It was night, and Jia Ting's family gathered in the restaurant.

Except for her grandfather who was in the room, her parents and uncle were all there.

There are two other guests, one is her aunt Ye Zhiqiu who has a very good relationship with her, and the other is a gentle and handsome boy.

From the moment he entered the room, the young man's gaze was always fixed on Jia Ting, with undisguised appreciation and admiration in his eyes, obviously he had been pregnant for a long time.

On the contrary, Jia Ting hardly paid attention to this boy, just chatting with her aunt.

After the nanny brought the last dish to the table, everyone was already seated.

There were not many people talking during the banquet, most of the time it was Jia Mingzhong and Jia Mingyi who were talking, talking about work, the general environment, and current affairs.

Occasionally, he would throw the topic to Ye Zhiqiu, as if he wanted her to participate in the discussion.

However, Ye Zhiqiu just felt bored, and put on a look of lack of interest.

At this time, Jia Mingyi suddenly looked at Jia Ting and said, "Tingting is also 20 years old this year?"

As soon as these words came out, the rest of the people looked at Jia Ting one after another, and then fell on the young man again.

The boy's brows were raised slightly, as if showing his unsettled heart.

"Well, I'm already 20 years old," Jia Ting replied softly.

"Ziming is 22 years old this year. Counting your age, you are almost ready to get married," Ye Zhiqiu looked at his nephew.

"I can do whatever, mainly depends on Tingting's intentions," Ye Ziming smiled gently, seemingly calm, but looked at Jia Ting with anticipation that couldn't be hidden.

Jia Ting didn't speak, just ate the meal in front of her carefully.

Jia Mingzhong glanced at her, and said slowly: "If you come back this time, won't you leave?"

Jia Ting paused while eating: "There are still two years left in college."

Jia Mingzhong said: "It's okay to change schools, haven't you always liked painting? It's just right, you can directly change to the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts."

Jia Mingyi said from the side: "Originally, it's better for us Imperial City people to be active near our home. Back then, your father was working in Shanghai, so he took your family to Shanghai, where you went to middle school and university."

"Later your father was transferred back to the imperial capital, and all your family came back, but you were still floating outside. Although you are now 20 years old, but... girls, you don't have to take your studies too seriously. Heavy, some things should be put on the agenda."

After a pause, Jia Mingyi looked at Jia Mingzhong and asked, "What do you think, brother?"

Jia Mingzhong nodded, apparently with the same meaning.

Jia Ting sat there silently, continuing to eat her own food, but the hand holding the chopsticks seemed to move slightly.

No one spoke in the restaurant for a while, and everyone's eyes were on Jia Ting, making this 20-year-old girl bear the pressure she shouldn't have at her age.

At this time, Zhou Ting's mother, who had always maintained an indifferent attitude, said, "It's up to Tingting herself."

A simple sentence from her mother gave Jia Ting a little courage. She put down her chopsticks, looked at her father and said, "I want to finish college first before talking about other things."

Ye Ziming's smile was slightly awkward, but the adults didn't say anything, they just glanced at Ye Zhiqiu.

So Ye Zhiqiu said: "In today's society, it's true that the older generation doesn't like it anymore, but after all, the matter between you and Ziming was decided by the two old men...Well, how about it, why don't you take advantage of the summer vacation? , how about you go on a trip together?"

Jia Mingyi nodded: "That's a good idea. Although Tingting and Ziming grew up together when they were young, Tingting and Ziming haven't been together for a long time since your family went to Shanghai a few years ago. Tingting went out to play together during the summer vacation, to enhance our relationship."

"What's the relationship to grow? We've known each other since we wore open crotch pants, and I only regard him as a big brother," Jia Ting was a little annoyed when she heard these words, so that she expressed her true inner thoughts.

Ye Ziming on the side laughed even more awkwardly.

The adults didn't react too much. As adults with knowledge and understanding, they can naturally see that Jia Ting has no love for Ye Ziming.

But this is not important, the important thing is that the two of them must be combined together, not only because the old men of the two families made a decision, but also because the two families have been in the same spirit since a long time ago branch.

Like the ancient marriage, although it is a bit bloody in modern times, it is still a very effective method for these aristocratic families that have stood for many years.

From the time the old man decided on this matter, Jia Ting's future is not up to her alone.

Ye Zhiqiu sighed, and said: "Tingting, my aunt knows that you are resistant to this kind of thing, but I hope you can think about it more, look at your parents, don't they...

Speaking of this, Ye Zhiqiu didn't go any further.

Although she wanted to use Jia Ting's parents as an example and say, "Aren't they pretty good?", outsiders may not know the truth, but Ye Zhiqiu knows it well.

They are clearly husband and wife, but they always maintain a state of respect for each other.

Jia Ting once told Ye Zhiqiu that since he can remember, his parents seem to have been sleeping in separate rooms.

The two always treat each other with courtesy, and they will say "thank you" and "you're welcome" to each other.

How does this kind of relationship look like a couple?

It is such a lesson before her that Jia Ting resists this kind of arranged marriage so much.

Thinking that she might become like her mother in the future, Jia Ting couldn't calm down for a long time, and even her face became a little ugly.

Several adults are good at observing words and expressions.

Jia Mingyi saw that his niece was in a bad mood, so he took the initiative to change the subject and said, "Brother, is your cook still the same as before? After so many years, the craftsmanship has not improved much."

As he spoke, he put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth, as if he felt that the sumptuous dinner in front of him was boring.

Mother Jia smiled slightly and said, "What do Mingyi like to eat? Next time, my sister-in-law will find a chef to do it."

Jia Mingyi shook his head: "It's not that particular, I just went to Lianwen County today... Well, what my sister-in-law knows is that the province's key development city is planned this time."

"When I got there, I went to a restaurant for lunch. The other dishes were mediocre, but in the end the boss served a dish of braised pork. It tasted [absolutely the best braised pork I've ever eaten in my life."

Jia Mingzhong shook his head: "You boy, how many times has the old man told you that you have to be careful with what you say, don't be so absolute in what you say, what is the best food you have eaten in your life? Is it that exaggerated?"

Jia Mingyi retorted: "Brother, I am not exaggerating this time, you will know after eating."

Others were noncommittal, but Jia Ting asked with interest: "Is it really that delicious?"

"Really, I will go again in a few days, and I will pack it for you and bring it back. You can try it and you will know."

As Jia Mingyi was talking, he suddenly remembered something, and said, "By the way, Tingting, do you know who made that dish?"

"Didn't you say the boss was on?"

"It's the boss who made it right, but the boss' reaction at the time was also very surprised. He said that it tasted different from the braised pork he used to make. After asking, I found out that it was his son who secretly improved it."

"Then just ask his son to help you make it next time you go, I want to try it too," Jia Ting replied, but I don't know why my uncle specifically asked her if she knew who made it.

Seeing that the niece didn't guess her intentions] Yi smiled, and no longer pretended to be a fool, and said: "That young man is born with talent. Fan, if he is not the son of the shop owner, I will doubt whether he is the young master of everyone. "

The words attracted Jia Mingzhong to look over, his brows raised slightly, and he seemed to be a little interested.

Ye Zhiqiu followed suit: "How handsome?"

"Remember that video that Tingting played several times yesterday?" Jia Mingyi said with a smile.

This sentence stunned everyone in the room, and Jia Ting couldn't help opening her eyes, and almost subconsciously shouted: "You mean Qin Luo? Is it him? Did you see him?"

The surprise and eagerness contained in her three consecutive questions can be heard by anyone who is not stupid, let alone all the old foxes here.

This kind of emotion is completely contrary to Jia Ting's usual indifferent appearance, and it can't help but arouse the curiosity of the elders.

After Jia Ting came back yesterday, she sat in the living room for a while. At that time, she was playing a video on her mobile phone. The elders were attracted by the singing and the sound of the piano in the video, so they all moved over to take a look.

In the video, a handsome young man sits on the stage and plays a sad and beautiful movement in front of the piano, which makes people feel a sad resonance involuntarily during the listening process.

They all praised it at that time, saying that it is a good song and the performers are also very talented.

It's just that they didn't pay much attention to it, they only thought that Jia Ting was enjoying the music, but they didn't expect her to have such a big reaction to that boy.

"What? You know him very well?" Jia Mingzhong asked.

Before Jia Ting could speak, Ye Zhiqiu answered first: "Oh, that person, I saw that person yesterday when I went to pick up Tingting, he and Tingting came back by plane.

As soon as these words came out, the rest of the people seemed a little surprised. Ye Ziming raised his brows and pricked up his ears involuntarily.

Jia Ting's mother looked at Jia Ting with great interest: "This is rare, is this Tingting's new friend?"

Jia Ting hesitated for a moment, then explained: "It's a classmate in school. He used to... like one of my roommates very much, so we met like that. When we came back together, we happened to buy the same flight. A new friend."

Ye Ziming, who turned out to be acquainted through her roommate, let out a sigh of relief, but then brought it up again.

You liked one of your roommates very much before? What about now? Don’t you like it? Who do you like now?

Ye Ziming's mind became active, and he felt an inexplicable uncomfortable feeling in his heart.

Several adults seemed to have tasted some different flavors from it, but they didn't delve into it on the spot. They changed the topic and talked about other things.

After the meal, the nanny came to clear the table.

Jia Mingyi said goodbye to everyone: "I still have some things to deal with when I go back, so I won't bother you for now."

Jia Ting said, "I'll send my uncle off."

The two walked out of the villa together, and there were street lamps shining in the courtyard, together with the lights emanating from the villa, the courtyard was illuminated brightly.

Compared with the daytime, there is more a sense of quiet beauty.

The driver came to the back row of the car first, and was about to open the door, but he heard Jia Mingyi say: "Let's drive to the door first, I just finished eating and went for a walk to digest food.

The driver nodded and drove away first.

After he left, Jia Mingyi turned to look at Jia Ting: "Tell me, is there anything you want to tell my uncle?"

Jia Ting smiled and said, "Uncle is really smart, you already know it before I tell you."

Jia Mingyi shook his head invalidly: "At any rate, I watched you grow up, you girl, you are cute on the surface, but in fact, you have a lot of tricks in your heart."

"It's not as exaggerated as my uncle said

It's just a small matter that I want my uncle to help with.

"What's up?"

"Is my uncle going to Anwen County in a few days?"

"Well, that small county has been planned as a key development city in the province. The announcement will come down tomorrow at the latest, and I have to go there again after that."

"Then I want to go with Uncle."

Jia Mingyi paused, and looked at Jia Ting with subtle eyes: "For Qin Luo?"

Jia Ting's smile remained unchanged, and she said: "Of course it's for the braised pork, my uncle described it as so delicious, it made me greedy, and I couldn't wait to go and try it.

As she said that, she showed an innocent smile to Jia Mingyi again: "The food will be cold when you pack it and bring it back. Anyway, the imperial capital is not far from there, why don't you take me there to have a taste first?"

Jia Mingyi didn't speak, but just looked at his niece fixedly.

When the two walked all the way to the door, the car was already waiting outside.

Before getting into the car, Jia Mingyi said, "I'll pick you up when we go."

"Thank you, uncle," Jia Ting raised her lips.

Watching the car leave, Jia Ting turned and walked towards the villa, but met another person on the way.

Ye Ziming, he was standing under a street lamp, looking in the direction of Jia Ting, as if he had been waiting there for a while.

Jia Ting sighed insignificantly, and was about to walk over to say hello, when Ye Ziming said: "This summer vacation, let's go for a walk together?"

Jia Ting said absent-mindedly: "What is there to do? It's hot and I don't want to go anywhere. How nice it is to stay at home."

Ye Ziming said with a little anticipation: "Climb mountains in Tibetan areas, play in the water at the seaside, eat delicious food in Sichuan and Shushu to see the scenery, as long as you want, we can go anywhere."

Jia Ting shook her head: Forget it, I'm not interested, I still want to spend more time with my grandpa at home. "

"You have used this excuse many times. We grew up together. I know you very well. You just don't want to have too much involvement with me beyond friendship. Am I right?"

Facing Ye Ziming's questioning, Jia Ting's silence was more like a tacit acquiescence.

Ye Ziming didn't look surprised at all, but there was a wry smile on the corner of his mouth.

He said: "I know you don't feel it because we are too familiar, but the two of us will always be together, this relationship is destined, why can't you try to adapt in advance?"

Jia Ting was still silent, but it was different from the silence just now, this time she pursed her lips slightly, as if she was making some kind of silent protest.

In the brief silence, Ye Ziming finally spoke first.

He asked: "That Qin Luo, is the person you like?"

"Just friends," Jia Ting replied casually.

Ye Ziming was noncommittal, and said slowly: "Whether it's a friend or someone you like, it's impossible for you to get together with someone from an ordinary family. You are Jia Uncle's only daughter, you know this better than me, don't you? "

His words seemed to have touched a certain point in Jia Ting's heart, making her look at Ye Ziming much colder.

Ye Ziming was slightly taken aback by that cold gaze, and then panicked, explaining: "I didn't mean that, I just..."

"I'm going back to rest, good night," Jia Ting interrupted blankly, skipping Ye Ziming's side, and walked straight to the villa.

Ye Ziming watched her leaving back, wanted to call out to her, but dared not speak up.

He clenched his fists tightly and then loosened them, standing silently under the street lamp, his figure seemed a little lonely.

Jia Ting didn't see all of this, let alone turn her head to pay attention.

She is in a bad mood now, not because of Ye Ziming, but what he just said made Jia Ting feel a little sad.

She couldn't help but think of her parents.

Because of the so-called fate of the family, two people who have no love come together and live a life of respect and courtesy all day long.

If she wants to live such a life with someone she doesn't love in the future, just thinking about it makes Jia Ting feel terrible.

She returned to the villa and walked to her own room on the second floor.

As soon as I entered the room, I found that the lights in the room were on.

A beautiful mature woman with a graceful figure is sitting by the bed at this time, looking at the paintings in her hands with great interest.

"Auntie, you messed into my room again!"

Jia Ting first (of Li Nuo's) made a coquettish look like a little girl, then noticed the drawing paper in Ye Zhiqiu's hand, her face changed, and she ran over to snatch the drawing.

When grabbing, try not to let your movements be too rough, so as not to damage the painting.

Ye Zhiqiu let go of it indifferently, and let Jia Ting snatch the painting away, and said with a smile: "The painting is very good, is it all drawn by you?"

Jia Ting gave a soft "hmm" when she heard the words, and then put a few paintings into the drawer.

Ye Zhiqiu said again: "I can't see it, right? One of the paintings is very beautiful. Although I don't know how to paint, I can see that the technique is very high, and it is obviously different from your usual paintings... That one Was it drawn by that man named Qin Luo? Did he draw it for you on the plane?"

Jia Ting sighed helplessly, and admitted: "Well, he drew it.

After she admitted it, she was ready to be questioned by Ye Zhiqiu, but she didn't want Ye Zhiqiu to just smile and say: "The painting is pretty good, let him draw one for me some other day."

Jia Ting gave her a slightly surprised look.

Ye Zhiqiu got up slowly, and when he walked up to Jia Ting, he touched Jia Ting, who was a little shorter than her, and said softly, "Auntie is very clear about what you think in your heart. A kind of luck, but also a kind of sadness.”

"The matter between you and Ziming was decided by the two old men. No one can change it, but...you are still young after all, and it doesn't matter if some things drag on for a few years. At least, don't let yourself stay I'm sorry, right?"

Listening to Ye Zhiqiu's soft voice, Jia Ting involuntarily pursed her lips.

She asked as if asking for help; "Auntie, what should I do to become like you?"

"Like me? That's not good," Ye Zhiqiu shook his head and laughed: "My aunt is a bad woman, I don't want you to become like me."

Jia Ting insisted: "But only like you can get rid of those shackles. Isn't it because you are dissatisfied with this fate that you become what you are now, Auntie?"

Ye Zhiqiu looked at her steadily, as if he wanted to say something more, but the thousand words in his heart finally turned into a sigh.

"Go to bed early, good night," she patted Jia Ting on the shoulder and left slowly.

Jia Ting closed the door silently, and took out those paintings from the drawer.

Jia Ting's eyes gradually became bewildered as she looked at herself in her sleep and the hands that belonged to someone she had drawn on another painting. .

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