Melissa felt as if struck by lightning. She mechanically turned her head, her gaze fixed on her “daughter,” her pale cheeks etched with a mixture of confusion and interrogation.
At last, she understood why she had felt an unsettling wrongness just moments ago. It turned out her “daughter’s” gait today was far from ladylike, adopting entirely the posture of a boy.
Chen Xuanqiu knew his parents had recognized him. However, trusting the two elders, he wasn’t overly worried. His true concern lay with the others present.
“CEO Chen, what’s wrong?”
Fu Fawu asked, a hint of bewilderment in his voice. He did not seem particularly familiar with Chen Xuanqiu.
“N-nothing… I’m fine.”
Chen Degao forced a smile, then subtly glanced at his “daughter” beside him.
“Xiaozhu, what happened to your voice today?”
From the other side of the table, Fu Yao finally voiced his suspicion.
Melissa paled dramatically. Beneath the table, she covertly gripped one of her son’s hands.
“Oh, I’ve caught a slight cold these past couple of days.”
Chen Xuanqiu felt his mother’s hand trembling faintly. He strove to keep his expression natural, knowing he absolutely could not lose his composure at this moment.
“Oh, then you must take care of yourself.”
Fu Yao showed no further suspicion, instead offering thoughtful comfort.
Chen Xuanqiu let out a long sigh of relief. It seemed this guy wasn’t very familiar with the body’s original owner; otherwise, he would have recognized the voice instantly.
‘It seems the original Chen Xuanzhu had virtually no social circle. He wondered just how self-conscious she had been, to live almost like an autistic child.’
Chen Xuanqiu couldn’t help but marvel at this. Of course, he also had to thank the original owner’s reclusiveness; otherwise, impersonating her now would likely not be so easy.
Seeing her son successfully bluff his way through, Melissa finally released his hand. The violent heaving of her chest gradually subsided.
Chen Degao cast a deep gaze at his son. A hint of unconcealed admiration flickered in his eyes. Such courage and quick wit truly made him see his son in a new light.
“Fu Yao, did you hear that? Why aren’t you getting some cold medicine for Xiaozhu?”
Jiang Yunmei prompted her son, who was seated beside her.
“Alright.”
Fu Yao enthusiastically stood up, appearing quite eager to oblige.
“There’s no need, Auntie, I’ve already taken some.”
Chen Xuanqiu quickly interjected, knowing that the more trouble he caused now, the worse his future would be.
“Yes, she took it at home before coming.”
Chen Degao quickly chimed in, echoing the sentiment.
“It’s fine. My second aunt is a doctor at the city hospital, and she knows of a great cold medicine. As long as you take it obediently, I guarantee a swift recovery.”
Fu Yao, single-minded as ever, then dashed out without further ado.
‘You’re a handsome guy, for goodness sake. Can you not be such a simp?’
Chen Xuanqiu was left speechless.
Next came dinner. The various prominent figures at the table took the opportunity to chat about national affairs. Having only just transmigrated into this world, Chen Xuanqiu was completely ignorant of such matters and couldn’t contribute to the conversation. Yet, his curiosity kept him listening with great interest.
Through their discussions, Chen Xuanqiu gained a general understanding of this world. While its oceans and landmasses were distributed much like Earth’s, the nations themselves were entirely different.
The nation he currently resided in, Yongchang, was a medium-sized country with a population exceeding 600 million. It was located inland within the former East Asian plate.
Lacking access to the sea, its economy was underdeveloped. This directly impacted its military development, necessitating its reliance on a superpower for survival.
Why the absolute need for reliance? The reason was simple: the world faced an extreme imbalance in its male-to-female ratio.
Consequently, every nation now sought all possible means to acquire reproductive resources, ranging from overt warfare and plunder to covert human trafficking. They would stop at nothing.
From this, it was clear: without a powerful backer, a nation’s female citizens would have no sense of security whatsoever. They could be snatched away by other countries at any moment.
‘It seems this world is far more dangerous than my original one.’
Chen Xuanqiu mused inwardly, a wave of sympathy for the girls washing over him. After all, no matter how high their status, they still had to live in constant trepidation. In contrast, he preferred a peaceful life.
Though Chen Xuanqiu seemed out of place, he hadn’t been forgotten by the others. Jiang Yunmei, in particular, kept adding dishes to his plate.
“Auntie, I have a cold. Aren’t you afraid of getting infected?”
Chen Xuanqiu felt a pang of speechlessness as he gazed at the small mountain of delicacies piled before him. It wasn’t that he disliked the food; rather, he had already eaten before arriving. Otherwise, faced with such tempting cuisine, he would surely expose himself.
After all, the great school beauty Chen Xuanzhu ate very daintily. She would never wolf down her food like a reincarnated hungry ghost, as he would.
Approximately half an hour later, Fu Yao returned, panting and covered in sweat. He then forcefully pressed the cold medicine into Chen Xuanqiu’s hand.
“Thank you.”
Though Chen Xuanqiu generally had no interest in men, the man’s genuine sincerity made him feel a little awkward.
Melissa saw her son awkwardly holding the cold medicine. Thoughtfully, she took it from him and placed it in her handbag.
“My dear brother Chen, I’m very happy tonight. There are some heartfelt words I wish to share with you first. I wonder if you’d be willing to listen?”
After the meal had settled and several rounds of drinks had been consumed, Fu Fawu suddenly spoke without warning. Everyone at the table instinctively ceased their movements.
“Elder Brother Fu, we’ve had many years of friendship. Please, speak your mind about anything.”
Though Chen Degao knew precisely what the other man intended to say, he still gave him face.
“Indeed, we’ve shared many years of friendship, just like family. So, I won’t beat around the bush. As you know, my wife and I have long admired your daughter. We hope she will become our daughter-in-law after she graduates.”
Fu Fawu spoke directly and to the point, clearly confident in his proposal. He had made this announcement in front of so many people precisely to deter the “wolves” surrounding them.
The group of prominent figures around the table all quietly awaited Chen Degao’s response. Most of them secretly hoped he would refuse, for who wouldn’t desire such a daughter-in-law?
Chen Xuanqiu also watched his father in silence. Although he wasn’t the original Chen Xuanzhu, he was her biological brother, and naturally, this matter concerned him.
“CEO Chen, my daughter has only just started high school. Isn’t it a bit too soon to discuss such things?”
Melissa quickly interjected. As a mother, she truly didn’t want her daughter to become a casualty of interests. In her heart, she still hoped to see her daughter fall in love freely.
“That’s why Old Chen said to wait until after she graduates.”
Jiang Yunmei explained from the side.
Chen Degao glanced at his wife, his expression remarkably calm. He pondered for a moment before speaking.
“Elder Brother Fu, I am well aware of your character and that of your wife. You have indeed looked after our Chen family well over the years. Therefore, I have no objection to this marriage proposal.”
“However, as you know, in today’s society, parents cannot dictate marriages. Whether she becomes a daughter-in-law of the Fu family ultimately depends on her own decision.”
Chen Xuanqiu was instantly impressed by his father’s words. They were delivered with such skill, seemingly agreeing to something while in fact agreeing to nothing at all.
“Of course! Of course!”
Fu Fawu’s face immediately broke into a wide smile. He knew this was the best promise Chen Degao could give him. These few words alone were enough to deter those ‘toads who wished to eat swan meat.’ As long as there were no competitors, the girl before them would eventually become a daughter-in-law of the Fu family.
Fu Yao, standing nearby, was so overjoyed he looked as if he were having an epileptic fit. His gaze towards Chen Xuanqiu became incredibly fervent, as if he wanted to devour him whole.
Chen Xuanqiu shivered inwardly, nearly spitting out what he had just eaten.
In contrast, the other prominent figures at the table slumped back in their chairs, deflated. They knew their sons wouldn’t stand a chance anytime soon.
“Niece, did you hear your father’s words? You must come visit Auntie’s house more often in the future.”
Jiang Yunmei seized the opportune moment to invite him.
Chen Xuanqiu could only offer an noncommittal smile. He wasn’t his sister, so he naturally couldn’t make decisions for her.
“Don’t worry, Brother Chen. If you ever face any difficulties, just come to me. From now on, we are family.”
Fu Fawu first made his pledge to Chen Degao. Then, he turned to Chen Xuanqiu, continuing to lay on the heavy incentives: “Niece, from now on, just tell your uncle whatever you need. I’ll cover all the delicious food and fun things you desire. Even if you want the stars from the sky, I’ll pluck them down for you. Once you officially become a daughter-in-law of the Fu family, I’ll even give you half of my company shares.”
Everyone around them watched, astonished. Fu Fawu was the largest shareholder of Huawu Group; how much would half of his shares be worth?
‘To think so thoroughly before anything is even set in stone… why does it feel like I’m being treated as a child bride?’ Chen Xuanqiu thought, feeling distinctly uneasy.
After a moment, Fu Yao suddenly addressed Chen Xuanqiu. “Xiaozhu, come with me. I’ll introduce you to a few friends.”