22 - This is just basic stuff

"Host, aren't you afraid of hurting Xia Siyu's feelings by criticizing her so harshly?" The system's puzzled voice appeared after Jiang Hao walked a few steps.

"Sigh!"

Jiang Hao sighed deeply and said helplessly, "Hurting her feelings is better than failing to win her over."

Xia Siyu's behavior absolutely couldn't be ignored.

She was a strong-willed woman, always thinking she had everything under control. Jiang Hao had to make sure he was someone she couldn't control. Only then would Xia Siyu see him differently.

He had another choice today—remain silent and pretend not to notice Xia Siyu's intentions.

But if he did that, Xia Siyu would only become more assertive, making it much harder to win her over in the future. That would be a major loss.

"Aren't you worried she might confront you and demand to break off the engagement?" the system asked again.

"No, she won't," Jiang Hao shook his head firmly.

If confronting him would work, Xia Siyu would have done it already. She wouldn't have waited until today.

Her attempt to push Jiang Hao and Yang Qing together was merely to appease the elders of the Xia family.

Not to mention, she also had to consider Xia Guodong's illness.

"Brother Hao, wait for me!" A sudden urgent shout came from behind.

Jiang Hao stopped and turned around to see Yang Qing chasing after him.

Not being used to her high heels, Yang Qing walked slowly, stumbling several times and almost falling.

"Careful!"

Seeing Yang Qing nearly trip on a stone, Jiang Hao quickly stepped forward to support her.

Feeling Jiang Hao's large hand on her arm, Yang Qing's face immediately turned bright red.

But her shy expression didn't last long before guilt overtook her.

"I'm sorry; I've ruined your relationship with Sister Xia," Yang Qing said with a sob in her voice.

"Today's events have nothing to do with you," Jiang Hao reassured her.

However, his words only made Yang Qing burst into tears.

Ever since she met Jiang Hao, she had thought he was an incredibly gentle person.

But today, Jiang Hao got angry, which was rare for him. And it was all because of her!

If she hadn't naively accepted gifts worth hundreds of thousands of yuan, and if she hadn't been too timid to refuse Xia Siyu, none of this would have happened!

"Brother Hao, I'll return these clothes right away! This is all my fault; please don't be mad at Sister Xia, okay?" Yang Qing pleaded through her tears.

"The clothes don't need to be returned," Jiang Hao immediately shook his head.

Hearing this, Yang Qing's eyes filled with despair.

She thought Jiang Hao was still angry and didn't want to listen to her explanations.

"I've already transferred 400,000 yuan to Xia Siyu. These clothes are now truly yours," Jiang Hao added.

"Ah?" Yang Qing was stunned.

Jiang Hao smiled slightly and helped Yang Qing sit down on a nearby bench.

Yang Qing was still Yang Qing.

Even though she could barely stand, she still chose to chase after him and take the blame upon herself.

Under Jiang Hao's gentle gaze, Yang Qing's expression softened noticeably.

She rubbed her ankle and said earnestly, "Brother Hao, these clothes are too expensive. I really can't accept them."

Her serious demeanor made Jiang Hao want to laugh.

"Who said I'm giving them to you? Consider it a loan—you'll have to pay me back with interest! Also…"

Jiang Hao paused for a moment, gently tucking a strand of hair behind Yang Qing's ear. "You really do look beautiful in this outfit."

At such a close distance, Jiang Hao's intimate gesture and affectionate gaze left Yang Qing momentarily dazed.

She stared at him blankly, as if the entire world had faded away, leaving only Jiang Hao.

"Counterattack Points +300!"

"Progress with Yang Qing: 80%!"

Ignoring the system's mechanical voice, Jiang Hao suddenly asked, "Do you think I'm a bad person? Is that why you don't want to accept my gift?"

This question snapped Yang Qing out of her daze, and she quickly shook her head.

If Jiang Hao was a bad person, then there were no good people in the world.

With everything he said, how could she refuse without hurting his feelings?

"But with your current abilities, it'll be difficult to repay this debt, along with your mother's medical expenses," Jiang Hao said, pretending to ponder.

Yang Qing understood the harsh reality, and although she felt a little upset, she could only purse her lips.

"I've arranged for you to attend a university. You'll start classes tomorrow," Jiang Hao revealed the true reason for his visit.

Yang Qing froze for a moment.

Everything that had happened today was too sudden, leaving her feeling completely lost.

But seeing Jiang Hao's seriousness, she eventually said excitedly, "I can go to school? That's wonderful!"

However, thinking of her mother still in the hospital, her excitement quickly faded.

Noticing her concern, Jiang Hao spoke in a brotherly tone:

"The university is close to Xia's Hospital, so you can take care of both. It'll be tiring, but only by relying on yourself can you truly change your destiny."

Change her destiny? Yang Qing's eyes lit up.

Wasn't this exactly what she and her mother had always hoped for?

"Brother Hao, I won't let you down! I'll work hard, even if it takes a lifetime to repay your kindness!" Yang Qing said after taking a deep breath.

Although he wasn't seeking repayment, Jiang Hao nodded solemnly.

Despite her timid exterior, Yang Qing was the opposite of Xia Siyu.

Her harsh upbringing and striking appearance had instilled in her a deep desire to change her fate and herself.

"Then you'll have to work hard. I'll be waiting for the day you repay me!" Jiang Hao chuckled, his tone filled with warmth.

Yang Qing smiled as well.

The two began to chat casually. Though their conversation was light, Yang Qing smiled like a carefree child.

Stretching after a while, Yang Qing prepared to leave.

Before leaving, she summoned her courage and suddenly asked, "Brother Hao, can I like you?"

"Ah?"

This time, it was Jiang Hao's turn to be stunned.

He knew Yang Qing had feelings for him but didn't expect the usually timid girl to muster such courage.

"Liking someone doesn't require permission," Jiang Hao said after a brief pause, giving a vague answer.

But for Yang Qing, that answer was enough.

She left with a radiant smile, her face turning red as she walked away.

"Counterattack Points +300!"

"Yang Qing's progress is now 90%!"

"As long as nothing major changes, her feelings for the host won't waver!"

"Host, you're amazing!"

"Take it easy, this is just basic stuff," Jiang Hao said calmly, waving his hand dismissively.