The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward.
Upon hearing this, Tao Qiyue immediately put down her chopsticks and quietly sized up Chen Jinzhao. These words were too aggressive for her to respond to.
Fu Yun was overjoyed and couldn't help but chime in, "Brother, it's not that I have any personal issue with you, but you two really aren't a good match, understand? Do you know who my grandfather is? A former general in the Northeast military. Our Fu family also holds considerable influence and status in the north, something you can't compare to. If you truly care for Qiyue, I think you should let go."
Fu Songhu and Fu Yun had anticipated that Chen Jinzhao would show a flustered expression. Few people could maintain their composure in the face of such prominent families. Chen Jinzhao was no exception.
However—
The reality surprised the grandfather and grandson.
Chen Jinzhao's expression remained unchanged, still exuding an air of effortless grace and nonchalance, as if their words hadn't registered.
Fu Yun was greatly disappointed and asked in surprise, "Brother, did you not understand what we're talking about?"
"I understand. You want to break me and Qiyue up," Chen Jinzhao replied.
"Uh..."
Fu Yun was momentarily speechless, then continued, "I can't help it if that's how you see it, but you and Qiyue are indeed not a good match."
Before Chen Jinzhao could explain, Fu Yun turned to Tao Qiyue, "Qiyue, our families have been acquainted for a long time. Furthermore, with Grandfather Tao currently imprisoned, we can't just stand by and watch you fall into despair. How would we explain ourselves to Grandfather Tao then?"
"Do you think what I'm saying makes sense?"
Tao Qiyue suppressed a laugh. Then, feigning seriousness, she said, "I think Chen Jinzhao is very good, and we're very compatible. My grandfather would agree too, I believe." She was speaking the truth.
Fu Songhu smiled faintly, "Silly girl, you're clearly blinded by love. Since ancient times, we've emphasized matching backgrounds. If this isn't the case, marital happiness will be elusive. Don't blame us for being so direct; it's all for your own good."
"I know Grandpa Fu is doing this for my own good, but if that's the case, please don't interfere with my relationship with Chen Jinzhao," Tao Qiyue said frankly.
Fu Songhu was growing impatient. Why wasn't this girl listening?
The grandfather and grandson exchanged a glance. Fu Songhu said calmly, "Xiaoyun, take Qiyue for a walk in the courtyard. I'll have a private chat with Xiao Chen."
"Certainly," Fu Yun replied readily. He then said to Tao Qiyue, "Qiyue, let me show you around our Fu family's grand estate. You haven't been to Fengtian in years, and our estate has been expanded several times."
Tao Qiyue looked at Chen Jinzhao for confirmation. Seeing him nod, she then stood up, "Alright, you can show me around then."
The two left the living room.
Fu Yun led Tao Qiyue to the Fu family's rear garden. Tao Qiyue gazed at the plum blossoms filling the garden, which had indeed changed vastly from her last visit. The Fu family's rear garden was larger than the public parks in some small cities. Seeing Tao Qiyue's surprised expression, Fu Yun felt a surge of pride. "Qiyue, you see? Grandfather Tao offended a powerful figure and ended up in prison. In Fengtian, there are no such troubles. While Fengtian isn't as warm as Jiangnan, here, power is the true currency. No one dares to cross the Fu family."
Tao Qiyue withdrew her gaze and retorted, "And then, what are you trying to say?"
With just the two of them alone in the garden, Fu Yun spoke without restraint, "Then I'll be blunt. I don't think Chen Jinzhao is good enough for you; only I am. Leave him now. There's no future for you with him."
"Pfft—"
Tao Qiyue couldn't help but chuckle.
"Qiyue, what are you laughing at?" Fu Yun asked, confused.
"I'm just laughing at your overestimation of yourself. How do you compare to Chen Jinzhao? In my eyes, you're not even worth a single finger of his," Tao Qiyue stated openly. Fu Yun, nettled, retorted, "You must be talking nonsense. Look around this grand Fu estate; you should understand that Chen Jinzhao has no right to compare with me."
"Even if his background and influence aren't as great as your Fu family's, so what? I love him for who he is, not for his background," Tao Qiyue frankly revealed her feelings. Fu Yun, however, sneered.
"Childish!" Fu Yun declared. "You're in your twenties, how can you still not understand the essence of this world? Love can never fill your stomach. Love without material support is ultimately futile."
Tao Qiyue tucked a stray strand of hair, blown by the wind, behind her ear. Fu Yun's eyes were fixed on her, wishing he could possess her at that very moment.
"How about we make a bet?" Fu Yun asked.
"My grandfather is talking to Chen Jinzhao right now. Let's bet on whether he will voluntarily break up with you. Do you dare?"
Tao Qiyue smiled even more brightly.
"Alright."
"How do you want to bet?"
Fu Yun was surprised by Tao Qiyue's swift agreement. After a moment, he also smiled, "Then let's bet on whether he will voluntarily leave you. If he leaves you voluntarily, I win, and you have to agree to be with me. If he still doesn't leave you voluntarily, it means I lost, and I'll stop bothering you from now on."
Tao Qiyue said with a smile, "That won't do. This bet is unfair to me. If you lose, you have to donate five million to the impoverished mountainous regions. Do you agree?"
Fu Yun confidently accepted. In his mind, there was absolutely no possibility of failure.
"Heh heh, just wait to be my girlfriend. Chen Jinzhao will definitely let go of his own accord," Fu Yun said with a confident smile.
Tao Qiyue smiled and said nothing.
Meanwhile.
In the living room.
Fu Songhu's smile had vanished. There was no need for smiles towards a mere private. He spoke coldly, "Chen Jinzhao, you should know why I asked you to stay. Qiyue is the descendant of my old friend; I cannot stand by and watch her be ruined."
"Be dignified and withdraw voluntarily. I can give you thirty thousand as compensation."
"If you feel that's not enough, I can also transfer you to the Northeast garrison and promote your current rank by half a grade."
"Consider it carefully."
Chen Jinzhao directly shook his head. "Old Master Fu, I will not agree to any of the conditions you've proposed, so please save your breath."
Fu Songhu was immediately displeased. He asked sternly, "Do you know who you're speaking to? In the barracks, you would have been kicked out long ago."
Chen Jinzhao had initially intended to have a civil conversation with Fu Songhu, but he hadn't expected the old man to be so stubborn and attempt to bully him with his status. Since that was the case, there was no need to show him any respect.
"The old geezer is quite arrogant."
"Do you really think the Fu family can rest on their laurels forever? If I refuse to break up with Tao Qiyue, are you going to find someone to do me in?"