"Uncle, I'm your niece. Can you really bear to see me convicted and disgraced throughout the country? I know you're very angry right now, but it's already happened. This is not the time to assign blame; we need to find a way to resolve this matter.
Don't forget, we're in this together. If something happens to me, your time in the military won't be easy either, will it? Some people will surely have their suspicions about you." Zhang Wan'er clung tightly to Yang Zhiguo's clothes, weeping profusely, trying to evoke his pity.
Yang Zhiguo mercilessly pulled his clothes free. With one hand behind his back, he walked to the window and gazed at the scenery outside. His thin lips parted, and he spoke with a cold expression, "Our Yang family has served in the military for three generations, always upholding integrity. Now, in my generation, I've colluded with a young girl like you to engage in shady dealings and bully another young girl.
If my ancestors knew what I've done when I'm buried decades from now, they would be ashamed of me. I can no longer help you attain that perverted notion of 'love.' History is like sand; I will not let you act as you please any longer.
I will help you resolve this. I'll tell the leaders that you and Chen Lishu are as close as sisters. Upon learning about the competition, you became overly excited and accidentally revealed the matter, with no other intentions.
The leaders, considering my years of contribution to the military, issued a warning but did not impose any punishment. However, from now on, your actions will be restricted. You must stay at home obediently until you come to your senses, give up your obsession with Gu Xingdong, and agree to arranged dates. Only then can you leave this room."
After hearing Yang Zhiguo's words, Zhang Wan'er realized he intended to confine her. Disbelief flashed in her eyes before she said emotionally, "No, you can't do this! Uncle, didn't you say you would help me get Gu Xingdong? Now that it's finally within reach, you're telling me to give up. What's the difference between that and killing me?
Uncle, Gu Xingdong and I have already been intimate. I just need to wait for him to see his own heart clearly, to see the difference between me and Chen Lishu, and then we can be together. Besides, my reputation is ruined. Which wealthy family would be willing to marry me as their wife? Do you want me to live a miserable life for the rest of my days?"
"You two have already been intimate?" Yang Zhiguo's eyes were filled with disbelief upon hearing this. If Gu Xingdong had truly been intimate with Zhang Wan'er, based on his understanding of Gu Xingdong, he would at least have come to apologize in person and discuss solutions with him. He would never have evaded and hidden at home!
The most crucial point was Chen Lishu's attitude. Although he hadn't spent much time with Chen Lishu, he had some understanding of her personality. He knew she was not someone who would settle. When faced with such a matter of principle, she wouldn't be like ordinary women who believed their husbands would slowly improve and endure in silence. Divorce would be a normal course of action, but there had been no news from that side.
Yang Zhiguo clasped his hands behind his back, turned to face Zhang Wan'er, and asked, "Are you sure you've understood the situation correctly and aren't deceiving me? This matter is definitely not that simple. Who was the person intimate with you that day?"
By the end, Yang Zhiguo's tone had become somewhat angry. To think she had reduced herself to such a state for a man, he felt immense regret. If he had known Zhang Wan'er harbored such intentions, he should have kept her confined to the military, preventing her from contacting Gu Xingdong at all costs. He would have waited until she was of a suitable age to leave the military and arranged a suitable blind date for her.
However, nothing could change the past. Yang Zhiguo's face turned cold, and he said somberly, "Tell me, on what day exactly were you intimate with 'Gu Xingdong'? I'll trace this matter now and find out who the scoundrel is who defiled you! He must take responsibility.
Didn't you say your reputation is ruined and you can't find a son from a wealthy family to marry you? Our Yang and Zhang families are well-known households in the capital. We don't rely on you marrying into wealth for alliances. With the strength of our two families, we can absolutely ensure you live a prosperous life in the capital.
If the man who defiled you isn't too bad in all aspects, then marry him. At worst, he can become a live-in son-in-law. This way, you won't have to leave us, and we can see you at all times!"
Hearing Yang Zhiguo casually arrange her marriage, Zhang Wan'er's face was filled with disbelief. Her eyes reddened as she walked step by step towards Yang Zhiguo and questioned him, "Are you truly my uncle? You clearly supported me in pursuing my love before, and now you've changed your mind!
I'm telling you, Gu Xingdong was the one I was intimate with at the Alice party. I even went to his house to confront him, but Gu Xingdong didn't deny it. Whether you believe me or not, I will absolutely not give up on Gu Xingdong. If nothing unexpected happens, I might even be pregnant."
As she spoke of this, Zhang Wan'er's expression suddenly turned gentle. She lightly caressed her stomach. The child wouldn't be detectable until three months, but her period was already many days late. Besides pregnancy, she couldn't think of any other possibility. If she were pregnant, she would have even more reason to pursue Gu Xingdong!
Hearing Zhang Wan'er mention her pregnancy, Yang Zhiguo trembled violently as if he were being shaken by a sieve. "Unmarried and pregnant! You are utterly shameless! If this gets out, it will shame our Zhang and Yang families!"
"Let it be shameful. If I can't be with Gu Xingdong, what's the difference between that and dying? Uncle, if you insist on preventing me from being with Gu Xingdong, then I don't mind dying with the child!" Zhang Wan'er said this with an extremely serious expression. In any case, she had always been persistent in her affections. If she couldn't have what she desired, she saw no reason to remain in this world.
Yang Zhiguo, hearing her speak so carelessly of herself, pointed a finger at her nose, his mouth agape. The words of abuse were stuck in his throat. After all, she was his beloved niece. To demean her so thoroughly would also cause him pain.