The Ye family acted swiftly and decisively, preparing the "top-tier" betrothal gifts that Jin Xiangyu had mentioned in just two days.
We are preparing to choose an auspicious day to formally discuss the engagement with the Shen family.
For Ye Sheng, this day was no different from going to the battlefield.
I got up before dawn and tossed and turned in front of the mirror.
He pulled out a brand-new dark blue suit from the bottom of the trunk, paired with a snow-white shirt, and combed his hair until it was shiny and neat.
Looking at it from left to right, I'm still not entirely satisfied.
"How about it, Niannian? Quickly show your third brother, am I mature enough? Handsome enough? Will your future father-in-law... oh no, my future father-in-law find me acceptable?"
Ye Sheng straightened his neat collar, his palms sweating, and nervously turned to Ye Nian'an, who was acting as his "strategist," for help.
Ye Nian'an looked him up and down and almost burst out laughing.
My third brother usually wears floral shirts or bell-bottoms, and he acts like a street hustler.
I've never seen you dressed up like this before.
"So cool! So incredibly cool!"
Ye Nian'an suppressed a laugh and gave a thumbs up: "Third Brother, your outfit today is so good that even the mayor would praise you as a 'promising young man'! Go ahead and do your best, I guarantee you'll succeed!"
Only after receiving his sister's affirmation did Ye Sheng breathe a sigh of relief.
Jin Xiangyu and Ye Xiang had already made preparations. Seeing their son's serious and ready appearance, they felt both amused and gratified.
"Alright, it's getting late, let's set off!"
At Jin Xiangyu's command, the Ye family's "marriage proposal army" officially set out.
Ye Xiang walked at the front, carrying two exquisitely packaged bottles of aged wine.
Jin Xiangyu followed closely behind, carrying a large box wrapped in red cloth, inside which were jewelry and fabric prepared for Shen Shuling.
Ye Sheng pushed his old-fashioned bicycle, with several heavy gifts strapped to the back seat. He was so nervous that his back was ramrod straight.
At the entrance of the Shen family compound, Shen Shuling had been waiting anxiously for a long time.
She would peek out of the alleyway one moment, then nervously straighten her clothes the next; her heart was pounding, more nervous than if she were taking the college entrance exam herself.
From afar, when she saw Ye Sheng's dashing figure appear at the alley entrance, her heart was instantly struck, and her cheeks flushed red.
Oh my god... he... he looks so good today!
"They're here! They're here!"
Shen Shuling gasped and quickly went to meet her.
She first glanced shyly at Ye Sheng, then lowered her voice and, like a little spy, urgently reported the situation to the Ye family.
"My dad doesn't look well today; he hasn't smiled since this morning. You guys... you guys be careful later; getting past him won't be easy!"
Looking at her nervous yet concerned expression, Ye Sheng felt a warmth in his heart, and his initial tension dissipated considerably.
He leaned close to Shen Shuling's ear, lowered his voice, and said in a confident tone, "Don't worry, for you, I'm willing to brave any danger, even mountains of knives and seas of fire, let alone a father-in-law!"
These passionate words made Shen Shuling blush even more, but her heart felt as sweet as if she had eaten honey.
As everyone entered the Shen family compound, the atmosphere in the living room was indeed as Shen Shuling had described—almost stagnant with seriousness.
Shen Weijun sat upright in the main chair, leisurely twirling two shiny walnuts in his hands.
He was wearing a perfectly pressed Zhongshan suit with no wrinkles, and his hair was neatly combed.
Although he was over fifty, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, as if they could see right through people's hearts.
Before that special era arrived, he was a well-known businessman in Haicheng, who started from scratch and had a keen eye and extraordinary methods.
Later, after careful consideration, he distributed most of his vast wealth, which earned him a peaceful old age and a respectable government job.
But the shrewdness and aura honed over decades of immersion in the business world remained undiminished.
"Professor Ye Xiang, Comrade Jin Xiangyu, Comrade Nian An, please have a seat."
Upon seeing the Ye family, Shen Weijun, though his expression was not pleasant, still stood up and treated them with courtesy.
Shen Weijun held the Ye family in high esteem.
Ye Xiang is a highly respected professor at Haicheng University, known for his integrity and extensive knowledge.
As for Ye Nian'an, she was even more remarkable. She had captured spies and made great contributions, which were reported in the newspapers several times. She was a nationally renowned heroine.
But the thought of his own plump, healthy cabbage being devoured by Ye Sheng, this "pig" who didn't seem very honest, made him feel suffocated!
After some polite greetings, Jin Xiangyu, seeing that the atmosphere was just right, smiled broadly and respectfully handed over the "top-tier" betrothal gift list she had carefully prepared.
"Brother Weijun, this is a small token of our Ye family's appreciation. Please take a look. We truly love Shuling, and marrying her is the greatest blessing our Asheng has ever received!"
The list included everything from the "three major items"—watches, sewing machines, and bicycles—to cash, fabrics, and gold jewelry, demonstrating the utmost sincerity and representing an unprecedented level of sophistication in Haicheng at the time.
However, Shen Weijun merely glanced at it and pushed the list back.
"Comrade Jin Xiangyu, I appreciate the Ye family's kindness."
He picked up his teacup, blew on it to cool it, and spoke in a steady voice, yet with an undeniable firmness.
"However, my daughter Shuling is still young, and I want to keep her here for another two years. As for this marriage, I think we should... talk about it later."
boom--!
These words were like a bucket of ice water poured over my head!
The atmosphere in the living room instantly turned icy!
Jin Xiangyu's smile froze, and Ye Xiang also frowned.
"dad!"
Shen Shuling was so anxious she almost jumped up, her eyes reddening: "How am I young! I'm twenty-two, I can take responsibility for myself!"
Shen's mother also whispered a word of advice from the side: "Old Shen, you shouldn't meddle in the children's affairs. I think Asheng is a good child, I know him well..."
"What do you know!"
Shen Weijun coldly interrupted his wife, his sharp gaze fixed on Ye Sheng, who had barely spoken since entering the room: "My daughter, Shen Weijun's daughter, is not someone just anyone can marry!"
The meaning behind his words couldn't be clearer—
He didn't even look down on Ye Sheng!
He felt that Ye Sheng was idle all day, doing those "speculation and profiteering" businesses. He was young and inexperienced, unreliable, and glib. He was not worthy of his steady and capable precious daughter at all!
The situation has reached a complete stalemate.
Just then, Ye Sheng received a "signal" from his younger sister, Ye Nian'an.
He instantly understood that he couldn't get through this hurdle by relying on his family's influence or his elders' face; he had to rely on himself!
Ye Sheng took a deep breath, stood up from his seat, and bowed respectfully to Shen Weijun.
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