Chapter 39 Who Said Ism Getting Engaged to Her? (1/2)
Bai Youran did not expect that things would turn out this way.
He had happily returned home with plans of getting his grandmother to discuss his marriage with the Xia family. He did not expect Shen Xinglan to abruptly propose an engagement with Xia Wan.
”Is this news reliable?”
The old madam of the Bai family was in her seventies this year. Even with her head full of white hair, she appeared to be in good spirits. She was dressed in a typical qipao and decked out in all kinds of gilded jadeite accessories.
”I don't know but the rumors are swirling outside.” Bai Youran clutched his hair in frustration. ”Didn't Auntie say that the Ji family wouldn't want Xia Wan?”
”She did say that but do you think she'll be able to stop Shen Xinglan if he wants to marry Xia Wan?”
If her daughter's words were really that effective, Shen Xinglan would not be able to take the helm of Ji Conglomerate as soon as he showed up even after disappearing for so many years. Not even her grandson, who had been working diligently and loyally at the company for many years, received this right.
”Then what should we do now?” Bai Youran gritted his teeth. ”Why don't… Why don't I get someone?”
The old madam glared at him, disappointed that he did not live up to expectations. ”You know nothing but underhanded tactics like these. Did you think Shen Xinglan is that easily handled?”
”Stay put obediently. We'll go to the ceremony together.”
Bai Youran replied, ”You're asking me to go? And watch the person I like get engaged to someone else?”
The old woman could not help swatting him on the head. ”You fool! Since your aunt didn't mention a word of this, which means the Ji family has no idea of this at all. When they show up at the engagement ceremony later, who knows what the outcome will be!”
”Didn't you say that Auntie can't control Shen Xinglan?” Bai Youran was still ill at ease.
”That's enough. That's not for you to worry about. I guarantee that the engagement won't go through!”
Simultaneously, Shen Xinglan received a call from his father's, Ji Zeming.
”Why didn't you tell me about something this big?” Ji Zeming's tone was not one of anger but rather helplessness.
Shen Xinglan replied placidly, ”Didn't you find out without me telling you about it?”
”It's your Auntie Bai who told me.” On the other end of the line, Ji Zeming paused for a moment. ”You like the young lady from the Xia family?”
”Does it matter?” Shen Xinglan said indifferently. ”It's a marriage alliance anyway. It's the same whichever family it is.”
Ji Zeming heaved a sigh. ”Xinglan, you know the Xia and Bai families…”
”What does it have to do with me?” Shen Xinglan interrupted him. ”It's the Xia family who broke off their promise of marriage to choose me. Even if the Bai family wants to blame someone, it shouldn't be me.”
”Okay. I won't interfere with your private life. Everything is fine as long as you're happy.”
Ji Zeming doted greatly on his late wife's son. He was childhood friends with Shen Xinglan's mother and even when he subsequently remarried, he only did so because Bai Yongwei and Shen Xinglan's mother were best friends and because Bai Yongwei had accompanied him during the most difficult time of his life.
He did not expect that Shen Xinglan would go missing. This was a memory that caused great pain in him each time he thought about it. His guilt toward his late wife during those years continued to torment him day and night.
Fortunately, this child was blessed enough to return!
”Is there anything else?” Evidently, Shen Xinglan did not want to converse much with his father.
Ji Zeming hesitated for a moment before finally saying, ”We're already on the plane. We're coming back to attend your engagement ceremony.”
Xia family villa.
A Miao heard about the news from one of the servants.
Her first reaction was: ”What is this psycho planning to do now?”
She absolutely did not believe that Shen Xinglan would enter a marriage alliance with the Xia family. Thus, that man certainly had ulterior motives for doing this.
”But I've already given him the jade pendant!” A Miao paced inside her bedroom. ”Just what exactly is he trying to do?”
”Thump, thump, thump!” Xia Wan knocked but pushed the door open to enter without waiting for a response.
”A Miao.” The corner of her mouth raised. She was unable to disguise her mirth.
A Miao looked at her and said especially insincerely, ”Congratulations. You got what you wish for.”
”That's why… I'm here to help you!” Xia Wan sat down in an elegant manner. ”Don't say that I haven't warned you. Bai Youran's grandmother will also be attending the engagement ceremony. Perform well then. As long as she agrees to it, you'll be able to marry into the Bai family!”
”Why would I marry into the Bai family?” A Miao shrugged in amusement. ”Either way, you're about to marry Shen Xinglan. Does it matter if I marry into the Bai family?”
Xia Wan heaved a sigh pretentiously. ”Dummy. If the Bai family abandons you because you're no longer a virgin, Grandfather will still find you a new partner.”
Seeing that A Miao was unafraid, she directly made herself clear. ”When that happens, it'll be old men in their forties or fifties. Putting aside the fact that you might become a stepmother after getting married, what if you come across an actual pervert? He'll torture you to death in just a couple of days.”
”How can you all do this?!” A Miao finally panicked. ”You guys don't need me anymore! Why won't you let me go?!”
Xia Wan looked delighted that A Miao had such a reaction. Patting A Miao's shoulder, she said, ”Since you're a part of the Xia family, you'll naturally have to do something for the family. In the several months since you've returned, all your meals and expenses are provided by the Xia family!”
Xia Wan flicked the flowers by A Miao's bed before looking at her. ”There's no free lunch in this world. Grandfather will naturally find you a good marriage partner.”
”Are you done speaking?” A Miao pulled open the door. ”If you're done, leave.”
”Hehe!” Straightening her neck, Xia Wan wore an expression of contempt as she walked past A Miao. ”Remember my words and perform well at the engagement ceremony.”
With a loud thud, A Miao slammed the door close with all her strength.
When the weekend arrived, City S became especially boisterous at night. It seemed as if there were more people and cars on the streets than usual.
”Congratulations! Congratulations!”
”Thank you! Thank you so much!”
”Drink more later on!”