Chapter 724: Laying Out the Relationship

As soon as I said this, Ding Li and Xiao Feng's faces both turned red at the same time.

Ding Li then said embarrassedly,

"Zhao Ge, you talk to Xiao Feng; I'll go out and have a look."

"Alright, Ding Li, you two don't leave. Today we'll just lay it all out." I gestured for Ding Li to sit down.

"Actually, your matter is not something I should ask about. You're not kids anymore; you've gone through what you needed to, and it's not good for others to pry too much." I said, looking at the two of them.

Both of them remained silent.

I then said: "Why am I asking? Because Xiao Feng is like a sister to me, even closer than a blood sister."

I have a promise to her: to ask about her affairs for her whole life.

Besides asking about food and drink, I also need to ask about her feelings.

Ding Li, don't overthink it; you're my good brother, and we've known each other for over two years.

We understand each other well.

You know what kind of temper I have,

and I'm familiar with your temper as well.

I am a few years older than both of you,

Today I'm speaking to you as an older brother; as the old saying goes, at home you listen to your father's words, and if there's no father, the eldest brother's words stand in.

Of course, that's all in the past now.

I'm not trying to order you around; I'm just looking out for you as your elder brother.

Although this emotional matter is between the two of you,

as your elder brother I can also offer a couple of points for your reference.

What I mean by what I'm saying today is,

Romance cannot last; marriage is the foundation.

No matter how good a couple's feelings are, if they're always just in romance,

but that romantic feeling will stretch and change over time, becoming optional.

A person only gets one marriage, with that paper certificate,

the nature changes.

the foundation of the relationship is different.

Ding Li, your path to marriage hasn't been smooth either; we've talked about it.

You're already divorced, right?

So I ask you, what exactly is your attitude toward Xiao Feng?

You have to speak from the heart.

I said, looking at Ding Li.

Ding Li looked at me,

a little nervous,

took out a cigarette from his pocket,

"Zhao Ge, I'm being honest: my feelings for Xiao Feng are a hundred percent sincere. I have no second thoughts.

"I'm willing to stay with Xiao Feng for life. Zhao Ge, but Xiao Feng is unwilling to marry me."

Hearing Ding Li say that,

I happily said: "That's my good brother, daring to love and hate. Xiao Feng, Ding Li has already expressed his feelings."

"What are you planning? Ding Li is here intending to marry you, so we also need to show some sincerity."

"Tell me why you don't want to marry Ding Li." I then said to Xiao Feng.

"Jianqiang, am I speaking the truth?" Xiao Feng looked at me and said.

"Yes, you must speak the truth. Talking nonsense would be pointless." I said.

"Alright, I don't want to marry. I really don't want to marry. It's meaningless; after thinking it over repeatedly, my marriage with Lao Ye was just like that,

I feel it would be better to stay in love for a lifetime,

between Ding Li and me, if we like each other we just stick together,

if we don't like each other we just part ways, with no burden on either side,

"what's the point of getting married? It's just a burden." Xiao Feng sighed.

Hearing Xiao Feng's sigh, I took a puff of my cigarette,

"Xiao Feng, I know what you're worried about. I've told you before, your thing with Lao Ye is all in the past; have you been in contact with Lao Ye again?

have you settled the paperwork between you two?" I asked Xiao Feng.

"We've been in contact; he wants five million. I don't want to give it to him." Xiao Feng said directly.

"Give him the five million. Use the money from the mine to pay him; then you two will be even, you must cut ties and finish the paperwork." I said, looking at Xiao Feng.

"Why should I give him another five million, Jianqiang? I really don't want to.

"Let Ding Li and me just stay as we are. Isn't it fine now?

"Do we really have to get married to live together?" Xiao Feng said reluctantly.

"Xiao Feng, how should I put this? Personally I don't yet approve of your approach; since you both like each other, you should go through the proper procedures.

"Why have formal procedures? It's for the sake of any future children.

"Only then can the child live openly in the sun; otherwise he'll always be inferior.

"Xiao Feng, you're not young anymore; it's still timely to have a child.

"I sincerely hope you can marry properly and then have your own child,

This life is finally complete.

There is no longer any feeling between you and Lao Ye; between you two it's only about that bit of money.

Why bother getting tangled up? Money is earned by people.

Give it to him, and that will settle everything between you.

Then isn't it good to live your own happy life?

Xiao Feng, listen to my advice.

I still say the same thing: you don't need to worry about the money.

These all belong to petty money.

Today, let's make everything clear.

A few days ago, I sent Ding Li to Huaihai to help. He mentioned the matter of proposing to you.

I, taking advantage of this opportunity,

will clarify things between the two of you.

Xiao Feng, speak up—aside from Ye Jianming's five million, what else are you worried about?

Hearing my question,

Xiao Feng was instantly at a loss for words,

"I... Ding Li is young, I'm older than Ding Li, I'm afraid that later..."

After Xiao Feng finished speaking, she lowered her head embarrassedly.

"Ding Li, did you hear? Sister Xiao Feng is mainly worried about the age issue.

Xiao Feng is a few years older than you,

Can you accept this age difference? To love is for a lifetime, Ding Li, I will make my words clear,

You must not give up halfway.

After marrying Xiao Feng, you must not have second thoughts.

If you do that, I certainly won't let you off.

Then think it over yourself.

Ding Li smiled,

"Zhao Ge, based on what you said, am I that kind of person?

The position I have today is all thanks to you.

Today, I solemnly promise Sister Xiao Feng here,

If I, Ding Li, ever do something that betrays you, I will end up dead on the street..."

Ding Li was about to say something, but Xiao Feng quickly covered Ding Li's mouth.

Not letting him speak further.

Seeing this scene, I smiled.

In fact, Xiao Feng's worry is not without reason.

Ding Li is only in his thirties now; in ten years he'll be in his forties, the prime age for a man.

But Xiao Feng is approaching fifty, already a middle‑aged woman.

The age gap is also one of the main reasons couples may be incompatible.

Why am I willing to facilitate Xiao Feng and Ding Li?

Even if Ding Li has ability, with me suppressing him, he guarantees he has no other thoughts.

I believe Xiao Feng still has the ability to handle Ding Li.

Of course, if they marry, they will have legal protection, and with the two of them having the fruit of love.

Then it will be even more different.

Actually, Xiao Feng's worry is for me to guarantee it.

Ding Li's promise also said,

The matter between Xiao Feng and Ding Li has already been clarified.

After clarifying, we should proceed according to procedure.

I hope Xiao Feng can have a good future and settle down.

Having a husband and children, living a happy life like ordinary people.

I have also fulfilled my wish.

At this moment I stood up,

"Ding Li, I heard everything you just said; I hope you keep your word. A true man's words should leave a crater on the ground.

Alright, I will no longer interfere in the matter between you two.

From now on, you walk your own road.

Ding Li, go fetch Zhao Jie, I want to have a word with him.

Ding Li quickly stood up and went outside to call Zhao Jie.

Xiao Feng whispered at this moment,

"Jianqiang, I'm still worried.

"Xiao Feng, you need not worry; with me suppressing Ding Li, he won't act recklessly. Rest assured," I said.

Xiao Feng nodded.