387: Chapter 387 The Visitor, the Questioner

A day passed.

King Xuanyin did not arrive.

Instead, a group of imposing visitors came.

Amidst the chatter, a robot maid walked in quickly and bowed to report.

"Madam, King Beifeng and Young Miss Ruozao's parents are here. They say... they want to see the master."

Su Yingxue paused, the teacup in her hand stilling.

The next second, her eyes lit up.

Beside her, Qiao Feifei, Shen Youqing, and the others also looked up in unison, exchanging glances of surprise and delight.

They hadn't caught the gossip about King Xuanyin, but now the main party—Ruozao's family—had come to them.

This was a welcome opportunity.

"Please, come in."

Su Yingxue immediately set down her teacup, straightened her dress, and quickly led her sisters out to greet them.

At the main gate.

King Beifeng stood at the front.

The old man had white hair and a beard, his back ramrod straight. A dark gray robe made him look especially spirited.

But his face was grim.

His lips were pressed into a thin line.

His eagle-like eyes swept across the estate gate, clearly carrying a hint of anger.

It was obvious he had come to demand an explanation.

Behind him stood a middle-aged couple.

The man was tall and sturdy, with a gentle face that bore some resemblance to Ruozao.

The woman was simply dressed and dignified.

Further back was Ruozao herself.

The young girl wore a light pink long dress today, her hair half-up and half-down, revealing a long, fair neck.

But she kept her head down.

Her ears were bright red.

Her fingers twisted the hem of her skirt.

She wished she could bury her face in her collar.

"King Beifeng, Uncle, Aunt, please come in."

Su Yingxue greeted them with a warm smile, stepping forward quickly to bow.

Her attitude was respectful and enthusiastic, showing no sign of panic.

The other sisters followed behind, bowing in unison, calling out "Your Highness," "Uncle," "Aunt" with great familiarity.

King Beifeng snorted and strode through the gate.

King Beifeng had come with a belly full of anger.

Ever since the banquet, his precious granddaughter had been absent-minded.

She spent the whole day in a daze.

She couldn't eat.

She couldn't sleep.

Several times, when he passed by Ruozao's courtyard, he saw her sitting by the window, staring blankly into the distance.

Anyone with eyes could see that her heart had fallen for Lin Yun.

But that kid, on the other hand.

After stirring her up, he promptly went and got engaged to King Leiyin's granddaughter.

And made it known throughout the city.

Yet for his Ruozao, there wasn't even a shadow of a marriage proposal.

As her Old Ancestor, how could he tolerate that?

So he immediately brought Ruozao to the Lin residence to demand an explanation.

But as soon as he entered, he was surrounded by Su Yingxue and the others.

"Your Highness, please sit here."

"This is freshly brewed spirit tea. Your Highness, please have a taste."

"Aunt, please sit down, make yourself at home."

Fine tea and snacks were served.

Soft words and pleasantries poured out.

"We were remiss regarding Sister Ruozao's matter."

"Actually, my husband had planned to visit and propose right after the competition, but King Leiyin's side finalized things first, and in the rush, it got delayed."

"We've always kept it in mind. Sister Ruozao is so wonderful; my husband speaks of her every day."

Su Yingxue chatted with King Beifeng, her attitude sincere and flawless.

Shen Youqing held Ruozao's mother's hand and made small talk.

One moment saying, "Sister Ruozao is gentle and virtuous."

The next, "From now on, we'll be one family."

Her thoughtfulness left no gaps.

Qiao Feifei busied herself with pouring tea and offering snacks, her glib tongue making Ruozao's father beam with joy.

King Beifeng's anger, which had been on the tip of his tongue, found it hard to erupt.

He took a sip of tea and snorted, "You girls sure have quick tongues."

Su Yingxue smiled warmly as she refilled his tea: "Your Highness is right. We were poor hosts. We deserve punishment."

"Enough," King Beifeng waved his hand. "It's not that you were poor hosts; it's that you never took my Ruozao to heart."

He set down his teacup and was about to continue when his peripheral vision caught Ruozao huddled in a corner.

The young girl was quietly edging closer to Lu Shan.

Su Yingxue noticed and smiled, changing the subject to continue soothing King Beifeng.

The atmosphere in the living room gradually eased.

While everyone was occupied with the elders,

Ruozao quietly moved next to Lu Shan and gently tugged at her sleeve.

The young girl's cheeks were flushed, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.

"Shan Shan... Old Ancestor was too impatient. I couldn't stop him."

Lu Shan suppressed a smile and secretly squeezed her hand, lowering her voice:

"Impatient is good. Once it's settled, we can be together sooner."

That one sentence made Ruozao's cheeks even redder, the flush spreading to her neck.

Embarrassed, she raised her hand and pinched Lu Shan: "Stop it!"

Lu Shan dodged her hand, her eyes crinkling with laughter.

...

On the other side.

Lin Yun had just returned from King Leiyin's residence.

He had spent the whole day at the residence, discussing the wedding ceremony details for Fei Xue and Feiying with King Leiyin.

How to send the betrothal gifts.

What time to pick up the bride.

How to arrange the wedding banquet.

Most of the details were settled.

As soon as he stepped into the estate, a robot maid approached and reported in a low voice.

"Master, King Beifeng and Young Miss Ruozao's family are here, waiting in the living room."

Lin Yun paused mid-step.

Then he quickly understood.

He had originally planned to visit and propose immediately after the competition.

Ruozao had watched from the side room for so long; he should have given her an official status long ago.

But first, at the banquet, he publicly announced his engagement to Fei Xue and Feiying.

Then he got busy discussing wedding details with King Leiyin.

In the flurry, he had delayed.

It was only natural that her elders would come to him.

"I understand."

Lin Yun straightened his clothes and quickly walked to the living room.

As soon as he entered, he bowed deeply to King Beifeng, who was seated in the place of honor, his attitude very sincere.

"Junior Lin Yun pays respects to King Beifeng, and to Uncle and Aunt."

"I apologize for keeping Your Highness and the elders waiting. It was my oversight. Please forgive me."

King Beifeng glanced at him.

His face was still grim, but his tone had softened considerably.

"Hmph, so you know you were remiss. My Ruozao is a pure girl; she can't just waste her time with you without clarity."

"Your Highness is right."

Lin Yun straightened up, his expression respectful as he calmly explained.

"I had planned to visit and formally propose to Miss Ruozao right after the competition."

"But King Leiyin urged me to discuss the marriage of Miss Fei Xue and Miss Feiying, and in the rush, I delayed this matter."

"It was my oversight, and I apologize for troubling Your Highness and the elders."

King Beifeng stared at him for a long moment.

Lin Yun met his gaze openly, without flinching.

King Beifeng hadn't really come to pick a fight.

He cherished Ruozao and also admired Lin Yun's talent and character.

Coming today was, in essence, to secure a status for his granddaughter and get a definite word from the Lin family.

Hearing Lin Yun's sincere explanation and clear account of the events, the anger in his heart had long dissipated.

"Forget it."

King Beifeng waved his hand, his expression completely softening.

"King Leiyin's matters were urgent, so it's understandable. But my Ruozao's matter can't be dragged out forever."

"Your Highness is right."

Lin Yun took the cue.

"Today, I formally propose to Miss Ruozao. I will prepare all the rites and betrothal gifts at the highest standard, and I will not let Miss Ruozao suffer any grievance."

With things said to this point, it was a natural conclusion.

Everyone sat down again to discuss the wedding date and procedures in detail.

King Beifeng stroked his beard, occasionally nodding or interjecting a comment.

Ruozao's parents sat to the side, finally wearing relaxed smiles.

Ruozao's mother held Shen Youqing's hand, whispering, occasionally glancing at Ruozao with eyes full of relief.

And Ruozao herself?

She was huddled next to Lu Shan, not daring to lift her head.

But her ears were perked up.

She absorbed every word of the conversation.

After several rounds of discussion, both sides were very satisfied.

The final decision was made.

Lin Yun and Ruozao's wedding was set for five days later.

King Beifeng stood up and patted Lin Yun on the shoulder: "Alright, it's settled then. In five days, you'll marry Ruozao in style."

Lin Yun bowed: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your blessing."

King Beifeng nodded, then looked at Ruozao, still huddled in the corner.

Ruozao finally peeked out from behind Lu Shan, her face bright red, lips moving as if to say something, but no words came out.

King Beifeng smiled, a rare sight.

"Look at you, so spineless. There, your Old Ancestor has taken care of things for you. The rest is up to you."

He turned and walked out with Ruozao's parents.

"Let's go! Business is done. I won't disturb you young people."

...

Ruozao finally let out a long sigh of relief.

Lu Shan hugged her from behind, chin resting on her shoulder, warm breath brushing her ear.

"Zaozao~ Congratulations~ In five days, you'll be married~"

Ruozao's face reddened again: "Stop it..."

Lu Shan giggled and hugged her tighter.

Lin Yun walked over and stood before her.

He reached out and gently took her hand.

"In five days. I'll marry you."

Ruozao's nose tingled, and her eyes reddened.

She bit her lip and nodded firmly.

"Mm."