183: Visiting the Bai Family (Part 2)

Bai Zhenbang's son, Bai Yanli—who was also Bai Li's younger male cousin—saw his mother being rebuked by his grandfather because of Wang Chen. His expression immediately darkened, and he looked at Wang Chen with an unfriendly gaze.

The atmosphere in the living room suddenly became deadlocked.

Wang Chen slowly stood up.

"Grandpa Bai, Uncles, Aunts, and elders," he began calmly. "I know that with my current status, I am indeed not worthy of A Li. But I can guarantee to all of you that I will use everything I have to cherish her, protect her, and give her happiness."

He looked toward Old Master Bai. "If you all feel I am not qualified enough, I can wait. I will wait until I stand at a high enough position, until I have enough confidence, to come and formally propose."

He paused and added, "But I will not give up on A Li. Never."

Tears fell from Bai Li's eyes as she tightly gripped his hand.

Old Master Bai looked at Wang Chen for a long time before letting out a sigh.

"Child, sit down. When my Bai family chooses a son-in-law, we don't look at family background; we only look at character. Since you can say these words today, I know that A Li didn't choose the wrong person."

He looked at Chu Xiuying, his voice turning cold. "As for you, if you dare say another word, get out of the Bai family!"

Chu Xiuying's face turned pale, and she didn't dare speak again.

Wang Chen sat back down. Bai Li leaned against his shoulder and whispered, "Brother Chen, thank you..."

Wang Chen patted her hand without saying anything.

After Chu Xiuying was publicly rebuked by Old Master Bai, the atmosphere in the living room clearly became subtle.

Old Master Bai sat in the main seat. Although his expression had softened slightly, his eyes still carried displeasure when they swept over Chu Xiuying.

Bai Li pressed close to Wang Chen, her fingers twisting the hem of his clothes, clearly still shaken by what had just happened.

Wang Chen, however, appeared as usual. He picked up his teacup and took a sip, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone present.

Bai Zhenguo, Bai Li's Second Uncle, sat in the second position to the left of the Old Master.

He was in his early fifties, slightly pudgy, with an expression that always seemed like a half-smile.

At this moment, he was slowly savoring his tea, his eyes darting back and forth between Wang Chen and Bai Li.

Wang Chen could feel that this Second Uncle's attitude toward him was ambiguous—neither supporting nor opposing him.

Wang Chen remembered Bai Li mentioning before that her Second Uncle was the only "neutral party" in the family.

He was solely focused on the family's interests. To him, as long as it benefited the Bai family, it didn't matter who Bai Li married.

In fact... he had a daughter named Bai Jin, who was only 19 this year. Bai Zhenguo had once joked that if there truly were a young talent who could take the Bai family to the next level, it wouldn't be impossible for both of the Bai family's daughters to marry him.

A typical case of interests above all else.

However, his greatest virtue was that he would never do anything detrimental to the family, and once he made up his mind about something, he never went back on it.

Bai Zhenguo's wife, Fang Lan, sat beside him.

This Second Aunt had a gentle temperament with a hint of military style. According to Bai Li's introduction, her Second Aunt had been a "flower of the military" back in the day. Even now, she remained in the army, working in a civilian administrative role.

The gaze she directed at Bai Li was also full of affection.

When Chu Xiuying had caused trouble earlier, Fang Lan's brow had been tightly furrowed; she clearly wanted to speak up for Bai Li, but the Old Master had beaten her to it.

Now, she was sizing up Wang Chen with a hint of appreciation in her eyes.

To be recognized by the Old Master and to have A Li so devoted to him, this young man was indeed not simple.

Beside Fang Lan sat a young girl in a light blue dress; it was Bai Jin.

She had inherited her mother's good looks, with fair skin and delicate features. Her large eyes were currently stealing glances at Wang Chen.

Feeling Wang Chen's gaze, Bai Jin lowered her head like a startled Xiao Lu, her fingers nervously pinching her skirt.

But after a few seconds, she couldn't help but lift her eyes again, peeking out of the corner of her eye.

Wang Chen gave her a gentle smile.

Bai Jin's face instantly flushed red. She quickly buried her head even lower, her hand tightly clutching the small bottle of constitution strengthening fluid Wang Chen had given her, her knuckles turning white.

Sitting to the right of Old Master Bai were three middle-aged men in military uniforms.

They had maintained serious expressions from beginning to end, only nodding slightly when the Old Master spoke.

To them, the Old Master's attitude was their attitude.

Since the Old Master had accepted Wang Chen, they would also treat Wang Chen as one of their own.

As for Bai Zhenbang's family, the atmosphere was now awkward.

Bai Zhenbang kept his head down, not daring to look at the Old Master.

Chu Xiuying's face was ashen as she sat there sulking.

Their son, Bai Yanli, who was in his early twenties, was staring at Wang Chen with a dark gaze while playing with a lighter, his eyes full of defiance.

"Cough." Old Master Bai cleared his throat. "Xiao Chen, don't let what just happened affect you. The affairs of my Bai family are not for outsiders to interfere with."

These words were clearly meant for Chu Xiuying's ears.

Chu Xiuying bit her lip, ultimately not daring to speak again.

"The Old Master is right," Fang Lan chimed in at the right moment. "It's Xiao Chen's first time at the house, let's talk about something happy. I heard from A Li that your industry over in Hangzhou City is doing quite well?"

"It's alright, just starting out," Wang Chen said modestly.

"Buying the entire International Mansion right at the start... that doesn't look like just starting out," Bai Zhenguo said with a chuckle. "It's a good thing for young people to be capable, but you should also be careful to keep a low profile."

These words sounded like a reminder but were actually a probe.

Wang Chen nodded. "Second Uncle is right, I will be careful."

"By the way, Xiao Chen," Xue Wanrong suddenly remembered something. "Is that beauty and skin-nourishing fluid you gave us really that miraculous?"

"The effects are very good. A Li has already used it," Wang Chen explained. "Auntie will know once you try it tonight."

"Then I must give it a good try," Xue Wanrong laughed. "If it's truly effective, you'll have to send me a few more bottles in the future."

"Mom!" Bai Li complained. "How can you just ask for things like that!"

"Why can't I?" Xue Wanrong said righteously. "Xiao Chen will be our family's son-in-law sooner or later. What's wrong with me asking for a bit of betrothal gift in advance?"

These words were so blunt that Bai Li's face turned red again.

Wang Chen smiled. "Auntie is right, it's only proper. Next time I come, I'll bring a few more bottles."

As they were speaking, the Bai family's old butler, Old Zhang, walked in. "Master, lunch is ready."

"Good." Old Master Bai stood up with his cane. "Let's go, time to eat. Xiao Chen, today you must taste my Bai family's banquet. The chef is a descendant of the former dynasty's imperial chefs; his skills are quite excellent."

"Grandpa Bai has gone to a lot of trouble." Wang Chen stood up as well.

The Old Master walked to Wang Chen's side and patted his shoulder. "Come, sit with me at the main table."

This treatment caused the eyes of many present to flicker.

The Bai family's rules were very strict; only core family members and the most important guests could sit at the main table.

By letting Wang Chen sit at the main table, the Old Master's meaning was already very clear.

Everyone followed Old Master Bai to the dining room.