Is he proposing marriage?!
Lin Yicheng was equally startled by his uncle's words. His wide eyes sent frantic signals, as if asking, Uncle, what are you doing? But Lin Weihao completely ignored his nephew's silent pleas, his cold, unwavering gaze fixed solely on Lu Nanzhi.
Lu Nanzhi blinked, her brain struggling to process the absurdity of Lin Weihao's statement.
Breaking the silence, Lin Weihao's deep voice sounded again. "If you have no objections, we'll schedule a private wedding next month."
Lu Nanzhi stiffened, her composure shattering. "Wait a minute! What wedding? I haven't agreed to anything!"
This man is insane! Offering marriage to a complete stranger—was he even aware of the ridiculousness of his words? And the worst part was, his expression remained cold and stoic, giving her no clue whether he was serious or merely testing her.
"Is there a problem, Miss Lin?" His calm voice was paired with a flicker of light in his eyes.
Yes, there's a huge problem—and it's you!
The words were on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them, fearing she'd dig herself into a deeper hole. Instead, she muttered, "I don't want a wedding."
It would be a lie to say she didn't want to cling to his thigh before, but that was in the past, when she still had the system. If she boarded his ship now, her every move would be monitored, and her system space would inevitably be exposed.
Suddenly, a looming shadow enveloped her. A chill ran down her spine as she realized Lin Weihao had moved closer to her at some point.
When did he get so close? She hadn't even sensed his movements. It was as though he had teleported from his seat.
Lin Weihao leaned in slightly, the faint scent of cold cedar enveloping her senses. His deep voice resonated in her ears. "Miss Lin, what do I lack? Tell me."
Lu Nanzhi gulped, her mind blank. What could she possibly say to that? From appearance to background, she couldn't even hold a candle to him.
Finally, she managed to stammer, "No matter how you look at it, marriage requires mutual consent. And… we barely know each other."
Lin Weihao fell silent, seemingly mulling over her words.
Her heart pounded in her chest as her eyes locked with his dark, bottomless gaze. She hadn't even felt this nervous when facing the Lu family. Yet this man, with just a subtle movement, could make her heart race uncontrollably.
The silence between them stretched unbearably, suffocating her, until Lin Weihao finally stepped back and returned to his seat.
She had just let out a sigh of relief when his next suggestion hit her like a bolt of lightning.
"If it's a matter of getting to know each other, that's easy to resolve. I have several vacant houses in my private compound. You can move in if you want."
His tone was calm, as though he were merely discussing the weather.
Lin Weihao contemplated silently, his thoughts dark and calculating. By bringing her closer, he could better monitor her, and repayment for the favor she had done him would be more effective.
Lu Nanzhi was utterly flabbergasted. What kind of logic is this man operating on?
Four hours later, in the luxurious living room of the Lin family's private villa, Feng Ran nearly fell off the sofa from laughing too hard.
"You… You were kicked out by a woman?!" Feng Ran clutched his stomach, tears streaming down his face. "Lin Weihao, Pearl City's legendary base leader, actually got rejected! And by someone immune to your godly looks? I can't believe I've lived to witness this!"
Wiping the tears from his eyes, Feng Ran sighed dramatically. "Now I regret not tagging along! I must have missed an incredible show."
"Little Chen," Feng Ran turned to Lin Yicheng, who was sulking in the corner, admiring the apples and mandarins his new sister had given him. "Come on, tell me! Why did your ridiculously handsome uncle get kicked out?"
Lin Yicheng pouted, still upset. He had wanted to stay at Sister's house, maybe even spend the night. But his uncle had ruined everything.
"What's wrong, Little Chen?" Feng Ran's curiosity deepened.
Lin Weihao cast a glance at his nephew and immediately understood the child's frustration. He spoke calmly, "If she agrees to the marriage, you'll be able to see her every day."
Lin Yicheng's eyes lit up instantly. "Really? You promise?"
"En. But first, go wash up."
The little boy's mood flipped in an instant. He dashed off to his room, all grievances forgotten.
Feng Ran, meanwhile, was left gaping, his jaw almost hitting the floor. He stared at Lin Weihao, who was pouring himself a drink, and blurted, "Wait… Are you serious, Brother Lin? You actually proposed to a stranger?"
Lin Weihao, unfazed, raised his glass and swirled the red liquid inside. His long lashes fluttered as he languidly lifted his gaze, the swirling wine reflecting the flickering emotions in his dark eyes.
"What of it?" he asked, his tone was as cold as ever.
For once, Feng Ran was at a loss for words. His brother Lin, the epitome of abstinence and self-restraint, was suddenly behaving as though possessed.
"Brother Lin, you… You're not joking, right? Do you actually like this woman enough to marry her? Or is this all for Little Chen? Seriously, you've been celibate for nearly 28 years. I was starting to think you were either a green sleeve or, impotent down there!"
"Shut up." Lin Weihao's sharp gaze sliced through Feng Ran like a blade.
Startled, Feng Ran clamped his mouth shut.