Chapter 195: Zhou Tingting's Marriage 3

Madam Zhou had long known her daughter would surely refuse outright; she said earnestly: "You used to like Lu Chi, and Mom didn't object, but now the Lu Family has gone bankrupt; even if the Lu Family weren't bankrupt, the Lu Family's daughter-in-law could never be you—Lu Chi simply isn't good enough for our family. Now Mom has found you a better match; you should try to understand me."

"Mom, I'm only eighteen; I really don't want to get engaged so quickly. Besides, I've never even seen this man—how would I know who he is? What does he look like? What's his temperament? Do I even like him?"

Because of her conversation with Su Yun Jiao today, Zhou Tingting felt some aversion to the engagement.

Who would have thought Madam Zhou would smile and say: "I've already met this young man; his reputation in the industry is excellent, he's a suitable match for our family, and he's handsome—nothing inferior to Lu Chi. If you saw Zheng Haoyuan, you'd surely like him."

Upon hearing that the person in the photo was Zheng Haoyuan.

Zhou Tingting immediately thought of Su Yun Jiao; today she had mentioned the circle, in which there was a wolf in sheep's clothing—that person was Zheng Haoyuan.

Upon hearing the three words "Zheng Haoyuan," Zhou Tingting's opposition grew stronger: "Mom, this Zheng Haoyuan is especially bad—aside from having an unstable temper, he even gets violent; I really don't like him!"

"What nonsense are you spouting? Who told you Zheng Haoyuan has a bad temper? I've heard he's an outstanding young talent, graceful and courteous, and he treats people gently and politely."

"It was Jiao Jiao who said it; there's absolutely no mistake—Jiao Jiao has met this person, he..."

"I think you're really tired today—do you just believe whatever others say and not trust your own mother's words? I've personally seen this Zheng Haoyuan; I think he's truly a good person. I'll arrange for you two to meet soon, and if you're compatible, we plan to have you meet and get engaged."

Since her mother seemed to be very taken with Zheng Haoyuan, Zhou Tingting's face fell at once. When Zhou Xian came downstairs from upstairs, he saw his mother go straight upstairs, while Zhou Tingting stood alone, dazed, in the hall.

"Brother, do you know Zheng Haoyuan? I really don't want to get engaged to him."

Having heard Sun Ning's words, Zhou Tingting had no favorable impression of Zheng Haoyuan.

Zhou Xian's brows furrowed.

As a young man in that circle, Zhou Xian had also heard of Zheng Haoyuan; however, the industry's reputation of Zheng Haoyuan is very good—he's said to be a true gentleman of integrity, with an illustrious family background, a genuine young noble.

It's only natural that Mother would like Zheng Haoyuan.

"If you truly don't like him, I'll tell Mom tomorrow to call off this engagement; but I advise you to still meet him. Mom has already promised others—if we don't meet, it would be somewhat rude."

Zhou Xian's voice was gentle, and Zhou Tingting's emotions gradually steadied.

She also knew her mother was doing this for her own good, which is why she had specially selected an unmarried man to secure her future livelihood.

Thus Zhou Tingting nodded and said: "I understand, brother. I'll go meet Zheng Haoyuan, but... I really don't like him, and I also don't want to get engaged so soon."

"Do you still have Lu Chi in your heart?"

"Absolutely not!"

Zhou Tingting hurriedly shook her head.

Even when she liked Lu Chi, Zhou Tingting had no intention of getting engaged so early.

"All right, brother knows; brother will think of a way for you."

As long as Zhou Xian knows Zhou Tingting dislikes Zheng Haoyuan, he will spare no effort to stop this engagement for his sister.

The next day, during class.

Zhou Tingting was completely dazed, and she looked listless.

She seemed quite unhappy.

Su Yun Jiao noticed Zhou Tingting's off mood and asked proactively: "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"

Zhou Tingting shook her head and said: "I just think you're really a jinx—you only mentioned Zheng Haoyuan to me yesterday, and last night Mom said she'd arrange our engagement and even showed me Zheng Haoyuan's photo."

Su Yun Jiao hadn't expected the Zhou Family to become engaged to the Zheng Family so quickly.

Upon thinking of this, Su Yun Jiao immediately grew nervous: "Well... then what did you say?"

"Of course I said I wasn't willing."

Zhou Tingting said seriously: "You weren't just telling me that Zheng Haoyuan isn't a good person, were you?"

Seeing Zhou Tingting still remembered what she had said, Su Yun Jiao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Zheng Haoyuan really isn't a good person—you must stay far away from him, don't let him set his sights on you."

"I've already promised Mom I'd meet Zheng Haoyuan—don't worry, since I know he's not a good person, I will absolutely not get close to him. After we meet, I'll tell Mom I don't like Zheng Haoyuan and have her and the Zheng Family call off this engagement."

Zhou Tingting had already planned everything out.

"Anyway, as long as I end up disliking Zheng Haoyuan, that'll be fine, right?"

"Could it be that Mother could still force her to be with Zheng Haoyuan?"

"Just as the two were talking, Lu Chi suddenly walked in from outside the classroom."

Lu Chi has been frequently late lately, and he looks like he isn't getting enough sleep.

Su Yun Jiao knew this was because Lu Chi had been working part-time outside, draining his energy; now their family hardly has any money, while Zheng Hongyu has long been accustomed to lavish spending, never checking prices when she spends—so their life must be quite difficult now.

After returning to the classroom, Lu Chi immediately slumped over the back desk; at that moment, in Class One.

Fang Hong stared at Qin Xue, who hadn't mentioned repaying the money for two days; this time she finally couldn't hold back and said to Qin Xue: "Little Xue, did you use up the money I lent you last time? I really need to get it back now—if my parents discover the money is missing, they'll surely kill me."

Fang Hong's face was full of anxiety, while Qin Xue had long forgotten about this matter.

Since that money is now in Lu Chi's hands, where could she come up with two thousand to repay Fang Hong?

Moreover, Lu Chi has been ignoring her these past days, and Qin Xue has been worrying about this.

Seeing Fang Hong's urgency, Qin Xue said: "I—I can't suddenly repay you that much right now; otherwise I'll give you this."

Qin Xue directly handed over the necklace from her own neck to Fang Hong.

This was the necklace Lu Chi had previously given her; its value is at least three or four thousand.

Fang Hong looked at the necklace in her hand, somewhat speechless; this kind of necklace commands brand‑new prices when bought, but as used merchandise it's nowhere near worth that much.

Even if it lost half its value, it might not break even.