“It’s not as if I’m not handling it, but… the right timing is needed. Even so, it is my hope that Miss Gu could come to the Sheng family as soon as she could, and learn to manage the household thoroughly.” Grandpa Sheng told Mama Gu most courteously.
“As long as Old Mister Sheng would pave the way for our Ziling, I would do my best to persuade well.”
“That’s decided, then.”
The two sides hence came to an accord, with the Gu family awaiting keenly to see how the old man would separate Mu Qiqi and Sheng Xiao.
***
Having left for faraway Africa, Sixth Brother was certainly frustrated when he learned about Jing Yun and Sheng Minglan’s engagement.
To think that a young lady of the Sheng Family and his Fourth Sister would marry a penniless wretch.
He really would like to know how Jing Yun had charmed the old man that he would agree to the engagement, especially with how the old man always valued connections to important people.
Could the old man have gone mad?
That was why Sixth Brother was actually unable to stop himself even if Sheng Xiao was preventing him from going home.
Still, no one had told him about Jing Yun’s identity, just as most people in Jianchuan still were not aware that Jing Yun was the youngest child of the Xu family.
Nonetheless, he had immediately bought a plane ticket back home. Remembering his poor younger sister who was chased out of the family, he was really upset with how his Eight Brother and his lapdog keep getting what they wished.
Meanwhile, Jing Yun was ready to visit the Sheng family to propose marriage, although he had yet to decide on how he should be treating the old man.
In truth, the old man was himself not all happy with Jing Yun’s visit, even though he would not protest against his engagement with Sheng Minglan.
That said, he would still go about the required arrangements…
On the night a day later, the old man had all of the Sheng family return home to receive their guest. Soon enough, they found Jing Yun arriving with gifts, but he was not alone this time—he had four bodyguards with him, and that was not counting his presents-carrying entourage.
As expected, a person would be completely different once they had the wind in their sails. Even the way you look at them would change.
“Jing Yun really has a different air to him now that he’s the young master of the Xu family.”
“Isn’t he? He even brought four bodyguards with him. He’s clearly preventing us from insulting him.”
“I’ve seen the gifts. Those things don’t come cheap…”
The other members of the Sheng family began discussing away, whereas the old man kept his eyes fixed on Jing Yun.
He was still the old Jing Yun—cold and unapproachable.
“Jing Yun, why didn’t you tell us who you are before? All those things wouldn’t have happened if you did.”
“I sincerely wish to marry Minglan whether I am a Xu or not.” Jing Yun answered the old man, taking the guest seat—something he never did in all his years with the Sheng family.
“But that’s different,” the old man told him earnestly. “You have to understand the heart of a grandfather. How would I face Minglan’s parents if I ruined her marriage, and as the young lady of a good family at that?”
“So my status deserves Minglan now?” Jing Yun asked in return.
“Of course.” The old man answered. “And since you have come to propose marriage, let us let bygones be bygones. Your visit is a sign of your resolve to marry her, and with that being the case, we shall set a date for you and Minglan.”
“But before that, I hope that all of Jianchuan knows that you are the young master of the Xu family.”
In truth, every word the old man uttered disgusted Jing Yun.
Fame and profit—the old man only ever had eyes on those two things, never once concerning himself with whether Minglan was happy.
That was why coming here today was necessary. He would free Sheng Minglan from this world of pain.
“Sheng Xiao doesn’t seem to be around tonight.” The old man then looked around, but was unable to find any trace of Sheng Xiao and Mu Qiqi. “He always thought of you as a brother, but why is he not around on an important day like this?”
“And why Minglan didn’t come back, since it concerns you both?”
Jing Yun considered it for a moment before answering, “She said that didn’t want to come back… that she feels more comfortable staying at Xu Manor.”
“How could you talk to my father like that, Jing Yun?” Fourth Uncle growled at Jing Yun.
“That was what Minglan said, word-for-word.”
“She hasn’t married into your family.”
“But in my heart, she is already my wife.” Jing Yun said neutrally—now that he had a brand-new identity, he was no longer brooding like he did when he was still the Sheng family’s assistant.
And Fourth Uncle couldn’t say anything against him.
That was when Sheng Xiao arrived with Mu Qiqi. “Sorry, we’re late.”
“Let’s discuss Jing Yun with your Fourth Sister now that you’re back.” The old man told him, naturally thinking nothing of Mu Qiqi.
Sheng Xiao lifted a brow. “I’m just concerned about what dowry you have in mind for Fourth Sister…”
That was also when Sixth Brother rushed back to the family residence to find Jing Yun in the living room. He promptly threw aside his luggage and caught Jing Yun’s collar, only to be slammed heavily on the floor with a shoulder throw by one of Jing Yun’s bodyguard.
Nonetheless, powering through his pain, Sixth Brother got to his feet, pointed at Jing Yun’s nose and yelled, “You mongrel! Where did you get the guts to be here? Did you really think that you have a chance with Fourth Sister?”
“I told you that’s not possible. This is the Sheng family.”
“Quiet, Sixth Brother.” The old man was angered. He had avoided such awkwardness tonight, but he did not expect Sixth Brother to return, which had caught him unawares.
“Grandfather! What drug has Eight Brother given you?”
That was when Jing Yun generously said, “Sixth Young Master can’t be blamed for his ignorance. I won’t hold it against him.”
Even so, there was a clear sharpness in his tone.
Sixth Brother merely smiled in return. “Who do you think you are? Blamed for ignorance? What a great laugh.”
“Sixth Brother, you mustn’t be impolite. He is the youngest son of the Xu family and their third young master.” The old man couldn’t hold back any longer and therefore told Sixth Brother the truth. “Jing Yun is no longer who he was, so please stop embarrassing me.”
Sixth Brother simply laughed out loud at that. “Who, him? Did he fake that just to get your approval?”
“Look at him, Grandpa. Does he even look like the son of a rich family?”
Through it all, Sheng Xiao said nothing, but merely kept his eyes on Jing Yun.
Jing Yun remained quiet for two seconds, before saying evenly, “Old Mister Sheng. I will afford this wronging today. But if Sixth Young Master would insult me once again, my bodyguards would prove that they are not just for show.”