give Yu Xiangyang a wake-up call.

From their interactions today, her concerns were confirmed.

Given Yu Xiangyang’s character and understanding of relationships, he would not do anything out of line.

But the problem now is that Xia Qingyun is very adept at seizing opportunities to flirt, and Yu Xiangyang is completely oblivious.

She couldn’t be there all the time to monitor Yu Xiangyang and Xia Qingyun.

If they went on a date alone, there was a risk that Yu Xiangyang might not resist the flirting and might kiss Xia Qingyun.

With their military background, he would definitely have to take responsibility for Xia Qingyun.

And with Zhao Ruozhu’s current firm attitude, this could lead to a serious conflict between mother and son.

Yu Xiangyang and Cheng Jingmo were stunned for a while after hearing Yu Xiangnian’s words.

What kind of theory was this? They had never heard of it!

Yu Xiangyang incredulously said, “Chastity? A man’s dowry? Are you out of your mind?”

Yu Xiangnian said, “Yu Xiangyang, you understand ‘feelings should be expressed within the bounds of propriety,’ right? Since Mom and Dad haven’t agreed to your relationship with Xia Qingyun, you need to adhere to discipline and ethics in your interactions with her! If you cross the line, it will not only hurt Mom and Dad but also Xia Qingyun.”

Yu Xiangyang disdainfully replied, “What could I possibly do that’s out of line?”

Didn’t he understand what Yu Xiangnian was saying?

Yu Xiangnian continued, “Don’t dismiss it! I’m worried that you might act impulsively and let your emotions override your reason, doing something irrational. You need to be responsible for your future wife!”

Yu Xiangyang was dissatisfied, “My future wife should be her!”

Yu Xiangnian said, “Then you should be even more cautious and not rush into things. Wait until Mom and Dad agree, then you can marry her and handle your feelings however you want.”

Yu Xiangyang, irritated, replied, “Got it, got it. When did it become your job to educate me?”

Back at home.

Yu Xiangnian asked Cheng Jingmo, “Do you know Bai Dewen?”

“Yeah, from the Secretarial Department.”

“Are you familiar with him?”

“Not really.”

Yu Xiangnian said, “Then find a way to secretly investigate the relationship between Bai Dewen and Xia Qingyun. Don’t let Yu Xiangyang find out.”

Yu Xiangyang said they were from the same hometown, but Yu Xiangnian had seen them alone together and felt their relationship was unusual.

“Oh,” Cheng Jingmo paused and said, “Yu Xiangyang is sincere. I still think we should respect his wishes.”

Yu Xiangnian said, “The more sincere he is, the more easily he can be deceived. That’s why we, as bystanders, need to help him see the true nature of the other person.”

Cheng Jingmo believed Xia Qingyun was just a cultured soldier, with no hidden motives.

Yu Xiangnian noticed Cheng Jingmo’s thoughts and narrowed her eyes, “You’re also being fooled by Xia Qingyun!”

Cheng Jingmo replied, “…I’m not!”

“You’re defending her now!”

Cheng Jingmo felt wronged.

He genuinely just wanted to help Yu Xiangyang. He had known Yu Xiangyang for many years and this was the first time he had seen him like a woman.

He put himself in Yu Xiangyang’s shoes—if everyone opposed his relationship with Yu Xiangnian, he would also feel distressed and isolated.

Yu Xiangnian’s tone became increasingly unfriendly, “Cheng Jingmo, you men are all the same! You lose all principles when you see someone pretty!”

Cheng Jingmo weakly said, “Aside from you, I don’t find anyone else pretty, really!”

“Stop lying!”

Yu Xiangnian’s temper was quite severe this time; she ignored Cheng Jingmo the entire evening.

Even when Cheng Jingmo tried to hold her while they were going to bed, she pushed him away with a firm hand.

“Xiangnian, I don’t find Xia Qingyun attractive, nor am I charmed by her. I’m not defending her either. Please stop being angry.”

Yu Xiangnian pretended not to hear.

Cheng Jingmo continued, “I’ve partnered with Yu Xiangyang for many years, and I know what he’s thinking. It’s not easy for him to like someone when his family opposes it.”

Yu Xiangnian coldly replied, “If you understand him so well, then go be with him!”

Cheng Jingmo: “…”

After a moment, he said, “As you said, our family allows various opinions and seeks common ground while reserving differences.”

Yu Xiangnian snorted.

To seek common ground while reserving differences means we should have the same opinions and ideas. If you have differing opinions or thoughts, keep them to yourself and don’t complain!

Cheng Jingmo, not receiving a response from Yu Xiangnian, added, “It’s my fault for making you angry. I deserve your silence. Just tell me what I did wrong, and I’ll avoid it in the future.”

Yu Xiangnian replied angrily, “You think our family is biased against Xia Qingyun! We’re just making random suspicions about her!”

Cheng Jingmo honestly said, “I haven’t noticed any true or false aspects of her.”

Yu Xiangnian asked, “Then have you noticed how she handles everything perfectly, leaving no room for criticism?”

Cheng Jingmo honestly replied, “I haven’t paid much attention to her.”

Yu Xiangnian said, “… Let me tell you my thoughts. Xia Qingyun seems great and perfect. But eyes don’t lie; her gaze towards Yu Xiangyang is flirtatious but lacks depth, gentle but not passionate!”

Cheng Jingmo stared at Yu Xiangnian’s eyes, trying to see if they were passionate.

Yu Xiangnian glared at him, “If she doesn’t truly like Yu Xiangyang, then she might be interested in his background. She might have motives, but she shouldn’t deceive Yu Xiangyang’s feelings!”

“And she gives me the impression that everything she does is meticulously calculated. A woman with such a deep mind, who can guarantee she won’t have any bad thoughts if she doesn’t like someone?!”

“Do you think she really wanted to go out with me today? She’s testing and trying to win me over! Yu Xiangyang’s intelligence is basically zero now. If we don’t help him see the truth, will he have the chance to see it clearly later?”

Yu Xiangnian paused and added, “Of course, this is just my personal opinion and judgment, and it might not be entirely correct. I’m worried I might be suspicious for no reason, which is why I asked you to investigate Xia Qingyun’s background.”

Cheng Jingmo nodded, “Alright, I understand.”

Yu Xiangnian moved over in bed, creating distance between them, “Don’t touch me. As you requested, let’s seek common ground while reserving differences! Even though we’re on the same bed, we should sleep separately!”

Cheng Jingmo: “…”

The comrade was right; don’t reason with women. She’ll make you realize her logic is the only one that matters.

The next day.

Yu Xiangnian visited the military hospital and specifically updated Zhao Ruozhu on the situation from the previous day.

“Mom, Yu Xiangyang is completely infatuated!” Yu Xiangnian said, “Xia Qingyun seems flawless in every way. Sometimes I wonder if we’re overthinking it!”

“That’s what makes her formidable!” Zhao Ruozhu said calmly, “But no one can escape my eyes!”

It was clear she had a plan. Yu Xiangnian asked, “What are you going to do?”

Zhao Ruozhu replied, “Let’s just wait. Eventually, someone will be unable to hold out first!”