Chapter 310: Change, Warning
Chapter 310: Chapter 310: Change, Warning
The memory of their recent hardships was still fresh in his mind. Hua Zhiqiang knew he couldn’t keep avoiding certain things. It was time to deal with them.
Hua Zhiqiang nodded. "Fine. I’ll go and break off the engagement. Yu Fen, I hope you don’t regret this decision one day."
"I won’t." Hua Yufen never imagined her father would agree so easily. She had been ready to cry, throw a tantrum, and threaten suicide, but none of it was necessary.
"Good." Hua Zhiqiang nodded and walked out of the room.
Worried her husband was angry, Feng Wanru quickly followed him.
Only Hua Yusen, Zhao Nuanyue, Hua Yulin, and Hua Yufen were left in the room.
"Thank you, Sister-in-law. I didn’t expect you to speak up for me," Hua Yufen said gratefully. She felt ashamed for badmouthing Zhao Nuanyue in the past. ’From now on,’ she thought, ’I’ll be sure to respect her and repay her kindness.’
"You don’t have to thank me." Zhao Nuanyue gave a small smile. "As a woman, I understand that being with the man you truly love brings incredible happiness. Even when your big brother was in a coma, I still wanted to be with him. Other people might have thought I was being foolish, but how could they know how happy I was? I don’t know the Zheng Family, so I can’t comment on them. But if you feel that Zheng Jiabin doesn’t love you, or doesn’t value you enough, then how could you possibly be happy in a marriage like that?"
Hearing Zhao Nuanyue’s words, Hua Yufen’s eyes reddened.
Hua Yulin glanced at Zhao Nuanyue. He thought his sister-in-law looked particularly beautiful today.
’It wasn’t just her looks; her way of thinking was so noble.’
’Big Brother is so lucky to have married a woman like her. It’s as if all his past suffering has finally been rewarded.’
Hua Yusen squeezed Zhao Nuanyue’s hand and smiled. "Your sister-in-law is right. I know you’re ambitious about your career, but I also hope you can find someone you love who loves you back. Then you’ll know today’s decision was the right one. And don’t worry about the Zheng Family. They’re the ones in the wrong, so they won’t object even when Father goes to call off the engagement."
"Don’t be afraid, Yu Fen. You have us," Hua Yulin said encouragingly. "You’re right—Big Brother and I can support each other here at home. It’s too hard for Xiao Si to be abroad all by himself, especially since he’s the youngest. Even with others around, it must be a struggle. Since you’ll be working in foreign trade, maybe you can help him. The four of us—all the brothers and sisters—will definitely make the Hua family even more prosperous."
Encouraged by her two older brothers, Hua Yufen smiled.
It was a sweet smile, and her heart felt light. For the first time in years, she felt like she was truly living for herself. She was still working hard for the Hua family, but now she was free from the shackles of an engagement she had never cared for.
"Thank you, Big Brother, Second Brother." Hua Yufen was moved to tears. "The truth is, I’ve already submitted the application at my work unit. I’m leaving the day after tomorrow. I was going to go even if our parents didn’t agree. I’m so lucky that you care more about me than about the Hua family’s stuffy old-fashioned pride. Your understanding, and Sister-in-law’s sincerity, have really changed our family’s way of doing things. It’s made us realize that genuine feelings are more important than just keeping up appearances."
Hearing his sister’s words, Hua Yusen said with a gratified smile, "Yu Fen, you’ve really grown up. You have your own mind now, and a good sense of judgment. Just be careful when you’re working out there."
"I will, Big Brother. I’ll be very careful." Hua Yufen nodded. She knew the path ahead would be difficult, but now that she had made her decision, she was determined to see it through.
The siblings had just finished their conversation when Sun Haoran arrived, with Gu Qingyu following behind.
Upon seeing Gu Qingyu, Hua Yusen immediately shot to his feet and gave a perfect military salute. "Elder Gu!"
"Haha, good. It’s good to see you’ve recovered." Elder Gu was thrilled. He quickened his pace and clapped Hua Yusen firmly on the shoulder a few times. "Attaboy, attaboy. With you gone, I couldn’t even sleep soundly at night."
Hearing Elder Gu’s words, Hua Yusen’s heart swelled with pride. "Thank you, Elder Gu," he said.
"I should be the one thanking you," Elder Gu said. "All right, enough with the thank-yous. Haoran tells me you’re up and walking around. If today’s checkup goes well, you can be discharged. I’m delighted to hear it. Focus on your recovery. You have a bright future ahead of you, so you’ll need to work hard."
Everyone understood the current political climate. Elder Gu had the upper hand and was the most likely candidate to become the next chairman. That meant Hua Yusen’s future was bound to be brilliant.
Meanwhile, Sun Haoran was carefully examining Hua Yusen. Elder Gu watched on, tense.
He desperately hoped Hua Yusen was completely fine and could return to work as soon as possible. Zhao Nuanyue shared that hope, praying he had no lingering issues and would make a full recovery. She wanted him to be a man of great character, able to strive toward his ideals and ambitions.
After a few moments, Sun Haoran smiled. "Xiaohua has made a full recovery. He can be discharged from the hospital."
Hua Yusen was overjoyed. "Finally! I can get out of here. I was out for so long, I’m desperate to know what’s been going on."
"Haha, I’ll give you three days of leave. Spend some quality time with your parents and Nuanyue. Report to me in three days," Elder Gu said with a smile. This was precisely why he had come today. He wanted to show all his subordinates that he, Gu Qingyu, was a man of loyalty and integrity who would never neglect anyone who had served him well.
Hua Yusen was delighted. He could spend time with Zhao Nuanyue and his family, and he had a firm date to return to work. He finally felt at ease.
"Yes, Elder Gu!" Hua Yusen snapped to attention again and saluted.
Seeing it was getting late, Elder Gu said, "I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be going. Enjoy the reunion with your family."
"Yes, sir!" Hua Yusen responded.
After Elder Gu left, Sun Haoran turned to Hua Yusen and spoke in a grave tone. "Yu Sen, now that you’ve recovered, there are a few things I need to make clear to you, and I’ll say them in front of Nuanyue."
Hua Yusen sat up straight, his expression serious. "Uncle Sun, please, speak freely. You are Nuanyue’s master and her elder, which makes you my elder as well. I’m listening."
’He knew that Sun Haoran wasn’t just Zhao Nuanyue’s master; he was also an exceptional National Doctor and, more importantly, one of Elder Gu’s most trusted confidants. Sun Haoran wouldn’t be saying this without a good reason.’
Sun Haoran glanced at his apprentice, Zhao Nuanyue, before speaking slowly. "Yu Sen, you know your father Hua Zhiqiang’s personality better than I do. If you hadn’t been in a coma, he never would have agreed so easily to your engagement with Nuanyue."
"Yes, Uncle Sun," Hua Yusen acknowledged. He recalled how he had tried to break off the engagement with the Guo Family twice before, and both times his father had refused. ’It wasn’t just because of the political situation,’ he thought. ’There was a much deeper reason.’