“Oh,” Qilu says. “Our fathers may be very familiar with each other, but I don’t recall us being like them. So, for you to ask me a question, why should I listen?”
An Chenchuan has always been aware of Han Qilu’s bad temper, so his cynicism doesn’t make him angry. Instead, he finds it embarrassing.
He chooses his words carefully. “It is about An Chuxia.”
Upon hearing her name. Han Qilu’s face changes. The lines on his face become more defined. “I don’t quite understand why you think she is a topic for you to ask.”
An Chenchuan shakes his
head and repeats his question nicely. “I do not expect you to answer me, but I just want to ask. Master Han Qilu, is your relationship with An Chuxia truly just an ordinary, run-of-the-mill kind of relationship?”
“Ordinary relationship?” Han Qilu cocks his head, shooting him a puzzled look.
An Chenchuan unconsciously clenches his fist. “I mean, do you like An Chuxia?” With great determination, he finally asks the question.
Han Qilu chuckles, but his smile doesn’t radiate warmth. His face goes stoic. Han Qilu coldly replies, “Hasn’t anyone told you, it is rude to ask such a question?”
He certainly
certainly knows it is very rude, but if he doesn’t outright ask about it, he won’t be able to sleep.
“Please answer me!” He stubbornness surprises him. His usual demeanor would’ve shrugged off the unanswered question.
Han Qilu is silent for a moment. Then, he takes a few steps forward. He stands in front of An Chenchuan. Although they have the same height, An Chenchuan is far less of a deterrent compared to Qilu.
“You like An Chuxia?” Chenchuan doesn’t answer. In the depth of Qilu’s eyes, Chenchuan is aware of the coldness that lays.
Chenchuan faces Qilu and replies matter-of-factly. “Yes,
matter-of-factly. “Yes, I like her!”
Han Qilu continues to prod. “Like her… for what reason? Can you remember her favorite place? She isn’t beautiful, and she doesn’t have a great figure. She is stubborn. She has brains, but is a fool. There is no reason for anyone to like her.”
Chenchuan raises his head slightly and looks at Han Qilu. “I like a person despite their shortcomings!”
“I was asking you what you liked!” he asks, raising his volume again.
Silent for a moment, Chenchuan replies, “Liking a person is not a reason?”
As he responds, Qilu counters, “That response is too broad. Having too broad. Having no reason to like a person only shows you do NOT like her!”
“No! I like her!” An Chenchuan argues firmly.
Han Qilu stares at An Chenchuan for a while before sneering, “Whatever.”
Then, he turns and walks out.
“Wait a minute!” An Chenchuan walks up and stops him. “Starting tomorrow, I will pursue her!”
“Oh?” Han Qilu shows no emotion. “Do not forget, you are nothing but her brother.”
He takes a deep breath. An Chenchuan puffs his chest and says, “How’s that possible? I like her. Tomorrow, I will make every attempt for her to like me.”