Chapter 94: Chapter 94: Marriage Discussions
The family gathered in the Lu mansion"s grand living room.
Yue Ning nestled against her mother, her fingers lightly gripping Lu Ting’s sleeve as if afraid the warmth might slip away.
Across from them, Huo Feng sat tall and unyielding, his presence commanding even when his aura was restrained.
Lu Jiang broke the silence first. His tone was calm, yet laced with something sharp beneath it. "Mr. Huo, Xiao Ning has suffered much these past years. As her father, I must ask—how do you intend to treat her now that she has returned to us?"
Before Huo Feng could answer, Lu Ran leaned forward, his voice teasing, though his gaze was sharp. "And don’t give us some vague promise. My sister deserves more than that. She is our precious pearl."
Huo Feng parted his lips to speak, but Lu Quan cut him off, not giving him the chance to speak.
Lu Quan chuckled, but his eyes held the same edge. "Indeed. Marriage without a proper wedding, no bride price, no formalities... if outsiders hear of this, won’t they think our Lu family married off our only daughter in haste? They would also think we don’t care about our daughter which is a lie."
Questions rained down on Huo Feng before he could answer. Yet, his eyes remained calm, not the least shaken. To him, their interrogation was proof enough of how much they valued Yue Ning.
Yue Ning’s brows furrowed as her grip on her mother’s sleeve tightened. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out. Instead, her gaze lingered on Huo Feng, concern flickering in her eyes.
Huo Feng didn’t flinch. His expression was steady, his gaze unwavering as he met the scrutiny of her father and brothers.
Finally, Lu Quan smirked, leaning back on the sofa. "Don’t look so grim, Brother-in-law. We’re only testing you. If you can’t withstand a few words, how can we entrust Ning to you?"
Lu Ran scoffed but softened his tone. "Still, don’t think we’ll go easy on you just because Xiao Ning’s on your side."
The brothers exchanged knowing glances. Their tone was teasing, but the weight behind their words was real. They meant every word they said.
Yue Ning’s gaze returned to Huo Feng, her chest filled with unease.
’Host, you don’t need to be worried about our ML. He will be able to handle this little matter. Have some little faith in him.’ The system reassured her.
Just as the system had said, Huo Feng’s lips curved faintly. He gave her a small nod, as though to say: Don’t worry. I can handle this.
He sat in silence for a moment, letting their accusations settle, before finally speaking, his words carrying weight and assurance which could only be given by someone like him.
"Brothers-in-law, I can understand what you are saying. Ning Ning deserves the absolute best, and I haven’t seemed to have given her that." He started, his voice low, but steady.
"But I can assure you that I am willing to spend my entire life with her." He paused, his eyes involuntarily meeting Yue Ning’s. "I promise that when the time is right, I will give her the best wedding that will keep the whole country talking for a long time."
Yue Ning blushed under the intensity of his promise. Lu Ting smiled satisfactorily. She had no qualms about this son-in-law of hers.
The men had no reason to make things difficult for him anymore after this promise. They only hoped that their daughter and sister lived a perfect life—free from any troubles.
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Yun Residence>
"I am back!" Yun Li announced as she stepped into the hallway leading to the sitting room.
"Young Miss, you are finally here. You have no idea how boring this house was without you," a maid greeted eagerly, rushing forward to take her bag.
Yun Li chuckled. "Where are my parents?" she asked casually. Her eyes darted around, finding no presence of her parents.
The maid hesitated, her smile faltering. Yun Li’s instincts prickled, a sense of foreboding washing over her instantly.
"Young Miss," the maid said carefully, "Young Master and Young Madam are in the dining room... along with your prospective groom and his family."
Yun Li’s expression stiffened. She had chosen today to return, but she hadn’t expected him to be here as well.
It seemed the heavens were making a fool of her. She didn’t inform her parents that she would return today, how did he pick the appropriate time to show up? She wondered.
With a steady breath, she handed over her bag. "Take this to my room. I’ll head there myself."
Moments later, she pushed open the dining room doors. Madam Yun was the first to spot her, her face lighting up instantly. "Look at that, we were just talking about Lili, and here she is."
"Come, Lili." She gestured warmly, her smile radiating.
Yun Li’s eyes swept the table. As expected, her parents were not alone. Seated comfortably was her so-called prospective fiancé, He Yuchen—smiling faintly, as if this were all perfectly natural.
She forced a polite smile and greeted the elders. When her eyes met He Yuchen’s, his lips curled into a smirk. She rolled her eyes, slipping into the empty seat beside him.
"Talk about bad luck," she muttered under her breath.
He Yuchen’s smile widened, but he wisely said nothing. He didn’t want to give his bride the impression that he was difficult.
If only he knew she had once run away from home to avoid this very marriage.
Soon, the dishes were served, and breakfast began.
The clinking of cutlery filled the silence. Madam He’s gaze lingered on her just a second too long, making Yun Li shift uncomfortably.
Breakfast passed quickly, and they all moved to the living room to have a chat.
Father He broke the quiet, his tone firm. "Yun Bai, my son has already decided to marry your daughter. This alliance can be considered settled."
Father Yun laughed, feeling delighted. That was, until Yun Li’s soft voice interrupted.
"Can I say something?"
All heads turned toward her at the sound of her voice.
Clearing her throat, she spoke steadily. "The marriage is between He Yuchen and I. I am not against it, but I believe we should know each other before making a lifelong commitment. At least then, we’ll know if we’re truly compatible."
Her words left the elders blinking—some surprised, some displeased. But beside her, He Yuchen’s eyes brightened. He caught the meaning beneath her calm tone, and his smirk softened into something genuine.
"I agree," he said smoothly. "We are the ones who will share a lifetime together. It’s only right that we learn about each other first. This is for a stronger marriage."
Yun Li let out a small breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Perhaps He Yuchen wasn’t as insufferable as she had assumed. At least he could read between the lines.
Still, the knot in her chest didn’t loosen. From the corner of her eye, she caught Madam He’s faint frown before it was quickly smoothed into a polite and poised smile.
Yun Li’s fingers curled around her teacup. She had spoken up for herself, but the look in Madam He’s eyes told her everything—she was dissatisfied by her actions.