Chapter 40: You Must Marry Ji Jianing
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The second-floor corridor was isolated and quiet.
Since Old Madam Li has trouble walking and disliked too much commotion, she had taken the room by the corner. Still, even before Li Shaoling entered, he heard sobs from within.
He pushed the door and entered to find Old Madam Li in her wheelchair. She was dressed in tangzhuang, and it was not difficult to see that she was once beautiful despite her white hair and wrinkles.
A woman was sprawled over her lap and quietly sobbing. She looked slowly when she heard the door open—her face was full of tear stains and her eyes were utterly damp, as if she was waiting for someone to console her.
It was Ji Jianing.
One would not surprise and indeed be aware through common sense that she had told her side of the story with tons’ worth of added details, claiming Old Madam Li’s sympathy and heartache.
She probably even took the chance to badmouth Ji Weixi as well.
Disgust showed between Li Shaoling’s brows, but he simply stepped up and lowered his head.
“Grandmother.”
Old Madam Li smiled coldly. “So, you actually still remember me!”
“What do you mean, Grandmother?” Li Shaoling replied, simply waiting for her scolding.
“Why did you cancel the wedding today!” Old Madam Li exclaimed, hitting herself in the thigh—perhaps due to the exertion, she heaved for moments before continuing. “What has Jianing done wrong that you have to hurt her like this? Wasn’t it you who promised me to marry her and treat her well!?”
“Yes.” Li Shaoling did not deny it.
“Good. Then tell me why would you go back on your own promise and leave Jianing a laughing stock for the entire nation! She’s a star! You shouldn’t have ruined her future even if you hated her!”
“Grandmother, stop…” Ji Jialing sobbed, shaking her head as she wiped away her tears. “It’s all my fault!”
She looked so miserable that Old Madam Li felt a pang of hurt inside.
***
Old Madam Li liked Ji Jianing the most.
Ever since Ji Jianing had made connections with the Li family, she had played the role of a noble and virtuous white lotus, ever playing her cards right. Then, when she set her eyes on Shaoling, she made every effort to act the part of a lovestruck maiden who asked for nothing in return.
Having learned that her birth and status were decent and yearning for a grandchild since she did not have much time left alive, she demanded that Li Shaoling marry Ji Jianing.
She just never expected that her most trustworthy and obedient grandchild had suddenly rebelled!
“On your knees!” She yelled, but started to cough violently.
“Grandmother, are you alright?” Ji Jianing patted her back gently in concern.
Meanwhile, Li Shaoling slowly lowered himself, putting both his knees on the ground. However, his expression was unfettered and his back straightened, appearing more like a king than someone apologizing.
After wheezing for a moment, Old Madam Li turned back to Li Shaoling. “It’s not too late to resume the wedding!”
Li Shaoling met her gaze. “No. Because I never do anything I regret.”
“You…!”
Old Madam Li’s face went white, but soon caught a mysterious glint in Li Shaoling’s eyes. As doubt arose in her chest, she calmly turned to Ji Jianing. “Leave us.”
Ji Jianing bit her lip. “Grandmother, I’m worried about you…”
“I’m fine. Go.” Old Madam Li smiled mildly.
“Alright. Take care of your health, Grandmother, and please don’t argue with Shaoling over me,” Ji Jianing said softly, before turning to leave.
After she closed the door, she tried to listen in on them, only for Wilson to approach her.
“Miss Ji, please come with downstairs as you wait.”
A hint of discontent arose beneath Ji Jianing’s eyes, although she smiled in return. “Alright.