The people on stage knew nothing of the commotion among the crowd below. Despite the ongoing standoff on stage, Han Yongsheng immediately ordered people to disperse the crowd when the disturbance was noticed. This dispersal inadvertently provided an opportunity for the kidnappers to escape with Xiaoxiao, as more sedan chairs were continuously descending the mountain, allowing the kidnappers to brazenly carry Xiaoxiao down.
In response to Han Yongsheng’s stern questioning, Chu Lian replied, "I will propose again, until she agrees."
Hearing this, Wang Xiangxiang’s eyes widened in disbelief. Was he serious, or was this just a desperate measure to extricate herself?
"So, you are openly opposing my Han Family, trying to disrupt this engagement ceremony?" Han Yongsheng retorted. Indeed, it had turned into an engagement ceremony since the entire city was aware, and the Han Family could not afford to lose face.
Unperturbed, Chu Lian declared, "What does an engagement matter? Even if it were a wedding, I would come to steal the bride."
At Chu Lian’s bold declaration, Han Yongsheng’s brow furrowed. Indeed, the one coveted by the Chu Family’s young master was not easily obtained. His grandson had found a formidable opponent, and given that it was his grandson’s first time desiring to marry a woman—and such a talented one at that—the Han Family obviously could not let her go.
It was time to deflate the young master Chu’s arrogance. "Hmph, you audacious brat, daring to run wild on my Han Family’s turf." With a wave of his hand, he commanded, "Seize him!"
"You wouldn’t dare." Chu Lian hadn’t expected Han Yongsheng to become so enraged as to have him arrested. Naturally, he wouldn’t back down; he readied himself to fight and shielded Wang Xiangxiang behind him.
He then shouted toward the crowd below, "Acheng!"
Upon hearing his young master’s call, Acheng immediately rushed over, ready to stand side by side with the young master against the burly men. "Young master, Acheng has arrived late."
Seeing the interaction between Acheng and Chu Lian, Wang Xiangxiang, foolish though she might have been, realized that Acheng was Chu Lian’s subordinate. What was his purpose in staying by her side? Could it be that Acheng was sent by him to protect her?
While she was pondering, Chu Lian and Acheng had already started fighting with these men.
Wang Xiangxiang watched, filled with worry, fear, and amazement; Chu Lian was surprisingly adept at fighting, something she never knew. What else was he hiding from her?
The fight continued, and even Han Yongsheng had not expected the young master of the Chu Family to be as capable a fighter as his own grandson. How could this situation be resolved? Just then, during this critical moment, Han Yongsheng finally spoke up, "Everyone stop."
At his command, the fight finally ceased. Han Yongsheng approached Chu Lian and said, "Chu Lian, since it’s come to this, let’s compete fairly."
Chu Lian’s fists clenched tightly. Why should he compete fairly with him, when Xiangxiang was rightfully his?
Wang Xiangxiang looked at Han Yongsheng; his gaze seemed genuine. He truly wanted to marry her. Was it because of the incident before? If that was the case, he indeed was a responsible man. But she was no ordinary woman—she had her own thoughts.
She was about to voice her refusal when she was interrupted by Yang Ming, who arrived breathlessly. "Stop fighting, Xiaoxiao is missing."
"..." The news stunned everyone. What did he mean by missing?
Yang Ming continued, "I thought she had merely wandered off, but even after the crowd dispersed, she still couldn’t be found."