Chapter 10: Rushing to Propose

He’s father gave Ye Siran a long, deep look, realizing she truly didn’t want to marry his son.

He turned to Ye’s father and said, “Since Hongwen and your eldest daughter have already crossed the point of no return, go get the marriage certificate tomorrow.”

“Alright, alright! The two children can get the certificate tomorrow, and we’ll leave the wedding arrangements to you, relatives,” Ye’s father said, beaming.

Mrs. He grabbed Ye Ruyue’s hand. “Ruyue, Hongwen is eight years older than his elder brother and spoiled by us. He’s not the right match for you!”

Ye Ruyue lifted her head, her eyes red like a rabbit’s. She bit her lips until they turned pale, then slowly lowered her head again, wishing she could silence Mrs. He.

Mrs. He continued, “Ruyue, Siran said she doesn’t want to attend university, so Auntie He decided to give that university spot to you. Don’t worry—once you find the right family in the future, Auntie will prepare a generous dowry. You won’t suffer any grievances.”

Ye Ruyue gritted her teeth. Honestly, even if Hongwen wasn’t the ideal man, she still wanted to marry him. The He family had wealth and status; marrying into their family meant happiness. But she couldn’t say that aloud.

Through tears, she choked out, “Auntie, I know Brother Hongwen is excellent… I’m not worthy of him.”

Ye’s mother, unable to see her stepdaughter wronged, snapped, “Ruyue, don’t belittle yourself! Our daughter is beautiful and clever—she’s a perfect match for Hongwen.”

Mrs. He wanted to say more but was stopped by He’s father’s glance. “It’s settled. Go get the certificate tomorrow, and hold the wedding banquet three days later.”

Hongwen could not accept Ye Siran’s coldness toward him and refused to believe she didn’t want to marry him.

A few days ago, she had made him a pair of cloth shoes, and yesterday, two pairs of pants.

Although her behavior today suggested she wanted to give up on him, there was such a thing as playing hard to get.

Yes, she was advancing by retreating—he hadn’t expected his obedient fiancée to start playing tricks.

But he didn’t dislike her little schemes; in fact, he felt a bit pleased. He had wronged her today, so let her indulge a little!

With that thought, Hongwen didn’t argue with his father about getting the certificate tomorrow or the wedding banquet the day after.

After all, his father’s favorite was Siran. As long as she changed her mind, his father would agree unconditionally.

Earlier, his father had said that even if the rice was overcooked, it wouldn’t help—but now he was letting him marry Ye Ruyue.

If Siran changed her mind tomorrow and agreed to marry him, his father would surely say yes.

Mrs. He, seeing her second son did not argue with his father, happily accepted it.

A flicker of displeasure rose in her heart—what spell had Ye Ruyue cast on her second son?

Her disdain for Ye Ruyue grew. Her eldest son and the first two daughters had been raised entirely by her mother-in-law, and her relationship with them was distant. Only the second son, third child, and youngest daughter had been raised by her, and they were closer to her.

She believed her second son was better than the eldest, and that Ye Siran, the He family’s granddaughter by marriage, barely matched her second son.

Unfortunately, Siran had been spoiled by her biological mother, growing petty, especially over the past few years, and unfit for appearances.

Ye Jianping’s daughter didn’t deserve her second son, particularly with her inherited capitalistic airs from her biological mother.

Mrs. He, despite her reluctance, dared not defy her husband. She could only glare at Ye Ruyue, hoping she would give up voluntarily.

Ye’s father enthusiastically saw the He family of three to the yard’s gate. “Relatives, Mother-in-law, Hongwen, take care. I won’t see you off any further.”

He Yongchang left quickly, not bothering with pleasantries, and Mrs. He followed closely behind.

Hongwen, however, out of respect for his fiancée, politely said, “Uncle Ye, you should go back in. No need to see us off.”

Seeing his future son-in-law being so polite, Ye’s father laughed and called out, “Hongwen, take care, and come early tomorrow to get Ruyue’s certificate!”

Hongwen said nothing, quickly turning to follow his parents.

Inside, Ye Siran saw the He family leave and made no move to clean up the dishes on the table. She turned and walked to her room.

Once inside, she accessed her space and entered her large villa. First on her agenda: the bathroom, filling it with hot water for a bath.

Ye’s mother saw her biological daughter obeying and withdrawing from the engagement. For once, she didn’t pick a fight but took it upon herself to clean the dishes.

Having done little housework for years, the noise she made while cleaning was unavoidable.

“Mom—aren’t you unhappy that my sister is marrying Brother Hongwen tomorrow?” Ye Ruyue’s anger had nowhere else to go.

“What nonsense! I’m overjoyed! How could I be unhappy?” her mother weakly replied.

“Then why make so much noise?” Ruyue asked sharply, just wanting to vent.

“How dare you talk to your mother like that? Don’t like the noise? Go clean it yourself!” Ye’s father scolded verbally but showed no real anger.

If Ye Siran hadn’t convinced He Yongchang today, the old man would never have allowed his son to marry Ruyue.

Until their daughter’s marriage certificate was in hand, he couldn’t relax. To manage Ye Siran, he needed to treat Song Chunhua well.

Ruyue, not a fool, quickly understood her father’s intentions. “Mom, sorry. I was being anxious and insecure. I feared it was all just a dream.”

“Don’t worry, Ruyue. Your Uncle He has promised you and Hongwen can get the certificate tomorrow.”

“Mom, you’re the best! I’ll go back to my room now.” Ruyue was eager to show off to Ye Siran.

“Dad, look! Sister locked her room door.”

“Riran is in a bad mood, don’t disturb her tonight. You’ll sleep in Weiguo’s room,” Ye’s father said, signaling her not to provoke Siran.

Tomorrow, he would figure out where the Ye family members had been relocated. With the He family’s influence, things would move faster.

Money can be earned back. He would not tell his wife that all the family’s wealth had been given to the stepdaughter—her petty temper would surely stir up trouble if she found out.

Returning to his room, Ye’s father saw an empty box on the table—completely empty—and felt relief.

He replaced the wooden box’s lid, returned it to its place, and went to the main room, casually waiting for his wife to bring water for washing his face and feet.

The next morning, many women in the courtyard eagerly tried to cozy up to Ye’s mother.

“Your daughter really broke off the engagement? That’s great! My maternal cousin has a son who’s always had his eye on Ye Siran. I’ll bring him by tomorrow for you to see!”

“Sister-in-law Ye, your daughter is beautiful and hardworking. She’s sure to marry well! My aunt’s nephew is handsome, with a good job.”

“Sister-in-law, my nephew is good-looking too. He’s a manager at a department store.”

Several women surrounded Ye’s mother, chattering about their relatives.

Though Ye Siran was timid, she was beautiful and backed by the He family.

Ye’s mother smiled so widely her mouth could barely close. “I’ve noted all your suggestions. I’ll ask your father when I get home from work.”