Chapter 16: Appreciation

Ouyang Xuan looked at Xiao Miaomiao and gently shook her head, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes. “That’s a pretty good idea. If you haven’t met someone you truly love, there’s nothing wrong with choosing to live the life you want.”

She paused, then continued, “The fact that you can think this way shows that you are a rational and independent girl. I admire you.”

Xiao Miaomiao’s heart stirred slightly upon hearing Ouyang Xuan’s words, but she still smiled politely. “Thank you, Mom, for the compliment. I just think that you can’t force feelings. Since I’ve already become Mrs. Li, I’ll fulfill my responsibilities and obligations as a wife.”

Ouyang Xuan nodded, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes. “You’re such a sensible child. The Li family is fortunate to have a daughter-in-law like you.”

She patted Xiao Miaomiao’s hand and comforted her, “I know you might be a little uneasy now, but don’t worry, our Li family will never mistreat you.”

Xiao Miaomiao looked at Ouyang Xuan with gratitude and asked softly, “Mom, why are you so good to me?”

Ouyang Xuan smiled slightly, her eyes shining with sincerity. “Because you deserve it, and I believe you will become a good daughter-in-law and a good wife.”

Xiao Miaomiao was deeply moved by Ouyang Xuan’s words. She pursed her lips and nodded seriously. “Mom, thank you for your trust. I’ll try my best to give you a grandson.”

Ouyang Xuan smiled contentedly and then continued, “There’s one more thing. Regarding Jingcheng, I can assure you that he absolutely doesn’t have anyone he likes.”

“And now you are his legal wife. Even if he wakes up in the future, he won’t do anything to hurt you. If he dares to ask for a divorce, as compensation, I’ll make him leave half of his property to you.”

Xiao Miaomiao’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? Mom, you’re so kind. But I’m not that greedy, enough money for me to use is fine.”

Ouyang Xuan smiled and said firmly, “This isn’t a matter of being greedy or not. It’s the responsibility that our Li family should bear. Don’t worry, our Li family will never mistreat anyone.”

Xiao Miaomiao was moved to tears. She took a deep breath and said softly, “Mom, thank you… I’ll do my best to carry on the Li family line.”

Ouyang Xuan gently stroked Xiao Miaomiao’s hair and said with a smile, “Silly child, what are you thanking me for? This is your home from now on. Let me know if you need anything.”

Finally, Ouyang Xuan instructed, “Go see your cousin today. By the way, ask him to tell his family to find a time for our two families to have dinner together and discuss your matter.”

“After all, Jingcheng is in this state, and you still married him. It’s our fault. So no matter what they ask, we’ll satisfy them.”

Xiao Miaomiao was touched to hear her mother-in-law say this. Tears glistened in her eyes. “Mom, thank you.” Then, she couldn’t help but hug her mother-in-law tightly.

Ouyang Xuan gently patted Xiao Miaomiao’s back and comforted her, “Silly child, why are you crying? You’re my daughter-in-law, we’re all family!” Then, Ouyang Xuan remembered Xiao Miaomiao’s pitiful past and couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

She lost her mother at birth and was sent to live in the countryside. Fortunately, she was lovingly cared for by her grandfather’s family. But her biological father became cold and heartless after remarrying and no longer cared about her.

Ouyang Xuan stroked Xiao Miaomiao’s hair and said gently, “Child, let me take care of you from now on!”

Xiao Miaomiao nodded gratefully, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Yes, thank you, Mom.”

Ouyang Xuan smiled at Xiao Miaomiao, her eyes filled with love. “From now on, I’m your real mom. I’ll love you as much as I love my own daughter.”

Xiao Miaomiao nodded vigorously, agreeing. “Yes, I know. I’ll love you like my own mother too.”

On the other side, things weren’t so peaceful at Jiang Chen’s place. Zheng Yan sat on the sofa, looking at him with confusion.

“Who pissed you off? You’re so angry.” Zheng Yan remembered that the last time Jiang Chen was this angry was when he found out that Xiao Miaomiao had gotten a marriage license with Hong Wenbin without telling him.

“And wasn’t Li Jingcheng in a coma for half a year? Why are you mentioning him?” Zheng Yan took a sip of tea and looked at Jiang Chen, full of confusion.

“Miaomiao got her marriage license with Li Jingcheng yesterday afternoon. The Li family handled it.” Jiang Chen angrily kicked a chair.

Zheng Yan’s eyes widened in disbelief. He stood up, spilling the tea in his cup. How could this be?

“How could Miaomiao be related to Li Jingcheng? They didn’t know each other before, did they?” Zheng Yan looked at Jiang Chen, hoping he was just joking.

“I don’t know either, but it must have been the Li family’s doing.” Jiang Chen frowned. He also thought this was strange.

After all, the Li family and the Xiao family had no connection, and Li Jingcheng had been in a coma for over half a year. Why would they suddenly get married to Xiao Miaomiao?

“Why did the Li family do this? Are they trying to have Miaomiao take care of Li Jingcheng?” Zheng Yan guessed.

“Are we just going to watch Miaomiao marry a vegetable?” Zheng Yan said unwillingly.

“Of course not.” Jiang Chen took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

Zheng Yan still didn’t understand why Miaomiao would choose to be with Li Jingcheng.

“Are you sure it’s true? Miaomiao wasn’t just joking, was she?” Zheng Yan still held out a glimmer of hope.

Jiang Chen didn’t understand either, and he didn’t approve of them being together. Before Li Jingcheng’s accident, he could say that Li Jingcheng was too outstanding, so Miaomiao would choose to be with him. But now Li Jingcheng is just a vegetable.

“It’s true. Miaomiao said she’ll come over later.” Jiang Chen ran his hand through his hair. He hadn’t expected things to turn out this way.

“I should have sent her home to her grandparents yesterday. Miaomiao pulled this stunt, and I don’t even dare to tell my family.” Their family and the Li family had always been at odds.

Their generation, he and Li Jingcheng didn’t have a good relationship either. He never expected Miaomiao to marry Li Jingcheng directly.

Zheng Yan looked at Jiang Chen, knowing it was true. He was a little regretful. If he had known, he would have directly confessed to Xiao Miaomiao yesterday. He wouldn’t have been in this situation.

He missed his chance once, and now he missed it again. What was going on?

Zheng Yan finally realized that sometimes missing a chance really meant missing it. If he hadn’t been so hesitant, even if he had been rejected, would the outcome have been different?

But everything was so coincidental. He missed his chance, and that was that.