Chapter 330 - Chapter 330 Chapter 330 Forced Marriage
Chapter 330: Chapter 330 Forced Marriage Chapter 330: Chapter 330 Forced Marriage Nianyao didn’t say anything about Lu Yichen’s attentive gestures; she enjoyed them with a sense of rightful entitlement.
Ever since the two had spoken openly, Lu Yichen had been taking care of her in this manner at every meal, so she had grown accustomed to it. She wasn’t the kind of person to suffer for the sake of others’ opinions. Therefore, she naturally wouldn’t refuse the care Lu Yichen showed her.
However, the other women present couldn’t help feeling a pang of jealousy upon witnessing the interaction between Lu Yichen and Zhong Nianyao. They glanced at the men beside them and felt even more sorrowful.
It really was a case of “comparisons can kill.”
Even the unmarried women, after observing Lu Yichen’s behavior, secretly resolved to find husbands who would peel shrimp for them in the future.
Dinner ended in a harmonious atmosphere, and afterward, everyone gathered in the living room again to drink tea and chat.
After inquiring about some simple basic information from Zhong Nianyao, Old Master Lu began to chat idly.
With Old Master Lu present, no one dared to speak ill of Zhong Nianyao. For a moment, the atmosphere in the living room was exceptionally harmonious.
Just when Zhong Nianyao was about to rise and take her leave, Old Master Lu suddenly spoke up, “Nianyao, when would it be convenient to schedule a meal with your family? Now that you two are together, it’s time for both families to start making preparations.”
The statement was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, immediately causing ripples to spread.
Everyone present was shocked; none had expected Old Master Lu to suddenly make such a request.
Even though Zhong Nianyao was attending the Lu Family dinner today, they hadn’t considered the possibility of her marrying Lu Yichen, or that she even qualified to do so. After all, the future was uncertain.
But if the families met, that would be a different matter entirely. When parents meet with a couple in love, the intention is clear.
They hadn’t imagined that Old Master Lu would be so satisfied with Zhong Nianyao, considering having Lu Yichen marry her.
As the person in question, Zhong Nianyao was truly caught off guard. Was it possible that just by coming for a meal, things had escalated to talk of marriage?
Moreover, if truth be told, she hadn’t even agreed to Lu Yichen’s courtship yet! How had things advanced to this stage so quickly?
Was this a push toward a forced marriage?
At this thought, she couldn’t help but nudge Lu Yichen in the chest with her elbow. She smiled, uncertain how to respond.
Lu Yichen felt a pain in his chest from the nudge, but he didn’t say anything, instead, his expression softened a bit more. Clearly, he was pleased with Old Master Lu’s suggestion.
“Old Madam,” Old Madam Lu forced a smile and spoke, “Their relationship is still quite new, and meeting the families should be carefully considered over time.”
Old Madam Lu did not like Zhong Nianyao and was even less willing to have her marry into the Lu Family. Nianyao was already so impolite to her before marriage. If they got married, it would be unbearable.
Furthermore, Zhong Nianyao was also Zhong Mengxuan’s cousin. And Mengxuan was Chenran’s lover outside. If Lu Yichen married Zhong Nianyao and this relationship came to light, the Lu Family would become the butt of the joke in others’ eyes.
She absolutely would not allow this to happen.
“Why would it be rushed?”
Unlike Old Madam Lu, Old Master Lu was beaming, “Chenran is about to become a father, and Yichen is his uncle, yet still unmarried! Now that he’s found someone he likes, it’s good to marry earlier!”
“Uncle, there’s no need to rush this,” Zhong Nianyao interrupted with a laugh, “Besides, I think Yichen probably feels the same way, right?”
As she spoke, Zhong Nianyao gave Lu Yichen a warning look.
Lu Yichen acted as if he saw nothing and stayed silent.
Out of everyone’s view, Zhong Nianyao reached out, pinched the soft flesh on Lu Yichen’s waist, and with a twist and a forced smile, she whispered, “Say something!”
As if he didn’t feel the pain at his waist, Lu Yichen’s expression remained unchanged.
After a while, he finally looked up at Old Master Lu, “We have our own plans regarding this matter. When we are truly ready to get married, we will naturally arrange for the parents to meet.”
Zhong Nianyao breathed a sigh of relief.
Upon hearing Lu Yichen’s response, the disappointment on Old Master Lu’s face was evident, but he didn’t persist, “Alright then! Still, I must say, since you two are fond of each other, you should settle down sooner rather than later! That’s what we, as parents, hope to see.”
The others in the room also breathed a sigh of relief; they had really feared that Old Master Lu might impulsively finalize the marriage right there and then!
Perhaps sensing that the atmosphere in the living room was a bit off, Zhong Nianyao stood up, “Uncle, Old Madam Lu, it’s getting late. I should be going now. Thank you for your hospitality today.”
Soon, Lu Yichen and Zhong Nianyao left together.
Indeed, it was getting late. After Zhong Nianyao’s farewell, Old Master Lu sent the other guests away as well.
Before long, in the grand old house, only Old Master Lu and Old Madam Lu were left.
Old Master Lu stood up, intending to go upstairs. However, before he could rise, Old Madam Lu called out to him.