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Chapter 217 - 217 216 Marriage Matters
Chapter 217 - 217 216 Marriage Matters
?Chapter 217: Chapter 216: Marriage Matters Chapter 217: Chapter 216: Marriage Matters Chen Shiying was not at all like the head of a feudal household who demands respect and gives no admission of guilt. He appeared relaxed, refined, and friendly, and was not incensed by Afu’s rude words.
With a wry smile and a deep sigh, he gently said, “Afu, I understand your resentment towards me, and it pains me to know you bear such anger. The things you’ve mentioned that bring me shame, I acknowledge them. I know you are capable and don’t need any assistance, and that you and your mother will be able to lead a good life. I regret that I wasn’t able to find you when times were toughest and shield you from hardship—it would have eased my conscience.” He then looked in the direction of Lu Garden, his expression growing melancholy. “And your mother, is she well? There will be many opportunities for us, father and daughter, to spend time together… But with your mother…”
He sighed a few times, and seeing that Afu remained silent, continued, “Your mother is a good woman. I did her wrong, my faults are many…Ah, let’s not dwell on this…” Brushing his hand in dismissal, he spoke again, “Afu, it’s alright to harbor resentment towards me, but you shouldn’t let your bitterness affect your own affairs. You’re a bright child; you should consider what’s in your best interest…”
He did not continue to elaborate on what would be beneficial, but instead, he lifted his tea cup and took a few sips. “I left the city gates as soon as they opened this morning, to arrive here for lunch,” he remarked.
Afu looked at him. She was unwilling to interact more than necessary and reluctant to call him ‘father’. However, as a guest and one who showed genuine remorse, she couldn’t deny him a meal. “Please have a seat, Mr. Chen. I’ll prepare a few dishes in the kitchen,” she said.
Chen Shiying was pleased with his daughter’s “warm” response. A small smile appeared on his face as he said, “Let the servants handle those tasks. We, father, and daughter should have a chat…”
At that moment, the excited voice of Dabao echoed through the room, “Mother, Mother, Uncle Chu lifted me up high today! He taught me to squat and punch, and even gave me a small weapon!”