Don't Appear Before Me Again

As Xu Qiaoqiao's words were incoherent, yet she repeatedly emphasized that she wasn't there to cling to him or demand that he fulfill the marriage agreement, Fang Tingxiu's eyes gradually dimmed.

"You don't need to say anything more, I understand. You came to the Capital not because of the engagement, but because you were afraid that something might happen to me, since there would be no one to go back and tell me the good news, right?" he said in a deep voice.

Xu Qiaoqiao was unable to speak, she could only nod.

She was afraid that if she said another word, she would burst into tears.

This tendency to cry involuntarily is really annoying.

Actually, she hadn't thought that much about it; she was just happy to see that Fang Tingxiu was alright.

She will soon be able to go home and see her beloved parents and brothers, with no more worries. What a wonderful thing that is!

"I don't know why no one went to share the good news; I thought you already knew," Fang Tingxiu said. "I don't dare contact you anymore, afraid your family will force you to marry me. That's not what you want..."

"Yes, that's not what I wanted," Xu Qiaoqiao repeated, sobbing uncontrollably.

Fang Tingxiu suddenly became angry, "If it wasn't your wish, what are you doing here? What are you doing in the capital? What do you care if I live or die!"

He roared, his voice so loud it startled Gu Wanning.

Good heavens, Fang Tingxiu, you seemed like a decent person, why are you suddenly so irritable!

What, you want to commit domestic violence again?

Xu Qiaoqiao looked up at him, her eyes, washed by tears, were exceptionally clear, filled with a pitiful tremor.

Fang Tingxiu's eyes were red-rimmed, and she lowered her voice.

He said, "Go back, and don't come back."

"Okay." Xu Qiaoqiao nodded. "I'll go back."

Gu Wanning, fearing that Xu Qiaoqiao would be taken advantage of, had already gone into the backyard.

Hearing these two sentences, she also had mixed feelings.

The two people stood together, looking like a perfect couple who had stepped out of a painting.

The tall, refined man and the clever, obedient girl gazed at each other, their eyes filled with affection, tears, and reluctance.

" --Qiaoqiao, don't come to the capital again, don't appear before me again." Fang Tingxiu's eyes were also brimming with tears. "The Fang Tingxiu of today is not the Fang Tingxiu of the past."

"Yes, you've achieved great success." Xu Qiaoqiao forced a smile and curtsied to him. "Congratulations, Lord Fang. I wish you a smooth career and a bright future."

Xu Qiaoqiao, you're not allowed to cry. You were the one who gave up first.

You always knew he was destined for greatness, and that he would one day rise to prominence and achieve great success.

Your father and brothers used their power to force him to submit, so it's already a miracle that he doesn't hold a grudge against them after he achieves success.

You're not good enough for Fang Tingxiu at all. You knew that from the beginning, so why are you being so dramatic now?

We agreed to never see each other again after letting go; you can't be pathetic.

"Why can't she appear in front of you? Is this the Capital your home? Just because you're here doesn't mean she can't?" Er Ya couldn't help but say.

Gu Wanning tried to pull her away, but she twisted her body away, saying, "Miss, please don't pull me. Lord Fang is so powerful, why did he accept the Xu family's charity in the first place? Even if the marriage didn't go through, didn't he genuinely help you? How much does it cost to support a scholar all these years? Does the county magistrate's family have mountains of gold and silver?"

Fang Tingxiu remained silent.

"Even if she broke off the engagement, haven't she genuinely supported you all these years, providing real money and support? Does the breakdown of the marriage mean the loss of goodwill? If you hold a grudge against her for breaking off the engagement, then let's go our separate ways. What do you mean by 'don't come to the Capital '? Pah! You live by the sea, why are you meddling in other people's business!"

"I don't hold a grudge against her," Fang Tingxiu said. "I'm just afraid of myself... afraid that I might abuse my power, coerce or entice her to fulfill the marriage agreement from back then."

He finally revealed the most despicable and vile side of himself.

Countless times in the dead of night, he would think that although he was now insignificant in the Capital, back in Zhen'an, his power was enough to make people tremble with fear.

He could even persuade the county magistrate of Zhen'an to send Xu Qiaoqiao over with just a letter, even if Xu Qiaoqiao was already married.

He used tremendous self-control to prevent these dark thoughts from taking hold.

What he remembered were all the good things the little girl had done for him.

He couldn't let the little girl hate him.

Now that Xu Qiaoqiao was standing in front of him, still unmarried, his desire to possess her surged like never before.

Fang Tingxiu studied the classics and would never allow himself to become like that.

However, he was genuinely afraid of losing control of himself.

Especially considering that Xu Qiaoqiao had made a special trip to the capital to inquire whether he was alive or dead...

Besides her, who else in this world cares about his life or death?

It's gone, it's all gone.

So he doesn't want to let go, not even a little bit.

Xu Qiaoqiao was shocked.

What did he say?

Is he still thinking about the canceled marriage?

He wants to marry her?

Do you want to torture her?

Those involved are often blinded, while bystanders see it Gu Wanqing.

Gu Wanning sighed. What can one say about the lovesick men and women in this world?

"You two are such idiots, you're driving me crazy!" she said. "Qiaoqiao, why do you think you're not good enough for Lord Fang? You helped him bury his father, supported his studies, and never abandoned him; you've done him a great service."

"Lord Fang, you're foolish. How could a young girl who likes scholars suddenly fall for a fisherman who sings folk songs? You're together every day, can't you really feel her feelings for you?"

Both of them felt inferior, believing they were not good enough for each other.

Don't I have someone who can think outside the box?

"If she looks down on you, why would she give you all her savings?"

My Second Concubine once said, "I can have people, but I have no money."

Which woman would lavish money, let alone give everything, on someone she doesn't like?

"To put it another way," Er Ya said angrily, "If she could force herself on you, why didn't she force herself on a fisherman? Wouldn't it be easier to just rob him? Lord Fang, what's going on in your head?!"