Chapter 817: Chapter 553: True Feelings
“What did the Third Young Madam want to talk to you about?” Aunt Liu lowered her voice and asked Little Jing in the evening when they returned to the servants’ quarters, “You seemed upset after you got back. Did the Third Young Madam find out about your feelings for the Third Young Master?”
Little Jing remained silent, and Aunt Liu knew she had guessed correctly. After hesitating for a moment, she said, “Didn’t you say last time that you had thought it through and wanted to talk to the Old Madam to let her help you make a decision? Why did you suddenly change your mind?
Every time I ask, you evade the question. Jing, we’ve been like family for so long. I really think of you as my own daughter. If you trust me, talk to me about what’s on your mind. Keeping it all to yourself isn’t good for your health.”
“While I was out, I saw Zhang Jun with a woman, and they were holding hands…” Little Jing bit her lip, “Aunt Liu, I clearly know he already has someone. How can I still ask Mrs. Zhang for a marriage proposal?
The Third Young Madam did come to see me today. She really did find out about my feelings for the Third Young Master. She asked me directly and told me she would discuss with the Old Madam and the Third Young Master to find me another job.”
“Did you agree?”
“Did I have a say in it?” Little Jing let out a deep sigh, “With the Third Young Madam saying that, would it make any difference if I didn’t agree? But Aunt Liu, I really don’t want to leave.
I grew up in the Zhou family. To me, it’s like my own family home. The Old Madam and the Madam are like my actual grandmother and mother. I… I really can’t bear to leave them.”
“You child, you always keep things bottled up inside. I will ask Mrs. Zhang about Zhang Jun’s situation. Maybe the woman with him is his sister or cousin.
We’ve known Mrs. Zhang for so long. If her nephew had a partner, how could she still talk to us about this?
Once you have a suitable family, the Third Young Madam wouldn’t transfer you, and later, you might not even want to be a maid anymore. You might want to enjoy life with your husband.”
“Don’t ask. If he’s already with someone, it would be so embarrassing.” Little Jing sighed again, “If not, I will just listen to the Third Young Madam and change jobs. Or like she said, maybe it’s because I see the Third Young Master every day that I have those thoughts I shouldn’t. With a new job and a new social circle, maybe I won’t have such wild thoughts.
Aunt Liu, to be honest with you, I’ve been incredibly conflicted lately. I could control myself before you confronted me, but ever since you brought it up, I can’t help wanting to see the Third Young Master. Everything about him seems good to me.
Even his shoes and socks smell fragrant to me. Every time, I hope I can personally wash clothes for the Third Young Master. Unfortunately, he’s particular about it, and washes his clothes himself. I don’t even get a chance to help.
I know I’m not normal, but the more I try to control myself, the more I lose control. As a result, I had no choice but to agree to date Qi Fei.
But I don’t like him and don’t want the Old Madam to know, so every time I see him, I make excuses to go pick up Little Jing.
I tried to get close to him, but whenever he holds my hand, I feel disgusted. Aunt Liu, do you think I have a problem?”
Aunt Liu thought for a moment and asked, “Well, do you think you’d feel disgusted if Zhang Jun held your hand?”
Little Jing shook her head, “I don’t know. I’ve never held hands with him.”
“You silly child, why bother with Qi Fei if you don’t like him? If it doesn’t work out with him, and then you find someone else, can he tolerate it?”
“I…” Little Jing mumbled, unable to say anything. Qi Fei is a security personnel of the Ye family. He grew up with the Ye family, so when Little Jing was young, they often played together.
Later, when Ye Meiru and Zhou Mikang had a falling out, the Ye family and Zhou family had less interaction, so they lost contact. This year, the two families started interacting again, and Qi Fei often accompanied Old Master Ye to the Zhou family. He seemed interested in Little Jing. Previously, she ignored him because she thought he was too temperamental and not an ideal marital choice.
Then Aunt Liu talked to her, and also seeing Zhang Jun with another girl, Little Jing decided she might just marry anyone, but making that decision is one thing; actually doing it is another. Being with Qi Fei, she found everything about him unbearable, and she’s reached her limit today.
She mentioned to Qi Fei that they weren’t suitable, but he refused without even thinking, clearly stating that he felt they were quite compatible, and he wouldn’t agree to break up.
After hearing Aunt Liu’s words, she regretted it even more. What if Qi Fei insists on marrying her? She felt uncomfortable with just holding hands—what if it went further?… She didn’t even dare to think about it.
“If you misunderstood Zhang Jun, would you still want to be with him?”
“I…” Little Jing hesitated, unable to speak.
“You can’t mean you need to hold hands to confirm, right?” Aunt Liu looked at her helplessly, “What you need to do now is to force yourself not to daydream anymore.
Among these men, how many can match up to the Third Young Master in age or ability? Just look at our family’s Eldest, Fifth, and Eighth Young Masters; none can really compare with him, right?
But when our Eldest, Fifth, and Eighth Young Masters are compared to others, they’re top-notch. So, if your heart is set on the Third Young Master, can you even consider other men?
I’ve been through youth myself, and I understand your feelings now. But, Little Jing, sometimes you’ve got to look at your circumstances and find a man that’s better suited for you.
Such matters can’t be driven by impulse. Remember, you’re still young and may not feel it now. In three to five years, not just Zhang Jun, even someone like Qi Fei might not be interested in you.
“Aunt Liu, could you ask for me then?” Little Jing sighed heavily with her eyes closed, “I feel really upset. I’ve decided, no matter what, I’ll listen to the Third Young Madam and change places.”
“That’ll do as well.” Aunt Liu held her hand and patted it, “The Zhou family members are kind-hearted. No matter where you go, if you’re bullied or wronged, they won’t ignore you.
Leaving now might be hard, but for a lifetime of happiness, you’ve got to push yourself. Honestly, the Third Young Madam is good, otherwise, she wouldn’t care for you so much. If she just wanted to throw you out, you’d just have to bear it, wouldn’t you?”
Little Jing nodded, “Aunt Liu, I understand. When the Third Young Madam talked to me directly, I felt a bit uncomfortable. She said she’s straightforward and doesn’t like beating around the bush. If I get the hint, she’ll consider everything for me; if not, I shouldn’t blame her for being rude.
Hearing her speak like that made me very angry, as if she was using her status to press down on me. It’s not like the old society anymore; being a maid is just a job, and the old lady and madam treat me like family. Why does she get to speak to me like this?
Though I didn’t express any opposition, I felt defiant inside. But now, hearing your analysis, Aunt Liu, I feel like, facing such a kind-hearted woman, it’s better than those who smile on the outside but stab you in the back.
Don’t worry, Aunt Liu. No matter what, I won’t blame a single Zhou family member. They are my family. I really regard the Zhou family as my own. Now, it’s just like I’ve grown up and am going out to work, everyone will face this day, and thinking like that, it’s not so hard.”
“It’s good you think clearly.” Aunt Liu stroked her head, “I was just worried you’d get stubborn. Seeing you change your mind recently and say nothing, I was really anxious.”
“Sorry for worrying you.”
“Why be so formal with me?”
“…”
…
Chuxia and Zhou Mikang were also discussing Little Jing’s situation. She told Zhou Mikang about her decision and said, “Whether or not you blame me for making decisions without consulting you, if something like this happens again, I’ll still handle it the same way.”
“I understand.” Zhou Mikang chuckled and shook his head, “You just want to use this method to see if I’m truly prioritizing you, right? If I opposed, you’d think I have feelings for her and want to stop you, isn’t it?”
“Isn’t it exactly like that?”
“Definitely not.” Zhou Mikang shook his head, “To me, Little Jing is just like a younger sister who grew up in the Zhou family. I believe there’s a misunderstanding on her part. She doesn’t really have family, and Grandma cares for her deeply, Mom and Aunt are also good to her. Hence, she feels a sense of belonging to this family and secretly wishes to stay with us.
After all, I’m the only one in the family who’s of marriageable age and still unmarried. At her age, it’s natural to daydream a little. Unexpectedly, right during her musings, you came into the picture.
Ever since marrying you, as long as I’m not on duty, I’m definitely home with you. My attentiveness and care towards you is something everyone in the family can see. Honestly, they might not say it, but I can guess; initially, no one used to understand.
You haven’t seen the previous me; towards everyone in the family, I was indifferent. It’s not that I meant to be cold, but I harbored a lot of resentment and grievances then.
Once those knots in the heart are untied, one becomes more tolerant, naturally appearing more approachable. That’s how misunderstandings arise, and since Little Jing isn’t close to others, she might’ve considered me her ideal fantasy.”
“What are you trying to say with all this?” Chuxia looked at him plainly, “Are you suggesting I take back my decision and let her stay in the Zhou family?”
“Of course not, I’m just explaining why she thinks this way. Also, letting you know, I’m quite sought after, so you better cherish me, got it?”
Chuxia rolled her eyes, glared at him with annoyance, “I don’t get it!” (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian () to vote with recommendations or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit to read.)