Wen Liangyu didn’t give Wen Nian any chance to say "no," so Wen Nian had to follow Wen Liangyu back into the office.
"Grandpa, what’s so urgent?"
"Xiaonian, Grandpa knows you want to make your own decisions about marriage, and you’re annoyed that I keep introducing you to prospective matches every other day."
Wen Nian listened with a stern face.
"But you need to be clear that you’ve been in office for only half a year. You removed people from the Cabinet and then immediately implemented new policies in economics and military matters. I told you not to mess with Xilin, but you didn’t listen. Now, the quickest way to stabilize the political situation is to find a woman who can help you—throughout history, alliances through marriage have always been reassuring."
"In Grandpa’s eyes, is Wen Nian a President who needs a woman to stabilize his administration?"
"Xiaonian," you’re speaking out of spite again. Why would Grandpa mean that?"
Wen Nian took a deep breath, "Grandpa, I’m really pressed for time."
He didn’t want to continue sparring with his grandfather over this issue.
He thought he had had some peace of ears in recent days, but he hadn’t expected that just a few days had passed and his grandfather had become impatient again.
"Alright, here’s the thing. In a couple of days, it’s Grandpa’s 78th birthday, and I’ve invited some of the young talents from Anlin, Ruicheng, and a few nearby places to attend my birthday banquet. I’ve sent invitations to G country’s most prestigious young women, the most outstanding girls."
Wen Nian looked at Wen Liangyu, "Didn’t you say that you didn’t plan to entertain outsiders for this year’s birthday?"
"I just made the decision on a whim, and now I’m telling you, right?"
"Grandpa, what are you planning to do with your birthday banquet?"
"I’m not planning anything in particular, I just hope you can get closer to some young women. Of course, I also hope that you can choose one you like during the banquet... That wouldn’t count as me arranging your marriage, would it?"
Wen Liangyu spoke in a conciliatory tone.
"Grandpa, I must visit M Country and then go to the UK for an international conference. I might not be able to make it to your birthday."
Wen Liangyu’s expression stiffened as he visibly became unhappy with Wen Nian’s response.
"Grandpa, you were President of G country too; you must know that on this seat, nothing is a joke. Every move will be interpreted in a million ways, and hosting a grand banquet with young talents, G country’s famed women with such obvious intentions..."
"I’m already seventy-eight, how much longer will I live? Wen Nian, you’re my only grandson—"
"I will not depend on a political marriage to consolidate power. Grandfather, just let it go."
"Qu Yu, find someone to escort Old Mr. Wen."
After finishing, Wen Nian opened the door and left.
Qu Yu stood by the door, "Old Mr. Wen, please."
Wen Liangyu, frowning deeply and leaning heavily on his cane, thumped it against the floor as he left the President Mansion yet another time, his face ashen.
Qu Yu had been beside Wen Nian the entire time, naturally hearing everything that Wen Liangyu had said.
"Elder Wen, why must you hurry so? You always end up displeased with His Excellency over this matter... You come with such high hopes and yet return disappointed."
"It’s not about feeling disappointed; I knew he would refuse."
Wen Liangyu took a deep breath, sat in the car, and stared intently out the front window.
Qu Yu closed the car door for Wen Liangyu and watched as the Wen Family’s private car drove away...
The President had already boarded the Lincoln heading to the airport, and Qu Yu hurriedly followed.
As Wen Nian was browsing documents without even looking up, he asked, "Did he say anything?"