Chapter 198
“Grandpa, do I still have a chance to turn things around?” The continuous blows and torments had caused Lian Xuan to grow white hair and wrinkles early, and his skin had become dull. He looked more like a forty-year-old than someone just over twenty.
“As long as you’re alive, there’s always a chance to stand up again. Have you forgotten everything I taught you? This bit of adversity has made you look like neither a person nor a ghost. You’ve truly disappointed me. Hurry back to your room, wash up, pack your things, and move out.” With that, the old master Lian turned away, leaning on his cane, and started packing his things without caring whether Lian Xuan was listening.
Half an hour later, everyone in the Lian family carried their suitcases out of the house. Six people stood outside the front door. Lian Er’s second aunt rolled her eyes and said unceremoniously, “I’ll be staying at my parents’ place with my husband. It’s inconvenient to take Dad with us. Dad always put all his attention on your branch of the family, never giving us a proper look, as if we were picked up off the streets. So, you guys have fun as a family, I’m done here.”
As she spoke, a black Bentley arrived in front of them. “Our ride is here. We’re going first.” Lian Er rolled her eyes again, pulled her husband into the car. Lian Er’s uncle hadn’t said a word the whole time. He simply bowed to the old master Lian before getting in the car, leaving behind a trail of exhaust for the others.
“Dad, what do we do now?” Lian Fu asked angrily, watching the two depart.
The old master Lian looked at the three remaining people, his voice aged and weary, “Let’s go to the Chu family.”
“What for? The Chu family wishes they could eat us alive right now.” Lian Fu frowned, expressing reluctance.
“Of course, to beg the Chu family.” The old master Lian said tiredly.
“Even if we die at the Chu family’s doorstep, they won’t bat an eye. Going there won’t get us anything but humiliation. We might as well spend the time finding a place to settle down.” Lian Mu said, frowning.
Lian Xuan didn’t speak, but his tightly pressed lips showed his disagreement. By now, three of the four were in disagreement, but the old master Lian subdued the dissent with his forceful will. “You must listen to me on this. The reason the Chu family is targeting us is because of that girl, Chu Lian. This time, we have to beg that girl, Chu Lian. Whether our Lian family can stand up again depends on you. If it comes to it, even if the Chu family demands you marry Chu Lian, you are not to refuse.” The old master Lian looked deeply at Lian Xuan as he said this.
Lian Xuan bit his lip without saying a word. Seeing this, Lian Fu and Lian Mu frowned immediately, “Are you still hung up on that vixen? You cost the entire Lian family for that vixen, and now our family is a laughingstock in Shangjing. Yet when that woman saw your downfall, she turned and left without a word. After all the Lian family has done for you, you can’t make a little sacrifice now?” Lian Mu scolded, frowning.
“I didn’t say I was unwilling. Let’s do it your way then.” Lian Xuan said, his brows drooping.
Since the Lian family’s decline started, Xu Ke had been keeping an eye on their movements. Now, hearing that the main branch of the Lian family, under the old master’s lead, went to the Chu family’s villa, a satisfied smile appeared on Xu Ke’s lips.
“Housekeeper Zhao, get ready. I’m going to the Chu family today.” Xu Ke said with a mocking smile.
“Alright.” Housekeeper Zhao complied and left, packing a bouquet from the greenhouse and having the house chef bake some sweets, which he packed and brought with clothes to Xu Ke’s room.
“Thank you.” Xu Ke quickly changed his clothes, eager to head to the Chu house.
Xu Ke and the Lian family people arrived at the Chu house one after another. When Xu Ke arrived, the Chu family sat comfortably on the sofa, while the Lian family members stood in the middle of the living room, enduring the scrutiny of the servants.
“Seems I’ve come at a bad time.” Xu Ke handed the items to a servant, “Is Miss Chu feeling better?” Xu Ke subtly assessed the Lian family before settling his gaze on Chu Lian, asking gently.
On the sofa, Chu Lian’s face was still a bit pale, and her lips looked faint, but her spirits were much better than before. Especially when she saw Xu Ke, a light flashed quickly in her eyes, “Much better.”
“That’s good. I’ll let you chat. I’ll come back to visit another day.” Xu Ke greeted Chu’s father and mother, then turned to leave, but Chu Lian stopped him, “No need, it’s almost time for dinner. Stay and have a meal with us. You haven’t dined with us before.” Chu Lian said.
“Dad, can he stay for dinner?” Chu Lian tugged on Chu’s father’s sleeve, acting coyly.
“You’re our princess. If you say so, then of course he can.” Chu’s father tapped Chu Lian’s nose affectionately.
“This might not be a good idea.” Xu Ke glanced at the Lian family, looking a bit troubled.
“It’s perfectly fine. I asked you to stay, so stay.” Chu Lian glanced at the Lian family indifferently, even showing a mocking expression at the corners of her eyes. The Lian family felt annoyed but dared not show it, knowing they had come to beg.
“Xu Ke, sit next to me. Aunt Li, serve tea to Xu Ke and bring out some pastries.” Chu Lian ordered the servants.
“Didn’t you come with something to say today? Xu Ke isn’t an outsider. Whatever you need to say, go ahead, we’re all listening.” Chu Lian said as she popped a grape into her mouth, speaking unclearly.
The Lian family looked at the old master Lian. They were once notable figures in Shangjing, and coming to bow down to the Chu family already felt disgraceful. Now with an outsider present, they felt their faces burning with shame.
The old master Lian met his grandchildren’s eyes, sighed internally, and spoke in an aged, helpless, and apologetic voice, “To be honest, we came today to apologize. Lian Xuan truly realizes his mistakes now. He knows how ridiculously wrong he was, mistaking fish eyes for pearls. We as elders also recognize our failings; it was our lack of proper oversight that led to this situation. So, we are here to apologize as a family.”
As the old master Lian spoke, tears began to fall from his eyes.