Chapter 62: I Said I’d Marry You, So I Will

Jiang Chengshan glanced this way and that, about to speak.

Jiang Xiangxiang, seeing him poised for a showdown, quickly tugged at his sleeve. Things were already chaotic enough; couldn’t they wait?

Shen Qiuyue shifted closer, subtly intercepting her hand and pulling Jiang Xiangxiang aside. She softly reassured her, “Be good, Xiangxiang. Let the adults talk; don’t interrupt.”

Jiang Xiangxiang sighed helplessly, “Aunt…”

She wasn’t a child.

The situation looked wrong. They seemed intent on disrupting the wedding.

Although Lu Jianshen’s background was questionable, Jiang Xiangxiang didn’t think it mattered. Problems were problems.

She cared about Lu Jianshen himself, not anything else.

Jiang Chengshan cleared his throat and quickly said, “Um, He Ping, your family seems busy. We won’t interfere here. We can talk later.”

Lu Jianshen turned, gazing at him intently. “Dad, what do you mean?”

Jiang Chengshan stammered, “I…I…”

I’m backing out.

Honestly, this didn’t seem to involve Lu Jianshen; he was innocent. Turning against him now would be unfair.

Lu Heping, a shrewd old fox, immediately grabbed his arm and pulled him inside. “Busy? Not at all! Today, their betrothal is most important; everything else takes a backseat.”

He thought, Lu Jianshen had finally agreed to marry, and seemed serious about Jiang Xiangxiang. As his father, he couldn’t hinder them.

Even if he was an adoptive father, he was still a father. And they’d raised Lu Jianshen as their own child for years.

Jiang Chengshan tried to speak, but Jiang Chengzhong kicked him. He didn’t say anything, but his eyes held a threat.

The message was clear: speak again, and his older brother would intervene.

Jiang Chengshan glanced back, feeling wronged. If he didn’t act, would he just watch Jiang Xiangxiang marry into the Lu family?

Jiang Chengzhong’s tone was harsh, “What are you looking at? What’s there to see? Mind your own business!”

The young couple seemed affectionate and clearly willing.

Why would a rough old man like Jiang Chengshan meddle in young people’s affairs? He was crazy, or just bored.

Jiang Chengshan felt aggrieved and wanted to escape, but couldn’t. Jiang Xiangxiang, that simpleton, was completely focused on Lu Jianshen, ignoring him.

Jiang Xiangxiang noticed her adoptive father’s gaze, but she truly didn’t want to give up on Lu Jianshen. Regardless, he was still him, and that was enough.

Why worry about so much? It was pointless.

Tian Xiu’e didn’t idle either. Seeing the situation, she immediately pulled Shen Qiuyue inside. If they left, the children’s wedding would be ruined.

She had some sense.

Shen Qiuyue also disapproved of Jiang Xiangxiang marrying into the Lu family. Before, it was fine, but now knowing the complexities of the Lu family, how could she watch her jump into the fire?

If there was only Lu Jianshen, it would be fine, but there were also Lu Jiannan and Lu Jianbei.

It wasn’t apparent yet, but as parents, there would be times they weren’t careful. In the future, between Lu Jianshen, Lu Jiannan, and Lu Jianbei, who would they choose?

For example, if Jiang Xiangxiang had children, would they favor Jiang Xiangxiang or Lu Jiannan and Lu Jianbei?

That was the problem.

If Lu Heping and Tian Xiu’e weren’t biased, it would be easier. But if they favored one side, Jiang Xiangxiang’s life would be difficult.

Tian Xiu’e seemed to know what Shen Qiuyue was thinking. Wiping her eyes, she softly said, “Qiuyue, we’re neighbors from the same village, and I’ve known you for years. I won’t hide it from you; I’ve always considered Lu Jianshen my own son, from the moment I brought him home.”

If abortion were common in those days, Lu Jiannan and Lu Jianbei wouldn’t exist.

Tian Xiu’e was also afraid. She worried about being biased or doing something wrong.

Hearing her words, Shen Qiuyue’s worries lessened. It was good she could understand. She didn’t mind talking to Shen Qiuyue.

After the adults went inside, only Jiang Xiangxiang and Lu Jianshen remained in the courtyard.

A cold wind blew.

Jiang Xiangxiang looked at him worriedly, hesitating before asking, “Are you alright? Maybe there’s a misunderstanding. How could this be such a coincidence?”

Lu Jianshen shook his head. “It’s not a misunderstanding. See Mom and Dad’s reaction.”

If it were a misunderstanding, Tian Xiu’e and Lu Heping wouldn’t react like this.

Jiang Xiangxiang was speechless, unsure how to comfort him. Any normal person would find this hard to accept. His reaction was understandable.

Lu Jianshen seemed slightly helpless, but he wasn’t particularly bothered.

He knew, whether he was their biological son or not, Lu Heping and Tian Xiu’e’s attitude wouldn’t change, nor would Lu Jiannan and Lu Jianbei’s.

Blood ties weren’t that important.

Lu Jianshen didn’t care much. Looking at Jiang Xiangxiang’s worried eyes, he said, “I’m fine, but if you mind…”

Jiang Xiangxiang quickly interrupted, “I don’t mind.”

She didn’t care. As long as Lu Jianshen was Lu Jianshen, there was nothing to worry about.

Lu Jianshen was slightly surprised. He didn’t believe Jiang Xiangxiang couldn’t see Jiang Chengshan’s intentions. He thought their wedding would be postponed.

But Jiang Xiangxiang…

Jiang Xiangxiang fearlessly declared, “I make my own decisions. I said I’d marry you, so I will. Nothing will change that.”

She had that confidence.

Jiang Chengshan wouldn’t object either. Considering how she’d been bullied by Ye Meiping and Jiang Rourou, her request would likely be granted.

Lu Jianshen’s heart settled. “No need. I’ll talk to my dad. If he’s worried, it’s understandable.”