Chapter 473: If You Are Willing

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

As the Hua family made their entrance, Xia Ye scrutinized them with keen interest.

She had encountered Hua Cheng on a few occasions. While her impressions were not profound, his silver hair and gentle countenance exuded an air of sincerity and trustworthiness.

Following close behind Hua Cheng was his spouse, Li Jiao—a figure who seldom appeared in public.

Flanking them were Hua Cheng’s offspring, his eldest son Hua Jun, and Hua Jun’s twin, Hua Ting.

Hua Jun was not particularly tall, his slender frame somewhat lost in an oversized gray suit, giving him a somber appearance.

Contrastingly, Hua Ting was a study in opposites. Roughly the same height as her brother, her lithe form was clad in a floral dress, which lent her a bright and refreshing visage.

Xia Ye felt a prick of déjå vu upon seeing her attire.

Xia Ye couldn’t help but steal extra glances at Hua Ting, who returned the curiosity with her own inquisitive gaze.

No sooner had their small talk ceased and they taken their seats, Hua Ting broached the subject, “You’re Xia Ye, the one who went on a blind date with my brother?”

Her furrowed brows betrayed a clear skepticism towards Xia Ye.

Sensing Hua Ting’s antagonism, Xia Ye lifted her chin defiantly and declared,

“Yes, I am Xia Ye!”

At this, Hua Ting let out a laugh and murmured something to Hua Jun, her dismissive Dosture inflaming Xia Ye’s ire.

Even Hua Cheng noticed his children’s less-than-gracious behavior and attempted to smooth things over with Xia He and Chen Lian, chuckling, “These two have always been secretive since their youth, always whispering about one thing or another.”

He offered no apologies for the disrespect, and while Xia He and Chen Lian were none too pleased, they restrained their objections, prioritizing the prospective marriage.

“Look at Xiaojun and Xiaoting, so close. Not at all like my own two who’ve been ” Xia He was cut off mid-sentence by a tug on his clothing from Chen Lian.

He immediately fell silent, recognizing the wisdom in not airing family grievances publicly.

Matchmaker Xu seized the opportunity to intercede, “Since both families are acquainted, perhaps we should allow the young adults a moment alone to converse? We can enjoy some tea in the next room.”

With that, Xia He, his wife, and the others were ushered out, leaving Hua Jun and Xia Ye alone together.

From the moment she had walked in, Xia Ye had been sizing up Hua Jun, involuntarily comparing him to Jiang Lu. Hua Jun paled in comparison not just to Jiang Lu but also to other boys at school.

Unaware of Xia Ye’s internal monologue, Hua Jun was a traditionalist at heart. He had caught wind of Xia Ye’s antics at the dance hall the previous evening.

Both felt an absence of enthusiasm for this arranged marriage, and an awkward silence enveloped them.

After a tense pause, Hua Jun began, “Although I was reluctant to come today, my father insisted. I have businesses to manage back in the provincial capital, and I don’t wish to squander time.”

“Now that I’m here, I shall speak plainly. I’ve heard about your escapades with men, even at dance halls. Should we become engaged, you’ll need to renounce such behavior. Maintaining a woman’s virtue is fundamental.”

“I can provide you with a stable life, and I expect you won’t meddle in my affairs. Managing my businesses in the provincial capital is challenging enough; I don’t need additional complications.”

“If we marry, I hope you’ll stay home, caring for my parents and sister.”

As Hua Jun droned on, Xia Ye’s expression grew increasingly thunderous. She bore it until Hua Jun proposed, “If you’re agreeable, we could formalize our engagement today…”

That was the last straw. Xia Ye stood abruptly, interrupting him with a firm, “I refuse!”

“I will not marry you! Let whoever wishes take my place!” With that, she swung open the door and bolted.

The commotion drew the attention of Matchmaker Xu and the rest, who emerged just in time to witness the scene.

“Xia Ye, what are you doing!” Xia He thundered upon seeing his daughter’s retreat.

Xia Ye turned defiantly to face him. “I reject this marriage! Let those who want it, have it! I will not marry!”

Her outburst left not only Xia He and Chen Lian in a state of mortification but also cast a shadow over Hua Cheng’s features..