TPH Chapter 35.1

The Protagonist’s Halo [Arc 2] Chapter 35.1: True Love In Period Literature (18)

Before Chen Xi was ‘exiled’ to the Northwest, he was the most valued and beloved grandson in the family, and he remained so after returning. Moreover, his own family and those close to the Chen family all knew that sending Chen Xi to the Northwest was not because they disliked this grandson, but simply to let him avoid the limelight and, incidentally, temper his character.

Now that he’s back, the Chen family has paved the way for his entry into the army, making sure everything is in order, without any delays caused by his years in the Northwest. Chen Xi hasn’t disappointed them either; he’s turned over a new leaf, curbing his arrogant and unruly nature, and has become a qualified and excellent successor.

Chen Xi’s grandfather was very pleased with this. Many people respected the Chen family because of him, but he didn’t know how much longer he could live. He wouldn’t feel at ease leaving until he had paved the way for the third generation of the Chen family, especially Chen Xi.

Lin Hua had also heard about Chen Xi joining the army.

The Chen family was initially worried that Lin Hua would still hold a grudge about what happened back then and hinder Chen Xi’s development in the military. At the time, the Chen family didn’t dare to suppress Lin Hua in any way to avoid gossip. However, they didn’t expect that in just a few years, Lin Hua would rise through the ranks in the military so quickly and his position would be so secure, all through his own hard work.

Father Qin will retire in a few years, but his son, who was under his father’s protection in the army, does not have a higher rank than Lin Hua. He can barely be described as mediocre and conservative.

People admired his foresight in choosing Lin Hua, but also regretted that he didn’t have the good fortune to keep such a good son-in-law. As a result, even more people introduced Lin Hua to potential partners.

In fact, the Chen family’s worries were somewhat unnecessary. Given Lin Hua’s character, he was not the kind of person who would seek revenge.

Even if the matter was completely settled back then, and Lin Hua disliked Chen Xi, he wouldn’t resort to underhanded tactics or abuse his power for personal revenge. On the contrary, there were those who were at odds with the Chen family. Seeing that the Chen family had sent their most precious and valued heir to the army, and hearing that he was a promising talent, they deliberately came to Lin Hua to stir up trouble and provoke him into taking action.

Those people said that Chen Xi was such a scoundrel back then, cheating on Lin Hua, and it was really frustrating that Lin Hua let him off so easily.

Now that there’s a good opportunity, no matter how well the Chen family paves the way for Chen Xi, he still has to start as a low-ranking officer. The military values obedience between superiors and subordinates, and Lin Hua can easily make things difficult for Chen Xi with just a little effort.

But Lin Hua wasn’t stupid; he wouldn’t let himself be used as a pawn. This time, his application for leave to go back home was a good way to avoid all the trouble.

The Chen family, being wary, arranged for Chen Xi to be placed in a different unit to avoid any interaction with Lin Hua.

…

Lin Hua returned to his home in the capital as if it were a relaxing vacation to spend time with his family. He never mentioned meeting Chen Xi on the train, nor did he tell his family about the few private entanglements within the military.

Qin Qiu and Chen Xi reunited in the capital, perhaps due to a chance encounter, or perhaps the plot was still at work.

“Chen Xi, you’re back.” Qin Qiu couldn’t contain her joy and excitement, her eyes glistening with tears. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Bai Xiang rarely saw Teacher Qin so out of sorts. Looking at Chen Xi, with his naturally handsome appearance and his dashing military uniform, she could already imagine a touching romance between the two of them.

Four years later, when Chen Xi saw Qin Qiu again, he was somewhat dazed and stunned. However, the burning passion he once felt for Qin Qiu was now silent and calm.

Qin Qiu’s assistant, Bai Xiang, knowingly left first, giving the two some space to be together . Finally, the two sat down in a coffee shop. Chen Xi’s mind was also somewhat troubled. Since returning to the capital, he hadn’t thought about how to face Qin Qiu. After a moment’s hesitation, he called out, “Teacher Qin.”

Qin Qiu’s expression was somewhat complicated upon hearing this form of address. “When you were my student, you liked to call me Qin Qiu. I told you to change it, but you wouldn’t listen. Now you know to call me Teacher Qin.”

Chen Xi’s handsome, wheat-colored face flushed slightly; it was from embarrassment.

Qin Qiu seemed to realize that her tone was somewhat mournful, and quickly adjusted her emotions, regaining her usual calm and indifferent demeanor, saying, “I am no longer a teacher.”

Chen Xi was somewhat surprised to hear this. He had been sent to the Northwest long ago and was completely unaware of Qin Qiu’s later fate.

Qin Qiu didn’t explain much; her aloofness and pride wouldn’t allow her to voice her grievances.

She believed that Chen Xi would understand if he liked her.

In the original storyline, the divorce was resolved easily and smoothly, without causing any ripples or trouble for Qin Qiu. However, this time, Chen Xi was exiled to the Northwest, leaving Qin Qiu alone to face all the rumors and gossip. This forced her to give up her beloved university teaching career, and she went through many hardships and suffered hardships she had never experienced before.

Chen Xi paused for a moment, but did not press the matter further.

Qin Qiu thought that with Chen Xi’s return, everything would be alright, and her wait would have been worthwhile. She dismissed Chen Xi’s awkwardness and other odd behavior as minor misunderstandings stemming from their years of separation. Years had passed, and Chen Xi’s appearance and demeanor had changed; he had developed a mature and handsome charm.

But to her surprise, when she saw Chen Xi for the second time, he was accompanied by a beautiful young girl.

Qin Qiu was always very clever. He specifically found out the military unit where Chen Xi was currently working from the message Chen Xi left behind last time, and then used her connection as a newspaper editor to find an opportunity to go in and see him.

When they met, it was a chaotic scene, because Zhao Li was also there, chatting and laughing with her fiancé Chen Xi, who was also taken aback by Qin Qiu’s unexpected appearance.

The intimacy and sweetness between Chen Xi and Zhao Li, which went beyond the norm, stung Qin Qiu’s eyes and deeply moved her.

“Who is she?” Zhao Li instinctively took Chen Xi’s arm, pressing herself tightly against him, as if asserting her ownership. A woman’s intuition told Zhao Li that her fiancé must have an unusual relationship with the woman in front of her.

Qin Qiu also wanted to know, but Chen Xi’s silence, his continued presence with the girl beside him, and his letting her hold his arm, seemed to say something. Qin Qiu gazed at Chen Xi, her eyes still flickering with hope, and she forced a smile, saying, “Chen Xi, I want to hear your explanation.”

Chen Xi didn’t dare look at Qin Qiu, and said with some difficulty and awkwardness, “Qin Qiu, I’m sorry, she is my girlfriend Zhao Li.”

Upon hearing the name ‘Qin Qiu,’ Zhao Li’s gaze instantly turned wary. They were already engaged, and she wasn’t entirely unaware of Chen Xi’s past, including their once sensational and scandalous teacher-student romance.

However, it wasn’t Chen Xi who told her. She liked Chen Xi so much and was engaged to him, how could her family not know the situation clearly?

Zhao Li didn’t care about Chen Xi’s past because she had fallen deeply in love with him. When they were in the Northwest, he had captured her heart. She believed that Chen Xi was the best man she had ever met, and she was convinced that she was truly worthy of him, regardless of his talent, appearance, family background, or age. If she had appeared earlier, Qin Qiu would have had no chance at all.

Chen Xi introduced her as his girlfriend instead of his fiancée, which made Zhao Li feel a little jealous, but she didn’t want to act childishly towards Chen Xi in front of Qin Qiu. Her biggest worry was that Chen Xi would rekindle his old flame with Qin Qiu. After all, Chen Xi had gone against his family and done many crazy things for her.

Chen Xi didn’t mention the engagement because he was afraid of hurting Qin Qiu. However, Qin Qiu was still quite upset.

She had never experienced such an embarrassing moment in her life. Even the fight that Chen Xi and Lin Hua gave her at Peking University could not compare to the shame she felt now. Although the Capital Military Region was not crowded, there were still quite a few people passing by. Qin Qiu could feel the needle-like gazes falling on her.

The person she had waited so long for, the arrogant young man who was willing to go against the world to be with her, has now returned only to find someone else by his side.

Chen Xi is a rising star in the military, with a good family background and strong abilities. His fiancée, Zhao Li, followed him from the Northwest all the way to the capital. Many people in the military region know about this and have given their blessings and approval. Seeing this scene, they couldn’t help but wonder, could it be that two women are fighting over one man? And he even followed her to the military region.

Qin Qiu’s consistent arrogance and composure stemmed from her own excellence and family background. She believed that every choice she made was right, and she persisted even when she was divorced and abandoned by everyone. However, her confidence was completely shattered when she saw Chen Xi fall in love with someone else.

…

The matter between Chen Xi and Qin Qiu was originally a private emotional dispute, but some people in the military region disliked Chen Xi, a son of a high-ranking official who had a family background and was promoted smoothly. They deliberately made things difficult for him and sent a letter of complaint to the higher authorities, saying that Chen Xi was having an affair, two-timing, and had a chaotic private life.

A team quickly came down to investigate and even spoke with Chen Xi.

Although the report was temporarily suppressed by the Chen family’s connections, rumors began to circulate in the military region. It was said that the editor Qin who came to see Chen Xi that day was his ex-lover, and that Chen Xi had seduced a married woman and tricked her into marrying him. After getting her, he abandoned her and started a new relationship. The rumors were quite detailed, as there were some clues to the story.

If not handled properly, it would undoubtedly be a major blow to Chen Xi’s future in the army.

Rumors can’t be stopped, so the Chen family decided to have Chen Xi and Zhao Li get married as soon as possible, then there would be nothing to say.

At most, people will gossip about his romantic escapades in his youth, but nothing will come of it. It was all before he joined the army. A prodigal son returning home is more precious than gold, after all.

Chen Xi only hesitated for a moment before agreeing. He was no longer the ignorant and reckless young devil he once was. He had a responsibility to the Chen family. The Chen family had gone to great lengths to send him to the army and paved the way for him. They absolutely did not want him to leave a stain on his future because of matters of the heart.

Getting married and starting a family at this point is the best way to solve the problem.

Zhao Li, who was deeply in love with Chen Xi, was overjoyed. She had initially felt a bit insecure when she met Qin Qiu, but unexpectedly, the latter actually strengthened her relationship with Chen Xi. After they got married, she wouldn’t have to worry about Qin Qiu anymore. Even if she was Chen Xi’s first love and the white moonlight in his heart, what did it matter? She was Chen Xi’s rightful wife.