Chapter 71

The weather was still pleasant the next day, with clear skies and a comfortable temperature. From the hillside, the view of Lake Geneva was particularly beautiful, with the shimmering water reflecting the sunlight.

However, although Audrey took them on a tour outside the town, she hurriedly returned home in the afternoon, as she had a little one to take care of.

Dad naturally followed her back, and Diana, who didn't want to be around Li Xu, also went back. Though she was annoyed by their public displays of affection, staying out alone wasn't much fun either, so she had no choice but to return.

Actually, everyone in the estate was happy to see Dad and Audrey getting so close. Dad had visited many times before, and the older servants had a good impression of him. Moreover, during the divorce between Dotty and Audrey, they all stood by Mrs. Hepburn, so they were naturally pleased with the development.

Even the elderly and forgetful Mrs. Hemmestra, whose memory was starting to fade, treated Dad better because her daughter smiled more often, though most of the time it was directed at Li Xu.

The only one who wasn't happy was Ruby. The reason for her dissatisfaction...

"I don't want you to be my brother!" Ruby said to Li Xu.

"Why not?" Li Xu was quite curious.

"If you become my brother, you'll be just like Shawn, nagging all day long," Ruby complained.

Unfortunately, Li Xu had to tell her that even now, he was still her brother.

In the evening, Dad received a response from the person he contacted. Indeed, a vehicle transporting pets had passed through Morges and stopped for a while the previous day, and a fawn, the only one, had escaped.

Dad immediately wanted to buy the fawn, but Audrey didn't want him to spend the money. Just as they were about to argue, the person on the phone said they had already contacted the pet company, and the company stated that the fawn was ordered by someone else but was returned due to poor quality. If Mrs. Audrey Hepburn liked it, they were willing to give it away for free.

With that, Audrey accepted the offer, and Li Xu inwardly marveled at how Dad handled things so thoroughly. Indeed, problems that could be solved with money were no problem at all.

Knock, knock, knock. The sound of knocking came from the door. Li Xu, who was sitting by the window, immediately closed his book and got up to the door. "Who is it?"

When he opened the door, he was taken aback, as standing outside was Audrey Hepburn with a smile on her face.

"Aunt Audrey? Is there something you need?" Li Xu asked, somewhat surprised.

"Can I come in?" Audrey pointed to the room.

"Oh, of course." Li Xu quickly invited her in.

After sitting down and exchanging some pleasantries about how well they had slept, Audrey sighed and finally got to the point. "Your girlfriend came to me last night and we had a chat."

"Diana?" Li Xu sighed. "Let me guess, she probably told you that I plan to have a mistress in the future."

"Yes, and more than that," Audrey smiled.

"That little fool..." Li Xu covered his forehead.

"She said you want to marry her but also want to have a mistress. She loves you very much and is very conflicted," Audrey continued. "The more she loves you, the more conflicted she is."

"Yes, I know," Li Xu sighed again.

"So, what do you think, Pipon?" Audrey asked seriously. "This isn't something I should be asking, but Diana is so..."

She made some meaningless gestures and didn't continue, but Li Xu knew what she meant. He could only shrug. "Aunt Audrey, you know my marriage isn't something I can decide on my own."

"Yes, I know," Audrey nodded. "I've known since your father's time."

"Diana is the only choice," Li Xu added, "the only one I can accept and the only one my family can accept."

"Then do you love her?" Audrey asked after a moment of silence.

"I like her a lot," Li Xu replied.

"Like and love are different things," Audrey reminded him.

"That's the problem, Aunt Audrey," Li Xu spread his hands. "Diana is kind, innocent, and naive, and lacks a sense of security. These qualities attract me and make me want to protect her, make her happy, and preserve her rare kindness and innocence. According to her sister Sarah, Prince Charles wanted her as his wife. Honestly, I can't imagine how someone with her personality could live in Buckingham Palace."

"Then you should treat her well, not say you will definitely have a mistress," Audrey looked at him with concern.

Li Xu was silent for a moment. "Aunt Audrey, if I may ask, what do you think is the most important thing for a marriage to last?"

"Emotion," Audrey answered.

"That's the foundation, whether it's like or love. It can be there from the start or developed over time," Li Xu sighed. "In my view, the most important thing for a marriage to last is loyalty."

He then elaborated, "Everyone has secrets they can't share with others, and the same goes for couples. During the honeymoon phase, you might want to bare your soul to each other, but that state can't last forever. Passion will fade, and everyday concerns will arise, which must be considered."

Audrey didn't speak, just looked at Li Xu, waiting for him to continue.

"To sustain the relationship, both parties need to make compromises, such as being open about certain things. But it's better to say these things early rather than late, and to say them rationally rather than impulsively. When emotions are high, even the most logical arguments can be attacked, and in severe cases, it can escalate to betrayal. So—"

He paused. "Since you know this is a possibility, and it's even more likely in your own case, it's better to be clear from the start, set boundaries, and try to maintain them, without hiding or lying." Li Xu concluded, "That's what I understand loyalty to be."

"But, Pipon, have you considered that this might not last?" Audrey asked after some thought.

"Of course, Aunt Audrey," Li Xu smiled. "Success and failure in any matter depend on many factors. Loyalty is a necessary condition, but many other conditions are also needed."

He sighed lightly. "All I can do is protect her from harm, support her in pursuing her dreams, and nurture her kindness and innocence, so she isn't tainted by the real world. In return, I hope she will stay by my side. That's all I can do."

Audrey didn't speak for a while, then softly said, "You are very pessimistic about relationships, Pipon."

"Maybe, but..." Li Xu smiled bitterly and shrugged. "You know, my parents..."

"Alright, you young people always have new ideas. I can't keep up with the times," Audrey said with a joke, then stood up. "It's getting late, I should go."

Li Xu hurriedly stood up and opened the door for her.

"Pipon," Audrey said at the door, "I only hope you will cherish Diana. Although we've only known each other for a day, I know she is a wonderful girl."

"I'll do my best, Aunt Audrey," Li Xu replied.

After Audrey left, he sat back down in the chair and let out a long breath. Was that enough to get by?

It wasn't exactly a lie, at least the idea that "loyalty is the most important foundation of marriage" was genuinely his belief.

There were many examples from his past and present life—okay, mainly from his current life. And Li Xu, who had already tasted the consequences, wouldn't give up the whole forest for one tree.

Men don't cheat for three reasons: the temptation isn't strong enough, they've had enough and want to settle down, or... they can't.

But this could be seen as pessimistic... I feel so innocent, Li Xu thought. I'm actually a carefree optimist.

But, as expected, Diana, who adored Audrey, and Audrey, who was gentle and elegant, would naturally confide in each other.

However, it had only been a day... no, if she talked to Audrey last night, it had only been half a day. Was it too quick? Did Audrey win Diana's trust so quickly, or was Diana too anxious?

Thinking about this, Li Xu suddenly stood up, frowned, and paced around the room a few times. Finally, he opened the door and walked down the corridor to a room, knocking on the door.

After a moment, Diana's voice came from inside. "Who is it?"

"Diana, it's me, Eddie," Li Xu said.

There was a pause. "Eddie, it's quite late. Can we talk tomorrow?"

"No, I want to talk now, Diana. Can I come in?" Li Xu said in a gentle tone.

Another pause, then the door creaked open, but only a crack. Diana, wearing a pink silk nightgown, cautiously looked out.

"So..." Li Xu raised his hand, making a gesture asking if he could come in.

Diana bit her lip and finally opened the door wider, letting him in.

"Aunt Audrey came to see me a few minutes ago," Li Xu stood in the middle of the bedroom and looked at Diana.

"Ah?" The girl let out a small exclamation, slightly embarrassed, even though she was prepared for it.

"Although I always tell myself not to pressure you and to let things take their natural course, I..." Li Xu raised his hands, looking helpless and worried. "Can you tell me what you're thinking, Diana? What are you worried about now?"

"I..." Diana hesitated, then closed her eyes. "Sarah told me... she and Prince Charles... have already made an agreement..."