Liu Xiaoli was initially very happy because the Jiang family from the capital had contacted her recently. The capital's Jiang family was known to her as a real aristocratic family, possibly the foremost in the mainland if any still existed. With a heritage spanning over three thousand years, their profound background was terrifyingly deep. In foreign countries, families with over a hundred years of history are considered impressive, but they pale in comparison to the Jiang family, much like a glow-worm vying with the moon for brilliance. Perhaps only the legendary Rothschild family could match the Jiang family in terms of heritage.
If it weren't for the country's decline over the past two hundred years and the consequent impact on the Jiang family, reducing their former strength, even the Rothschilds might have found it hard to compete with them. Despite suffering major setbacks and severe damages multiple times, the Jiang family always managed to survive.
Take the decade-long turmoil in the 1960s, for example; the entire nation was engulfed, and the Jiang family was affected due to a few of their subsidiary families. But with their deep roots, they stood firm, protecting not just themselves but several smaller families under their wing.
Since then, while the Jiang family might not have been well-known among commoners, they were renowned and respected among the true elite. Their status was so lofty that even the government had to give them some deference. However, the members of the Jiang family conducted themselves humbly, mainly engaging in business without getting involved in politics. Whenever the country faced major decisions, the Jiang family was always the first to respond and support, which eventually led to the government relying on them in some respects.
Liu's family was one of the small families protected by the Jiangs, and they even had an arranged marriage agreement with her as the bride!
Unfortunately, the engagement was later unilaterally broken off by the youngest son of the Jiang family head. Despite this, the Jiang family compensated the Lius generously, contributing to their rapid development over the years.
Having known little about these matters in her youth, it was only in recent years, after traveling extensively, that Liu Xiaoli came to realize the immense latent power of the Jiang family and what she had missed out on. It was too late for regrets.
But now, to her surprise, the Jiangs had contacted her, wanting to renew the long-abandoned marriage agreement and forge a bond with her family.
What a pie from the sky!
Liu Xiaoli was overjoyed, feeling like she had found an unexpected path after a dead end.
Who wouldn't want their children to soar high and succeed? Although the Lius were wealthy, they were nothing compared to a top-tier family like the Jiangs. If Liu Yifei could marry into such a family, it would be a tremendous blessing.
Of course, Liu Xiaoli had her concerns. One was that Liu Yifei, being an actress, might not be favorably viewed by an elite family like the Jiangs, which could harbor old-fashioned beliefs about the profession. Another concern was whether the eighteen-year-old young master would be difficult to get along with and whether Liu Yifei might suffer if the two didn't get along.
However, the Jiangs were very magnanimous and had explained the reason for this marriage: it was a lingering regret of the old family head, something they felt compelled to resolve, but for now, it was just an engagement. The two youngsters could get to know each other first, and if they felt suitable, they could marry once they reached the legal age. If not, they could part amicably. Regardless of the outcome, the two families would remain close, and the Jiangs promised that the Lius would not lose out on any benefits. They didn't mind Liu Yifei's status as an actress, asserting that it was a personal choice and the Jiangs never interfered as long as it didn't bring shame to both families. If anyone dared to bully a member of the Jiang family, they would not sit idly by.
Such magnanimity!
Only a family like the Jiangs could afford such grace, outclassing many so-called affluent families.
With this assurance, Liu Xiaoli felt at ease. She had great confidence in her daughter. A well-behaved girl like Liu Yifei was likable to anyone.
Sure enough, when she and Liu Yifei arrived that afternoon, they were taken directly to the old family head, who immediately took a liking to Liu Yifei, saying the girl was excellent and well-matched with his grandson.
Hearing this, Liu Xiaoli knew the marriage was almost certain; the rest depended on the male party. At this moment, she, as the mother of the bride, came to meet her "future son-in-law."
But what she didn't expect was that the person in front of her turned out to be Jiang Cheng, whom she had met before!
He was from the capital's Jiang family, the old family head's grandson?!
Jiang Cheng tried to calm his mixed emotions and greeted Liu Xiaoli with a slight smile, "Aunt Liu, hello!"
Liu Xiaoli looked at Jiang Cheng with a complex expression and said, "I didn't expect it to be you. You're a Jiang family member, that 'Young Master Cheng'?"
Jiang Cheng touched his nose, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "The reasons behind this are quite complicated. I only found out recently."
Hearing their somewhat cryptic conversation, Chen Bo was surprised and asked, "Young Master Cheng, you've met before?"
Jiang Cheng replied, "Chen Bo, Aunt Liu's daughter is a good friend of mine in the industry. I've worked with Miss Liu on an advertisement and a movie before; we're quite familiar."
Chen Bo chuckled, "I never thought you and the Liu family had such a connection. It seems the heavens have truly favored you; you and Miss Liu are indeed a match made in heaven!"
"Chen Bo, you didn't know?" Jiang Cheng asked, puzzled. The Jiang family had previously collected his information; it made no sense for them not to know about his relationship with Liu Yifei.
Chen Bo shook his head, smiling, and said, "Young Master Cheng, you and Fifth Master are, after all, part of the Jiang family. The Jiangs wouldn't specifically investigate their own people."
Understanding dawned on Jiang Cheng. It was probably due to the special status of him and his father, both being family members. It's not dignified for a family to investigate its own, so the information was likely gathered through ordinary means. In reality, the Jiangs probably didn't know much more about Jiang Cheng than the media did.
The news about "High School Musical" had been tightly guarded by Jiang Cheng, so the Jiangs likely had limited knowledge. Moreover, with the old family head critically ill in recent months, the Jiangs were probably more preoccupied with him and even less informed about Jiang Cheng.
Hearing the conversation, Liu Xiaoli's expression darkened.
From the discussion, it seemed Jiang Cheng had only recently returned to the family. Although he was the old family head's grandson, having been away from the family for many years, his status was limited. No wonder the Jiangs were so generous; she had thought it was their usual manner, but now it seemed they didn't take the marriage seriously.
Indeed, it was a matter long considered over, and
now suddenly brought up again; could it be without ulterior motives?
Liu Xiaoli had these thoughts not because of anything else but because of Jiang Cheng!
Initially, her impression of Jiang Cheng wasn't bad. Though they hadn't met many times, her memory of him was profound. In her view, he was a talented young man bound to achieve great things.
But what concerned her was Liu Yifei's attitude towards Jiang Cheng —
It was very strange!
Ever since they worked together on an advertisement, Liu Yifei would often mention Jiang Cheng, collecting information about him and praising him frequently. Liu Xiaoli hadn't paid much attention at first, but after Liu Yifei insisted on attending the premiere of Jiang Cheng's movie "Elixir of Life," this abnormal behavior alerted Liu Xiaoli.
Since when had her daughter become so interested in someone? And a boy, at that!
This wasn't a good sign!
Having gone through the same age, Liu Xiaoli knew well the mindset of young girls. At fourteen or fifteen, girls are at the age when they first start to idolize, and this admiration for male peers can easily turn into affection.
This was too dangerous!
Having been very strict with Liu Yifei from a young age, Liu Xiaoli took this very seriously. Noticing the unusual signs between the two, she immediately became cautious.
During the filming of "High School Musical," Liu Xiaoli observed carefully and found that things weren't as bad as they seemed; they were genuinely just friends. But if this continued, it might not stay that way.
This situation was not good!
So, after "High School Musical" wrapped up, Liu Xiaoli tightened her supervision of Liu Yifei, reducing her contact with Jiang Cheng and adding more dance and acting lessons to divert her attention from Jiang Cheng.
It wasn't that Jiang Cheng wasn't good enough, but he was of ordinary birth without a powerful backing, making his future uncertain. He might do well, but more likely, he'd face a significant setback and never recover, ending up ordinary.
Too many uncertainties about the future, Liu Xiaoli naturally didn't want Liu Yifei to take a risk, especially since they were both so young.
With these reasons, Liu Xiaoli's impression of Jiang Cheng naturally soured.
And her keen interest in the marriage between the two families wasn't without this reason. She hoped Liu Yifei would settle down early and not think about other things.
But she never expected the person in this arranged marriage to be Jiang Cheng!
Heavens! Was this truly destined?
But now, even if it was fate, she wouldn't agree to this marriage anymore!
Determined, Liu Xiaoli suddenly said to Chen Bo, "Mr. Chen, please hear me out."
Chen Bo was taken aback, not sure what Liu Xiaoli meant. "Go ahead, say it."
"It's like this, Mr. Chen." Liu Xiaoli put on a "sincere" smile. "I've given it some thought and suddenly feel this marriage is somewhat inappropriate. Consider this: my Qianxi is only sixteen years old, not yet of age, too young. It'll be over six years before she reaches the legal marriage age. Young Master Cheng is already an adult, with only four years left to the legal age. It wouldn't be right to make him wait for Qianxi; it might hinder his bright future. I think we should call off this marriage. I'm sure the Jiang family has other options besides Qianxi; we won't overreach our status."
After saying this, both Chen Bo and Jiang Cheng's expressions darkened.
What did this mean?
Did she want to back out?
If she didn't want to marry, why not say it earlier? Now, after seeing the groom, she was saying these things, clearly looking down on Jiang Cheng!
Chen Bo's voice turned icy, "You mean you don't want this marriage?"
"Yes, yes, yes! The three-year age difference is really not suitable. Besides, our Liu family is too humble to match the Jiangs!" Liu Xiaoli continued, though her smile looked increasingly forced.
"You seem to have misunderstood something," Chen Bo suddenly said calmly.
Liu Xiaoli paused, "What's that?"
"This matter has been decided by our Jiang family, especially with the old family head's approval; it's as good as set in stone. Your family only has the option to obey! You have no right to voice objections. Only our Jiang family has the right to call off the marriage, not you. Do you understand?" Chen Bo's tone remained even as he delivered this domineering statement.
"How can you do this!" Liu Xiaoli exclaimed in shock.
"There's nothing we can't do! This is how our Jiang family operates!"
"How can you be so domineering?" Liu Xiaoli's face turned pale, realizing she had forgotten who she was dealing with.
"Are you only realizing this now?" Chen Bo scoffed with a sneer, "Our Jiang family hasn't survived all these years by being just nice!"
"I... But this is just a verbal agreement; we haven't violated it, and the national laws don't allow child betrothals anymore," Liu Xiaoli argued, even invoking the law.
Chen Bo smiled sternly, "True, the country doesn't have such regulations, and our Jiang family wouldn't do anything illegal. But sometimes, there are things our Jiang family wants to do that even the country can't interfere with!" At that moment, Chen Bo seemed to loom larger, his presence enveloping the entire room.
Jiang Cheng inwardly applauded, "Dominant!"
But as he spoke, Liu Xiaoli turned even paler, collapsing into a chair.
Chen Bo's tone softened, "Listen to me, accept the marriage quietly, and our Jiang family will treat you with respect. But if you don't know what's good for you, don't blame our Jiang family for being unreasonable. We never bully others, but no one can bully us either!"
Seeing Liu Xiaoli looking terrified, Jiang Cheng let out a breath of relief but didn't want Chen Bo to continue intimidating her. He stepped forward and said, "Chen Bo, wait a moment, let me talk to Aunt Liu alone."
Chen Bo hesitated, "Young Master Cheng, this..."
"It's okay, I just want to have a good chat with Aunt Liu," Jiang Cheng said casually.
After looking at Jiang Cheng, Chen Bo smiled, "Alright then, I'll step out for now, you and your future mother-in-law have a good talk."
With that, Chen Bo left the room.
Once Chen Bo left, the imposing atmosphere dispersed. Liu Xiaoli breathed heavily, her color returning, though still somewhat pale.
Jiang Cheng looked at her and suddenly smiled, "Aunt Liu, you really didn't need to do that."