Chapter 51: Unconventional

After sharing a brief moment of intimacy with Qi Yunyan, Lin Qingyu finally broached the main topic of the day.

"If you have something on your mind, don't hold back. Just say it."

"Yunyan, what do you think of me opening a restaurant?"

"Why this sudden urge to open a restaurant? Is your allowance not enough?"

"Yunyan, you know I'm different from other women. Other women are always like dodder flowers clinging to their husbands, reaching out for food and clothing without a shred of independent capability, unable to survive if they leave their husbands' families. But me? I've never liked relying on anyone. I only want to rely on myself and be self-sufficient. That's why I want to find a livelihood, manage it well, and support myself. You'll support me, won't you?"

Lin Qingyu was always fond of labeling herself as a modern woman, different from ancient females. She claimed to have been nurtured by progressive ideologies and believed in being an independent, career-driven woman, unlike ancient women who acted like parasites that only fed on men's blood.

This uniqueness of hers deeply fascinated Qi Yunyan. He often wondered how there could be such an unconventional woman in the world, whose every gesture differed from other noble ladies. While everyone else relied on their families for survival, she alone desired self-reliance without depending on others.

Qi Yunyan was even somewhat moved. "Qingyu, I know you don't like to rely on others and want to stand on your own feet, but I am not just 'others.' I am the one who truly understands you, your lover. Now that our hearts beat as one, what is mine is yours. What's wrong with you spending my money? Running a restaurant is too exhausting; I don't want you to work yourself to the bone. I only wish for you to need me more often."

Qi Yunyan's words struck a chord deep within Lin Qingyu's heart.

What belonged to Qi Yunyan was hers—that was precisely what she desired as well.

She had been eyeing Qi Yunyan's private treasury for a long time, but she knew that with the Princess Consort Duan in the picture, getting her hands on it would require a gradual approach.

After all, the persona she had carefully built must not collapse.

"Yunyan, I know you treat me well, and I am deeply grateful, but I don't want your mother to look down on me. She already has prejudices against me. If I continue to rely entirely on you for food and clothing, I'm certain her impression of me will never improve. For the sake of our future together, and to make the Princess Consort Duan change her view of me, it is time I made an effort to change."

"But isn't it only natural for a woman to eat and live off her husband's family? A man must support the household and take care of his wife and children—that is an eternal truth. A man who cannot provide for his family is looked down upon by others. Even if you eat and use what is mine, it is permitted by convention. Mother won't mind."

"Who says women must depend on men? Even if every other woman in the world does so, I am the one exception. My upbringing does not allow me to rely on others; that is what sets me apart from other women. Who says women are inferior to men? I, too, can achieve great things."

Realizing that nothing he said could alter Lin Qingyu's mind, Qi Yunyan relented.

This was the woman he loved—always so wonderfully unique.

He compromised. "Qingyu, since you are so determined to rely on yourself, I will support you from behind the scenes. Whatever you wish to do, go ahead with absolute confidence. No matter what happens, I will be right behind you to hold things up."

Touched by Qi Yunyan's words, Lin Qingyu shed tears of gratitude.

"Thank you for supporting me. I knew you were the one who truly understood me." Hesitating for a moment, Lin Qingyu continued, "However, I can't manage a restaurant all by myself. I'll need your help. Will you help me, Yunyan?"