Time was tight, and System 030 provided Su Zhiyi with the identities of the strangers at the fastest speaking speed possible.
“The young man and woman at the front are the Si family’s eldest son, Si Yancheng, and his wife, Lu Yan. The middle-aged couple behind them are the Si family head and his wife…”
Just as it finished introducing them, the young man named Si Yancheng spoke.
Si Yancheng was in his early thirties, exuding a maturity and steadiness that came with being in a position of authority. He spoke with the Su Family Head and Mrs. Su without any sign of timidity, representing the Si family.
“Before coming to you, we deliberated for a long time at the Si family, weighing the pros and cons. We also heard that a few months ago, the Su family ended the engagement with the Song family, citing respect for the children’s wishes. This aligns closely with our educational philosophy at the Si family.”
The Su Family Head looked tormented, his brows furrowed so deeply they could form a knot. “But…”
He caught Su Qinghuai’s suggestive look from beside him, froze for a moment, and swallowed back the words “But the reason Su Zhiyi and Song Lian broke off the engagement is that Su Zhiyi isn’t a member of the Su family.”
He couldn’t reveal that the daughter they had raised for eighteen years was not their biological child.
The other party was the Si family—letting such a prestigious family learn about the Su family’s disgraceful secret that could nail them to the pillar of shame… absolutely not.
The Su Family Head said euphemistically, “Zhiyi has been spoiled at the Su family. I’m worried she’ll cause you trouble.”
Si Yancheng smiled calmly.
“Chairman Su, I understand.”
“If it were our Si family’s daughter getting married, we would also worry about whether her husband and his family would treat her well.” He said confidently, “But as you know, my wife comes from an ordinary family. That alone shows that the Si family respects the children’s wishes in marriage.”
“The Si family has a good family culture; we don’t interfere too much with the children.”
Seeing that the Su Family Head was about to speak, clearly wanting to refute, Si Yancheng struck again, giving the Su Family Head a dose of reassurance.
“Xiaojing also came to talk to me recently, saying that he and Miss Su are deeply in love and have reached the stage of committing to a lifelong partnership.”
“I’ve watched Xiaojing grow up, and I know his temperament very well. When he likes someone, it’s absolutely genuine—not just a passing whim.”
The Su Family Head felt extremely uncomfortable under the earnest gazes of the Si family members.
His eyes wandered, not knowing where to look; whenever he thought of Su Zhiyi’s identity, a surge of guilt washed over him.
“This… this…”
“We need to respect the children’s wishes, don’t we?” Si Yancheng said with a smile.
Just as the Su Family Head was at a loss for how to respond, Su Qinghuai, standing beside him, spoke on his behalf.
His face was as dark as ink, and his tone was unfriendly. “So you mean you want Su Zhiyi to be engaged to your brother?”
Si Yancheng didn’t know Su Qinghuai and wasn’t angered by his cold expression.
He politely asked the Su Family Head, “Chairman Su, who is this?”
“Please forgive me, President Si.” The Su Family Head’s forehead was covered in a fine layer of sweat from nervousness. He intended to introduce Su Qinghuai’s identity. “This is…”
“I am the eldest son of the Su family, and also Su Zhiyi’s older brother.”
Su Qinghuai spoke before the Su Family Head, announcing his identity with a hint of arrogance in his self-introduction.
“Oh…” A flicker of surprise passed through Si Yancheng’s eyes.
The Si family had extensive influence in City A, but he hadn’t heard that the Su family had two children…
The Su Family Head sighed and had no choice but to explain in advance to the Si family, “Yes, Qinghuai is the lost bloodline of the Su family. That’s why we held the charity gala today.”
Si Yancheng suddenly understood. “So… are you planning to announce Mr. Su’s identity tonight?”
The Su Family Head admitted, “Yes.”
Si Yancheng smiled and looked at Su Qinghuai, whose expression was hostile. “Mr. Su, as the older brother, it seems you’re not very satisfied with your sister’s and my brother’s engagement?”
Su Qinghuai said stiffly, “Do I look satisfied to you?”
Si Yancheng asked, “Does Mr. Su have any concerns?”
Su Qinghuai said bluntly, “They’re not suitable for each other.”
Si Yancheng said helplessly, “Mr. Su, I don’t quite understand why you’re so angry and insist they’re not suitable. Could you give us a reason why they’re not?”
Su Qinghuai said forcefully, “Not suitable is not suitable. No reason.”
Si Yancheng was at a loss, frowned, and said awkwardly, “This…”
The situation was tense. Su Zhiyi wanted to pretend she hadn’t seen anything and slip away, but someone spotted her and called out, directly disrupting her escape plan before it even started.
“Baby!”
Oh crap, it’s over.
Everyone’s eyes fell on Su Zhiyi, including Su Qinghuai and Si Yancheng, who had been at a standoff just moments ago.
Su Zhiyi turned her head stiffly, the corners of her mouth twitching upward slightly, forcing a smile at the newcomer. “What’s up?”
Damn it!
Of all times for Si Yanjing to appear, why now?
Si Yanjing’s face was written with joy. He held a small black velvet box in his hand—Su Zhiyi knew what was inside without him even opening it.
He walked over to the Si family members, a faint smile on his lips, and waved at Su Zhiyi.
Su Zhiyi had no choice but to resign herself to walking over to the Si and Su families.