53: Chapter 54 Recognition and Testing.

He paused, his sharp gaze fixed on Yu Bo. "Originally, Tianxue's mother and I favored Yang Junyi of the Yang Family."

Yu Bo's heart sank, but he remained expressionless. As expected, Yang Junyi was an unavoidable hurdle.

"The Yang Family and our Yin Family are old family friends. That boy Junyi has ability, and his family background is a match. If Tianxue were with him, it would be a powerful alliance for both families. Whether for business or personal reasons, it would be considered a good thing." Yin Hanhai's tone was flat, as if he were discussing a routine commercial merger. "Of course, those are just our thoughts as parents. Tianxue has her own ideas. Since she doesn't like him, we won't force her. The Yin Family hasn't reached the point where we need to rely on marrying off a daughter to sustain our business."

These words not only pointed out the existence and weight of Yang Junyi as a "previous option" but also showed the Yin Family's respect for their daughter's wishes. More subtly, it raised the bar for their family—they didn't have to form a marriage alliance, but whoever caught their eye had to be "strong" themselves.

"So," Yin Hanhai flicked his cigarette ash, his gaze refocusing on Yu Bo's face, "since Tianxue has chosen you, as parents, we won't object. But there are some practical issues you need to be clear about."

"Please go ahead, Uncle." Yu Bo's voice was steady.

"Tianxue hasn't suffered since she was a child; she's used to a privileged life. She has some assets in her name and her own career, which are more than enough to support herself. But as a man, you must at least have the ability to let her continue living this kind of life, or even better." Yin Hanhai's eyes became extremely oppressive. "I don't expect you to become wealthy overnight and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Yin Family; that's unrealistic. But you must prove that you have the potential and ability to support a family in the foreseeable future and ensure that Tianxue's quality of life doesn't decrease because she's with you. That is the bottom line."

He spoke very directly, even somewhat coldly, but Yu Bo could understand. It was a father's realistic consideration for his daughter's future life. He nodded calmly. "I understand. That's only right. I will prove it through my actions."

"How will you prove it?" Yin Hanhai pressed, his gaze scrutinizing. "'Listening to the Waves' isn't there yet, and the investment industry has high risks and long cycles. You're doing well now, but how long can that last? If you hit a storm, can you weather it? Tianxue might be willing to suffer with you, but as her father, I don't want to see that day."

This question was sharp, targeting the uncertainty of Yu Bo's career. Yu Bo pondered for a moment. Instead of boasting, he chose a more pragmatic approach. "Uncle, investment indeed carries risks; there are no 100% guarantees. But I have confidence in my judgment, my team's execution, and the sectors I've chosen. 'Listening to the Waves' currently has ample funds, and our project pipeline and post-investment management are becoming standardized. In the short term, I'm confident in maintaining steady growth. In the long term, I will continue to learn and adjust to market changes. As for the security I can provide for Tianxue..." He paused, his tone firm. "Aside from my career, I also have some personal assets and arrangements that are sufficient to handle emergencies, ensuring that no matter what happens to 'Listening to the Waves,' Tianxue's basic quality of life won't be affected. You can rest assured on that point."

He didn't reveal the system's existence, but the phrase "other assets and arrangements" gave Yin Hanhai room for imagination and showed that he hadn't put all his eggs in one basket.

Yin Hanhai gave him a deep look, seemingly judging the truth of his words. After a while, he nodded slightly, temporarily accepting the answer. But he wasn't finished.

"There's one more thing," Yin Hanhai's tone became somewhat complex, carrying a trace of the subtle stubbornness typical of a traditional parent. "Tianxue is my daughter, and I dote on her. But when it comes to the distribution of company shares, I'm quite traditional. I will leave the primary shares of Tiansheng Group to her younger brother, Yin Tongxin. He's currently studying abroad, but he'll return to take over sooner or later. Tianxue has some shares in the group, but not many; she primarily holds a management position, earning a salary and dividends."

He looked at Yu Bo, his gaze meaningful. "This means that the wealth Tianxue can directly inherit from the Yin Family in the future is limited. Her life will depend more on herself and... the person she chooses. Do you understand what I mean?"

Yu Bo instantly understood Yin Hanhai's subtext. He was being told not to expect to gain massive wealth or control over Tiansheng Group by marrying Yin Tianxue. The Yin Family's main estate was reserved for the son. Yin Tianxue would mostly have to rely on her own and her husband's efforts.

This was undoubtedly a realistic and cruel reminder, even carrying a hint of a "test"—if he was approaching Tianxue because of the Yin Family's wealth, he could back off now.

Yu Bo met Yin Hanhai's gaze, his eyes clear and composed. "Uncle, my knowing Tianxue and falling in love with her has never been because she's the eldest daughter of the Yin Family or the heir to Tiansheng Group. I love her for who she is—her independence, intelligence, kindness, and the chemistry and affection between us. How many shares she has or how much inheritance she can receive has nothing to do with my decision to love her and want to spend my life with her. I'm confident that with our own abilities, we can create our own future and wealth. The Yin Family's business belongs to Yin Tongxin; Tianxue and I will have our own careers and world."

His answer was neither humble nor arrogant, expressing the purity of his feelings for Yin Tianxue while also demonstrating his ambition and confidence, without showing any greed or disappointment regarding the Yin Family's wealth.

Yin Hanhai looked at him for a long time without speaking, silently smoking his cigar. The study was silent, except for the faint sound of the cigar burning and the ticking of the antique clock on the wall.

After a long while, Yin Hanhai stubbed out his cigar in the crystal ashtray with a soft thud.

"I've made myself clear." Yin Hanhai stood up and walked to the window, his back to Yu Bo as he looked out at the dark night. "We respect Tianxue's choice. But as parents, we always hope our daughter can live well and face fewer setbacks. I heard what you just said. Remember your words today."

He turned around, his gaze falling on Yu Bo again. That oppressive majesty seemed to have softened slightly, but his eyes remained sharp. "The road ahead is long; we'll see. Treat Tianxue well. If she's mistreated, I'll be the first to object."

"I will, Uncle." Yu Bo also stood up and made a solemn promise.

"Mm, go on. Tianxue must be getting anxious." Yin Hanhai waved a hand and sat back behind his desk, picking up another document as if that serious conversation had never happened.

Yu Bo knew that this "interview" had come to a temporary close. Yin Hanhai hadn't explicitly stated his approval, but at least he hadn't objected. This was already a good start. Yin Hanhai had laid out the practical issues and potential rivals as both a reminder and a test.

Yu Bo politely took his leave and exited the study. The moment he closed the door, he felt his back slightly damp with sweat. Facing Yin Hanhai was indeed extraordinarily stressful. But he knew that his performance just now was at least a passing grade.

In the living room, Yin Tianxue immediately came forward, her eyes full of concern. "How was it? My dad didn't make things difficult for you, did he?"

Lin Wanru also looked at him nervously.

Yu Bo took Yin Tianxue's hand, smiled at her, and then said to Lin Wanru, "Auntie, Uncle just had a chat with me and gave me some advice. It's fine; I'm sorry for making you worry."

Seeing Yu Bo looking normal, Yin Tianxue breathed a sigh of relief. Lin Wanru also smiled and said, "It's good that everything's fine. Old Yin is just like that—he doesn't say much, but he knows what he's doing. It's getting late, and you've both had a long day. Go back and get some rest."

After leaving the Yin Family's home and getting into the car, Tianxue asked impatiently, "What exactly did my dad say to you? Was he very mean?"

As Yu Bo started the car, he briefly recounted Yin Hanhai's words, omitting the sharper parts regarding Yang Junyi and the details of the shares. He only mentioned Father Yin's expectations for their future life and his respect for their relationship.

After listening, Yin Tianxue fell silent for a moment, then leaned on his shoulder and said softly, "I'm sorry, my dad... he's a bit direct sometimes. But he's right; we can live very well on our own. Yu Bo, I believe in you."