Chapter 36: Brother, Will You Marry Me?

Shi Zhaodi sat quietly beside Jiang Hao'en, watching him paint without disturbing him.

Jiang Hao'en was always deeply immersed in his work; by the time he regained his focus, most of the day had already passed.

Shi Zhaodi, who had been sitting by his side, had unknowingly fallen asleep, leaning against him.

Jiang Hao'en ceased his movements, set aside his brush and palette, and carefully helped Shi Zhaodi settle so she could rest her head on his lap. He then took off his coat and draped it over her.

Shi Zhaodi was in a deep slumber; as he moved her, she only murmured softly before drifting back to sleep.

A gentle smile touched Jiang Hao'en’s lips as he gazed tenderly at her sleeping face. After a while, he picked up his brush and resumed painting.

In her hazy state, Shi Zhaodi dreamt.

She dreamt of the Old Master’s eightieth birthday celebration. It was crowded and lively, with congratulations echoing one after another.

She was dressed in a maid’s uniform, weaving through the banquet, working tirelessly to help.

Suddenly, the scene shifted. The Old Master stood at the front, leaning on his cane, looking full of vigor. Beside him stood the young master of the Jiang family, dressed in a formal dark blue three-piece suit, supporting him.

The crowd fell silent, and then the Old Master announced in a resonant voice that it was his eightieth birthday, and he intended to arrange a marriage for his grandson.

He declared that Shi Zhaodi was to be betrothed to Jiang Hao'en.

She looked at Jiang Hao'en in disbelief, only to see him smiling back at her.

She was so excited that she set down her tray and tried to run toward him, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not move her feet.

When she looked up again, another beautiful girl in a dress was standing beside Jiang Hao'en.

The girl was holding Jiang Hao'en’s arm, and the two were smiling at each other.

"Brother, Brother—" Shi Zhaodi cried out in alarm.

Then, someone grabbed her hand, trying to drag her away.

"No, no—" Shi Zhaodi struggled.

"Zhaodi—" Shi Zhaodi opened her eyes, feeling dazed, and saw Jiang Hao'en’s anxious face. She called out in a confused tone, "Brother?"

"You were having a nightmare!" Jiang Hao'en said, staring intently at her.

"Brother, Brother!" Shi Zhaodi scrambled up and wrapped her arms around Jiang Hao'en’s neck. "I dreamt that you didn’t want me anymore! Wuwu!"

Jiang Hao'en patted her back gently, repeating, "You were having a nightmare."

"Brother, if you get married in the future, can you just marry me?" Shi Zhaodi asked, looking directly into his eyes.

It was so bold, and so willful.

Many years later, whenever Shi Zhaodi recalled her courage and directness at that moment, she couldn't help but mock herself.

Jiang Hao'en paused, looking at Shi Zhaodi, and after a long moment, he nodded.

"Really? Brother!" Shi Zhaodi asked, her tears instantly replaced by a smile.

Jiang Hao'en nodded again, then lowered his head to kiss her on the forehead.

"I knew you were the best to me, Brother," Shi Zhaodi said excitedly, hugging him tightly.

Jiang Hao'en could not help but let the corners of his lips curl upward as well.