Chen Jinzhao nodded calmly.
By the time Yu Mengzhi and he started their act, the Yu family should have already uncovered this information.
He wouldn't doubt the Yu family's capabilities.
However, the Yu family had missed one point.
All the military records he could find about Chen Jinzhao were forged by Xu Hanchen. This was because Xu Hanchen needed absolute secrecy for those missions, and not just anyone could access such classified information.
This was the brilliance of Old Xu.
If Chen Jinzhao's file showed classified status, others would surely guess his significant background.
But forging a fake past could reduce many troubles.
Yu Lingxiao placed the document on the desk and said calmly, "You have a very good mother. If anything were to happen to you, she would be heartbroken."
"Old Man, what exactly do you want to say?" Chen Jinzhao asked with a smile.
Yu Lingxiao tapped his fingertips rhythmically on the desk, "You don't seem foolish; you're a smart person. So, I won't beat around the bush. You are not worthy of Mengzhi. Mengzhi is destined to marry into a prominent family and become a phoenix on a high branch."
"I don't have the final say," Chen Jinzhao replied with another smile.
"You are indeed a smart person, but this old man isn't foolish either."
Yu Lingxiao regarded Chen Jinzhao with admiration, "I even know that you are just a shield that Mengzhi found. Am I right?"
Chen Jinzhao's smile widened.
Indeed, nothing could be hidden from the old man. Yu Mengzhi thought her actions were flawless.
Living in such a prominent family, she had been under constant surveillance since childhood.
How could anything escape Yu Lingxiao's notice?
"Since you know that she and I are just acting, why did you summon me?" Chen Jinzhao asked curiously.
Yu Lingxiao's gaze sharpened, and he stopped tapping the desk, fixing his eyes on Chen Jinzhao. "Because you have developed feelings that you shouldn't have, wanting to turn the false into the real and replace the original."
Chen Jinzhao was surprised.
It seemed nothing could be hidden from Yu Lingxiao.
Before Chen Jinzhao could speak,
Yu Lingxiao stated indifferently, "Given your family background, you shouldn't think about these things, nor can you. Do you know who Mengzhi's fiancé is? Compared to him, you are as insignificant as dust."
"If you attract his attention, the consequences are unpredictable."
Chen Jinzhao couldn't help but chuckle, "So, you are looking out for me, Old Man?"
Yu Lingxiao also smiled.
"Not at all."
"I see you have great courage. If cultivated properly, you might achieve something in the future."
"You can work for the Yu family. It's good to have a strong tree to shelter under."
Chen Jinzhao felt a pang of emotion. Perhaps this was Yu Lingxiao's personal charm; he was good at discovering others' strengths and was willing to employ them regardless of past grievances.
If Chen Jinzhao were an unsophisticated bumpkin, he would surely be grateful for Yu Lingxiao's appreciation and pledge his loyalty, even his life.
But—
Chen Jinzhao was not that kind of person.
Even if he hadn't been made a general, he wouldn't be willing to be a lackey for powerful families.
The sharp blades wielded by these influential families would ultimately fall upon the common people. Chen Jinzhao would not betray his origins.
Yu Lingxiao sensed a hint of disdain in Chen Jinzhao's eyes. Instead of being angry, he admired Chen Jinzhao even more. "This young man is quite interesting. You are the first person to refuse my invitation."
"However..."
"Are you sure you want to oppose the Yu family?"
Chen Jinzhao remained silent.
Yu Lingxiao continued, "Your selfishness will not only harm yourself but also Mengzhi."
"Are you threatening me?" Chen Jinzhao asked with a half-smile.
Yu Lingxiao shook his head. "You are not qualified to be threatened by the Yu family. It's good for a young person to have ambition, but you shouldn't be blindly arrogant."
Chen Jinzhao looked out the window and sighed, "It's rare for Old Master Yu to say so much to a humble person like me. However, I once promised to be responsible for Mengzhi, and unless she asks me to leave, I will not."
Yu Lingxiao said nothing more.
In fact,
He was already somewhat displeased.
This commoner was truly overestimating himself, a toad trying to eat swan meat.
Those who harbored such fantasies often ended up with bruised heads and tragic fates.
"Are you sure you want to oppose the Yu family?" Yu Lingxiao's tone turned a few degrees colder.
Chen Jinzhao shook his head. "No, I am merely standing with Mengzhi. Whether that means opposing the Yu family or not is irrelevant. Surely, your Yu family wouldn't want to silence me, would you?"
Yu Lingxiao smiled, his smile hiding a hint of coldness.
"I understand what you mean."
"When I was young, I was as pure-hearted as you. I hope you can always maintain this childlike innocence."
"Liangping, see our guest out."
Creak.
Shen Liangping entered from outside the door and gestured for Chen Jinzhao to leave.
Chen Jinzhao smiled at Yu Lingxiao and then strode out of the study. Yu Lingxiao clearly had no intention of keeping him for dinner, and Shen Liangping escorted him directly to the main gate of the manor.
Chen Jinzhao glanced back at the grand and magnificent Yu family manor, shook his head, and decided to walk away.
Within a three-kilometer radius, there were no signs of human habitation, let alone bus stops. Even ride-sharing cars couldn't enter this place.
"Chen Jinzhao, wait for me!"
After walking a few steps, Yu Mengzhi's voice called from behind, making Chen Jinzhao stop and turn back.
Yu Mengzhi appeared at the manor gate. Chen Jinzhao waited for a moment before walking over to her.
At this moment,
Chen Jinzhao saw a happy smile on her face.
Yu Mengzhi said with a smile, "Thank you so much just now. What did my grandfather say to you?"
Although she had defied her grandfather and displeased him, Yu Mengzhi felt an inexplicable sense of joy. The pent-up frustration in her chest had finally been released.
Chen Jinzhao shrugged, "What else could he say? Merely telling me to retreat wisely."
"Then what did you say?" Yu Mengzhi suddenly felt a bit nervous.
"Alas..."
Chen Jinzhao sighed. "Your Yu family is a prominent clan in Ninghai, capable of covering half the sky with a raised hand. I am merely a humble commoner. Whatever the old man said, I agreed."
"Ah?" Yu Mengzhi suddenly felt a sense of disappointment.
A moment later,
She said in a complex tone, "You can't be blamed entirely. Anyone would be intimidated in front of my grandfather. But I still want to thank you for your help these past few days. If you have any difficulties in the future, you can tell me."
Chen Jinzhao turned his head to look into Yu Mengzhi's eyes, "Are you reluctant to see me go?"
Yu Mengzhi seemed to have her thoughts read and quickly averted her gaze, stubbornly saying, "Stop joking. How could I be reluctant to see you go? I just feel..."
Her heart was in turmoil.
She stammered for a long time, unable to articulate her feelings.
Chen Jinzhao rarely saw the icy female CEO so flustered. He smiled and patted her shoulder, "I was joking. The old man did tell me to leave you wisely, but I once promised to be responsible for President Yu until the end."
"How can a man of his word break his promise?"