"Miss Tang, you said that getting married and raising a family isn't the only option for women, right?" she asked.

  "En." Tang Zhelan nodded, curious as to what the girl was up to this time. "Many women my age chose to focus on their careers rather than marry early."

  "But why?" The girl furrowed her brows in confusion.

  "Because why not?" Tang Zhelan chuckled. "Isn't it fulfilling to know that you've obtained something on your own? While it's nice to be doted on by your husband, it wouldn't hurt to have money of your own, right?"

  Tang Zhelan refused to share the same fate as her predecessors who relied on their husband's name and status. What's more, it only gave their husbands and in-laws the right to bully their wives.

  Tang Zhelan scoffed at that. As if she would allow anyone to bully her to such an extent, stepping on her dignity. It was bad enough that her own parents bullied her, so why would she allow the others to follow?

  If there's someone who should bully, it should be her— not the other way around.

  "Is it the same with men?" Zhao Jing blinked her round eyes in curiosity. "My uncle is already thirty-three this year, but he hasn't gotten married yet."

  "He's not seeing anyone?" It was Tang Zhelan's turn to be curious. Thinking about it, Zhao Feng never told her anything if he was interested in anyone, not even when he was working in their household.

  The girl shook her head. "No. He said he has no time for that."

  Seeing the sadness that flashed on Zhao Jing's eyes, Tang Zhelan knew that something was bothering the girl.

  "You are sad. Are you blaming yourself? If your uncle isn't interested in getting married, then we should respect his decision, right?"

  "But the old auntie next door said uncle wouldn't be able to get married because of me. Not only does he have to look after the inn, but he has to raise his niece. I know Uncle Feng loves me, and he's willing to raise me as his own child, but I also want him to be happy," the girl confessed, her eyes brimming with tears as she remembered the words being said to her by the old aunties outside the inn.

  It wasn't like she wanted to keep her uncle to herself and knew that because of her parents' sudden passing, no one could look after her aside from her Uncle Feng. If his uncle could find a wife, Zhao Jing would be the first one to celebrate if that happened.

  She wasn't trying to monopolize his uncle's time. Of course, she also wanted to see him to be happy, so she didn't mind if he decided to get married and have a family of his own.

  Tang Zhelan patted the girl's head, understanding what made Zhao Jing worried like this.

  "It's not your fault. You don't have to blame yourself." She had no idea how to placate other people, much less a child like Zhao Jing.

  "But I don't like it, Miss Tang. Because of me, Uncle wouldn't be able to have a family of his own." This time, Zhao Jing couldn't stop her tears anymore and wailed on Tang Zhelan's l.a.p, much to the latter's shock.

  Tang Zhelan was stunned in place. What was she supposed to do to make the girl stop crying?

  "It's alright. Please don't cry," she said awkwardly. "I'm sure your uncle has already considered what could happen and chose to stay with you. You are his family, after all, so how could he leave you on your own? What matters to him is to see you happy and healthy."

  Tang Zhelan also knew that if Zhao Feng had to marry, his bride should be able to accept his circ.u.mstances. He was practically raising a child that wasn't his, and this wouldn't be easy for any woman to accept.

  Zhao Feng must have known what would happen if he took Zhao Jing under his care, but still chose to look after her regardless of what he would lose in return. Tang Zhelan knew that he was a selfless man, so it was no wonder she wasn't surprised at all when he bid her goodbye and told her to take care of herself as he wouldn't be around to look after her.

  "Miss Lan shouldn't worry too much about what people think of you. I really don't want to leave you like this, but I have to return home," he told her begrudgingly, his eyes looking at her as if it pained him to part with her.

  "You must take care of yourself better from now on, Miss Lan. Please know the time I spent with you, I will cherish it in my heart."

  Tang Zhelan wasn't sure if he had said it out of gratitude, but she let him return home without fussing over it. It wasn't the first time that a servant of their household left, but she felt disappointment when it was Zhao Feng's turn to leave. She should have known better not to get familiar with him, but he was the only person Tang Zhelan didn't mind lowering her guard to.

  "But uncle…" Zhao Jing continued to sob. If only her parents hadn't died in that accident, her uncle wouldn't have to give up his own life and future for her sake.

  "Is a good person," Tang Zhelan finished the girl's words. "I'm sure any woman he chooses to marry would be lucky to have a husband like him, don't you think? He's a very patient and responsible man and I know that he wouldn't leave you on your own even if he decided to settle down."

  Zhao Jing ceased her crying and wiped her tears dry.

  "Then why don't you consider marrying my Uncle Feng, Miss Tang? You wouldn't have to leave and stay with us here if you do. If you think uncle would be a good husband, then would you consider him?" she asked.