Chapter 13: A Promise Kept

As soon as Luo Feifei spoke, everyone in the hospital room stared in astonishment.

Lin Qi hadn’t had a chance to respond before Luo Yingying erupted, “Lin Qi, what are you doing? What did you say to my sister?”

Lin Qi had agreed to marry Luo Feifei earlier only to calm her down, intending to explain everything later. Seeing Luo Yingying’s fury, though, he remained composed and replied, “Whatever I said to Feifei is none of your business.”

“How is it none of my business? She’s my sister! Lin Qi, you’re shameless. We’re divorced, and now you’re after my sister?” Luo Yingying’s anger was so fierce she nearly lunged to scratch Lin Qi’s face.

Fed up, Lin Qi turned to leave.

“Don’t, sister…” Luo Feifei, half-reclining on the bed, grabbed Luo Yingying’s arm, pleading, “Sis, you divorced my brother-in-law, but I think he’s a good man. I want to marry him myself…”

Luo Yingying’s head buzzed with rage. “Feifei, are you out of your mind? He’s just a food delivery guy. I finally managed to divorce him, and now you’re about to fall into the same trap? Tell me the truth—did he lure you? Don’t let him fool you! You’re a college graduate and just joined Longyue Corporation. There are plenty of talented young men waiting for you! When you recover, I’ll introduce you to a rich heir…”

Hearing this, Luo Feifei became even more anxious. “I don’t want a rich heir—I want my brother-in-law…”

She noticed Lin Qi was about to leave and tried to stop him, but her sudden movement reopened the wound in her abdomen. Blood seeped visibly through the bandages, staining them with crimson spots.

“Feifei!”

“Feifei…”

Everyone, including Lin Qi, rushed to her side.

They hurriedly helped Luo Feifei back onto the bed and called for the doctor.

During all this, Luo Feifei lost consciousness again.

Luo Yingying continued to berate Lin Qi, accusing him of seducing her younger sister, calling him shameless and sinister.

Lin Qi had no desire to argue. He made sure Luo Feifei was all right, then stepped out of the hospital room.

Luo’s father followed him.

“Lin Qi, let’s talk,” he said, pulling Lin Qi aside.

Facing his former father-in-law, Lin Qi felt awkward. He used to call him “Dad,” but now he wasn’t sure what to say.

He decided to say nothing.

At the end of the corridor, by the window, Lin Qi offered him a cigarette.

Baisha, and Tianxia.

Seeing Lin Qi smoke such expensive cigarettes, Luo’s father couldn’t help but sigh. “You’re not the department manager anymore. You should be careful with your spending.”

Lin Qi gave a quiet “hmm,” respecting his former father-in-law.

No matter how strained things were, respect was still due.

“Tell me, what’s going on?” Luo’s father lit the cigarette.

Lin Qi took a moment to compose himself, then explained everything between himself and Luo Feifei.

It was simple. Luo Feifei had always been infatuated with him; Lin Qi had never reciprocated. It was only before her surgery, when her life was in danger, that he agreed to “marry” her to steady her mind.

After hearing it all, Luo’s father sighed softly. “That girl... she just hasn’t seen enough of the world.”

Lin Qi nodded in agreement.

Luo’s father continued, “Lin Qi, I don’t mean to look down on you… But you just divorced Yingying, and now you’re tangled up with Feifei—it’s not appropriate. The family won’t tolerate it…”

Lin Qi nodded again. Everything his former father-in-law said was reasonable.

Seeing Lin Qi’s lack of protest, Luo’s father relaxed. “Besides, Feifei is a college graduate, and you’re just a food delivery guy… I don’t mean to belittle your job, but you two just aren’t a good match… Frankly, it’s like a toad lusting after a swan! Feifei is naive, but you’re much older; you should know better. Don’t pursue Feifei anymore, and stop saying those things to her… In short, if you dare approach Feifei again, don’t blame me for being harsh!”

By the end, his tone held a hint of reproach, a touch of sarcasm, and a trace of threat.

Lin Qi looked at him in surprise.

Luo’s father actually believed… that Lin Qi was the one pursuing Luo Feifei?

And thought Lin Qi wasn’t good enough for her?

A hard-to-name anger ignited in Lin Qi’s chest.

He drew a deep breath and said, “First, I don’t believe marriage has to be between equals—mutual affection is what matters most. Second, I’ve never actively sought out Feifei; she’s always come to me. Third, I intended to explain to her that my promise to marry her didn’t count, but now I’ve changed my mind.”

Staring straight at Luo’s father, Lin Qi spoke, word by word, “I believe a man’s most important quality is keeping his word. Please tell her to focus on recovering. Once she’s discharged, I’ll come to marry her!”

With those words, Lin Qi turned and strode away.