235: Chapter 235 Si Zhengxiong wants to dissolve the engagement, but Zhao Lintai is determined to succeed.

At this moment, deep in the Southwest, inside the Si Family Old Residence, Zhao Lintai's door was gently knocked.

Outside the door, Si Hongbin stood straight, his tone calm and respectful: "Young Master Zhao, dinner is ready. Elder Si is already waiting for you in the main hall."

"Alright, coming immediately." Hearing this, Zhao Lintai immediately picked up a sandalwood box from the table, responded, and then got up to open the door. Facing him was Si Hongbin's face, which seemed forever calm and unruffled.

Subsequently, the two walked side by side toward the main hall.

At this moment, it was nearly seven o'clock; the night was growing darker, and the courtyard was unusually quiet, save for the sound of some insects.

Zhao Lintai asked curiously and casually: "Brother Bin, is it just you and Elder Si in this old residence?"

Si Hongbin tilted slightly, his tone revealing no emotion, and responded faintly: "Yes, Young Master Zhao. Elder Si likes peace and quiet and dislikes having many people around. Unless there are special circumstances, it is just me and Elder Si in this residence."

Zhao Lintai nodded knowingly: "Doesn't that mean Brother Bin has to take care of everything regarding Elder Si's daily life? Isn't that very tiring for you, Brother Bin?"

Si Hongbin did not stop walking, his voice remaining steady: "It is my honor to serve Elder Si; it is not tiring at all."

Soon, the two arrived at the main hall.

Si Hongbin stepped forward, gently pushed open the main hall doors, and then turned to invite him: "Young Master Zhao, please."

As the doors slowly opened, the figure of Elder Si came into view.

He saw that Elder Si was sitting upright in the main seat, a warm smile still on his face. He looked at Zhao Lintai and spoke slowly: "Lintai, how was your rest? This rural place is not like the city; if there is anything you are not used to, tell me, and I will have Hongbin change it for you. Also, if you are not accustomed to living here, I will have someone take you to the city tomorrow."

Zhao Lintai hurriedly walked forward, respectfully bowed to Si Zhengxiong, and then smiled: "Grandpa Si, you are too polite. I actually think this place is quite good; the birds are singing and the flowers are fragrant, and the air is very fresh. If I had nothing to do, I would really like to stay here for a few more days. I am just worried about disturbing Grandpa Si." As he spoke, he handed the sandalwood box to Elder Si with both hands and continued: "By the way, this is a gift my grandfather asked me to give to you, Grandpa Si."

"Oh? A gift from Old Zhao?" A flash of curiosity crossed Elder Si's eyes, but he did not stand on ceremony, directly taking the gift box and opening it slowly. Inside lay a ginseng root with a beautiful shape. Estimating by eye, the main body was about 5 centimeters long, and the longest root whiskers were nearly 40 centimeters. Elder Si carefully picked it up, weighing it in his hand, and couldn't help but exclaim: "Seven taels of ginseng, eight taels of treasure. This ginseng is probably over eight taels; what a good treasure. However, this is too valuable; I really dare not accept it."

Zhao Lintai smiled: "Grandpa Si, to be honest, I don't know much about these things. My grandfather heard that you were unwell and specially instructed me to bring this wild mountain ginseng to you. If you don't accept it, I won't be able to answer to my grandfather."

Elder Si carefully put the ginseng back into the wooden box and then sighed deeply: "Sigh... it truly is an old comrade who has been through life and death together; after so many years, he still worries about my health. It's just a pity..." He fell silent at this point, not knowing what he was thinking.

"Grandpa Si, what is a pity? Is there something wrong with this wild mountain ginseng?" Zhao Lintai asked with a look of confusion.

Elder Si shook his head: "Sigh, there is nothing wrong with the ginseng. I am just lamenting that such a good thing will probably be of no use to me here."

Hearing this, Zhao Lintai's heart stirred slightly, and he thought to himself: Could this Elder Si be terminally ill? But his complexion doesn't seem to have any major problems.

Thinking this, he consoled him calmly: "Grandpa Si, although I don't know what illness you have, the medical conditions in the capital are always better than in the Southwest. Why don't you come to the capital with me, and I will arrange for the best doctor in the capital to give you a good check-up?" When he said this, his expression was sincere, as if he truly cared about Elder Si's health.

However, Elder Si just smiled and shook his head: "Forget it, when a person is old, they have to accept their fate when they should. However, I still have to thank your grandfather for his kindness. I will accept this wild mountain ginseng." As he spoke, he handed the gift box to Si Hongbin, who was standing on the side, signaling him to put it away. Then, he looked at Zhao Lintai and stroked his beard with a smile: "Alright, Lintai, it is getting late, shall we eat?"

...

Afterward, Si Zhengxiong and Zhao Lintai sat at the dining table, tasting fine wine and delicacies while chatting about the past.

Those old stories about Si Zhengxiong and Zhao Weiguo in their youth seemed to have the dust of time gently wiped away, revealing their former innocence and passion. The topic unknowingly drifted to the matter of their arranged marriage.

"Lintai, I heard that before you came to the Southwest, you went to Shanghai?" Elder Si stroked his beard, looked at Zhao Lintai, and asked a question he already knew the answer to: "My precious granddaughter is also in Shanghai; have you two met?"

"Yes," Zhao Lintai nodded with a smile, "This Junior has indeed met Young Miss Si Yao. It was a coincidence; isn't Young Miss Si Yao a member of a supercar club? A friend of mine in the capital happens to be a member of that same club, so meeting Young Miss Si Yao was unexpected."

"Haha, is that so? That is quite a coincidence. What did you talk about when you met? How did you feel about each other?"

Zhao Lintai thought for a moment, as if recalling the scene that day: "We had a meal with a few friends, but..." He said, laughing at himself a little, not intending to hide anything, "Perhaps my charm is not enough; I felt that Young Miss Si Yao didn't seem to have much interest in me."

After hearing this, Elder Si laughed out loud and patted Zhao Lintai's shoulder lightly: "Hahaha, Lintai, don't take it to heart. My granddaughter has a good Heart-Nature, but her temper is not very good; she is straightforward, says whatever is on her mind, and is not very tactful in handling things. If she did anything wrong, please be understanding."

"Yes," Zhao Lintai nodded with a smile.

Before Zhao Lintai could respond further, Elder Si changed the subject and continued: "However, you were arranged to be married to her by your grandfather and me before you were even born. Looking at it now, it might have been a bit hasty. Since you have both met, I will speak directly."

Hearing this, Zhao Lintai's heart tightened; he felt that things might go wrong. So, he immediately straightened his body and looked at Elder Si: "Grandpa Si, please speak."

"Yes. It is like this; I have reflected on this often these days. After all, it is a new society now, and the practice of arranged marriages by us older generations is indeed somewhat inappropriate. Some old thinking and old traditions should be thrown into the trash. If the two of you have no feelings for each other, then this engagement should not be mentioned from now on. It will also save you Juniors from being in a difficult position."

Hearing this, Zhao Lintai's heart tightened abruptly. He keenly sensed the subtext in Elder Si's words; this was clearly an attempt to call off the engagement! He sneered inwardly, 'Want to call off the engagement? How can I let you have your way!'

Therefore, Zhao Lintai smiled calmly: "Grandpa Si, you are joking. A woman as outstanding as Young Miss Si Yao being betrothed to me, Zhao Lintai, is a blessing I have cultivated for several lifetimes; I am too happy, how could I be in a difficult position. To be honest..." He paused, as if gathering courage, "I do have a good impression of Young Miss Si Yao. If Grandpa Si does not mind, I am actually very willing to be your grandson-in-law."

A flash of surprise crossed Elder Si's eyes; he looked at Zhao Lintai: "Lintai, you must think clearly. My granddaughter's personality is notoriously unruly and overbearing; are you sure you are willing to take her as your wife?"

Zhao Lintai met Elder Si's gaze and nodded firmly: "Grandpa Si, I am certain. Actually, to be honest, I feel that Young Miss Si Yao's personality is not unruly and overbearing, but straightforward and pure, and her style of doing things has the boldness of a soldier. Such a woman is exactly what I, Zhao Lintai, admire. I believe that if my grandfather had met Young Miss Si Yao, he would definitely like her too."

As he spoke, a genuine smile appeared on his face. After a short pause, he continued, "Of course, if you, Grandpa Si, have other thoughts about this marriage, then this Junior will definitely not force it. I can only say that it is fate that Miss Si Yao and I are not meant to be."

"Hahaha, you kid!" Elder Si laughed and pointed at Zhao Lintai with his hand, "Are you putting me on the spot?!"

Zhao Lintai hurriedly waved his hand and smiled: "How could I dare, Grandpa Si, you are joking; how would this Junior dare to put you on the spot."

Immediately after, Zhao Lintai shook his head in feigned helplessness, sighed, and continued on his own: "It's just that my parents are far abroad and cannot return home all year round, and my grandfather has stepped down from his position, so our Zhao Family's influence in the capital is not as good as it used to be. And behind Young Miss Si Yao is the Si Family that 'suppresses the Southwest and has wealth that rivals a nation.' As the saying goes, 'A daughter from one Family is sought by a hundred families,' this principle, I, Zhao Lintai, still understand."

Hearing Zhao Lintai say this, a strange feeling welled up in Si Zhengxiong's heart. He stared at Zhao Lintai, his throat moved, but he did not respond, quietly waiting for Zhao Lintai's next words.

Zhao Lintai paused for a moment, picked up the wine glass, stared at the wine suspended in the air, looking quite regretful, and continued: "However, having said that, matters of the heart cannot ultimately be measured by benefits. I truly like and admire Young Miss Si Yao. So, even if we cannot end up together in the end, I hope that Young Miss Si Yao can have a satisfying destination, rather than sacrificing her own happiness for the sake of so-called Family interests!" After saying this, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in the glass in one gulp.

Looking at Zhao Lintai's 'performance,' Elder Si's eyes became complex. After thinking for a moment, his expression changed, and when he looked at Zhao Lintai again, there was a hint of appreciation in his eyes: "Lintai, you are right. However, you may have misunderstood. Our Si Family is definitely not the kind of ungrateful people; if it weren't for Old Zhao's great help to our Si Family back then, our Si Family would not have the glory we have today. The kindness your Zhao Family has shown to our Si Family, no matter when, the Si Family will never forget!"

Hearing Elder Si express his stance, Zhao Lintai hurriedly waved his hand: "Grandpa Si, you have misunderstood. I was just speaking from the heart; I didn't mean to blame you." As he spoke, he picked up the wine on the table, poured himself a full glass, and then raised his glass again: "Grandpa Si, this Junior spoke without thinking just now; I will punish myself with a cup to apologize to you, Grandpa Si!" After he finished speaking, without waiting for Elder Si's response, he tilted his head back and drank another full glass.

"Oh, Lintai, why do this~" Elder Si sighed softly, "I naturally understand your intentions. It's just that my granddaughter has always been a person with her own ideas. Although you and Yaoyao are engaged, there are the orders of the parents, but this marriage is a big matter, and it ultimately depends on the wishes of you young people. As an elder, I very much hope to see our two families become closer through marriage. Lintai, you should understand what I mean by saying this, right?"

"Yes! This Junior understands!" Zhao Lintai's spirit lifted upon hearing this, and he immediately expressed his stance: "With your support, Grandpa Si, this Junior will definitely do his best to strive to win the heart of Young Miss Si Yao!"

"Hahaha! Good! You have ambition!" Elder Si laughed and patted Zhao Lintai's shoulder again, "Then I will wait and see! I hope you can achieve a positive result soon! Don't make me wait too long." After finishing, Elder Si feigned fatigue and yawned, waving his hand, "Alright~, it is getting late today. Lintai, you have had quite a bit to drink, so go back and rest early. If there is anything, we will talk about it tomorrow."

"Yes, then Grandpa Si, please rest, this Junior will take his leave." Zhao Lintai said, respectfully bowed to Elder Si, and then turned and exited the main hall.

After Zhao Lintai left, the kindness on Si Zhengxiong's face vanished instantly, replaced by a hint of imperceptible seriousness. The two copper lion heads he was playing with in his hands were gripped with more force unknowingly, as if he were seeking some decision in his contemplation.

After waiting for a moment, Si Hongbin returned to the main hall with light steps, bowed slightly to him, and reported: "Elder Si, Young Master Zhao has already returned to the guest room to rest."

Si Zhengxiong heard this, took a deep breath, slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, and sighed: "This grandson of Zhao Weiguo is not simple. He is calculating and meticulous; I fear that he will not easily let go of this engagement."

Si Hongbin looked up, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes: "Then, what if Young Miss firmly disagrees? After all, you know Young Miss's temper; if she refuses to marry, no one can do anything about it."

Si Zhengxiong frowned, worriedly saying: "Sigh, yes, this is what I am most worried about. Yaoyao's temper..." He said, shaking his head, and continued: "Nowadays, the Zhao Family's power is gradually weakening; if this Zhao Lintai wants to stabilize the Zhao Family's position, marrying into our Si Family is undoubtedly the best choice. If it ends up causing unpleasantness because of this matter, I fear there will be big trouble."

Si Hongbin was silent for a moment, then suddenly suggested: "Elder Si, how about this? I will personally go to Shanghai, bring Young Miss back, and you can try to persuade her properly?"

Si Zhengxiong waved his hand and pondered: "This is not urgent for now. This time, inviting Zhao Lintai over was also to probe his attitude. How about this, you still go and contact Hongjun, and let him come to see me early tomorrow morning."

"Yes." Si Hongbin responded and turned to leave.

"Wait," Si Zhengxiong suddenly called him back, a hint of fatigue appearing on his face, "Push me back to my room to rest first. Let me think carefully about tonight's events."

Si Hongbin nodded, walked behind him, pushed the wheelchair, and slowly walked toward the bedroom.

...

Meanwhile, back in the guest room, Zhao Lintai took out his phone, a glimmer of thought flashing in his eyes. After a moment of hesitation, he still dialed his grandfather's number.