181: Visiting the Bai Family (Part 1)

"Re... Really?" Xia Qingcheng couldn't believe it.

"Really." Isabella nodded. "Grandfather said to let the past be the past. Sister Qingcheng, you don't have to hide anymore."

Xia Qingcheng's eyes reddened, and she almost burst into tears.

During these past two months of life on the run, she had lived in fear every single day.

Now, finally... she could be free.

"Thank you..." she said, her voice choking up.

"No need to thank me." Isabella walked over and took her hand. "We are the ones who should say sorry. We put you and Sister Jiaxuan through so much suffering."

At dinner time, the dining room was packed.

Isabella sat between Du Ruoxi and Su Yue, eating with great relish.

"This dish is delicious! What is it called?"

"Braised pork belly."

"And this one?"

"Steamed sea bass."

"And this..."

Isabella was like a curious baby, asking for the name and recipe of every single dish.

The women couldn't help but be amused by her.

"Isabella, how long do you plan to stay in the Dragon Kingdom this time?" Qin Qing asked, setting down her spoon.

"I don't know yet." Isabella tilted her head. "Grandfather told me to stay for a while to get a good understanding of the Dragon Kingdom's culture. I think... staying for six months or a year would be nice."

"Then where will you stay?"

"At a hotel." Isabella pouted. "But hotels are so boring, there's no one to talk to."

After saying that, she turned to Du Ruoxi. "Sister Ruoxi, can I live here? I can pay rent!"

Du Ruoxi was stunned.

Live here?

"This... I'll have to ask Wang Chen," Du Ruoxi said. "This is his house."

"Oh..." Isabella looked a bit disappointed. "Then I'll ask him when he gets back."

After dinner, Isabella took her leave.

After seeing her off, the women returned to the living room and sat around the sofa.

"Should we tell Brother Chen?" Qin Qing hesitated for a moment before asking.

Du Ruoxi thought about it. "No rush. Let's wait until she comes back next time and feel out her true intentions. If she really just came to apologize and cooperate, then there's no harm in telling Brother Chen. But if she has ulterior motives..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but all the women understood.

"I think she's a pretty good person." Yang Li had always been outspoken; as soon as Du Ruoxi finished, she stated her opinion. "She's just a bit naive."

"She's a noble lady, after all, protected too well since childhood." Among the women, Xia Qingcheng was the most familiar with Isabella. "But she really doesn't have any bad intentions, I can guarantee that."

"Then let's observe for a while." As the 'big sister,' Du Ruoxi gave the final verdict. "Don't reveal too much about Brother Chen in front of her. Especially regarding Qingcheng and Jiaxuan's situation—not a single word."

"Okay."

Imperial Capital, hotel suite.

At ten o'clock in the evening, Bai Li finished her shower and walked out wearing a bathrobe.

She combed her hair as she walked. Droplets of water from the ends of her hair slid down her neck and disappeared into the collar of her robe.

Wang Chen was leaning against the headboard scrolling through his phone; seeing her like this, his Adam's apple bobbed.

"Brother Chen..." Bai Li climbed onto the bed and snuggled into his arms. "We're meeting my family tomorrow. Are you ready?"

"I'm ready." Wang Chen put down his phone and pulled her close. "What, worried I won't perform well?"

"No." Bai Li shook her head. "I'm worried... that they'll make things difficult for you."

"Make things difficult for me?" Wang Chen laughed. "If they make things difficult for me, I'll just elope with you."

"There you go again." Bai Li gave him a playful punch. "I'm being serious. My Third Aunt... she might say some unpleasant things."

"Your Third Aunt?"

"Yes." Bai Li's expression turned a bit sour. "She's from the Chu Family in the Imperial Capital. She's always wanted me to marry Chu Jingyu or Chu Jingchen. So, she might not be very friendly to you."

Wang Chen raised an eyebrow. "The Chu Family? The same Chu Family you have an engagement with?"

"Yes." Bai Li nodded. "But don't worry, I won't marry them. You're the only one in my heart."

She looked up at Wang Chen with eyes full of deep affection. "Brother Chen, I... I want to give myself completely to you."

As she spoke, she reached out to unbutton Wang Chen's pajamas.

Wang Chen caught her hand.

"A Li."

"Hmm?"

"Wait until I've met your family and they've agreed to us being together," Wang Chen said seriously. "At that time, I will give you a perfect answer."

Bai Li was stunned for a moment, and her eyes immediately turned red. "You... you don't want me?"

"It's not that I don't want you." Wang Chen cupped her face. "It's about respecting you. I don't want you to be with me like this without your family's consent. It wouldn't be fair to you."

Bai Li's tears began to fall. "I don't care..."

"I care." Wang Chen wiped away her tears. "My A Li deserves the best. That includes the best love, the best marriage, the best... everything."

Bai Li threw herself into his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.

"You idiot... you big idiot..."

Wang Chen held her, gently patting her back.

After a long time, Bai Li looked up, her eyes red. "Then... then kiss me."

Wang Chen leaned down and kissed her lips.

Bai Li responded clumsily... After a long time, the kiss ended. Bai Li leaned against his chest and whispered, "Once Grandfather agrees, I'll move in with you."

"Okay."

"When the time comes, I want to give you many, many children."

"Okay."

"The boys will look like you, and the girls will look like me."

"Okay."

As Bai Li spoke, she gradually fell asleep.

Wang Chen looked at her sleeping face, tucked the blanket around her dotingly, then lay down himself and turned off the light.

The next morning.

Wang Chen changed into a custom-made dark gray suit and a white shirt.

His hair was meticulously styled, making him look mature, steady, and strikingly handsome.

Bai Li also changed into a small white formal dress and took his arm.

"Let's go." Wang Chen nudged the arm Bai Li was holding.

The two went downstairs, where Chen Long and Tiger were already waiting by the car.

The trunk was filled with gifts.

The car drove toward the Bai Family Manor.

The Bai Family Manor was located in the western suburbs of the Imperial Capital. It covered a large area with a quiet environment and tight security.

When the car reached the manor gates, Bai Li's parents were already waiting there.

Bai Zhensheng, Bai Li's father, was in his fifties. Dressed in a Mao suit, he had a tall posture and a refined yet majestic temperament.

Bai Li's mother, Xue Wanrong, looked forty at most. She was very well-maintained, wearing a vintage cheongsam and possessing a gentle temperament.

Seeing Wang Chen step out of the car, Xue Wanrong's eyes lit up.

"He's here, he's here!" she whispered to her husband. "He's much more handsome in person than in the photos. Our daughter has great taste!"

Bai Zhensheng nodded without saying anything, but a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

"Dad, Mom." Bai Li pulled Wang Chen over. "This is Wang Chen."