TRWSB – Chapter 33 My Heart Is Like Stone, I Regret Nothing

The Qi Family Estate.

“You can go in yourself,” Qi Shaofu said as he led Qi Shaorong to the door.

Qi Shaorong, hands behind his back, glanced at Qi Shaofu, “Third Brother, aren’t you coming in with me?”

“Father is furious. You better brace yourself.” Qi Shaofu gave a helpless look.

Qi Shaorong rolled his eyes at Qi Shaofu’s retreating back, thinking, What a coward.

Qi Shaorong entered the room, greeted by the stern figure of a middle-aged man. “Father,” he called coolly.

Qi Yao scrutinized him with a critical eye. “Your engagement with Zhuang Hao fell through?”

Qi Shaorong nodded, “Yes.”

“Don’t blame Zhuang Hao; it’s your own fault. You’re the one who failed, so don’t expect anyone to look up to you,” Qi Yao lectured.

Qi Shaorong nodded. “Naturally. As a useless mage and warrior, how could I expect to match someone like Zhuang Hao, who’s talented in both?”

“Zhuang Hao is indeed outstanding; if nothing goes wrong, he’ll likely become a saint,” Qi Yao said, his admiration evident.

Qi Shaorong looked at Qi Yao and couldn’t help thinking, He must wish Zhuang Hao was his own son—too bad he’s incapable of producing one like that.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” Qi Yao continued.

Qi Shaorong nodded, “What is it?”

“Since you and Zhuang Hao are no longer destined, I’ve arranged for your younger sister to marry him. Keep it in the family, and don’t cause any trouble,” Qi Yao warned.

Qi Shaorong chuckled, “If Zhuang Hao marries Fifth Sister, I’ll be delighted.”

“It’s good you understand,” Qi Yao said.

Looking at Qi Yao, Qi Shaorong replied, “Father, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way.”

“The admission certificate for Tianlan Academy has already been given to you. Don’t forget to report on time. Even as a magic and martial arts failure, it wouldn’t hurt to learn something useful to marry well,” Qi Yao said.

Qi Shaorong nodded. “I understand.”

After a pause, Qi Yao asked, “Do you know the Evil Doctor?”

“We’ve met a few times.”

“Zhuang Hao seems to have a good impression of him. If the Evil Doctor puts in a word for your sister, Zhuang Hao will surely listen,” Qi Yao said.

Qi Shaorong smiled slightly. “I understand, but I’m not close with the Evil Doctor. I can’t guarantee I’d have any influence.”

“Just do your best.”

Qi Shaorong walked out, a hint of mockery on his lips. Qi Yao is really something, asking me to play matchmaker for Qi Shaoru and Zhuang Hao.

As Qi Shaorong left the hall, he encountered Qi Shaoru.

“Fourth Brother, you’re finally back. I heard that as soon as you arrived, you went to a brothel. You’re already an embarrassment; at least show some self-respect. Do you want the whole Qi family to be ridiculed with you?” Qi Shaoru sneered.

Qi Shaorong looked at her, “Your Fourth Brother is a joke anyway. What difference does it make if I embarrass the family a bit more? But you, Fifth Sister—Father wants to marry you off to the Zhuang family’s genius. You should behave yourself; many people would kill to marry Zhuang Hao. If word gets out you’re a shrew, you might lose your chance.”

“You—” Qi Shaoru glared at him angrily but suppressed her rage. “Fourth Brother, don’t blame Zhuang Hao for rejecting you. You’re worlds apart.”

Moving closer, Qi Shaorong smirked, “Who could argue? But, Fifth Sister, you’re not much closer to him either. That girl from the Yi family is much more promising than you.”

“Since Yi Chuxue broke off your engagement, you want to stir me up against her?” Qi Shaoru sneered.

“Why would I? But if you really want to marry Zhuang Hao, Yi Chuxue won’t sit idly by,” Qi Shaorong said indifferently.

“Mind your own business,” Qi Shaoru shot back.

“It’s not my business. I’m off to rest; you’re welcome to carry on.” Qi Shaorong walked away.

Watching his retreating back, Qi Shaoru muttered, “What a disgrace.”

“Shaoru, what are you up to?”

“Second Brother, you’re back!” Qi Shaoru responded sweetly, in stark contrast to her attitude with Qi Shaorong.

Qi Shaokang looked at her, “You were talking with Fourth Brother?”

“Yes! He’s useless yet has such a bad temper. I don’t know why Father brought him back. Years ago, after his talent test, our family lost face because of him,” Qi Shaoru grumbled.

Qi Shaokang replied, “Fourth Brother isn’t as simple as you think. He’s acquainted with the Evil Doctor and Bi Liuyun. You should avoid making things too hostile.”

“A quack doctor and the owner of a cabaret—what of it?”

“It’s not that simple,” Qi Shaokang said.

Qi Shaoru frowned, “Forget it, I’m off to find Zhuang Hao.”

Watching her leave excitedly, Qi Shaokang sighed, “Girls really do prioritize their lovers.”

Once Qi Shaoru left, Qi Shaoxuan emerged from the shadows, her dark eyes like polished glass. “Second Brother, does Father truly intend to match Fifth Sister with Zhuang Hao?”

Qi Shaokang nodded. “Yes.”

“I see. Zhuang Hao has high standards, though. Fifth Sister might have a hard time winning him over,” Qi Shaoxuan replied.

Qi Shaokang cast a glance at her. “A woman in the capital who could match Zhuang Hao hasn’t been born yet, but if he doesn’t want to be alone forever, he’ll have to marry someone.”

Qi Shaoxuan nodded, “True. Maybe Fifth Sister will get lucky.”

The Evil Doctor’s Residence.

“Young Master, you’re back,” Qi Heng greeted him.

Qi Shaorong, now dressed as the Evil Doctor and wearing a mask, sat in the residence.

“The Qi family is a mess. I already discussed it with that old man; I’m moving out,” Qi Shaorong said irritably.

Qi Heng squinted. “He agreed?”

“Yes. The old man is probably thrilled I won’t be around to bother him,” Qi Shaorong said, waving his fan.

“Better than I expected. I thought he might beat you up,” Qi Heng said.

Qi Shaorong laughed coldly. “Hardly. He’s counting on me to play matchmaker for Qi Shaoru and Zhuang Hao.”

“Your father is really something,” Qi Heng chuckled. After all, Zhuang Hao was originally Qi Shaorong’s fiancé. Yet Qi Yao had the audacity to ask Qi Shaorong to help match Zhuang Hao with Qi Shaoru.

Qi Shaorong narrowed his eyes. “Indeed. It seems he’d rather Zhuang Hao were his real son. Too bad—he’ll never produce someone like that.”

Qi Heng smiled reassuringly, “Young Master, you’re every bit as good as Zhuang Hao; your father just doesn’t appreciate you.”

Just then, a bell chimed. Qi Shaorong squinted. “Someone’s here.”

Zhuang Qian rushed in, and Qi Shaorong couldn’t help but sigh at the sight of him. “Qian, what brings you here?”

“Evil Doctor, Qi Shaorong has come to the capital,” Zhuang Qian said.

Qi Shaorong nodded, “I know. I’ve already met him. He’s looking more handsome than ever. Wouldn’t you agree, Young Master Zhuang?”

“He’s nowhere near as good-looking as my brother!”

“Oh, your brother—such a pretty boy,” Qi Shaorong said.

Zhuang Qian was speechless.

Zhuang Qian scratched his head, “My brother’s not that bad.”

“He’s too immature,” Qi Shaorong replied.

“Evil Doctor, you’re biased! Qi Shaorong is an hour younger than my brother; technically, he should call my brother ‘big brother,’” Zhuang Qian said.

Qi Shaorong scoffed internally, Big brother, in his dreams!

“He’s nothing like your brother. Qi Shaorong is far more mature.”

In his previous life, he’d been killed by a madwoman selling fake goods when he was thirty-four. Adding the years in this life, he was now over fifty. Compared to him, Zhuang Hao was just a naive kid; if they ever got together, it’d be like an old cow eating young grass.

“Evil Doctor, you’re so biased!” Zhuang Qian couldn’t help but exclaim.

The Evil Doctor nodded, “Yes, I am.”

As Qi Shaorong and Zhuang Qian were talking, Zhuang Hao entered.

“Evil Doctor, it’s been a while. I came by a few days ago but heard you were away.”

Qi Shaorong nodded, “Yes. Do you need something?”

“The royal family raised a Blue-Winged Tiger King; did you hear?” Zhuang Hao asked.

Qi Shaorong nodded, “Yes. Did it fall ill?”

Zhuang Hao shook his head, “No, but its cub did. The Blue-Winged Tiger King rarely reproduces—this