-005- The Third Young Master Zhou Has Arrived.
After leaving Lanyan Bar, Xuan Yang and Xie Xinglan found a Chinese restaurant by the river, eating while enjoying the night river view. During the meal, Xie Xinglan asked Xuan Yang, "After you talked with Chen Xingyue tonight, will he really firmly reject this marriage arrangement?" She knew Xuan Yang had drafted two agreements to coerce and bribe him. But after all, the marriage was settled by the elders of both families. Could Chen Xingyue really turn the situation around on his own?
Xuan Yang picked up a piece of steamed sea bass, pausing over the small white porcelain bowl. "Getting him to resist with me is better than fighting alone. Even if we can't ultimately change the outcome, at least it'll buy some time." She could then find another way out.
Xie Xinglan nodded, finding it reasonable. "He's the only male heir of the Chen generation, doted on like a precious gem. If he resists, it'll definitely be more effective than you." Thinking of Chen Xingyue's expression after coming out of the second-floor private room—looking like he doubted his whole existence—Xie Xinglan couldn't help but laugh. "Young Master Chen is really fortunate. Almost thirty, yet still spoiled by his family like a child." All his joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness were written on his face. He couldn't hide anything.
Unlike her third cousin, who had grown more inscrutable. In a suit, he exuded the shrewd coldness of a capitalist. When chatting, he was unshakably calm, as emotionally stable as a robot.
For no reason, Xie Xinglan thought of Zhou Dang and asked Xuan Yang jokingly, "If your adoptive parents had arranged a marriage with Zhou Dang, Yangyang, would you still be so determined to dissolve it?" She knew Xuan Yang wasn't opposed to arranged marriage per se; she just wanted a suitable partner. Chen Xingyue's wild personality definitely wasn't right for her, but Zhou Dang nowadays seemed not bad.
Xuan Yang had just put the tender fish in her mouth when she heard this unexpected question. She chuckled, chewing slowly. "You sure can dream." The Zhou family's branches were so high; how could she, an adopted daughter of the Xuan family, ever reach them? Besides, back in school, due to her duties, she had caught Zhou Dang multiple times and created quite a few grudges with him. Having just reunited with him, she was afraid he might hold a grudge against her, so she didn't dare think in terms of marriage.
Xie Xinglan was just talking casually. "Just asking. After all, he is quite handsome."
Xuan Yang went along with her assumption and answered honestly, "If it were him, I'd give it a try."
Xie Xinglan was surprised. "Really?"
Xuan Yang nodded. "Mm. His age is suitable."
Xie Xinglan: "..." So her only requirement for a marriage partner was that he not be younger?
-
Late at night, Xuan Yang returned to the Xuan Family Villa. Her mother was still awake. She handed a dress to Xuan Yang in her room. "Tomorrow night is He Chen's birthday party at the Banshan Villa in the southern part of the city. During dinner, your uncle called, saying that tomorrow Xingyue will come to pick you up. You'll go together and bond. Make sure to wear this dress," Xuan's mother instructed. "Your sister will also be there tomorrow night. Don't steal the spotlight."
Xuan Yang paused, looking at her adoptive mother with a complicated expression. She curled the corner of her mouth. "Then it's better you don't let me go." Her soft, calm voice was casual yet confident, leaving her mother momentarily speechless.
Not interested in her mother's changing expression, Xuan Yang turned toward the bathroom. "It's late. You should go back to sleep. Next time, just have Aunt Wang inform me. No need to stay up in person for me." Her adoptive parents usually kept regular hours. If they hadn't waited for her tonight, they'd probably have been asleep by now. It showed how much they valued and cared about Xuan Yao. They had to personally remind and warn her to feel at ease.
Xuan Yang smiled bitterly to herself. While showering, she seriously considered moving out of the Xuan family villa.
-
The next morning, Xuan Yang went to Junda Law Firm for an interview. In the afternoon, she looked at apartments nearby, planning to rent one as a temporary place. It wasn't until dusk that she returned to the Xuan Family Villa.
Her mother was entertaining guests. When Xuan Yang entered the living room, a lavishly dressed Xuan Yao was just coming down the stairs. She wore a light beige strapless dress, densely decorated with beads and sequins that shimmered brilliantly as she moved—luxurious and elegant. The hem used a sheer mesh design, continuing the sequin embellishments, adding a touch of hazy allure.
It was quite beautiful. Xuan Yang lingered her gaze on her for a moment until, out of the corner of her eye, a tall figure stood up from the sofa. "Yaoyao, you look beautiful tonight."
Xuan Yang looked over and recognized the man as Zhou Lin, the second young master of the Zhou family. Xuan Yao, lightly lifting her hem, walked slowly down the steps, a sweet and proper smile on her impeccably made-up face. "Thank you for the compliment, Brother Lin." As she spoke, her peripheral vision swept over Xuan Yang, who had been ignored for a while. She pretended to be surprised. "Xuan Yang, you're finally back. Mom was just about to call you to hurry home."
Xuan's mother and Zhou Lin both turned around and saw Xuan Yang not far away. The former frowned and said reproachfully, "Why are you so late? Look at the time. Go upstairs and change clothes now." Zhou Lin, as a guest, gave a warm smile and greeted her with proper manners. "Long time no see, Sister Xuan Yang."
Xuan Yang nodded in return. "Brother Zhou Lin."
Zhou Lin was from the second branch of the Zhou family and Zhou Dang's cousin. He was gentle and courteous, very kind, and had always had a good reputation in their circle. Even to someone of Xuan Yang's background, he never showed any disdain. Whenever they met, he would treat her with elder-brotherly grace, making him easy to get along with.
Xuan Yang hadn't expected him to come today. As she went upstairs under her mother's urging, she vaguely overheard their conversation in the living room. It turned out Zhou Lin was Xuan Yao's male companion for the evening, specifically coming to pick her up for the Banshan Villa in the southern city.
Though Xuan Yang couldn't fully grasp her adoptive parents' intentions, she understood a bit. They probably wanted to marry Xuan Yao into the Zhou family.
Back in her room, Xuan Yang changed into the dress her mother had prepared for her. It was black velvet, of high quality with a vintage flair, a fitted mermaid-tail design that accentuated her figure. The off-shoulder style was paired with beige and white lace trim and lace at the neckline, giving a nice visual effect when worn. Xuan Yang did a simple hairstyle and applied light makeup, and soon came downstairs. But she hadn't expected Xuan Yao and Zhou Lin to still be there.
The two were chatting with her mother on the living room sofa. Xuan Yao's gaze kept drifting toward the stairs, until she finally saw her. "Xuan Yang, are you ready?" Xuan Yao tilted her head and asked, her tone light. "Mom said Xingyue's phone wasn't going through. She's afraid something might have delayed him and he can't make it, so she wants you to come with us."
Xuan Yang understood and smiled faintly, casually tucking a strand of wavy hair behind her ear. Holding a light gold clutch, she walked over gracefully. "Sure." Chen Xingyue couldn't be reached, probably because her "threats and temptations" from last night had worked. Xuan Yang was glad he wasn't cooperating, saving her the trouble of charging into battle.
Just as they had agreed to go together, butler Li hurried in. "Madam, the Third Young Master of the Zhou family has arrived."
Xuan's mother paused before realizing who that was. She was a bit surprised. "You mean Zhou Dang?" Even Xuan Yao, who had been sitting obediently beside Zhou Lin, brightened, turning her head to look outside the living room's lattice windows. Only Zhou Lin and Xuan Yang remained relatively calm, maintaining their positions.
Xuan's mother stood up from the sofa, puzzled. "What is he doing here? Quickly, invite him in." In her memory, this was Zhou Dang's first visit to the Xuan family. Regardless, they had to make a good impression. After all, compared to Zhou Lin, Zhou Dang was the one designated by the Zhou family patriarch as the next leader—full of potential.
But the butler didn't move. He hesitated, glancing at Xuan Yang. "The Third Young Master Zhou says... he was entrusted by Young Master Chen to pick up the eldest young lady for the He family's birthday banquet."
Xuan's mother was stunned again, glancing at Xuan Yang. Zhou Lin and Xuan Yao also caught on, looking at her.
Xuan Yang: "?"
What was wrong with Chen Xingyue? It would have been fine if he just disappeared. Why did he have to send Zhou Dang over?!
Author's note:
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President Zhou: Coming to pick up my wife for a dance. [evil grin]
Yangyang: Back off! Back off! Back off!