Lin Kuang had met the visitor once before, so he recognized him. This person was none other than Li Jiachen, the wealthiest man in Hua Country—the same man Lin Kuang had saved on the plane. Lin Kuang hadn’t expected such a prominent figure to personally attend a simple engagement ceremony; it took him by surprise. However, to Lin Kuang, it was just a surprise and nothing more.
"Mr. Li, I am deeply grateful that you could take time out of your busy schedule to be here," Zhao Zhenlin said, approaching Li Jiachen with immense gratitude and a tone full of respect.
"There’s no need for formalities, Mr. Zhao. I happened to be in East Sea to discuss a collaboration with your company anyway. How could I miss your son’s engagement ceremony?" Li Jiachen replied with a smile. Although he was quite old, his voice was loud and friendly.
Everyone present was shaken by Li Jiachen’s words. The information he revealed was very clear: he had come to East Sea to negotiate a partnership with the Zhao Family, implying he saw potential in a local venture and was planning to work with them. This meant the Zhao Family was set to make a huge profit. Once this collaboration was complete, they might no longer be the second-richest family in East Sea, but quite possibly the first!
Most importantly, the Zhao Family had forged a connection with Li Jiachen, which was a tremendous long-term advantage. After all, Li Jiachen’s prestige was on another level. His financial and human resources were incomparable to those of the other wealthy figures in East Sea—the gap was simply too vast.
Realizing this, some guests began planning to get closer to the Zhao Family, seeing it as an undoubtedly good move for themselves.
"Regardless, we must thank you, Mr. Li. Since you are here, might we trouble you to announce both our business collaboration and my son’s engagement to Miss Lin?" Zhao Zhenlin asked expectantly. Having Li Jiachen personally make the announcement would be an incredible honor.
"Alright, in that case, this old man will brazenly make the announcement for you," Li Jiachen said with a smile, prompting a round of flattering laughter from the crowd.
In the crowd, Lin Wanli was also ecstatic. He had never expected Zhao Zhenlin to successfully connect with Li Jiachen. Now that our families are joined by marriage, even if Zhao Zhenlin doesn’t share the meat, I can at least enjoy some of the broth! At this thought, Lin Wanli grew even more thrilled, deeply impressed with his own decision.
However, Lin Guo’er’s expression was grim, all because Li Jiachen had appeared. If he hadn’t, the matter, though complicated, wouldn’t have been nearly so fraught. But Li Jiachen’s presence made the stakes crystal clear to everyone. If Lin Guo’er were to object now, she would undoubtedly offend both the Zhao Family and Li Jiachen. Offending the Zhao Family didn’t scare her, but the thought of offending Li Jiachen made her hesitate.
As Lin Guo’er hesitated, Li Jiachen’s voice rang out again.
"Now, I announce that Li Corporation is officially partnering with Zhao Corporation.
"In the future, all business matters in East Sea will be handled by Mr. Zhao Zhenlin, especially the plot of land we are preparing to develop soon. I hope everyone will offer their support.
"Furthermore, today is the engagement ceremony for Mr. Zhao’s beloved son, Zhao Shunyang, and Miss Lin Guo’er, the daughter of Lin Corporation’s CEO, Lin Wanli. Therefore, I hereby announce that the engagement is official! I wish them a joyous union.
"I hope these two young people will care for and love one another in the years to come. Thank you, everyone."
Li Jiachen spoke with a smile, his booming voice clear enough for everyone present to hear. At his words, the guests erupted in congratulations and a storm of enthusiastic applause.
Zhao Zhenlin and Lin Wanli watched the scene, both incredibly pleased.
Among them, the happiest, naturally, was Zhao Shunyang. He had coveted Lin Guo’er for a long time, and now his wish was finally coming true. The fact that Li Jiachen himself had made the announcement only amplified his excitement.
"Alright, let’s have the two exchange their engagement tokens now," Zhao Zhenlin chimed in from the side.
At his words, Zhao Shunyang took out the prepared ring. It wasn’t just any diamond ring, but one crafted entirely from a single massive diamond, worth at least several hundred million. It seemed Zhao Shunyang had spared no expense to marry Lin Guo’er.
Holding the diamond ring, Zhao Shunyang knelt on one knee before Lin Guo’er, his eyes filled with tender sincerity as he gazed at her.
"Guo’er, from the very first moment I saw you, I fell deeply in love. Before I met you, I didn’t believe in so-called love at first sight. But when I saw you, I realized that love at first sight truly does exist. Those of us who don’t believe have simply not met the right person. So, from that first glance, I was completely smitten.
"I’ve prepared for this day for a very long time. Now that I can truly call you mine, it feels as unreal as a dream. I am so happy in this moment, and I hope you will be by my side so we can continue this happiness together.
"I will use all my love to care for you and make you the happiest woman in the world. Guo’er, I love you. Please marry me."
As he finished speaking, Zhao Shunyang excitedly held out the diamond ring, his gaze fixed expectantly on Lin Guo’er.
Truthfully, Lin Guo’er hadn’t heard a word of Zhao Shunyang’s rambling. Her mind was in turmoil, debating whether or not she should object. And just as she hesitated, Zhao Shunyang extended the diamond ring toward her.
At that moment, Lin Guo’er knew one thing with absolute clarity. If I want to pursue my own happiness, I have to object right now. Otherwise, it will be too late! With this thought, she took a deep breath and her gaze swept across the crowd.
All the guests were watching expectantly. Most of the women, in particular, looked on with immense envy, wishing they were in Lin Guo’er’s place.
However, just as everyone watched with anticipation, Lin Guo’er finally spoke.
"I’m sorry, I don’t agree. I will not agree to a marriage without love!"
Lin Guo’er repeated her refusal twice. The final words were almost a shout, as even she didn’t know what consequences she would face for saying them.
Hearing her words, everyone present was stunned. Their expressions froze, and they stared at her in utter disbelief.
The next moment, an uproar erupted throughout the vast hall.