Side Story Chapter 6: Entrusting One's Life

Zhang Jixue was still engulfed in the agony of losing his loved one when he heard Elder Guan call his name. Though he did not know the specifics, he understood from the implications that Guan Tongtian’s error had cost his foster father his life. Coupled with the fact that Guan Qiuxue had drugged him the previous night, he felt no goodwill toward Guan Tongtian and stubbornly refused to step forward.

Standing behind him, Zhang Yuxi frowned. She was unaware of what had transpired between Jixue and Guan Qiuxue the night before. While she understood the cause of her father’s death, Elder Guan’s actions clearly showed profound remorse; given his status, there was little else he could do beyond bowing and kneeling. She nudged Jixue, signaling him to go over.

Zhang Jixue let out a cold snort and walked over, staring at Elder Guan without uttering a word.

Elder Guan was a man of immense experience; he could see through anyone, and he immediately sensed the resentment in Zhang Jixue. With a kindly expression, he patted Jixue on the shoulder. "Jixue, I am truly sorry. Tell me, how can I compensate you? Discuss it with your sister and name your terms; I promise I will agree to them."

Zhang Jixue retorted coldly, "Can you bring my father back to life? Can you do that?"

The room fell into stunned silence. No one had expected a boy like Zhang Jixue to speak to Elder Guan in such a manner; not him, nor anyone else in the antique trade.

The awkward silence lasted for over ten seconds before Elder Guan sighed deeply. "Jixue, I am sorry. It was my fault for failing to protect your father."

Guan Tongtian lived up to his reputation and status. An ordinary man might have lost his temper, but Elder Guan had seen great storms in his time. People in their circle valued their dignity; he was not accustomed to being spoken to in such a way.

Realizing he had spoken out of turn, Jixue remained silent, though he did not apologize.

Elder Guan, seeing Jixue’s lack of response, felt a heavy, genuine sense of guilt for the late Third Master Zhang. He hesitated for a long time, as if steeling himself for a decision. "Jixue, do you remember my two grandchildren who used to play with you when you were young?"

Zhang Jixue sneered, looked at Guan Tongtian, and gave a slight nod.

"Those two children are the apples of my eye, especially my granddaughter, Qiuxue. Not only is she breathtakingly beautiful, but she is also meticulous and possesses the qualities of a devoted wife and mother." Out of respect for his own dignity, Elder Guan did not state it explicitly, but his intent was clear: he wanted to marry his granddaughter, Guan Qiuxue, to Zhang Jixue. It was the only solution he could conceive.

"Oh? A devoted wife and mother?" Zhang Jixue let out a scornful laugh, his face full of contempt. Recalling the events of the previous night, he gritted his teeth in fury. "Elder Guan, you should keep your precious granddaughter for yourself. I, Zhang Jixue, was not born to climb the social ladder through marriage, and I certainly have no desire for a wife bought with my father’s life."

Guan Tongtian had hoped this would dissolve Jixue’s resentment, but it had backfired. He sat in his chair, his expression as dark as water.

"Jixue, how can you speak to Elder Guan like that?" Jin Guo frowned and hurried over, his voice stern, fearing that Elder Guan might be provoked to the point of a health crisis.

Hearing Jin Guo’s rebuke, Zhang Jixue’s anger flared even more. He looked at Guan Tongtian and said, "Elder Guan, I meant no offense, but I implore you to go back and ask your precious granddaughter what kind of 'good deeds' she has been up to." With that, he took Zhang Yuxi’s hand and walked out.

In the taxi, Zhang Yuxi frowned deeply, and Zhang Jixue sat in silence beside her.

"Sigh," Zhang Yuxi finally sighed after a long while. "Father has already passed away. Guan Qiumeng didn't do anything to you; why were you so harsh?"

"It’s nothing. I just felt it was inappropriate for the old man to talk about Guan Qiumeng in front of you. I was afraid you might be jealous."

Zhang Yuxi smiled. "You’ve only met Guan Qiumeng a few times since we were children. Would I be that petty?" She turned her head, her beautiful eyes looking affectionately at her lover. "Listen, darling. From now on, I have only you to rely on. You must think things through before acting; you cannot be as impulsive as you were today." She leaned in and gave him a soft kiss.

Jixue’s face flushed red. In all these years, Yuxi had never called him "darling." He understood that with their father’s passing, Yuxi had no one but him; this was her way of entrusting her entire life to him.

"I know," Jixue replied, looking at the smiling Yuxi. "Wife, I understand."

Yuxi was momentarily startled by the term, but after a brief pause, she nodded slowly, and the two embraced once more.

Seven days later, the memorial service for the Third Master was held in Beijing as scheduled. Fortunately, the day passed without incident, and the Third Master was laid to rest in the Zhang family cemetery in Xiling.

Because of the recent turmoil, Zhang Yuxi withdrew from school, devoting herself to managing the Zhang family’s business in the Antique City with Jixue. They lived a carefree life, and for the next dozen days, it felt as if they were on their honeymoon.

One day, as the young couple sat at the tea table brewing a pot of freshly delivered "Phoenix Tail Silver Needle," Zhang Yuxi suddenly spat out the tea she had just sipped.

Jixue was startled and quickly patted her back. "What’s wrong? Did you burn yourself?"

"I’m fine, I’m fine," Zhang Yuxi said, waving her hand at the concerned Jixue.

Jixue stood up to clean the floor, then looked at her. "Darling, you don’t look well. Are you sure you’re okay?"

Zhang Yuxi paused, her mind racing, before she let out a long sigh. "We haven't taken any precautions these past few times. I might be pregnant."

"What?" Jixue’s head spun. He thought back—it was true. Their first time together had been at the 138 Hotel, and since then, they hadn't used protection. It was only natural. He nodded. "Darling, I’m here. It’s okay. Just have the baby, and we’ll raise it together. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the three of us could just live a quiet, steady life?"

Zhang Yuxi knew Jixue would say that; he was a good man, attentive to her in every way. But it was too sudden. She wasn't ready to be a mother, and besides, she was officially Zhang Jixue’s sister. How would she face the world if she had this child?

"I… I’m not ready," she said hesitantly. "What if… what if we get rid of it?"

"What?" Jixue was stunned. "How can we do that? I would regret it for the rest of my life. This is the crystallization of our love. Do you know how hard-won our love is?"

"Sigh..." Zhang Yuxi sighed deeply. "Then let it be."

*Knock, knock, knock.* Three knocks sounded at the door.

Zhang Jixue looked back and saw two people standing at the entrance: the Guan siblings, Qiumeng and Qiuxue.

Seeing Guan Qiuxue, Zhang Jixue felt a surge of hostility. Knowing she was no good, he snorted and ignored them entirely.

Zhang Yuxi, seeing the young heirs of the Guan family, stood up quickly. "Qiumeng, Qiuxue. It’s been a long time. Why are you here? Please, sit."

"Oh my, Sister Yuxi, you’re getting more beautiful every day," Guan Qiumeng said with a smile. "Unlike Jixue, I haven't offended you, yet you give me such a cold shoulder."

Guan Qiuxue looked at Zhang Yuxi, walking forward with a graceful gait, and reached out her hand. "Sister Yuxi, long time no see. Do you remember me?"

"Of course I do. It’s been four or five years since we last met. You’ve become a young woman now. When will you find a husband?" Zhang Yuxi said this intentionally to spare Jixue any awkwardness. She only knew about the marriage proposal Elder Guan had made in front of them; she was unaware of how Qiuxue had tried to seduce Jixue.

"Sigh..." Guan Qiuxue sighed intentionally. "Men these days are all fickle. Once they see someone better, they change their hearts and are flirtatious everywhere."

Zhang Yuxi smiled, catching the implication. "Well, there are plenty of fish in the sea!" She looked at Jixue. "Jixue, go get two more cups. We just got some Phoenix Tail Silver Needle; let them have a taste."