After the news of Su Qingyou’s death broke out, half of Ancheng was shocked.

When the news reached the Zhao family, Zhao Tingyuan was almost on the verge of collapse.

Su Qingyou had already left a suicide note at home, along with detailed evidence.

She took responsibility for everything, including Zhao Yayuan’s sudden illness and the means and motives behind their confinement of Zhao Yayuan in the house.

Not once did she mention Zhao Tingyuan.

But she included a special message for Zhao Xiuyi, hoping that Zhao Tingyuan would give it to him when Zhao Xiuyi came of age.

The public was abuzz with discussions.

They all said that one should not marry into a fallen family, and one should marry a virtuous wife; otherwise, one would bring endless troubles upon oneself.

The Zhao family, which had a deep-rooted foundation and two sons who were not wastrels, had stirred up such a big scandal, even to the extent of being associated with a murder case.

The brothers had reached a point where they were at odds with each other, all because of marrying a daughter from a fallen family.

Zhao Tingyuan was very despondent, staying indoors and avoiding everyone.

Lu Zhihong was still in the hospital.

During this time, Lu Nian and Qiao Li went to the hospital to see him.

Upon hearing about the Zhao family’s situation, they could only continue to remain silent.

After all, it was the family’s business, and they still had so many intricate connections with them.

No matter what Lu Zhihong had done, he was still their father.

However, before they could ponder further, a shocking piece of news arrived:

Zhao Tingyuan had disappeared from the Zhao family, and no one could find him anywhere.

Soon, he was completely out of contact.

The Zhao family fell into chaos.

Zhao Quan, who had always been in poor health, finally collapsed after receiving this news.

Earlier than in the original timeline, Zhao Quan passed away on the day of the beginning of autumn.

Jiang Wenying Despite favoring Zhao Yayuan more since childhood, Zhao Tingyuan was still her son, her biological son who he had carried for ten months. Jiang Wenying, who had always been strong-willed, fell seriously ill.

After Zhao Quan’s funeral, Zhao Rulan accompanied her to seek treatment abroad.

The burden on Zhao Yayuan’s shoulders became almost unbearable overnight.

Qiao Li had begun to take over the Lu family.

He had already restored the name of Lu Zhuo to the public and started to assist Zhao Yayuan with some tasks.

Time could wash away many things.

Qiao Li found that he was no longer as persistent about some things as he used to be.

He wasn’t as close to Lu Zhihong, and he didn’t call him “father” anymore.

However, Lu Zhihong’s physical and mental condition was exceptionally weak now.

Even if they didn’t want to forgive him, they couldn’t abandon him at this critical juncture.

The originally scheduled wedding date for Lu Nian had also been postponed due to this sudden turn of events.

She felt somewhat guilty because she knew that Qin Si had always hoped to marry her, for a long, long time.

However, due to various reasons, she kept postponing it until now, without really confirming the wedding date with him.

Lu Nian knew that Qin Si was very sensitive.

She was afraid that he would think she was finding excuses to delay the marriage.

So, she could only be nicer to him in everyday life.

Actually, he was very easy to please.

As long as she loved him a little more and expressed it, whether in words or actions, he would be extremely pleased.

Although he didn’t say it, his mood would become very pleasant, and he would be even more solicitous towards her.

Even during intimate moments, he would be more actively and ardently seeking.

Lu Zhihong’s condition had finally stabilized, and he could basically be discharged from the hospital.

He still wanted to return to Hai City.

After this catastrophe, he had changed a lot, becoming more indifferent and giving up his ambitions.

He just wanted to find a quiet place to return to his past life.

With no more ambitions, his attitude towards Qiao Li and Lu Nian also became more indifferent.

He wasn’t even interested in finding Qiao Li and bringing him back home anymore.

Qiao Li’s tone was very indifferent. “He was always like this.”

As long as there was no more utility value, he would not have any attachment to them anymore.

Lu Nian wasn’t surprised.

They bid farewell to Lu Zhihong together.

On the way home…

“Have you been pushing yourself too hard lately?” Lu Nian asked.

Lu Nian felt sorry for him.

Seeing how much thinner Qiao Li had become, she didn’t meet Zhao Yayuan often now, but she heard things through the grapevine and had a video call with him once.

The young man who used to be full of vigor had become completely steady now.

Qiao Li looked gloomy. “It’s not good. His family’s situation…”

“But, thankfully, Mr. Qin helped.” Qiu Li changed his expression, dispelling the gloom.

He had now witnessed Qin Si’s capabilities and willingness to help.

He was not much older than them, but his maturity, ease in handling things, and decisive and ruthless nature were things they couldn’t compare with.

The more they understood, the more they felt this way.

Qiao Li was actually surprised that Qin Si was willing to help.

He knew that Qin Si had never liked Zhao Yayuan because of what happened in the past.

Lu Nian could only smile.

That jealous and possessive man, in order to ask for his help, she had used both soft and hard tactics, giving him so many benefits before he finally relented and agreed to temporarily set aside his grudges to help Zhao Yayuan.

Thinking practically again, Lu Nian remembered another issue and asked Qiao Li worriedly, “What about Xiu Yi now?”

Zhao Xiuyi was less than two years old.

With both parents gone, no matter what Su Qingyou did, the child was always innocent.

Now that Zhao Tingyuan was also missing, for him, it was like losing both his parents at the same time.

“Yayuan is temporarily taking care of him,” Qiao Li said.

That was something Lu Nian hadn’t expected.

In fact, many people didn’t understand Zhao Yayuan’s choice.

After all, Zhao Yayuan was so busy now, there were still relatives in the Su family, and the Zhao family wasn’t left with just him.

Moreover, he wasn’t married yet.

If he wanted to find a wife from a similar background who could provide assistance, not to mention the current situation of the Zhao family, with a child to take care of, and who knew for how long, it had already deterred some people.

Playing with Zhao Xiuyi when he relaxed was the most relaxing part of Zhao Yayuan’s day.

Lu Nian could only sigh.

These grievances and grudges were all just people’s choices, and as the saying goes, “a man knows his own bitterness best.” Outsiders couldn’t interfere too much.

Ming Ge’s shop was doing very well.

Xiao Qu unexpectedly returned to school. He registered for the adult college entrance examination.

It wasn’t until the results came out that he embarrassedly told them that going to university had always been his dream, but because of life circumstances, he had never been able to pursue it.

Now that he had the opportunity, he hoped to make up for it.

Huang Mao’s business was booming, and he was living a happy life with his wife, sweet and harmonious.

Having a wife and child, he had everything he needed.

“Now it’s just up to you guys?” Ming-ge, who was drunk, said, “When are you going to get the big things done?”

“Then, have another chubby baby. I, Ming-ge, will help take care of it.” He was really drunk, patting his chest loudly.

“You try harder, or are you not a man anymore?” He yelled at Qin Si, “It’s been so long, and there’s been no movement.”

Qin Si’s gaze was cold, his grip was strong.

He easily lifted Ming-ge and dragged him back onto the sofa, tossing him casually. “He’s drunk.”

Xiao Qu: ….

Hearing Ming-ge dare to say that to Qin Si, he was sure that Ming-ge had really gone completely crazy from drinking.

Lu Nian, “…”

Actually, she might have pushed a bit too hard…

They were intimate many times, but because of her health issues, the number of times they actually completed the act was not many, so each time, he needed extra time.

But because he took measures so well, pregnancy was impossible, absolutely impossible.

Now she truly believed that Qin Si didn’t like children anymore.

However, Lu Nian hadn’t thought too far ahead.

After all, they were still young, with plenty of time ahead. No rush.

Ming Ge was left sprawled on the sofa, a mess, still snoring.

Lu Nian couldn’t help but laugh and cry.

They all helped Ming-ge tidy up and finally got him back to sleep.

During this time, they had all been very busy, and there hadn’t been any time to spend together like this with Qin Si.

They didn’t call the driver to pick them up.

They walked along the lakeside together.

The moon was bright tonight, the river shimmering with waves.

Half the river was bathed in moonlight, and half was clear, showing the chill of late autumn.

It was refreshing.

“Is there something you want to say?” Lu Nian instinctively felt that something was off about the man beside her.

It seemed like he wanted to say something.

Qin Si was holding her hand, originally silently warming her with his body heat.

Now, he stopped in his tracks.

“Say it!” Lu Nian tugged at his hand.

Now, when she coaxed him, she was quite adept at it.

“If you don’t say it, are we sleeping separately tonight when we get back?” She tiptoed and leaned against his shoulder, blinked, and reminded him, “Today is Friday.”

It was their agreed-upon day.

Qin Si, “…”

Of course, he remembered clearly, even clearer than her.

Every time it came to that time, he would silently finish washing up and come over.

Now, he also knew some of Lu Nian’s preferences.

Usually in bed, with red ears and some discomfort, he would try to please her silently.

Lu Nian loved this look of his the most.

She was always willing to indulge him a little more at these times.

Sure enough, the man gave in.

From the pocket of his black coat, he took out something and quickly placed it in her palm.

Lu Nian almost didn’t catch it and almost dropped it.

“Be careful. You might drop it into the river.” Lu Nian muttered.

He blinked his long eyelashes, tightly pursed his lips, and said nothing.

It was a small velvet box in deep red.

Lu Nian had a faint premonition before opening it, but she was still surprised when she saw its contents.

She had thought that Qin Si’s proposal, that casual remark he made before, had already passed.

She had been seriously considering the wedding date, but tonight, there was this unexpected development.

“What is this?” She held up the small box and extended it in front of him.

The man’s gaze shifted slightly, and he said softly, “It’s for you.”

Lu Nian, “What is it for me?”

He didn’t know if she would like it, and he instinctively felt nervous, his ears turning red. “Do you want it?”

Lu Nian, “I want it, but you can’t do it like this. You need a line.”

Qin Si, “…”

This scene was so familiar. Every time he expressed his desire silently, she would say this, insisting that he speak up before she would agree.

Lu Nian was still smiling, unaware of what memories she had triggered in him, until her waist was firmly embraced, and her lips were stung fiercely.

He silently expressed his desire, and Lu Nian felt dizzy in her head.

She couldn’t resist his strength at all. Her waist was starting to ache a bit.

The moonlight fell on the two of them, and the man’s brows and eyes were extremely clear, his long eyelashes seemingly tinged with moonlight.

When he was outside, he still maintained most of his personality from his youth, still aloof and restrained, seemingly cold and stoic.

Lu Nian felt a bit itchy at heart, thinking about how they would play around tonight and how she would make him beg out loud.

Until she sensed something unusual, and the ring was already on her ring finger.

“Qin Si, not tonight!!” She read his unspoken words, feeling annoyed.

She hadn’t even agreed yet, so why was he so direct?

“I love you,” he whispered softly at her lips, his voice hoarse. “Never leave me again.”

For a lifetime.

He had thought about it for so many years, the whimsical thought he had never dared to utter.

At this moment, he said it all out loud to the person he had loved for so many years.

In his youth, he never hoped for a response, could only silently suppress this feeling, even dared not let her know at all.

Just like many years ago, under the moonlight, a boy and a girl walking side by side, he loved her then, loved silently, painfully, but never let go.

And now, he prayed for the moonlight’s mercy, also deluding himself into becoming her lifelong companion.

Everything had come full circle.