“Yes, we’ll be discussing the engagement arrangements this weekend.”
“Then allow me to offer my early congratulations.”
“The bankruptcy of the Xie family will be your congratulatory gift to me.”
“Understood, boss. Just wait and see.”
On the weekend, the originally clear and sunny weather turned into a torrential downpour. Two ostentatious luxury cars slowly drove into the Yin family’s ancestral estate.
These were the two finest cars the Zhou family owned, specially selected by Zhou Desheng from the garage.
Zhou Desheng and his wife sat in the lead car, while Zhou Yaozu and Zhou Guchuan followed in the second. Upon arrival, Zhou Yaozu couldn’t help but complain.
“Damn this weather, suddenly pouring like this—my shoes are soaked. Feels like an unlucky omen. Brother, your engagement might not go smoothly.”
Zhou Guchuan ignored him. His slender, well-defined hand opened a pure black long-handled umbrella. The dark canopy shielded him from the cold rain, with droplets pattering softly against the fabric.
The man strode ahead first, his steps steady and unhurried. The tips of his shoes treaded through puddles, sending ripples spreading outward.
The umbrella brim hung low, casting most of its shadow over Zhou Guchuan’s refined profile. His eyes and brows were hidden in the dim light, his emotions obscure and unreadable.
Today’s engagement discussion was crucial to him. He had no intention of wasting words on Zhou Yaozu, but if Zhou Yaozu ruined this matter, he wouldn’t mind making the Zhou family disappear from Jiangcheng altogether.
As long as Zhou Desheng wasn’t a fool, he should ensure today’s marriage arrangement succeeded.
With the marriage alliance between the Yin and Zhou families, regardless of whether the Yin family offered support, other business partners would flock to curry favor with the Zhou family out of respect for the Yin family’s influence.
If Zhou Desheng couldn’t even calculate this much, then the Zhou family truly had no reason to remain in Jiangcheng any longer.
Sure enough, Zhou Desheng spoke up from the side.
“Zhou Yaozu, keep your mouth shut. Today is your brother’s important day. This matter must succeed, not fail. No matter whether the day is auspicious or not—even if there were an earthquake today—this marriage must be settled.”
Qin Wan, seeing Zhou Desheng’s anger flare up, clung to his arm and cooed in a deliberately sweet tone:
“Yaozu didn’t mean it. Don’t be angry. We’re already at the Yin family’s estate—I’m sure it’ll work out. Our Zhou family will only get better and better from now on.”
To make a grand impression at the Yin family today, Qin Wan had specially worn a custom-made silk cheongsam ordered half a month in advance. It accentuated her gentle figure, somewhat reminiscent of her name.
Every word she spoke struck a chord with Zhou Desheng. The man, with his stout build, wrapped his large hand around her slender waist as they walked toward the Yin residence together, while Zhou Yaozu followed behind, sulking.
The reception hall of the Yin family’s main residence was the highest-standard guest area in the entire estate. Every detail reflected the utmost hospitality befitting a top-tier aristocratic family.
The hall was lofty and spacious, with soft, plush wool carpets underfoot. The guest seats were all rare, collectible rosewood chairs, each adorned with hand-embroidered cloud-patterned cushions.
Tea was served using a complete set of official kiln celadon tea ware. A dedicated attendant, with meticulously washed hands, brewed mountain mist tea from a secluded spring. The water temperature and tea quantity were measured with precision. Servants bowed slightly as they gently placed the tea beside the guests, their movements elegant and silent as they retreated.
Throughout, the etiquette was impeccable—neither subservient nor arrogant—showcasing both the family’s heritage and their dignified bearing.
Once all members of the Zhou family were seated, Yin Wenzhuo, who had long been waiting in the seat of honor, surveyed the room.
Though nearly fifty, his posture remained upright and steady, his shoulders firm and unwavering, exuding the commanding presence of someone who had long helmed a family enterprise.
Yin Wenzhuo’s gaze swept across the room before finally settling on Zhou Guchuan.
Indeed, the other members of the Zhou family seemed like a pack of wolves and rats, hardly fit for any respectable occasion. Only Zhou Guchuan possessed a certain quality—though surrounded by opulence and luxury, he remained untouched by worldly vulgarity, carrying within him a gentle, cool, and self-restrained demeanor.
In the reception room, five people were present, with only Yin Lan yet to arrive.
“Apologies for my tardiness. I just had an urgent international meeting, which delayed me slightly. I offer my apologies to everyone here.”
Yin Lan’s voice preceded her arrival, and the moment she appeared, she instantly became the center of attention.
She wore an elegant, well-fitted qipao made of soft, smooth fabric, with a subtle and refined pattern that was neither gaudy nor vulgar, devoid of intricate embroidery or flashy accessories.
Her dark hair was loosely tied up, adorned only with a simple jade hairpin. Her features resembled those of a painting, and her entire presence exuded an ethereal, pristine aura.
When Qin Wan saw Yin Lan also wearing a qipao, she glanced down at her own brightly colored one and suddenly felt a twinge of embarrassment.
Compared to Yin Lan, she seemed like a clumsy imitator.
Yin Wenzhuo: “Now that everyone is here, let’s get straight to the matter at hand. My daughter is twenty-five this year. She chose Guchuan’s profile that day, and the two have been getting along for nearly two months now. Today, we are mainly here to discuss their engagement. I wonder what the Zhou family’s thoughts are on this.”
Yin Wenzhuo added, “Here’s the situation: we hope Guchuan can marry into our family, and he himself has no objections.”
Upon hearing this, Zhou Desheng’s smiling face suddenly stiffened. What was this? Had he heard correctly? Marrying into the family? Wasn’tt this an insult?!
Zhou Desheng looked incredulously at Zhou Guchuan. “You agreed?”
“Yes.”
Zhou Desheng could no longer contain himself. This unfilial son never consulted him before making decisions.
He turned his focus to Yin Wenzhuo, who sat in the host’s seat. “Marrying into the family? Although the Zhou family isn’t some wealthy or influential clan, we are still respected figures in Jiangcheng. If word of this gets out, people will laugh at the Zhou family. How could we hold our heads high in business dealings?”
“Miss Yin Lan, isn’t your family’s request a bit abrupt? Even if you were to marry into our family, we wouldn’t treat you poorly.”
Yin Lan smiled insincerely. “I’m sorry, Uncle, but the Yin family has only me as the sole daughter, so I can only seek a son-in-law to marry into our family.”
In truth, Zhou Desheng had deliberately spoken this way. Whether Zhou Guchuan married into the Yin family or not was irrelevant to him. He simply wanted to use these words to raise Zhou Guchuan’s value and secure a good price.
“I can understand Miss Yin Lan’s concerns. Marrying into the family is acceptable, but the Zhou family cannot lose face. At the very least, there should be a dowry for the marriage. As for the amount…”
Zhou Desheng deliberately paused, his shrewd old eyes gleaming with cunning. He extended his hand, slowly raising three fingers.
“Not much—three billion. Consider it compensation for the Zhou family. After all, once Zhou Guchuan marries into your family, he will have nothing to do with the Zhou family. He’ll be working hard for your family from then on. This amount isn’t excessive, is it?”
Silence fell over the room.
Yin Wenzhuo calculated in his mind. Three billion was indeed not a large sum for the Yin family.
But could three billion truly buy Zhou Guchuan’s freedom? What if the Zhou family later made exorbitant demands, constantly asking the Yin family for money?
Yin Lan sat calmly in her chair, her expression unchanged. She picked up the tea in front of her and took a light sip.
“Three billion is acceptable, but I have conditions.”
Upon hearing Yin Lan agree to three billion, Zhou Desheng couldn’t help but stand up from his chair, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
He truly hadn’t expected this cheap son of his could still fetch three billion. Did he perhaps quote too low just now? He should have said ten billion instead, but the chance was already gone.
Zhou Desheng felt a twinge of regret. Damn it, he had quoted too little.