Han Yongsheng truly felt that it was fate, as if destined by the heavens. After returning from Yang Family Village, his business deal had not gone through, and his father had pressured him into marrying his cousin. He flat-out refused, and that was when Grandfather thought of this strategy. Since it had come to this, he might as well comply with the will of the heavens. But he never expected that the heavens’ will would bring her to him, which surprised and delighted him immensely.
At this moment, Chu Lian’s face darkened terribly down below. He had never anticipated the turn of events to unfold in this direction. He couldn’t believe he had forgotten about the unspoken practices often held by prestigious families. His own mother had organised a flower-viewing feast for him, and it didn’t dawn on him at all. He even encouraged her to attend. He was truly pushing her away himself.
When he heard the announcement made by Old Master Han, he anxiously made his way to the front, but the crowd was too thick. By the time he pushed through, Han Yongsheng had already ascended the stage. His face was contorted with anger. Just moments before, he had been confident because he knew Xiangxiang wouldn’t rashly accept a marriage proposal from a stranger, but upon seeing Han Yongsheng, he could no longer remain calm. A bad premonition arose in his heart; Xiangxiang might be drifting further away from him.
"Young Master Han..." Even if it were destined by the heavens, she would refuse, but before she could speak her refusal, the Blood Jade in her hand was snatched away. She turned to see Chu Lian, with a mix of shock and joy in her eyes. When had he come over? Was he here to take her away?
Chu Lian grabbed the Blood Jade and tossed it to Han Yongsheng without a word. Taking Xiangxiang’s hand, he attempted to walk down from the stage.
"Miss Wang." Han Yongsheng, not to be outdone, reached out to grab Wang Xiangxiang’s arm.
The appearance of Chu Lian caused a stir among the onlookers. Who was this handsome man holding the young lady’s hand? It was quite improper, yet many felt that the young lady was fortunate to have two handsome men vying for her in public.
Old Master Han was fuming; someone was trying to snatch away his granddaughter-in-law. With a wave of his hand, Chu Lian and Wang Xiangxiang were blocked by several men.
Wang Xiangxiang, feeling the warmth of the firm grip on her hand, was reassured. He truly had come to take her away.
The two who were blocked had no choice but to stop. Old Master Han stepped forward and gestured for his men to back away.
"May I ask who you are, and why you wish to take away my granddaughter-in-law?"
"Old Master Han, she hasn’t agreed to it; she is not yet your granddaughter-in-law." Chu Lian held onto Xiangxiang’s hand, not letting go, and answered Old Master Han head-on, "I am Chu Lian, Young Master of the Yuelai Restaurant."
Upon hearing the newcomer’s identity, Old Master Han’s brows furrowed. The other party might be difficult to deal with, but after all, he was an elder who had eaten more salt than the young man had eaten rice. Suddenly, he smiled, speaking very calmly, "I remember now, you are that Chu Family young master who was rejected upon proposing. The news of your rejection has already spread to our Lin County. I presume that the young lady who turned you down is the one beside you."
Chu Lian was left speechless, the words stuck in his throat. It was true; he had indeed been thoroughly rejected, but what did that matter? He still loved her, and she was the only one he would marry.
The revelation of Chu Lian’s identity sent another wave of commotion through the noble young ladies present. So this was the famed Chu Family eldest young master; he truly did possess a handsome appearance and dignified deportment. Some could barely contain themselves, and the crowd began to stir.
Xiaoxiao and Yang Ming were both nervously watching the stage, uncertain of how things would unfold. They were so focused that they didn’t even notice when they were separated by the shifting crowd.