Originally, Ye Wen already had two fiancées at home. Adding another one would be like upgrading from playing "landlord" to playing "mahjong."
Ye Wen instinctively wanted to refuse.
But before he could say anything, Huo Rui slapped him on the shoulder.
Ouch (>_<)!
Wincing slightly from the pain, Ye Wen turned to look at Huo Rui, his eyes silently asking, 'What's this about?'
To his surprise, Huo Rui smirked mischievously, ignoring Ye Wen entirely, and turned to Chen Gang instead.
"Chen Gang, your insight is pretty sharp. You actually set your sights on my grandson-in-law. But trying to poach him right in front of me—don't you think that's a bit inappropriate?"
Chen Gang showed no signs of guilt and simply crossed his arms, replying calmly:
"I didn't want it to come to this, but who can resist such an enticing offer?
I want the strength of a Title Douluo, and I also want the Ye family to thrive.
But after careful consideration, I realized that if I want both conditions to be met, the core of this small faction will eventually revolve around this young man.
If I don't form a connection with him, even if I join your faction, I'll likely be marginalized in the future—or worse, discarded like a used tool.
So, to ensure my place in your faction, marriage is the most effective solution. Besides, this young man seems to meet your standards. If he weren't someone who values loyalty and righteousness, I doubt you, Huo Rui, would approve of him."
Huo Rui's eyes narrowed dangerously, and the soul power she had previously reined in began to surge again.
"You old fox, your judgment is quite sharp."
"Not at all, it's mostly thanks to your influence. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to see through someone's character."
The two exchanged barbs, but ultimately, neither chose to escalate things into a fight.
At this moment, Ye Wen was about to tell Huo Rui that he would refuse the marriage proposal and suggest they part ways amicably, leaving the matter unresolved for now.
But to his shock, Huo Rui suddenly said, "Alright, I agree to this marriage."
_-!?
Ye Wen's mind was instantly filled with question marks. 'What's going on here?' He thought. 'I'm your grandson-in-law! Is this how you push your grandson-in-law away?'
Huo Rui then patted Ye Wen's shoulder lightly and said cheerfully:
"Xiao Wen, I know you're wondering why I agreed to this.
But as you said, the future of the Douluo Continent will be dangerous. Having one more person means more strength, which benefits everyone.
It's just that this will be tough on you, Xiao Wen. Don't worry—I'll explain everything to Xiao Yu'er when we get back. Just accept this engagement."
Even after hearing her explanation, Ye Wen still wanted to refuse. After all, even without the Nine-Heart Begonia family, he could recruit other factions. He was confident that the allure of a Title Douluo-level power would attract others!
But just as Ye Wen was about to speak, Chen Gang subtly released some of his imposing presence, suppressing Ye Wen. This time, Huo Rui didn't intervene.
Chen Gang had noticed Ye Wen's reluctance, but he was equally unwilling to let his precious granddaughter go so easily.
However, as Huo Rui had pointed out, the future of the Douluo Continent would be perilous. Even if the Ye family remained neutral, could they truly avoid being forcibly recruited by one side or another?
The answer was no. Without a Title Douluo protecting them, the Ye family had no real choice from the very beginning.
Thus, despite the pain, Chen Gang made the decision to pursue the marriage alliance.
Moreover, the more Ye Wen resisted, the more satisfied Chen Gang became.
If his granddaughter truly tied herself to someone like Ye Wen, there was no way Ye Wen would abandon her in the future. For an auxiliary soul master, this was the best possible partner—even if the man might have multiple wives.
"Well then, I look forward to working with you, son-in-law." Chen Gang grinned widely, baring his teeth.
Huo Rui turned away, not wanting to witness this painful scene.
She didn't want it to come to this either, but after carefully analyzing a series of events involving Dugu Bo and hearing Ye Wen's straightforward warnings about the worsening relations between the Spirit Hall and other factions, Huo Rui knew she had to make plans early.
Even if it meant sacrificing some of her beloved granddaughter's happiness.
But in Huo Rui's eyes, without the guarantee of life, what was happiness worth? This was a price she, Huo Rui, was willing to pay.
After a round of "friendly" negotiations, Ye Wen reluctantly accepted the engagement, promising to treat Ye Lingling the same way he treated Huo Yu'er.
+1 fiancée
On the way home, Ye Wen wore a gloomy expression. Although Ye Lingling was soft, sweet, and exactly the type of girlfriend he'd dreamed of, this arranged marriage wasn't what he wanted at all.
But life was full of disappointments, and Ye Wen quickly came to terms with reality. Still, the thought of facing Huo Yu'er's questioning made him wonder if his fragile body could handle it.
Huo Rui patted Ye Wen's shoulder again.
"Don't worry. When we get home, just tell Yu'er it was my doing. I guarantee she won't dare to explode at you."
Ye Wen forced a bitter smile. "Let's hope so, Grandma."
---
At the Dugu residence
Dugu Bo, his grandson, and the Huo family were leisurely having dinner. During the meal, Ye Wen seized the opportunity to explain the situation with Ye Lingling to Huo Yu'er.
In truth, Ye Wen, feeling rather cowardly, tried several times to signal Huo Rui with his eyes during the meal, hoping she'd take the lead in breaking the news. But despite her earlier assurances, the old lady left him to do the talking.
Huo Yu'er listened calmly and, after finishing her meal, quietly placed her utensils down.
"Yu'er, are you alright?"
Her lack of anger made Ye Wen feel uneasy—it was unlike her.
But Huo Yu'er's reaction surprised everyone present. She reached over, took Ye Wen's left hand, and intertwined her fingers with his. Smiling sweetly, she said:
"Ah Wen, do you really think I'd scold you?"
Feeling awkward, Ye Wen scratched his temple with his free hand and lowered his head.
"If you want to scold me, go ahead. Ultimately, it's my fault for not standing firm. If I had insisted on refusing, even Grandma wouldn't have been able to force this engagement. So don't blame Grandma—blame me."
At this point, the Dugu grandfather and grandson finally caught on. Dugu Bo's previously ruddy complexion darkened as he angrily shouted:
"Huo Rui, what nonsense are you pulling now?! Marriage proposals aren't something to be taken lightly!"
In truth, Dugu Bo was inwardly seething. He had planned to make the first move, but someone else had beaten him to it while he was away. Someone as proud as him couldn't tolerate being outmaneuvered!
Huo Rui, however, remained silent, continuing to eat her meal with gusto, even taking the time to roll her eyes at Dugu Bo.
Huo Yu'er, meanwhile, ignored the commotion around her and looked at Ye Wen with a tender expression, speaking softly:
"Ah Wen, you don't need to exhaust yourself like this. I understand what you're worried about. If things ever reach that point, we'll face them together. You don't have to sacrifice yourself."
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