Chapter 138: Asking Oneself

At the time, what Shangguan Qingcai said was purely a rash outburst in the heat of anger. Back then, Eddie had publicly embarrassed him in front of a large gathering of powerful figures, and over the years, Shangguan Qingcai had harbored a grudge. Since Eddie refused to marry his daughter, then his son would marry his granddaughter to restore his own face!

This was a fleeting thought born of passion, which then slipped out before he could stop it. As the saying goes, misfortune comes from the mouth; one must think before speaking.

Alice glanced at Shangguan Qingcai, then at the oranges on the table. She picked one up and slowly peeled it, delicately lifting a slice and bringing it to her lips. Then she hesitated, placing the slice carefully in her palm and meticulously removing the white pith with great care.

Watching Alice’s deliberate actions, Shangguan Qingcai felt as if his heart disease might strike again. What was this girl up to? Such slow, deliberate movements were obviously intentional—who taught her this? Was she trying to provoke him for no reason? Eddie!

But this time, Shangguan Qingcai was wrong to blame Eddie; it was Huo Ye’s intermittent mischief, not from the same family or under the same roof.

Seeing Shangguan Qingcai’s impatient expression, Alice hurriedly smiled and said, “Oh, just joking. Well, I’m not sure about my brother, but Xiaoyu definitely has someone.”

“Huh? Who?” Shangguan Qingcai’s heart skipped a beat. Wasn’t it said before that Xiaoyu had no romantic interest? If so, he would be ruining his granddaughter’s happiness. No, today he must swallow his pride and take back his words. If the engagement is truly off, then they might really give away the divine weapon. After all, there’s no young man more outstanding than Eddie’s son! He was just stubborn, not senile!

Between saving face and his child’s happiness, the latter mattered more.

Just as Shangguan Qingcai hesitated whether to lose his dignity, Alice continued, “She really likes my brother.”

“What? What did you say, good child?” Shangguan Qingcai’s mood suddenly cleared, as if the clouds had parted and the sky brightened. Xiaoyu liked Eddie’s son? Well, that was perfect! Wonderful! But...

Suddenly, Shangguan Qingcai had a premonition of ill fortune. This situation was eerily reminiscent of the past, when Shangguan Jing first liked Eddie. Would tonight’s family gathering bring another unexpected twist?

If there’s a chance for things to go wrong, no matter how small, it always will. — “Murphy’s Law”

Following Eddie and Vivian, Huo Ye met Shangguan Hong and Shangguan Jing, and quickly greeted them, “Uncle Hong, Aunt Jing, long time no see.”

“It’s little Ye! It really has been a long time. Come, let auntie take a good look,” Shangguan Jing smiled and patted Huo Ye on the head.

Huo Ye smiled wryly and didn’t pull away. Instead, he asked, “How’s the old master’s health? Still strong?”

Shangguan Jing replied, “He’s doing well. When you meet Grandpa Qingcai later, you’ll have to bear with him.”

“Auntie, what you say—if the old master scolds me, as a junior, I must listen humbly. The words of elders always carry more weight than those of a young punk like me.”

“You sure know what to say. Here, auntie prepared a little gift for you,” Shangguan Jing said, pulling a delicate little box from a storage case and handing it to Huo Ye.

Rubbing the back of his head, Huo Ye casually fixed his tousled hair and smiled, “Alright, I know the rules in the Shangguan family; I won’t argue. I accept the gift. May I ask, what is it?”

Shangguan Jing answered, “Nothing much, just a jar of Qihong tea, only about a pound. It’s almost November, so this is all that’s left. It’s the kind of tea farmers keep for themselves. Auntie went through a lot of trouble to get it.”

“Qihong?!” Huo Ye asked in surprise. “Such a precious thing, and you just gave it to me? Auntie, you’re…”

“Just take it,” Shangguan Jing said simply, then fell silent.

As no one else looked at Huo Ye, his smile faded, and his eyes narrowed involuntarily.

Though it was a family custom, such a heavy gift meant today’s matters would not be easy. This would take more than just words.

“Tch, the responsibility of marriage is not something I can bear,” Huo Ye thought.

“No, that’s completely wrong,” a voice suddenly sounded within him—Pandora.

“What are you doing out? Aren’t you...”

“Extreme hesitation and confusion count as extreme emotions, so I have the conditions to appear. I bet you’re so anxious you could punch a hole in the wall by now. Well, it makes sense—already confused about your feelings, and now pressured into a marriage you’re not sure you can handle. Anxiety is only natural.”

“You’re not here to mock me, are you?”

“Ah, no. I’m just here as your inner voice to ask, have you really let go?”

“Let go of what? Qingxue? Of course, I’ve said more than once that I won’t be held back by the past. I have a brighter future ahead. I will always cherish Qingxue but will never...”

“You can say it to the world as many times as you want, but do you believe it yourself?”

Pandora’s words hit the mark.

“Yeah, how could I not care...”

“Enough self-deception.”

“That’s right, it’s time to face your true feelings. But what exactly is inside my heart?” Huo Ye said, hands in pockets. One corner of his mouth lifted slightly, but his eyes remained downcast, half bitter smile, half confusion.

At that moment, a familiar voice sounded—the voice Huo Ye dreaded most at this moment, warm and mellow: “Everyone, my grandfather requests that all guests move to his annex.”

Shangguan Yudie.

Huo Ye turned, uncertain how to face this childhood acquaintance. After today, their relationship would either be inseparable or strangers.

Meanwhile, Shangguan Qingcai had clearly learned from Alice that Huo Ye was hiding his identity, that Shangguan Yudie had discovered it, and that Huo Ye’s hesitation and Yudie’s confusion were evident.

In the end, Huo Ye still wavered, but Shangguan Yudie had made up her mind.

Wealth can move even devils, and Shangguan Qingcai immediately gave Alice a large allowance, saving much trouble; otherwise, Alice might have driven him to several heart attacks.

“Well, little Ai, I think I understand what you’re saying. You young folks really know how to make things complicated. Something as simple as whether or not you’re willing can get twisted into such a tangled mess.”

“Haha, Grandpa Qingcai, you don’t understand. Not all young people are this complicated, but a girl’s heart—that’s something no man of any age can truly grasp. I know my brother and Xiaoyu well. They’re not just considering simple romantic willingness anymore. One is afraid to accept, the other wants the other to accept first, then confess. In short, they’re two stubbornly proud souls who’ve locked their hearts away, waiting for someone else to open them.”

Shangguan Qingcai gasped. He understood the term “tsundere” well—he had been young once. After learning the situation, for some reason, it felt uncannily fitting!

So, Shangguan Qingcai had to ask himself whether he should treat Huo Ye more gently; after all, the boy was truly pitiful.

“Well, since neither of you kids can save face, Grandpa will play the white-faced role to the end today. If this can bring you together, I’ll be at ease.”