Chapter 118

Zou Anning glanced quickly ahead and instantly blushed.

Firstly, it was her first time seeing Qiao Tianjing since her mother’s last outburst, and she felt a bit embarrassed.

Secondly, Tan Hanchi was an outsider, and meeting him so casually was somewhat improper.

“An… Anning greets Cousin, and greets… Mister Tan.”

After saying this, Zou Anning’s face became even redder, and she awkwardly lowered her head, staring at her own shoes.

Tan Hanchi, caught off guard, also saw Zou Anning’s face.

He was slightly taken aback at first; those eyes… he seemed to have seen them somewhere.

The cousin of Second Brother…

Tan Hanchi suddenly realized.

During the street stroll that day, Second Brother had called out to his cousin from the opposite tea house. At that time, Tan Hanchi had glanced up and saw a veiled girl, which should be the Miss Zou standing in front of him now.

He got lost in his thoughts for a moment, staring at the girl’s head.

When he snapped out of it, Tan Hanchi felt a little flustered and quickly turned slightly away.

“I’m Tan Hanchi, I’ve met Miss Zou.”

Qiao Tianjing realized something was amiss and was about to speak to take Tan Hanchi away. But Qiao Diyi had already enthusiastically introduced Zou Anning.

“Anning Cousin, this is the top scorer from that day’s outing! Do you remember? You saw him from upstairs that day too.”

Upon hearing this, Zou Anning’s ears turned red, and even her fair neck revealed a hint of warmth.

“I… I…”

She stuttered for a long time, wishing she could find a hole to hide in.

Where did Cousin Qiao learn to talk like this?

“Cough, Second Brother, Mister Tan shouldn’t stay too long. You should take your cousin to see Mother quickly. We can have a drink with Mister Tan next time we’re free.”

Upon hearing this, Zou Anning felt as if a burden had been lifted, quickly bowed to Qiao Tianjing and Tan Hanchi, and hurriedly walked away, her head down.

Qiao Diyi felt a bit regretful and patted Tan Hanchi on the shoulder. “Brother Tan, next time then!”

Tan Hanchi nodded, and he saw Qiao Diyi catch up with Zou Anning, calling out, “Hey! Anning Cousin, why are you leaving so soon! You’re going the wrong way, it’s to the left!”

Qiao Tianjing observed Tan Hanchi and suddenly remembered that his mother had mentioned finding a good match for Cousin Zou…

Hmm…

It seemed intriguing.

Qiao Tianjing led Tan Hanchi out, suddenly saying, “Brother Tan, you’ve come of age. Does your family have any marriage arrangements?”

Tan Hanchi was puzzled by Qiao Tianjing’s sudden change of topic. He smiled and said, “Why, is Brother Qiao trying to be a matchmaker? Coincidentally, I’m still single.”

For so many years, he had been focused on studying the classics and taking the imperial exams. He hadn’t even thought about anything else, let alone met someone special.

He didn’t dare to think that Qiao Tianjing wanted to introduce Zou Anning to him. After all, she was the eldest daughter of a duke, with a very prestigious status.

Although he was now prominent in front of the emperor, he had no roots in the capital city, and no background. It was impossible for girls from big families to be promised to him.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Tianjing chuckled, “Brother Tan is indeed a rare talent among men. If you don’t have someone in mind, then I’ll have my mother keep an eye out for you.”

Tan Hanchi hesitated for a moment upon hearing this, but he didn’t refuse outright. Blushing slightly, he smiled and said, “In that case, I’ll wait for the good news.”

Qiao Tianjing patted Tan Hanchi on the shoulder. “In September, come and drink with me.”

The marriage between him and Miss Han from the Han family is set for September, and it’s approaching quickly.

Tan Hanchi smiled, “Of course, I’ll be there!”

When they reached the gate of the Qiao residence, both of their expressions became formal and distant again.

“Mr. Tan, take care.”

“Mr. Qiao, please stay.”

Tan Hanchi mounted his horse and left the Qiao residence.

On the other side, Zou Anning also arrived in front of Mrs. Qiao.

Mrs. Qiao warmly took Zou Anning’s hand and, seeing her blushing face, couldn’t help but look puzzled.

“Why are you blushing like this? Sit down and have some tea.”

Qiao Diyi was now feeling a bit remorseful. With a hint of apology on his face, he said, “On the way here, I ran into Elder Brother and Mister Tan. I got a bit carried away with joy and lingered for a while. Maybe it startled my cousin.”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Qiao couldn’t help but give Qiao Diyi a sideways glance. “You really have no sense of propriety. Get down quickly.”

Zou Anning quickly said, “Aunt, don’t blame Second Cousin. There’s nothing to it. Anning just suddenly met a stranger and felt a bit embarrassed.”

Qiao JiaoJiao, lying on the couch, suddenly felt refreshed.

“What’s going on? Why do I suddenly smell gossip?”

“Wait a minute, Tan Hanchi and Cousin Anning! How could I forget about this? There’s quite a backstory between them!”

Mrs. Qiao’s ears perked up at these words.

Father had entrusted her to find a good match for Anning! She had kept this in mind, but she still hadn’t found a suitable candidate!

“Aunt sent Cousin Anning to the Second Prince, who then rewarded her to a guard. That guard, however, mistreated Cousin Anning, causing her to be covered in injuries!”

“Cousin Anning was in despair, especially when her biological parents pushed her into the fire, causing her to lose all interest in life.”

“In the end, when Cousin Anning sought to end her life, she was rescued by Tan Hanchi!”

“The details aren’t clear, but at that time, Tan Hanchi was already a prominent figure by the Second Prince’s side. Perhaps out of pity, he personally pleaded with the Second Prince to let Cousin Anning divorce the guard!”

“Yes, that’s it! But the exact outcome for Cousin Anning wasn’t mentioned!”

“Tsk tsk tsk, it’s fate! This time, Tan Hanchi is truly an outstanding scholar, and Cousin Anning is beautiful and talented! What a perfect match!”

Qiao JiaoJiao was extremely excited, her eyes shining brightly.

Mrs. Qiao’s heart was pounding as she listened, and she looked at the obedient Zou Anning in front of her, feeling even more distressed.

“Anning, Aunt hasn’t seen you for a long time. How have you been lately?”

Zou Anning met Mrs. Qiao’s gentle gaze, and all the anxiety and unease she had before coming disappeared at this moment.

It turns out she was just overthinking. Aunt was still as kind to her as ever.

Thinking of this, Zou Anning’s heart warmed, and she smiled, “Aunt, I’m fine.”

“As for what happened before, Anning wants to apologize to you on behalf of my mother.”

Mrs. Qiao couldn’t help but show a hint of displeasure at these words. “Anning, this matter has nothing to do with you. You can’t let it come between us.”

Zou Anning quickly shook her head. “Aunt, how could that be?”

“And besides, my mother wouldn’t lower her dignity to apologize to Aunt. But looking at it, she already regrets it! After all, Aunt has always treated my mother so well!”

“This time, Anning came to bring Aunt some good news.”

At this point, Zou Anning’s face blushed slightly.

“Aunt, you might be getting another nephew or niece soon!”

Qiao JiaoJiao was first stunned, then her eyes widened.

“My goodness, is Aunt expecting?”