Chapter 10: Rushing to Propose Marriage

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Father He cast a deep, lingering glance at Ye Siran, seeing clearly that she truly did not want to marry his son. He then turned to Ye’s father and said, “Since Hongwen and your eldest daughter have already crossed the point of no return, go get the marriage certificate tomorrow.”

“That’s great, that’s great. The two children will register their marriage first thing tomorrow, and we will leave all the wedding arrangements to our in-laws,” Ye’s father said with a broad smile.

Madam He pulled Ye Ruyue’s hand and said, “Yueyue, Hongwen is eight years older than his elder brother. We’ve spoiled him rotten. He’s not the right match for you!”

Ye Ruyue lifted her head; her eyes were red like a rabbit’s. She bit her lips until they turned pale, then slowly lowered her head again, wishing she could silence Madam He.

Madam He continued, “Yueyue, Siran said she doesn’t want to attend university. Aunt He has decided to give that university spot to you. Rest assured, when you find the right family in the future, Auntie will provide you with a generous dowry. You will never suffer any grievances.”

Ye Ruyue’s teeth clenched tightly and ground audibly. Honestly, even if He Hongwen wasn’t a good match, she still wanted to marry him. The He family was wealthy and prestigious; marrying into the He family would be a blessing. But she couldn’t say that out loud.

With tears streaming down like pear blossoms in the rain, she choked, “Auntie, I know Brother Hongwen is excellent, but I am not worthy of him.”

Ye’s mother, unable to bear seeing her stepdaughter wronged, angrily said, “Yueyue, don’t belittle yourself. Our Yueyue is beautiful and intelligent—she’s the perfect match for Hongwen.”

Madam He was about to say more but was silenced by Father He’s sharp glance. “It’s settled then. Go get the certificate tomorrow, and hold the wedding banquet three days later.”

He Hongwen couldn’t accept Ye Siran’s coldness toward him; he simply refused to believe she didn’t want to marry him. A few days ago, she had made him a pair of cloth shoes, and yesterday, two pairs of trousers. Although her behavior today suggested she was giving up on him, there was a saying: “Feigning retreat to capture the enemy.”

Yes, she was retreating to advance. He hadn’t expected his obedient fiancée to start playing tricks.

But he didn’t dislike her little schemes; in fact, he felt somewhat pleased. Since today he was at fault, he would let her have her way for now!

Thinking this way, He Hongwen didn’t argue against his father’s plan to get the certificate tomorrow and hold the wedding banquet the day after. After all, his father adored Siran, and as long as she changed her mind, his father would unconditionally agree.

Hadn’t his father just said that even if the rice was burnt to a crisp, it wouldn’t help? Yet he immediately allowed him to marry Ye Ruyue.

If Siran changed her mind tomorrow and said she wanted to marry him, his father would definitely agree.

Madam He saw that her second son didn’t oppose his father’s decision and happily accepted it.

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A flicker of displeasure rose within Madam He; she wondered what kind of enchantment Ye Ruyue had cast over her second son. Her dislike for Ye Ruyue deepened. Her eldest son and the two older daughters had been raised by her mother-in-law. The older three children were distant from her emotionally, while only the second and third sons and the youngest daughter were raised by her, and therefore close to her.

She believed her second son was even more outstanding than the eldest, and that Ye Siran, the Ye family’s own granddaughter, barely matched her second son.

Unfortunately, Siran had been spoiled by her own mother, growing into a petty and narrow-minded girl, especially disgraceful in recent years.

Ye Jianping’s daughter was simply not worthy of her second son, especially with that capitalist heiress demeanor inherited from her own mother.

Though reluctant, Madam He dared not oppose her husband and could only glare fiercely at Ye Ruyue, hoping she would give up on her own.

Ye’s father warmly saw the He family trio to the yard gate. “In-laws, mother-in-law, Hongwen, take care. I won’t see you off further.”

He Yongchang didn’t even bother with pleasantries and quickly left, with Madam He closely following behind.

He Hongwen, out of respect for his fiancée, politely said, “Uncle Ye, please go inside. No need to see us off.”

Seeing the prospective son-in-law so courteous, Ye’s father laughed and loudly said, “Hongwen, take care. Come early tomorrow to take Yueyue to register.”

Hearing this, He Hongwen said nothing, instead quickly turning and following his parents.

Inside, Ye Siran, seeing the three from the He family had left, didn’t bother clearing the dishes on the table but turned toward their room.

Upon returning to her room, she immediately entered her space, then walked into her large villa, heading straight to the bathroom to run hot water for a soak.

Ye’s mother, seeing that her biological daughter had obediently broken off the engagement without a fuss, unusually did not pick a fight but instead started clearing the dishes herself.

Having not done housework for many years, she inevitably made a lot of noise.

“Mom, are you unhappy that your daughter is marrying Brother Hongwen tomorrow?” Ye Ruyue, full of anger with nowhere to vent, asked sharply.

“Yueyue, what nonsense are you saying? I’m more than happy! How could I be unhappy?” Ye’s mother replied weakly.

“Then why are you making so much noise?” Ye Ruyue’s sharp voice asked, just looking for someone to blame.

“How dare you speak to your mother like that? If you think the noise is loud, go clean up yourself,” Ye’s father chided, though his expression showed no anger.

If it weren’t for Ye Siran convincing He Yongchang today, the old man would never have allowed his son to marry Yueyue.

As long as the marriage certificate wasn’t in hand, he could not let his guard down. To control Ye Siran, he had to treat Song Chunhua well.

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Ye Ruyue was no fool and immediately understood her father’s meaning. “Mom, I’m sorry. It’s all my worry and insecurity. I was afraid earlier was just a dream.”

“Yueyue, don’t be afraid. Your Uncle He has already agreed for you and Hongwen to get the certificate tomorrow.”

“Mom, you’re so kind. I’ll head back to my room now,” Ye Ruyue said eagerly, hoping to boast to Ye Siran.

“Dad, look, Sister has bolted the door.”

“Siran’s in a bad mood. Don’t bother her tonight. You’ll sleep in Weiguo’s room,” Ye’s father said, giving his daughter a look to warn her not to provoke Ye Siran.

Tomorrow, he planned to find out quickly where Ye’s family had been relocated. With the He family’s name backing him, handling matters would be faster.

Money could be earned again, but he would not tell his wife about giving all the family’s money to his stepdaughter.

With her petty nature, she would surely make a fuss and might even cause trouble if provoked.

Back in his room, Ye’s father saw the table left with only an empty box, no money inside, and surprisingly smiled with relief.

He closed the wooden box and put it back in its place, then turned to the main hall, calmly waiting for his wife to bring him water for washing his face and feet.

Early the next morning, many women in the courtyard eagerly tried to cozy up to Ye’s mother.

“Your daughter really broke off the engagement? That’s wonderful! My maternal cousin has a second cousin who’s been thinking about Ye Siran. Tomorrow, I’ll bring him over to see your family!”

“Sister-in-law Ye, your Siran is beautiful and hardworking. She must marry into a good family! Let me tell you, my aunt’s nephew is handsome and has a good job.”

“Sister-in-law Ye, my nephew is also very good-looking. He’s a manager at the department store.”

Several women surrounded Ye’s mother, chattering about their relatives.

Though Ye Siran was timid, she was beautiful and had the backing of the He family.

Ye’s mother smiled so broadly her mouth hardly closed. “I’ve taken note of what you said. When I get off work, I’ll ask my husband.”