Chapter 5

"What do you mean by that, Xiao Long? What is your intent?"

"I love Qiqi sincerely, uncle. I loved your niece with all my heart. Our marriage is no longer contractual, but a true marriage based on our mutual feelings. Even though Qiqi did not know that our marriage has been legally registered with the help of my grandfather, he had what it takes to legitimize our marriage without her consent. Currently, we are facing a quite convoluted problem." Xiao Long paused for a moment then sighed. He never thought that he would be in such a dire situation. "Me and Qiqi, lived our life like a married couple would. We even wanted to have a child. But there were some people who appeared to hold a grudge against me and wanted to ruin our relationship to exact their vengeance. Then, when I was about to confess my true feelings for her, she disappeared. The driver that I sent to pick her up was caught in an accident and hasn't been conscious again until now."

"What about Qiao Xin? Is she alright? Is she wounded or anything?" Her uncle asked anxiously.

"Qiqi was fine, she came home a few hours after the driver was found. When she came home, she looked shabby. Then she handed over a recording of…inappropriate misconduct. At the moment, I was extremely shocked. But then I think again, there might be a reason as to why she did that, in front of a camera. Even if it is true, I could not really care, I love her a lot and I will accept her as is. I will accept any explanation from her because I trusted her. But it seems that she could not believe in me, she did not believe that I will accept her no matter what. Maybe she was deeply guilt-ridden at that time for tarnishing our marriage. On top of that, we agreed that if one of us happens to fall in love with each other, the contract will be terminated and she will have to leave my residence. And leave she did. Either she thought that she dishonored my family, or she felt guilty for falling in love with me. She left as I slept. She also left her phone and her ring behind. There is also a letter that she left for me. Now, I don't know where she is. I cannot think straight and find her. Not even here. Where can I find her? I need to tell her my side of the story, I need to make her stay with me forever."

"Xiao Long…"

"I wanted to explain everything to her. I love her so much that I don't care about what she has done, I also wanted to tell her that our marriage has been legitimized. But why did she disappear before I explained everything? I can't even find her here. I don't know where else to look. What if my mother-in-law was shocked to hear about this and fell ill? I don't want that, I don't want to disappoint everyone here…" Xiao Long stopped and fell on his knees. "Please forgive me, uncle. I know that you must be extremely upset to hear this. I know that you think of me as a heartless coward. I know that you see me as an irresponsible man. I was a person who thought that everything was right under my control. For her disappearance, I deeply apologize, I had no idea that she would go just like that. I promise that I will find her and return here with her."

"Xiao Long, what are you doing? On your feet, if her mother knew about this then she would grow suspicious and you'll have to give her that heart-breaking explanation."

"But–"

"On your feet."

Xiao Long stood up then sat by her uncle. He sighed as her uncle patted him in the back.

"To be honest, I do feel angry about all this problem. You really do disappoint me, you are the worst man I have ever known. You have cruelly used my beloved niece to your own advantage. Even so, now that you explain everything to me and go out of your way to look for her here, it changed my perspective on you. Even if you are a descendant of a rich family, you can make yourself comfortable in this small hut. You can eat here, live here, sleep here, take a bath here, and do all sorts of chores around our humble lodging. In fact, you seem to be enjoying your life here. You also showed me how much you care about my older sister, you should know that not many people can get close to her and you happen to be the first outsider to win her heart. I do hope that you are indeed the right man for Qiao Xin and your marriage will sail smoothly. Alas, my prayers were only answered partially. I hope, wherever Qiao Xin is, she is doing well. Now, I want you to look for her and never let her go again, don't make her sad as well. You know how hard her life is, right? If you manage to bring her back home, you shall have my gratitude."

"Yes, uncle. I will fulfill my promise to you!" Xiao Long answered confidently.

"Xiao Long, you're here? Where is Qiao Xin?"

Xiao Long and her uncle looked at Qiao Xin's mother and An Xin. They were anxious as to how they should explain this situation.