Chapter 519: Chapter 519: Marriage Alliance
Downstairs, Xu Ke, who had just concluded a collaboration discussion with the old man of the Bai Family, was in high spirits. The old man also found Xu Ke, his future grandson-in-law, increasingly pleasing to the eye.
"I’m older than you, so today, on the occasion of my birthday banquet, I’ll take the liberty to address you by your first name as a junior," the old man of the Bai Family said with a smile.
Xu Ke, who had just established a partnership, smiled and replied, "My pleasure." Facing a partner, Xu Ke wouldn’t slight the other party, especially since this was no big deal.
"Since you’re my junior, I won’t beat around the bush and will speak directly. What do you think of my granddaughter Bai Xin? Although she hasn’t been back with us for long, our Bai Xin is smart and learns anything in no time. She’s willing to endure hardships and seems no different than those socialites who have been raised by our side since childhood. Her temperament is also quite gentle and soft, the kind you young people should like." The old man of the Bai Family said with a smile, satisfaction evident, but he didn’t forget to observe the changes on Xu Ke’s face.
"Although I have other granddaughters, the one I dote on the most happens to be this one I’ve just found not long ago. I suppose it’s fate between people. At my age, I tend to be a bit superstitious. Don’t laugh at me," the old man of the Bai Family said to Xu Ke with a smile.
"How could I?" Xu Ke saw that the old man had more to say, so he didn’t interrupt, gave a simple agreement, and handed the conversation back to the old man.
"Although I look fit and sturdy, I’m already sixty years old. I’m no longer young, and both my body and energy can’t compare to before. Everyone around me has found their destiny, and seeing them like this, I wouldn’t feel guilty facing my ancestors even if I closed my eyes someday. But it’s Bai Xin that I can’t let go of. She didn’t grow up by my side, and over the years, I don’t know how much suffering and hardships she endured where I couldn’t see. I feel guilty about this girl, and every time I think of the kind of life she led for the first dozen years, my heart feels as though it’s being cut by a knife."
As he spoke, the old man’s eyes became moist, and it looked like tears would soon fall. Xu Ke handed him a handkerchief to wipe his tears.
"Getting old makes you more and more like a child, shedding tears, how embarrassing," the old man lamented.
"Emotional feelings, no one will laugh at you," Xu Ke agreed.
Hearing Xu Ke’s words, the old man smiled, "Now I just have one wish. Before I die, I want to see Bai Xin live happily, find a good man, and have no worries in this life. That way, while I’m alive, I can be her support, and let her enjoy being cared for by her grandfather. I would have no regrets in this life, no regrets." Moved by his words, the old man took Xu Ke’s hand and patted it, expressing his affection for Bai Xin and her place in his heart.
"That day will come," Xu Ke didn’t withdraw his hand but looked deeply into the old man’s eyes. He wasn’t naive enough to think that this old fox would say these things to him today, crying and laughing, just to make small talk.
The old man seemed to conclude that the groundwork had been laid, and now it was time for the dagger to emerge from the map. He dabbed at the corners of his moist eyes with a handkerchief and spoke expectantly, "I wonder what your opinion of Bai Xin is?"
With a vague intuition of the old man’s intention, Xu Ke found the notion utterly absurd, "Miss Bai is a wonderful person."
"Then what if I suggested marrying her to you?" The old man held onto Xu Ke’s hand, not letting go.
"I’m already married," Xu Ke told the old man about his marital status.
"I know, but you surely understand your wife’s condition and Bai Xin’s condition in your heart. Men can’t just be consumed by love, especially people like us who should know what we want, what choices are best. You need to have a clear understanding of these in your heart." The old man pointed to Xu Ke’s chest as he spoke.
"When I talked with you earlier, I could sense your ambition. As long as you marry my granddaughter Bai Xin, I guarantee that as long as I live, the Bai Family will be the most stable support for the Xu Family. You can freely pursue your ambitions and ideals, and our Bai Family will support you wholeheartedly. What you want, our Bai Family will help you achieve, but these are things your current wife cannot provide. She will just keep holding you back and can’t offer any help in your career," the old man said earnestly.
"How you got married, why you got married, if one checks, they can find out. The kindness the Lin Family showed you, you’ve long repaid over the years. If you still have qualms, I can continue to help and support the Lin Family. What do you think?"
It must be said, the old man offered very favorable terms, and if it were the old Xu Ke, he would have agreed without hesitation, at least outwardly, but all this came too late.
"One mustn’t forget friendships from humble beginnings, nor cast aside a wife of modest means. Even if she can’t help me with my career, we’ve built feelings over the years as husband and wife, and I won’t abandon her. Whatever I want, I can still achieve without her help; it’s just a matter of time. But I’m young, and have plenty of time." Xu Ke refused the old man’s proposal.
The old man showed a trace of disappointment, "I still hope you’ll consider my proposal. There’s always a way that benefits all, isn’t there? Why refuse so soon? I think you should think it over before making a decision."
Hearing the old man’s hints, Xu Ke felt slightly amused and exasperated. A solution that benefits all? Of course, it was to keep Lin Mengyao in secret.
Not to mention whether Lin Mengyao would agree to such a proposal, just a moment ago, he spoke of cherishing Bai Xin, and the next moment he turned around using Bai Xin’s marriage as a bargaining chip. How could such contradictory words be said without feeling ashamed? And how could he believe that he truly meant the things he said, that he would fully support him, and not end up tearing him apart for his own gain?
"No need, there’s no consideration for this matter. I don’t plan to divorce, nor do I plan to replace the lady of the Xu Family. Yaoyao’s background may not be high, but I value her as a person, not her family background. Her personal charm is enough to match this position. Of course, Miss Bai is also very good, but we are not suitable. She deserves someone better, and I believe her Prince will arrive sooner or later." Xu Ke responded with a smile.
Once again rejected, the old man felt displeased, internally resenting Xu Ke for not appreciating what was good, yet his face revealed no trace of it, showing only a bit of regret.
"Never mind, never mind. Since you disagree, consider today’s matter as if it never happened. Our Bai family’s girl will find the right person," the old man said, appearing to be magnanimous.