Hong Qingzhu opened her mouth, ready to let out the torrent of grievances and resentment that had been building inside her.
But the words died on her lips. She swallowed them back, whipping her head around to face the wall. She presented the back of her head to Hong Shixian, making it clear she had no intention of speaking to him.
Seeing this, Hong Shixian didn't get angry. Instead, he chuckled, his tone laced with a hint of playful indulgence. "Little girl, you don't have to marry Yang Jing anymore."
"What?"
Those few words struck Hong Qingzhu like a clap of thunder.
She froze, stunned, her eyes vacant as she sat on the bed. It was as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard.
A moment later, she finally processed it. Pushing her weak body upright, she sat up in bed. Her hair was a mess, but it couldn't hide the delighted surprise in her eyes. She stared at Hong Shixian, her voice trembling slightly. "Father, what did you say? I don't have to marry Yang Jing?"
