Ascending to Godhood: I Can Foresee All Futures

A test?

An act?

What is going on?

Nie Xiangjun caught his bewildered expression and let out a chuckle. She tilted her head back, drained the wine in her cup, and only then began to casually explain,

"He debuted on the Dragon and Tiger List at number eighty-two, and those sharp-eyed old men in the clan have even declared he has the potential to break into the top thirty. A fine son-in-law like that... how could the Nie Family possibly let him get away?

It’s a race just to claim him."

"Then just now, you..." Nie Xuanfeng was even more confused.

"That was merely a test."

Nie Xiangjun set down her wine cup and rubbed her temples, an amused yet helpless expression on her face.

"For this marriage alliance, the clan’s initial plan is to betroth either Lingshan or Lingxi to him. As their aunt, how could I not come and vet him for them?

I have to assess his character and mettle. If he turns out to be all looks but no substance—a cold and ungrateful man—wouldn’t I be pushing my nieces into a pit of fire?"

"So... Chen Sheng’s performance just now... actually passed?"

Nie Xuanfeng slowly began to understand, his expression turning quite colorful.

"From the moment he appeared on the Dragon and Tiger List, the matter of the marriage alliance was basically settled."

Nie Xiangjun said coolly,

"I came here on behalf of Lingshan and Lingxi simply to test his character. If, in his eagerness to curry favor with the Nie Family and marry one of the Three Beauties, he had agreed without a moment’s hesitation to sever all ties with that Sun Yuzhi...

Hmph. For a cold, opportunistic, and faithless man like that, I would never have allowed my nieces to marry him. If he can abandon a woman today for the sake of the Nie Family’s wealth and status, what’s to stop him from betraying the Nie Family tomorrow when a greater temptation comes along?"

Nie Xuanfeng was left dumbfounded. It was a long moment before he spoke,

"Then... what if he had actually agreed to break it off?"

"That would prove his character is flawed and that he is not a suitable match."

Nie Xiangjun’s reply was blunt.

"He could forget about Lingshan and Lingxi, of course. But, knowing how those old men in the clan operate, they would likely still marry an ordinary legitimate daughter to him.

After all, a young man with a clean background and immense potential is a rare resource. They wouldn’t give up on him entirely."

"But now..."

Nie Xuanfeng recalled the determined set of Chen Sheng’s back as he left, and his brow furrowed once more.

"Zhenren, Chen Sheng is outwardly modest but inwardly proud, and he’s a man of strong principles. Your attitude just now was so... forceful. I fear he may have truly decided he would rather forgo the marriage alliance altogether.

If this isn’t handled properly, it could create a rift."

"It’s of no concern."

Nie Xiangjun waved her hand dismissively, her expression composed.

"I have my ways to smooth things over. However..."

Her tone shifted, and a flicker of doubt crossed her eyes.

"I can’t help but feel that boy is a little too shrewd. He answered so decisively, so cleanly... it was almost as if he knew it was a test and was putting on a performance just for me.

You’ve spent a fair amount of time with him. In your opinion, is it possible... that he actually saw through it?"

A flicker of something passed through Nie Xuanfeng’s eyes.

He had witnessed Chen Sheng’s ability to read people and discern their intentions many times before; he knew all too well how formidable it was.

It was hard to say whether Chen Sheng had picked up on some clue from Nie Xiangjun’s subtle expressions or the logic of her words.

But even if he had his suspicions, he knew this was not the moment to voice them.

After a moment of contemplation, Nie Xuanfeng’s expression turned serious, and he spoke respectfully,

"To answer, Zhenren, Chen Sheng has served under my command for nearly a year. In my observation, while his methods can be decisive and ruthless, and he sometimes acts unconventionally, he is fundamentally a man who values loyalty and never forgets a kindness.

Years ago in Changshan County, he had a superior who greatly supported and mentored him. Later, as Chen Sheng’s own status rose, he didn’t become arrogant or forget his roots. Instead, he always treated his former superior with respect and even secretly pulled some strings to secure a lucrative future for him.

It was because I saw this spark of integrity in his character that I dared to recommend him so strongly to the clan."

"Such high praise?"

Nie Xiangjun narrowed her beautiful eyes, lost in thought.

"Every word I’ve said is true."

"Mm."

Nie Xiangjun nodded slowly, her fingertips tapping lightly on the armrest.

"I understand. However, don’t reveal any of this to him for now. Let’s wait a couple of days. I want to see... to see if this deep sense of loyalty is consistent, or if it was just a performance for the moment.

If he truly practices what he preaches—if he’s loyal, honorable, and responsible—then I’ll bring him around on the matter of the marriage alliance."

"Understood."

Nie Xuanfeng bowed in acknowledgment, sighing inaudibly with relief, knowing there was still room to salvage the situation.

’But then again,’ he thought, recalling Chen Sheng’s stubborn nature and Nie Xiangjun’s proud demeanor, ’this "smoothing things over" will be no easy task. Ultimately, however, it’s no longer a matter I can control. I can only hope that everything goes smoothly.’

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Seeking monthly tickets...