As the dishes were served, the atmosphere grew subtly tense. Yin Wenzhuo sat at the head of the long table, with Yin Lan directly opposite him, while Zhou Guchuan was seated in the middle.
With such distance between them, the three ate in silence, each keeping to themselves.
The table was laden with every imaginable preparation of fish: steamed fish, braised fish, chopped chili fish head, boiled fish, sweet and sour fish, whole fish in bean sauce, beer-battered fish…
Yin Lan felt that after this meal, she would dream of eating fish all night.
“Dad, isn’t this a bit excessive? Did you really have to cook the entire bucket of fish?”
Yin Wenzhuo waved his hand dismissively. “You just don’t understand. Who would’ve thought these fish were swimming happily in the pond just an hour ago, and now they’re delicious dishes on the table? This level of freshness is only possible when you catch them yourself.”
“We should take advantage of this freshness and try every flavor. That way, we’ll know which one tastes best in the future.”
Yin Lan sighed, rubbing her forehead. “Alright, alright, you’re the one with all the reasons.”
“Guchuan, you should come over more often in the future and teach me how to fish. It’s true what they say—you can’t judge a book by its cover. I never knew you were such an expert angler.”
Zhou Guchuan nodded at Yin Wenzhuo. “I’ll come anytime you need me, Uncle.”
“Good lad. Now, let’s eat.”
Zhou Guchuan knew Yin Lan loved the chopped chili flavor, and since the chopped chili fish head happened to be closest to him, he used a small bowl to scoop up a generous portion of fresh fish meat.
Then, under everyone’s watchful eyes, he walked over to Yin Lan’s side.
Placing the bowl in front of her, he said, “This is your favorite.”
Instantly, all eyes in the room turned toward them. Even some of the servants in the background began whispering.
“It seems Miss and this Mr. Zhou are quite close. Looks like they’re heading toward marriage.”
“Absolutely. He went all the way across the table just to bring her fish. Few people even notice that Miss likes the chopped chili flavor.”
“Don’t you think they look perfect together? Getting to witness office romance at work—who’s the lucky one here? I won’t say.”
“It’s not just us. The master seems to be enjoying it too.”
Yin Lan heard every word of the surrounding chatter, but only she, as the person involved, knew what Zhou Guchuan had really said when he leaned close to her.
“Lanlan, it’s time to bring up our engagement.”
“Go back and sit down first. I’ll talk to Dad about it slowly.”
“Alright, Lanlan. I’m willing to marry into your family.”
“I know.”
Even though she was the one in control, why did it suddenly feel like Zhou Guchuan was the one more eager to get married?
Zhou Guchuan returned to his seat, and the whispers around them instantly ceased.
The three resumed eating as if nothing had happened. Ten minutes later, Yin Lan abruptly brought up a topic.
“Dad, when do you think Zhou Guchuan and I should get engaged?”
“Cough, cough!” Yin Wenzhuo choked on his food.
Wait, hadn’t they known each other for less than two months? How could his precious daughter already be talking about engagement?
Since when had she become so impatient? This wasn’t like her at all.
Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Yin Wenzhuo spoke gravely, “Engagement is no trivial matter. Are you both absolutely sure about this?”
“Dad, I’ve made up my mind. He’s the one for me, for the rest of my life.”
Zhou Guchuan had anticipated Yin Lan bringing up the topic, but he never expected her to be so direct.
“He’s the one for me, for the rest of my life.” Those six words echoed in his mind, repeating a hundred times over.
A tingling, fluttering sensation spread densely through her chest, her heartbeat suddenly spiraling out of control, pounding wildly against her ribcage.
Lanlan, I like you a little more again today. What should I do?
Seeing his daughter’s resolute determination and that she wasn’t joking, Yin Wenzhuo turned his gaze to Zhou Guchuan.
In front of so many servants, he asked very directly.
“Are you willing to marry into our Yin family?”
Zhou Guchuan pushed back his chair and stood up, bowing respectfully to Yin Wenzhuo.
“Uncle, I am willing.”
“This is no joke. Does your family agree?”
“They will agree.”
“Hearing you say that, it means you haven’t discussed it yet. When you have time, I’ll invite them to the Yin residence so both families can discuss it together.”
“Alright, I’ll follow your arrangements, Uncle.”
“Don’t just stand there. Keep eating, make yourself at home. After all, you and Lanlan will be spending a lifetime together.”
After dinner, before returning to his study, Yin Wenzhuo asked Yin Lan to see Zhou Guchuan off.
“He’s a fine young man. You should see him home.”
“Me? Couldn’t the driver take him directly?”
“You silly child. On the way back, wouldn’t the two of you have a chance to build some affection? Otherwise, with both of you busy working, when would you ever have time to spend together?”
“Trust your father, a marriage without affection is not solid. Only when this man falls in love with you can you truly hold onto him.”
“What is all this? Dad, what are you talking about?”
“Words of experience. You’ll understand someday.”
“Alright, I’ll listen to you.” Yin Lan agreed verbally, but in her heart, she had her own plans.
After what happened in her past life, she understood very well that relying on others was never as reliable as relying on herself.
Rather than spending all day thinking about making a man fall for you, it was better to hold power in your own hands.
Power—it was truly intoxicating.
At the entrance, Zhou Guchuan was about to get into the car to go home when Yin Lan called out to him.
“Guchuan, don’t rush. I’ll take you back.”
“No need. I wouldn’t feel at ease with you returning alone later.”
“My father asked me to see you off. I have to listen to him.”
“Hahaha.”
The man’s laughter sounded especially clear and bright in the night.
Yin Lan looked puzzled. “What are you laughing at?”
“Nothing. I just didn’t expect our Lanlan to be so obedient.”
“My father loves me very much, so I respect him deeply.”
“I’ll treat our father well too.”
Yin Lan’s face flushed. They weren’t even married yet, and he was already saying such things.
The two got into the car. The back seat was spacious, with the driver in front separated by a partition.
The air was eerily quiet.
Yin Lan broke the silence first. “You’re very impressive. My father seems to really like you. I rarely hear him praise anyone like that—almost never.”
“It’s my honor to have Uncle’s appreciation,” Zhou Guchuan replied flawlessly.
Yin Lan suddenly leaned closer to him, her gaze carrying a hint of pressure.
“You’re not lacking in qualifications yourself. Why are you so willing to marry into the family? Do you have other motives?”
After all, in her past life, Xie Zhiqiu had stubbornly refused to marry into the Yin family.
“If you’re thinking of changing the Yin family name to Zhou, I can tell you right now—that’s impossible.”
The woman’s fierce yet adorable demeanor only endeared her more to the man.
His Lanlan—how could she be so cute?
Zhou Guchuan couldn’t help but pull her into his arms, resting his head on her shoulder.
“I’ve said it before—I don’t care about money. I came for you. I don’t need the Yin family to change its name to Zhou. Our children can all carry the Yin surname.”
“I don’t believe… mmm.”
Yin Lan’s remaining words were silenced by the man’s kiss.
Zhou Guchuan wasn’t in a good mood either at the moment. What could he possibly do to make Lanlan believe him?
He was practically ready to cut open his heart and show it to her. For now, all he could do was convey his feelings through kiss after kiss.