Chapter 227: with translation of chapter title

Song Jingyu finished speaking and left, leaving Hao Manru and her mother alone; Hao Manru watched Song Jingyu's departing back, and her emotions collapsed instantly.

She angrily smashed everything on the table, then flung herself into Hao's mother's arms, saying, "Mom, I'm not reconciled; in what way am I inferior to that village girl? Why does Brother Jingyu choose her instead of me?"

Hao's mother looked at her daughter sobbing in her arms, and a pang of heartache involuntarily crossed her eyes; she secretly felt some regret, wondering if she had not stopped her daughter from being with Song Jingyu, would the outcome be different now?

But now it's too late to say anything; she could only try to comfort her daughter's emotions: "Manru, listen to Mother, Song Jingyu not choosing you is his own lack of fortune; we won't be sad, there are still many fine young men in the army, Mother will surely find you a better one."

But Hao Manru simply couldn't hear her mother's words; she shoved her mother away angrily and said, "But I want Brother Jingyu; besides Brother Jingyu, I want nobody else."

Then she dashed out of the tent in a flash; by the time Hao's mother chased after her, there was no trace of Hao Manru, and Hao's mother was anxious beyond measure, yet could do nothing.

Song Jingyu had no idea what had transpired between Hao Manru and her mother; after leaving, he went straight to Su Ruo's tent.

Just as Su Ruo came out to pour out foot-washing water, she saw Song Jingyu standing outside the tent, blinked a moment, and asked, "Do you need something from me?"

Song Jingyu nodded solemnly: "Um, may I talk with you?"

Su Ruo didn't refuse, saying "Okay!" then turned back to her tent, put on an outer garment, and came out; although it was summer, the night wind was still a bit cool.

As they walked, Song Jingyu said: "I've already made things clear with Hao Manru; I had no knowledge of her coming to find you, and I've never had any involvement or feelings with her beyond work; I hope you won't misunderstand."

Song Jingyu's earnestness made it impossible for Su Ruo to ignore: "Actually, you don't need to specially tell me these things."

Moreover, from a friend's standpoint, I think you being with Hao Manru is not bad either; her family background is good, her looks are good, although she is a bit arrogant, her character is not bad, and she should make a fine partner.

Su Ruo did not understand Song Jingyu's feelings toward her—whether it was a passing fancy or something else.

But regardless of any consideration, she advised him thus, because she did not want Song Jingyu to regret later.

After all, matters of the heart are too illusory; they inevitably wear away bit by bit with the passage of time.

Su Ruo could not give Song Jingyu a promise, nor did she wish him to regret later and even take it out on her.

After hearing Su Ruo's words, Song Jingyu became very solemn and said to her: "I've said it before; the only partner I have in my heart is you, and it can only be you."

Su Ruo felt she was past the age of being flutter-hearted over love, yet upon hearing that, her heart still skipped a beat involuntarily.

Su Ruo lifted her eyes and met Song Jingyu's sincere gaze, as if it wanted to absorb her entirely, leaving her momentarily dazed.

But Su Ruo quickly came to her senses; the lessons from her past life were too harsh, making her dare not and unable to trust any man's promise again.

Thus, Song Jingyu's fervor would inevitably meet a bucket of cold water.

Su Ruo did not look at Song Jingyu again, turned and continued walking: "But I currently have no plans to marry, and even if I did marry someday, I would not stop my steps for anyone."

You and I are destined not to be the kind who would abandon careers for family; frankly speaking, we are not suited.

People like us might find greater happiness with someone willing to devote more to family.

If we know we're unsuitable yet force ourselves together, we'll likely end up as resentful spouses.

Su Ruo never intended to marry in this life; with her temperament, perhaps being alone is the best choice—she does not hinder others, nor does she want others to hinder her.

Anyway, in this life she will never compromise or change for anyone, and she will never again become a housewife.

Song Jingyu had long anticipated Su Ruo's refusal, but he did not expect her to say this, leaving him momentarily unable to find a rebuttal.

Song Jingyu fell silent; he wanted to be with Su Ruo to give her better care and life, but what could he possibly offer her now!

He would not demand that Su Ruo quit her job or abandon her dreams to become a housewife, but as Su Ruo said, he would not give up his career either to care for her and help her realize her dreams; once together, they would inevitably see little of each other, each busy with their own pursuits.

Reality lay before Song Jingyu, making it so that even if he wanted to persuade Su Ruo, he could find no suitable reason.

Su Ruo didn't wait for him to speak again before saying: "Think carefully about what you've said; emotions make people impulsive, but if you want to start a family, you must be steady, consider everything thoroughly before deciding."

Su Ruo finished speaking and wanted to leave, but Song Jingyu grabbed her arm: "You're absolutely right; we are both not the type who would abandon dreams for family."

But precisely because of that, we are very compatible, aren't we! Since we are the same kind of people, we fully understand each other's dreams and pursuits.

We will respect, understand, and support each other, and will absolutely not suppress the other's dreams—isn't that the best combination!

If we marry, I will respect all your decisions and will not let you change anything.

Rather, because of our character and thoughts, we will absolutely never do anything wrong to each other; even if we ever have to part, we will choose a peaceful separation.

Su Ruo admitted that at this moment her heart was fiercely moved, but only for an instant; she then calmed down, after all, men may speak sweetly, but whether they can actually follow through is uncertain.

So Su Ruo said seriously: "You know, I already have An'an and Qin Xiao, and I do not intend to have any more children in this life."

Upon hearing Su Ruo's words, Song Jingyu froze instantly; he liked Su Ruo very much and had often fantasized about how lively and adorable their children would be if they were together.

Su Ruo's statement of not having children was indeed outside his considerations.

Su Ruo watched Song Jingyu's dazed expression and felt a sense of "as expected" rise in her heart; men may pretend not to care on the surface, but deep down they still hope to bring a woman home, marry her, and have children.

Then, they need do nothing else; once they have a child, they can firmly tie the woman to the household.