Facing Yang Chuxiaâs blunt words, Shen Qiu felt suffocated on the inside, yet her expression remained composed, and her response skillfully dodged Yang Chuxiaâs probing.
"Your so-called brother acts all intimate, with his arms around your waist and shoulders," Yang Chuxia continued. "Even a real brother wouldnât behave like that, let alone one who isnât blood-related. Moreover, look at your lipsâare you going to tell me youâre just siblings with lips so red? Someone who knows even a little about the ways of the world could tell those have been kissed. With that said, I canât believe there isnât something more going on between you two."
In truth, Young Master Zhang didnât like her introduction either; inexplicably, he had become her âbrotherâ, and if he had to be a brother, he preferred to be a âsworn brotherâ at least.
He said discontentedly, "Qiuâer, who are these people to you that you need to hide our relationship? Are we afraid of others knowing about us? And what is this about a marriage agreement? I was not aware you had one."
Faced with Young Master Zhangâs question, Shen Qiu was forced to give an answer.
But deep inside, she was still pondering how to respond in a way that would satisfy both sides.
"Shen Qiu, what are you hesitating for? Could it be that youâre still thinking about how to reply?" Seeing her silent, Yang Chuxia spoke a few teasing words with a smile that was not quite a smile, "Donât you know yourself whether you have a marriage agreement?"
Hearing this, Young Master Zhang also looked at her suspiciously.
Upon seeing this, Shen Qiu quickly weighed her options and then said with a coy laugh, "Who said I had a marriage agreement? I am certainly not aware of any such agreement for myself. Without a clear understanding, without having exchanged betrothal gifts, where would this marriage agreement come from?"
After speaking, she didnât even glance at Yang Dayong but once again looped her arm through Young Master Zhangâs, whining, "We obviously have to be discreet in public, or else if the news reaches your family, someone might get so angry that theyâd drop dead."
"Better deadâtheyâd just be wasting money on medicines," Young Master Zhang responded indifferently after listening, having no affection for his sickly wife at home.
And Yang Chuxia was exactly waiting for her to claim she had no marriage agreement.
Yang Dayong sighed with relief upon hearing her denial, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from him.
After giving her a look, he said, "Make sure to behave yourself," and then he walked away.
Yang Chuxia didnât leave as quickly; she stood in front of Shen Qiu and coldly said, "You said today you have no marriage agreement, so remember it well. If you ever dare use that as an excuse to come calling, see how Iâll deal with you."
"Sister, let her hand over the token of engagement." Yang Qingtong interjected timely.
At Yang Qingtongâs words, Shen Qiuâs face darkened instantly. How could she so easily relinquish something as important as the token of engagement? If she gave it up and couldnât marry into the Zhang Family, how would she then turn to Yang Dayong?
Yang Chuxia truly hadnât been aware that the two had exchanged tokens of engagement. It was fortunate that Qingtong reminded her because if Shen Qiu came forward one day with the token, the marriage would have to take place regardless of any other conditions. In ancient times, many who set oral marriage agreements would exchange tokens as evidence, and even without formal betrothal gifts, the marriage agreement would be considered valid.
"What token? Why would I have your token? This is nonsense," Shen Qiu naturally wouldnât hand it over and started to leave with Young Master Zhang.
"Thinking of leaving?" Yang Chuxia grabbed hold of her, "Hand it over."
"Youâre spouting nonsense and bullying me with your power. Why would I have any token? I have never been promised in marriage," Shen Qiu adamantly denied the accusation.
Anyway, Yang Dayong had already left, and she was certain that these siblings couldnât possibly know about the token exchanged between Yang Dayong and herself, nor what it actually was.