Chapter 187: This Young Mistress Must Be Won at All Costs

“So, regarding the welfare home matter, it’s you who broke your promise. Secondly, I did save you—though I don’t expect any gratitude, please don’t go out of your way to cause trouble for me. I’m grateful enough as it is!”

“I’m not causing any trouble.”

“Then stop calling. I’m a married woman with a daughter. Even if I want someone, it’ll have to wait until after the divorce. Until then, please don’t show up or bother me.”

Qin Xiaotian was deeply frustrated and glanced at the Old Steward, who had been eavesdropping. His expression darkened.

“So when are you getting divorced?”

Qin Xiaotian was really unhappy—especially since she was a married woman.

The Old Steward raised an eyebrow; this was promising.

“Such a proud young master would actually bow his head for a married woman? He must like her!”

Meanwhile, Song Qingtian smiled and said, “Mr. Qin, it seems you’re not just a little crazy—you’ve been drowned in water!”

Qin Xiaotian looked at the Old Steward, wondering what he meant.

The Old Steward was speechless—“You’re being called stupid for being so drenched!”

Qin Xiaotian knew that wasn’t exactly a compliment, but he kept listening.

Song Qingtian continued, “I have a husband. I never even thought about having an affair while married—my body can’t handle it, let alone my heart. I have a daughter, and I want to set a good example for her. When she grows up, she’ll be proud of me. And besides… I don’t like Mr. Qin!”

Qin Xiaotian was struck dumb—she didn’t like him?

He’d never even considered that possibility before. She didn’t like him!

In Qin Xiaotian’s world, almost every woman he’d ever met had liked him.

And now Song Qingtian said she didn’t like him.

He’d never imagined such a thing.

Song Qingtian hung up.

Qin Xiaotian chuckled. “She says she doesn’t like me?”

He’d never thought about it before, and now he looked at the Old Steward, half-complaining, half-accusing.

The Old Steward replied, “She says she doesn’t like you, but she didn’t say she’ll always dislike you. Back then, Madam didn’t like Mister either, but didn’t they end up loving each other just the same?”

Qin Xiaotian stared at the Old Steward. “She hasn’t divorced yet.”

“Young Master.”

“Yes?”

Qin Xiaotian walked over to the chair, and the Old Steward followed. “Does it really matter whether she divorces or not?”

Qin Xiaotian leaned back in his chair. “If she doesn’t divorce, I still can’t act properly and legitimately.”

“But what if we become friends? Your approach before was indeed a bit rough, but I’m here to help you. Our first step should be to learn how to win steadily without rushing things.”

Qin Xiaotian looked at the Old Steward. “Go on.”

“Have you ever thought that, instead of stubbornly trying to get close but failing, why not take a step back and advance by retreating? First become friends—or rather, build some rapport—and then develop other aspects later. Of course, having an affair while married is wrong, but have you considered that the young mistress’s temperament is truly admirable? Based on what we know, the marriage between the young mistress and Ling Hanyu has long existed in name only.”

“Did she say there was only one or two times they were intimate as husband and wife?”

Qin Xiaotian had always kept that in mind.

The Old Steward was overjoyed. “Young Master, doesn’t that mean she’s been consistently neglected, and they only got close when she was pregnant?”

“Probably.”

Every time Qin Xiaotian thought about it, he felt a strange mix of emotions.

Ling Hanyu hadn’t treated her well!

“So the young mistress is all the more precious—because she’s in a marriage, she hasn’t done anything outrageous even though she’s been wronged. Isn’t that something to admire?”

Qin Xiaotian remained silent. He’d grown up under the Old Steward’s watch and could talk to him about anything.

The Old Steward continued to advise, “Ling Hanyu is so awful, yet the young mistress hasn’t left him. That shows she has good character. I think she’d make a great matriarch.”

Qin Xiaotian glanced at the Old Steward. “Even if she’s suitable, it doesn’t matter.”

After all, she’s not his.

“Young Master, follow my advice and take it slow. As long as we establish some connection with the young mistress, that’s enough. Start by becoming friends. Once you’ve made contact, don’t rush things—just focus on being friends and helping her. Even if she ends up staying with Ling Hanyu, you still need to support her. Someone like Ling Hanyu won’t stay on edge forever; as soon as he lets go, that’s our chance.”

Qin Xiaotian still didn’t quite understand, so he looked at the Old Steward.

The Old Steward was anxious. “Young Master, what kind of relationship do we have now?”

“We’re closer than family.”

“If your relationship with the young mistress can reach that level, then once Ling Hanyu makes a mistake, who will she turn to first?”

“Me?”

Qin Xiaotian finally understood.

The Old Steward smiled warmly. “With this young mistress, we’re sure to win her over.”

Qin Xiaotian said nothing; he declined to comment.

End of Chapter 187: This Young Mistress Must Be Won at All Costs