Chapter 1134: Chapter 574: A New Beginning, Cleansing Melody

"Grandpa Yu, Grandma Shen."

Just as Shen You’an was about to speak, Rong Xianning suddenly spoke up, and knelt down beside Shen You’an.

Shen You’an was taken aback by Rong Xianning’s sudden interruption and instinctively turned her head.

The young man stood tall and straight, resembling a pine or cypress even at such a young age.

"Now that all the elders are here, I want to clear things up today. This is a decision I’ve contemplated for a long time, and it has nothing to do with anyone else."

The young man’s voice was calm and sincere: "The engagement set by our ancestors represents the friendship between our families. I have always cherished it in my heart and respected An’an for her care over the years. However, upon serious reflection recently, I believe a marriage contract should be based on mutual affection and natural development. I don’t wish for the ancestral agreement to delay An’an’s future, nor do I want to impose any unfairness on her."

By this point, everyone understood his intention.

Madam Gu wanted to intervene, but it was too late.

"Today, I initiate the dissolution of this childhood engagement, and I will bear any criticism or impropriety on my own. I ask the elders for their approval."

Rong Xianning turned to look at Shen You’an, and their gazes met, silent and unspoken.

"I also hope that An’an will fulfill her wishes and find someone truly compatible in the future."

Rong Xianning smiled, and in his clear eyes was a sincere blessing.

Shen You’an stared at him in a daze, not expecting Rong Xianning to propose breaking off the engagement.

He took on everything alone, leaving dignity and respect to her.

Shen Qiunong smiled, "A gentleman helps others achieve their beauty, not an injustice. Aning’s actions today are truly in line with the gentleman’s path, observing propriety without stiffness, valuing righteousness without obstinacy, his character like jade and bearing like pine. It’s rare to have such perspective and responsibility at such a young age, indeed worthy of being the future heir of the Gu family. My sister is truly fortunate."

Madam Gu gave Rong Xianning a long, deep look, sighed, and smiled wryly: "Our time is different now; engagements are restrictions for young people, so it’s good to dissolve it. As for the future, let’s leave it to fate."

"Sister, even though the engagement is annulled, the friendship between our families endures."

"Of course."

Madam Gu had recently recovered from a serious illness and didn’t stay long. After catching up a bit with Shen Qiunong and Yu Yisen, she left.

Shen You’an accompanied them as they left.

The two walked at the back, strolling through the Plum Garden.

"Thank you." Shen You’an said softly.

"I should be the one to thank you." Rong Xianning smiled, the sadness in his eyes fleeting.

"If it weren’t for you, I might never reunite with my family this lifetime. An’an, anything I do for you is by my own willing heart. You shouldn’t feel any burden."

Shen You’an had mixed feelings. The entanglements between them spanned two lifetimes, and gratitude and duty had long been inseparable.

In her previous life, she never experienced love, didn’t know the taste of affection, but after watching romance movies and novels, she yearned for a passionate love. As the world said, she and Rong Xianning were destined, the best partners in life. One could imagine how perfect her life would be if she followed this path, step by step.

But she knew that wasn’t the life she wanted. As excellent as Rong Xianning was, he wasn’t the person she wanted to spend her life with.

Standing in the Plum Garden, Shen You’an watched the young man’s silhouette grow distant, feeling a cold object land on her face.

She looked up, and Xuehua fluttered down from the sky.

In this bleak snow, a face suddenly appeared in her mind.

The person’s features were always as cold as snow, making it seem impossible that anyone could ever warm his heart.

But only Shen You’an knew how passionate his heart was, how intoxicating his gentleness could be.

That kind of happiness and anticipation that comes unbidden just at the thought of someone, she unconsciously placed a hand over her heart.

Facing danger with unwavering composure, yet at this moment, her heart was pounding fiercely.

It beat for someone.

The falling snow covered the earth, blanketing it in white, and soon Shen You’an was wrapped in snow.

In the freezing cold, the young girl’s bright eyes were like two flames flickering, the fire so hot it seemed it could burn through everything. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

——

The car drove steadily down the mountain.

Madam Gu sighed, "Aning, Grandma knows your thoughts. Why would you voluntarily give up this engagement?"

Na Amo tenderly patted Rong Xianning’s head, "Aning, no matter what you do, your mother will support you."

Rong Xianning gazed at the passing scenery outside the window, his expression calm.

"An’an values her freedom and shouldn’t be bound by an engagement. No matter who she chooses as her life partner in the future, I’ll give my blessing."