Qi Zhenzhen poured out all her thoughts. She thanked Gu Sinian for his favor and affirmed his good qualities, but she also clearly stated her refusal. Compared to her previous dismissal of Gu Sinian with just a mention of an engagement, this time her words were more thorough. In Qi Zhenzhen's opinion, after saying all this, Gu Sinian would likely abandon his intentions towards her.
Gu Sinian's expression was indeed conflicted, his dark eyes revealing nothing of his true emotions.
"Have you never considered that I could be your support?" Gu Sinian stared intently at Qi Zhenzhen, and after a long pause, uttered this sentence.
"You probably don't know my notorious reputation in the capital. The ladies from noble families avoid me like the plague. It's no exaggeration to say that if I show interest in any young lady, word will spread the very next day that she's engaged." Gu Sinian said with self-mockery. "To those ladies from prominent families, I am no less than a fierce tiger."
Qi Zhenzhen had never really inquired about Gu Sinian's reputation in the capital. Yet, in her eyes, he seemed to be a warm-hearted person, coupled with his distinguished status and captivating looks. How could such a person be avoided by others? Even a rake would have admirers, wouldn't he?
But seeing Gu Sinian's earnestness, what he said didn't seem like a lie.
"You don't need to ponder. I do have many merits, but these merits are not enough to offset my preference for men."
Preference for men? Qi Zhenzhen stood up in surprise. She couldn't imagine such an elegant man…
"Are you also wanting to avoid me now?" Gu Sinian's eyes held undisguised sadness.
Qi Zhenzhen was a bit confused at this moment. She had already believed his previous confessions and his liking for her. Then, in the blink of an eye, he seriously told her he preferred men. This was too preposterous.
After diligently processing Gu Sinian's words, Qi Zhenzhen carefully began to speak, "I don't discriminate against you."
"Really?" Gu Sinian's eyes showed surprise.
Qi Zhenzhen suddenly felt pity for Gu Sinian. How much discrimination had he endured to be so happy at hearing a simple statement of non-discrimination?
Gu Sinian's thoughts were completely different. As expected, she was the woman he had set his sights on. Those people avoided him based on unverified rumors, yet she seriously stated she didn't discriminate.
"It's true. There's no law that dictates men must like women. Besides, it's not just you; aren't there many others who secretly keep male companions?" Qi Zhenzhen said.
"I don't keep male companions," Gu Sinian quickly stated.
Qi Zhenzhen pondered for a moment and understood. "Then you are even better. You are devoted to one person. Is it Qian Yuanbao?"
During the danger in the forest last time, Gu Sinian had unhesitatingly protected Qian Yuanbao. From this, Qi Zhenzhen inferred that Gu Sinian must care deeply for Qian Yuanbao.
"We grew up together," Gu Sinian said vaguely.
Childhood sweethearts? No, that wasn't the right word. Qi Zhenzhen racked her brain but couldn't find a suitable term. Never mind, the meaning was similar; their feelings for each other were very deep.
"No, then what you told me earlier?" Qi Zhenzhen suddenly remembered the inconsistencies. Gu Sinian had confessed his feelings twice before. Could it be…
"You intend to use me as a cover to continue your relationship? After all, those who keep male companions either have wives and children at home or eventually sever ties with them and return to normalcy?" Qi Zhenzhen suddenly realized. "You don't want to abandon Qian Yuanbao, but your status and position do not allow you to act recklessly, so you came up with this plan?"
Qi Zhenzhen was somewhat indignant. "Have you considered how unfair it would be to me if I agreed?"
Gu Sinian thought to himself, if you truly agreed, I would cherish you with all my heart and live a good life with you. But he couldn't say that now, so he could only look at Qi Zhenzhen with guilt. "Therefore, our cooperation would be good for you, your mother, and your brother, and it would also be good for me."
Qi Zhenzhen quickly considered the benefits Gu Sinian mentioned. After thinking it through, it was indeed true.
Moreover, since Gu Sinian had confessed this matter to her, she couldn't directly refuse. The pickled cabbage business was a collaboration with Qian Yuanbao. Originally, Qi Zhenzhen hadn't taken the North-South General Store very seriously; she even thought that if any unpleasantness arose, she could easily find another partner. Later, after more contact, she gained a deeper understanding of the Qian family. The Qian family had wealth and power. To put it in modern terms, the Qian family was already a vast commercial empire. If she fell out with the Qian family, it would be very difficult for her to make money.
Furthermore, what Gu Sinian said was indeed very attractive. She urgently needed a backer, and the Duke's mansion was perfect.
As if wanting to further gain Qi Zhenzhen's trust, Gu Sinian added, "If I am to inherit the Duke's mansion, the first thing I must do is get married."
"Then you must guarantee that after we each get what we need, we will live in peace. When I can control everything in the future, you must grant me freedom," Qi Zhenzhen said after some thought.
Gu Sinian's expression remained unchanged, but his heart was overjoyed. Although this method was not entirely honorable, keeping the person by his side offered infinite possibilities.
"Everything will be as you say," Gu Sinian said earnestly.
Although she felt a bit regretful that such a good man was a male prostitute and that she had been attracted to him, after Gu Sinian's confession, Qi Zhenzhen immediately extinguished that little thought in her heart. She could completely treat this man as a same-sex friend. Da Feng Novel Network.
"Even if your reputation is ruined, a mere concubine's daughter like me might not be able to marry into the Duke's mansion." Recalling the character of the wife of the Marquis of Changping, Qi Zhenzhen began to worry again.
"Don't worry about that. Leave it to me," Gu Sinian said confidently.
"Then when should we return to the Marquis of Changping's mansion? Now? Or wait for them to find us?"
"Although the Marquis of Changping has sent people to search for your whereabouts, he dares not do so openly. Later, I will have people spread some misleading information to make their search more difficult. Once we are both ready, I will have someone guide them to find you." Gu Sinian said. He had official business in Xinghua Village and didn't want Qi Zhenzhen to return immediately. Otherwise, what enjoyment would he have here?
Qi Zhenzhen nodded. It seemed Gu Sinian was certain she would agree and had already made thorough preparations for their situation. This way, it truly solved their family's dilemma.
"Thank you," Qi Zhenzhen said with genuine gratitude. "If you hadn't told me about this, I would have been completely flustered when the people from the Marquis of Changping's mansion found me."
"We each get what we need. I'm just glad you don't blame me."
Given his status and that he had revealed his past so openly, how could Qi Zhenzhen possibly blame him?