Chapter 317 The Mischievous Young Master 3 The next morning, Zi Xi, as she had every morning before, quietly began her actions.

She skillfully lit the stove, rinsed the rice and washed the vegetables, preparing breakfast for the family.

After cooking, she busied herself cleaning the yard.

Neighbor Aunt Zhang peeked out and looked at her curiously.

Zi Xi simply raised her head, gave a slightly shy smile as a greeting, and then continued working with her head down.

The atmosphere at the breakfast table was so awkward it was almost palpable.

The congee was steaming hot, and a dish of pickled vegetables was placed in the middle.

Shen Jianguo, with a stern face, silently drank his porridge, making slurping sounds.

"Zixi, eat more, you're so thin."

Zhao Xiulan kept putting food on Zixi's plate, as if she was making amends.

Shen Yurong, on the other hand, appeared particularly lively.

"My dear sister, how did you sleep last night? Oh dear, look at your dark circles, are you worried about the wedding today?"

She sat next to Zixi, affectionately putting her arm around her, her voice sickeningly sweet.

"Don't worry, I've thought it all out for you. The Lu family is very well-off; you'll be living a life of luxury there!"

"Although Lu Ran has a bad reputation outside, a man should have some temper. That's better than those who can't even fart when beaten with a stick! Sister, you have a good and gentle nature, which is perfect for defusing his anger!"

Before Zixi could answer, she began to speak on her own, her tone full of theatrical concern.

"Dad, Mom, don't you think so? I've given the best marriage prospects to my younger sister! I was young and immature before, and I may have sometimes mistreated her. This time, I'm making it up to her as her older sister!"

As she spoke, she turned to her parents, as if to take credit or to emphasize something.

"Rongrong has become sensible and knows how to care for her younger sister."

Zhao Xiulan quickly echoed.

Shen Jianguo cleared his throat, put down his chopsticks and bowl, and began his announcement in the tone typical of a head of household.

The wording was almost a complete copy of Shen Yurong's theory from last night.

He read it aloud word for word without missing a single one.

For Zixi's own good, the Lu family is well-off, Zixi's personality is suitable, and her older sister is understanding and willing to yield, all for the sake of family harmony.

Throughout the entire process, Zixi kept her head down, using her chopsticks to shovel small bites of porridge into her bowl.

She didn't look up at anyone, nor did she refute them.

"Zi Xi, this matter is settled. Do you have any further thoughts?"

Shen Jianguo finished speaking and asked in a summarizing tone.

The dining table fell silent instantly, and three pairs of eyes focused on her simultaneously.

"OK."

Zi Xi put down her chopsticks.

She was silent for a few seconds, then looked up and saw their faces, each with a different expression, and felt completely unfamiliar with them.

Agreeing to the marriage would be a way of repaying the Shen family for raising me.

From then on, she and Shenjiaqiao went their separate ways, with no further connection whatsoever.

"Yes, it's good that you're sensible."

Shen Jianguo breathed a sigh of relief.

"Alright, alright, let's eat. We still need to talk to the Zhou family later."

"The marriage proposal will be finalized the day after tomorrow."

Zhao Xiulan quickly tried to smooth things over.

"That's my good sister!"

Shen Yurong's face lit up with a bright smile, and she affectionately hugged Zixi again.

After finishing his meal, Shen Jianguo left in a hurry, but returned shortly afterward.

He brought unexpected news: the Lu family immediately agreed that they would always designate Zi Xi as their betrothed when proposing marriage.

But nothing stays secret forever, and the news of the Shen family's arranged marriage quickly spread throughout the entire tenement building and courtyard.