Top Soldier Pursued by a Beauty

Zhao Dong let out a couple of dry coughs, and Jiang Nianyu stood beside him, her face filled with embarrassment.

Finally, Jiang Nianyu sighed and said, "Dad, Mom… no matter what, I won't marry Yun Kefeng. I want to make my own decisions when it comes to my love life."

Jiang Tianhai sighed heavily. "Nianyu, you're an adult now, and there are some things your parents can't control. But… you must think twice before you act."

With that, Jiang Tianhai gave Zhao Dong a deep look.

Jiang Nianyu didn't say any more, simply taking Zhao Dong by the hand and leading him out of the living room.

Once they stepped out of the Jiang family's gate, they looked at each other and smiled. They knew they had finally made it through today's ordeal. However, they also knew the Yun Family would certainly not let the matter rest.

"Zhao Dong, what are your plans now?" Jiang Nianyu asked.

Zhao Dong pondered for a moment before replying, "First, I need to find someone. Then, I'll figure out how to deal with the Yun Family."

Jiang Nianyu nodded. "Be careful, then. The members of the Yun Family are all treacherous and cunning."

Zhao Dong smiled. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."

Just then, Zhao Dong's phone rang. He answered the call, and Xu Qingyue's voice came through.

"Zhao Dong, where are you? Hurry over to the restaurant. Everyone from the Xu family is here, including my grandfather and parents. We're just waiting for you."

Zhao Dong acknowledged and hung up. He looked at Jiang Nianyu. "Nianyu, I need to head to the restaurant. Will you be okay getting home by yourself?"

Jiang Nianyu shook her head. "I'll be fine. You be careful."

Zhao Dong nodded, turned, and left, hurrying toward the restaurant where the Xu family was waiting. He had no idea that a conspiracy against him was quietly unfolding.

Inside the private room of the restaurant, the atmosphere had been warm and harmonious. The Xu family sat together, discussing how Zhao Dong had heroically saved the Xu siblings.

Xu Qingyue's grandfather, a white-haired elder, had eyes that twinkled with admiration for Zhao Dong. "This Zhao Dong is truly a remarkable young man, brave and resourceful. He will surely make a name for himself in the future."

Xu Qingyue's parents also nodded frequently, their gratitude toward Zhao Dong palpable. They knew that if it weren't for Zhao Dong's timely intervention, their children might have met a terrible fate.

However, a discordant voice at the table shattered this warm ambiance. Cang Shihao, Xu Qingyue's fiancé, sat in a corner of the private room, his face glum as he listened to the Xu family's continuous praise for Zhao Dong. A flash of displeasure and envy crossed his eyes, and an inexplicable jealousy welled up within him.

Cang Shihao hailed from the Cang Family of Silver Sea City and had a long-standing marital alliance with the Xu family. He had always believed his status as the Xu family's future son-in-law was unshakeable. Yet now, he discovered that his position was under threat, and this threat came from a complete unknown named Zhao Dong.

"Hmph, Zhao Dong? Never heard of him," Cang Shihao scoffed dismissively, his tone filled with contempt. "Grandfather Xu, surely you haven't all been deceived, have you? What real talent could possibly come from a small place like East Sea?"

As soon as he spoke, Xu Qingyue's expression darkened. She shot Cang Shihao a displeased look and said coldly, "Cang Shihao, watch your words. Zhao Dong is our savior. We all witnessed his strength and courage. You shouldn't disparage him like that."

"Savior? Haha, what a joke!" Cang Shihao sneered sarcastically. "I think he's just a country bumpkin with no real skills. Has the Xu family been completely hoodwinked?"

Xu Qingyue's grandfather frowned. He saw Cang Shihao's hostility and jealousy toward Zhao Dong. He knew it was because Cang Shihao had a high opinion of himself and looked down on people from a small city like East Sea. Furthermore, the admiration for Zhao Dong that slipped into Xu Qingyue's words only irritated Cang Shihao more.

"Cang Shihao, don't go too far!" Xu Qingyue snapped, suddenly standing up and making the entire situation rather awkward.

Xu Qingyue's father tried to smooth things over. "Zhao Dong is indeed an outstanding young man. We all admire his performance. Of course, Shihao is also a fine young man. You're both commendable."

However, Cang Shihao paid no mind to Mr. Xu's attempt to placate him. He continued to smile coldly, his eyes glinting with a chilly light. It seemed he had already resolved to make an enemy of Zhao Dong, regardless of whether he was as outstanding as the Xu family claimed.

Xu Yafei retorted directly, "Cang Shihao, that's enough. Zhao Dong saved our lives. The least you could do is be grateful, but instead, you're standing here making snide remarks. I'm disgusted by you!"

Cang Shihao's face fell at Xu Yafei's words. He glared at her before saying sarcastically, "Oh, is that so? In that case, I'll just have to see for myself how impressive this Zhao Dong really is. I'm guessing he's just a country bumpkin with no real substance."

Seeing this, Xu Qingyue's grandfather couldn't help but sigh. He knew the marriage between Cang Shihao and Xu Qingyue had been arranged by their families, but it was now clear there was no harmony between them. He hoped Zhao Dong's appearance could change everything and allow Xu Qingyue to find someone truly worthy of entrusting her life to.

At that moment, the atmosphere in the private room turned heavy. Faced with someone like Cang Shihao, it seemed no one else had any interest in talking.

Just then, the door to the room was gently pushed open, and Zhao Dong's figure appeared in everyone's line of sight.

The Xu family immediately rose to their feet to welcome him warmly, and Xu Qingyue's grandfather approached with a broad smile.

"Mr. Zhao, you're here! Please, have a seat," Grandfather Xu greeted cordially, then turned to the waiter. "Quick, bring out the two top-grade medicinal herbs I've been saving."

A short while later, a waiter approached carrying an exquisite wooden box. Grandfather Xu took the box and opened it carefully, revealing two lustrous herbs inside.

"Mr. Zhao, this is a small token of my appreciation. You must accept it," Grandfather Xu said, his tone full of sincerity and gratitude as he handed the box to Zhao Dong.

Zhao Dong's eyes lit up with excitement as he looked at the herbs. He knew these two plants would be a great help to his cultivation, so he accepted the generous gift without hesitation.

However, Cang Yunhao watched this from the side, feeling deeply displeased. He had assumed that as the Xu family's future son-in-law, Grandfather Xu would value him more. But it looks like this old geezer has other ideas.

He stared enviously at the medicinal herbs in Zhao Dong's hands, and an inexplicable anger welled up inside him.

"Hmph, just two herbs are enough to make you this happy?" Cang Yunhao scoffed disdainfully. "Zhao Dong, do you really think you're someone important?"

Zhao Dong frowned at his words. He looked at Cang Yunhao and replied in a cold tone, "Who are you? Are we acquainted?"