The smile on Pei Jingdu's face froze completely.
He admitted that when he deliberately urged Pei Jiangmu to set the wedding date just now, there was a bit of self - deprecating behavior on his part.
However, he was just being self - deprecating and definitely had no other intentions.
Did Pei Jiangmu misunderstand him?
He frowned and looked at Pei Jiangmu, his tone full of confusion.
"Pei Jiangmu, what are you going crazy about? What do you mean by saying I'm going to find Zhaozhao?"
He thought that Meng Ruozhao was a tough - minded girl. She hadn't been defeated by so many things back then and had become a ray of sunshine.
But his feelings were just limited to "admiration". How could it be related to him?
"Don't talk nonsense here. I have no feelings for Zhaozhao at all."
Pei Jingdu patiently explained, his eyes showing a bit of helplessness.
"I mentioned the marriage just now because I saw Mom crying and begging you. I was just following her words to comfort her. Do you really think I'm going to force you to marry Cui Ran?"
Pei Jiangmu was taken aback. Apparently, he didn't expect Pei Jingdu to say so.
He stared into Pei Jingdu's eyes, trying to find a trace of lying, but there was only honest confusion in the other's eyes, as well as a bit of the look of "looking at a fool".
Seeing that Pei Jiangmu didn't say a word, Pei Jingdu snorted lightly and simply exposed the matter.
"I know you're holding a grudge. You think I lied to you about the alliance marriage."
"But think about it. If I hadn't covered for you, Mom and Dad would have already made a fuss about your relationship with Zhaozhao in front of her. Do you think you could still contact her again in peace?"
He paused and softened his tone a bit.
"However, I'm asking you, what's so good about Meng Ruozhao?"
"She doesn't remember anything now. She's just a stranger to you. Is it really worth it for you to keep pestering her?"
"What's wrong with Cui Ran? Her family background, appearance, and ability are all outstanding."
"It's not that I'm saying Zhaozhao is not good. It's just that a girl like Zhaozhao is not suitable for you."
These words seemed to step on Pei Jiangmu's minefield. His face instantly turned cold.
"Whether she's good or suitable for me is not up to you to judge."
"No matter how good Cui Ran is, she's not the one I like."
"If you think she's so good, why don't you have the alliance marriage with her? Anyway, both of you are people who put interests first. You're a perfect match."
"You—"
Pei Jingdu was so choked by his words that he almost couldn't catch his breath. Just as he was about to refute, suddenly there came the sound of high - heels hitting the ground at the end of the corridor, clear and urgent.
The two of them turned around at the same time and saw Cui Ran walking over with a delicate fruit gift box and a bunch of white tulips in her hand.
She was wearing a well - tailored off - white suit dress, with delicate makeup and her long hair neatly pulled up into a bun. She looked capable and elegant.
Seeing the Pei brothers, Cui Ran paused for a moment, and then showed a proper smile.
"Mr. Pei, Jiangmu. I heard that Auntie was ill and hospitalized, so I came here to see her."
Pei Jingdu was the first to regain his senses. He put away the redundant expressions on his face and resumed his usual aloof and noble demeanor.
"Thank you for coming, Miss Cui. Mom just woke up, and her mood is still a bit unstable. It's just right that you're here. Maybe she'll be happier."
Cui Ran nodded and turned her gaze to Pei Jiangmu, with a trace of imperceptible tenderness in her eyes.
"Jiangmu, long time no see. Last time I invited you to dinner, you were always busy. I'm sure you're very worried about Auntie's illness this time, right?"
Pei Jiangmu showed no expression on his face. He just gave a faint "hmm", his attitude as aloof as if he was dealing with a stranger.
Cui Ran wasn't embarrassed either. After all, she didn't have much friendship with Pei Jiangmu in the first place. The alliance marriage was just a mutually beneficial cooperation for them.
She carried the things to the door of the ward, gently knocked on the door, and only pushed it open after getting a response.
In the ward, Mrs. Pei was sitting on the bed in a daze. When she saw Cui Ran come in, her eyes lit up immediately, and she quickly greeted her.
"Oh, it's Ranran. Come and sit down quickly. Why did you bother to come here?"
"Auntie, don't say that. I was really worried when I heard that you were ill."
Cui Ran handed the flowers to the nurse beside her, put the fruit gift box on the bedside table, and then sat down on the chair beside the bed.
"What did the doctor say? How do you feel now?"
Although she seemed to be a strong - minded woman, her words were gentle and considerate, hitting Mrs. Pei's heart every time.
The more Mrs. Pei looked at her, the more satisfied she was. She held Cui Ran's hand and chattered on.
"It's nothing serious. It's just an old problem. But you're so busy and still came here. You're really thoughtful."
Cui Ran smiled.
"Auntie, no matter how busy I am, your matter is more important than my work."
"By the way, I also brought some cherries that you like. Let the nurse wash them for you later."
Mrs. Pei was beaming with joy. Her eyes were full of affection when she looked at Cui Ran.
This young lady from a wealthy family was really different. After just a few contacts, she had already figured out the family's preferences.
It seemed that she really attached great importance to this alliance marriage. Otherwise, she wouldn't have bothered to do so.
Pei Jingdu, who was standing at the door, saw this scene and silently nudged Pei Jiangmu's arm, mouthing to continue his self - deprecating behavior.
"Look, Mom likes her so much."
Pei Jiangmu ignored him. His gaze fell on Cui Ran in the ward, and his eyebrows furrowed even tighter.
He knew that Cui Ran was a smart person. She must have heard some rumors and then came here.
Now that Mom was so satisfied with her, if Pei Jingdu added fuel to the fire, things between him and Meng Ruozhao would only get more troublesome.
After chatting with Mrs. Pei for a while, Cui Ran came out of the ward, still wearing a proper smile on her face.
"Auntie is tired. I won't bother her anymore. I'll come to see her another day."
"Jiangmu, go and see Miss Cui off."
Pei Jingdu took the initiative to speak.
Cui Ran nodded and said goodbye to Pei Jingdu: "Mr. Pei, if you need any help, just call me anytime."
When Pei Jiangmu saw her off, he still looked cold.
Of course, he was extremely reluctant, but his upbringing didn't allow him to refuse.
More importantly, no matter how reluctant he was, he couldn't make a girl feel embarrassed.
If Zhaozhao knew that he did something ungentlemanly, she would scold him too.
The atmosphere in the elevator was so dull that it seemed to be dripping water.
Cui Ran looked at the figures of the two of them reflected on the metal door and was the first to break the silence, her tone a bit tentative.
"Jiangmu, do you hate me?"
Pei Jiangmu's side face was cold and hard. Hearing this, he just lifted his eyelids and glanced at her, without saying a word.
Cui Ran wasn't embarrassed either. She smiled to herself, and there was a bit of self - mockery in that smile.
"Actually, I know that there's someone in your heart."
"The Pei family wants the alliance marriage just because they value the Cui family's channels in the overseas market."
"I agreed just because I thought the Pei family could help me consolidate my position in the company."
"We're just mutually beneficial. It's normal for you not to like me."
She paused, and her fingertips unconsciously rubbed the strap of her bag.
"I came to the hospital today. First, I really should come and see Auntie. Second, I want to make things clear to you."
"If you really love her so much, I can go and talk to my family about canceling the engagement, but not now."
"I don't want to hide anything from you, so I'll just say it straight. This is a crucial period for me to fight for power in the family. This engagement is very important to me."
"So, please give me half a year more."