"Dad, even if I get married, I will always be your daughter." Lian Qingqing half-kneeled in front of Lian He, cooing, "Dad, I know I’m not your only daughter now, but you will still love me in the future, right?"
Lian Qingqing looked at him with expectation, her eyes brimming with a daughter’s adoration for her father.
"Of course, you are my daughter. I, as a father, may not have been a good one, but from now on, I will try to be a better father." Lian He looked at her tenderly, realizing that he once thought providing materially for his children, ensuring they had food and clothing, was fulfilling his duty as a father.
But Tang Yue’s words awakened Lian He to the fact that being a father isn’t just about giving money; it’s not what makes one a good father.
Although Lian He came to understand this late, with both children now grown up—his daughter even preparing to be engaged—he still wanted to try his best to be a good father.
"Dad, you are the best dad." Lian Qingqing’s smile grew even sweeter as she said, "Dad, you are so kind."
*
The engagement was moved up the agenda, with the New Year approaching, the Xie Family and the Lian Family intended to arrange the marriage before the year ended.
Although Xie Ziyue and Lian Qingqing were both not of great age, this was a joyous occasion, and both families were happy to set it early. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢
Old Sir Lian was also in a good mood because of this. His granddaughter marrying into the Xie Family, the marriage alliance between the Xie Lian families, would benefit the Lian family business as well.
The Lian family, now wealthy and influential, did not need to rely on the granddaughter’s marriage to cement its status, but Old Sir Lian still hoped to see the Lian family rise even higher.
Xiang Yazhi, because of this, visited the Lian residence more often.
"Qingqing, did your dad mention anything about the dowry?" Xiang Yazhi asked Lian Qingqing, her voice low with secrecy.
Lian Qingqing shook her head and said, "Mom, we haven’t even gotten engaged yet, how could we discuss the dowry?"
Besides, Dad... cherishes her and has never neglected her financially. When the Lian family marries off a daughter, how could they possibly skimp on the dowry?
Xiang Yazhi hesitated, not saying anything more. As soon as Lian He returned, she went to the study to look for him.
Lian Qingqing guessed what Xiang Yazhi was about to say, thought for a moment, and quietly followed her.
In the study, Xiang Yazhi got straight to the point, not bothering to hide her intentions, "Lian He, Qingqing is about to get engaged to Xie Ziyue. Have you thought about the dowry?"
"No matter what grudge you hold against me, Qingqing is still your daughter," Xiang Yazhi declared, without a trace of guilt.
Lian He glanced at her and said, "Don’t worry, I’ve already prepared Qingqing’s dowry."
Xiang Yazhi wanted to know more, but when Lian He did not divulge, she couldn’t help but ask, "Is the Yi’an Garden property in Jin City part of Qingqing’s dowry?"
Previously, the development of that property in Jiang City had all been given to that vixen’s daughter; how could it be that, in this regard, she wouldn’t want Qingqing to be outdone by that little vixen?
Whatever that little vixen has, Qingqing should have, too.
Yi’an Garden?
The property that’s already been put on sale? Most of it’s sold already; what would Qingqing do with it?
"Lian He, that property is in Jin City. After Qingqing gets married, shouldn’t she have her own house?" Xiang Yazhi could tell by Lian He’s expression that he hadn’t included Yi’an Garden in the dowry.
"I’ve kept a set of apartments there for Qingqing," Lian He said.
A set of apartments?
"Qingqing is so thoughtful."
Xiang Yazhi was pleased at the sight of the durian; even the smell was delightful to her. She had no intention of discussing the matter from the study anymore, and both mother and daughter acted as if nothing had happened.
Study room.
Without a word, Lian He planned to have Lian Qingqing manage Lian’s Jewelry, and after Lian Qingqing gets married, he intended to give Lian Qingqing and Tang Yue a five percent share of the Lian Clan each.
As for Lian Qingyang, in the future, the entire Lian Clan would be his.
Five percent of the Lian Clan’s shares, to say nothing of a whole property, even ten properties wouldn’t be worth as much as these shares.
Xiang Yazhi’s urgent push for marriage was merely because she feared he would give all the money and benefits to Xiao Yue.
"Sigh."
A long sigh echoed through the study room.
*
Jin City.
Tang Yue had no interest in the forthcoming matrimonial alliance between the Xie Family and the Lian Family. After spending a few days in Jin City, she was ready to return to Wangjiang County.
Last night, Uncle Tang Mingli called, saying that he returned to Wangjiang County with Wei Jiajia and the children.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Rebirth in 1986: Unforgettable Regrets