Chapter 277:
To tell the truth, Xie Wanning had never even thought of such a thing.
Just hearing it felt absurd.
Seeing him mention this again after more than half a year.
She immediately shook her head and said without hesitation, “No, I’ve never thought of remarrying.”
As for what was meant by a couple on the surface, she found it even more ridiculous.
Did couples distinguish between surface and hidden?
Once married, they were an inseparable union.
He was the Ji Clan’s eldest legitimate son, a Top Scholar with boundless prospects, not some old bachelor unable to find a wife—why would he need to form a surface couple with her to appease his parents?
Her refusal was clean and decisive. Ji Chengfeng pondered for a moment upon hearing this, then said, “Then have you thought about how to tell Ran’er about his identity?”
Enlightenment required attending school, though a tutor could also be invited to teach at home, but the child must interact with the world.
He would eventually realize his upbringing was different from his peers’.
Xie Wanning waved her hand casually and said, “Just tell him directly that his father is dead.”
To her, this was no difficult matter.
Ji Chengfeng was stunned.
After a long while, he said, “That’s fine too.”
“But the child still needs a father. You can reconsider my proposal.”
“You needn’t worry about other issues. My parents have never seen you, so even if you return to the Ji Clan later, your identity won’t…”
“Cousin,” Xie Wanning looked up at him earnestly and said, “I really have no intention of remarrying. You’re not young anymore, and your lifelong matter is pressing—don’t delay it any longer.”
Over the past year or so, the two had lived together in the same residence, seeing each other almost daily and becoming quite familiar.
No matter how slow-witted Xie Wanning was, she had noticed the signs.
Chen Xi’er was right; her cousin probably truly had feelings for her.
Ji Chengfeng was excellent—handsome with clear brows and bright eyes, upright and self-restrained in temperament, a true gentleman.
A fine man like jade, he would make a good husband.
If she were a young girl just opening to romance, she might have fallen for him at first sight.
But now, she could not afford it.
At this moment, she had spoken so clearly.
Almost piercing the invisible paper between them.
Ji Chengfeng lowered his gaze, hiding the emotions in his eyes, lost in thought.
Seeing him like this, Xie Wanning felt a headache coming on. She said, “With Cousin’s qualities, any young lady in Bianzhou City is yours to choose.”
These words made Ji Chengfeng’s eyelashes tremble. He looked up at her. “Aren’t you a young lady of Bianzhou City?”
“…” Xie Wanning fell silent, then said with mixed feelings, “I’m indeed no longer a young girl.”
“Alright,” Ji Chengfeng smiled. “If you won’t marry, then don’t. I can wait.”
Xie Wanning frowned slightly. “…Wait for what?”
“Waiting for the day you might change your mind,” he said with a smile. “In case one day you feel too lonely raising the child alone and want to find someone to share life with, remember to consider me.”
“You’re joking with your own life.”
Xie Wanning said, “I plan never to return to the capital. Have you thought about what marrying me would mean?”
“Of course,” Ji Chengfeng nodded lightly. “You want a peaceful life, and I can provide it.”
His tone was light but brooked no argument.
As if not recognizing the person before him, Xie Wanning’s pupils dilated slightly. “You, full of talent, not thinking to serve the country and realize your ambitions, yet willing to stay in this remote small town for a woman.”
“No choice,” he smiled again. “As you see in those storybooks, doesn’t it often say that for a life-saving grace, one repays with marriage? I’ll give myself to you.”
