**Is this old man blind?**
Although Mr. Jiang is old, his heart and mind remain sharp. He fully understands that the Gu family is reluctant to marry off their daughter. Yet, fate has decided—Gu Nuannuan was chosen by destiny, as spoken by their master.
"I think August 15 is a good day. Let's set the wedding date for then," Mr. Jiang announced, completely unfazed by the Gu family's hesitations.
Not only did the meeting fail to change the Jiang family's stance, but they also went ahead and set the wedding date. The Gu family was left stunned, their attempts to sway the Jiang family fruitless.
Gu Nuannuan, after a long pause, finally said, "I will marry."
Her mother, Mrs. Gu, was filled with concern. "Nuannuan..." she began, her voice trembling with worry over the prospect of her daughter being forced into a marriage she didn't want.
What was initially supposed to be a simple introduction between the two families turned into a one-sided arrangement. Only Mr. Jiang and Mayor Jiang had come from the Jiang family. No female relatives attended, and, notably, Jiang Chenyu, the groom-to-be, didn't even make an appearance or bother to call.
Gu Gu felt that his daughter had been wronged. "If you don't want to marry, we'll cancel the engagement when we get home," he said, his protective instincts taking over. He had only this one precious daughter. Why should she marry Jiang Chenyu, a man eight years her senior, during the prime of her life? Moreover, the Jiang family hadn't even shown her the basic respect she deserved.
How powerful could the Jiang family truly be? Even if they threatened him, the worst-case scenario would be losing the company. But he couldn't risk his daughter's happiness for a business deal.
Mrs. Gu, equally distressed, said passionately, "We work hard to make money so that our children can live well. If money becomes a burden, then it's better not to have it."
With their minds made up, Mr. and Mrs. Gu steeled themselves and decided to drive home, determined to protect their daughter's future.
Gu Nuannuan's eyes reddened with emotion. She was touched by her parents' love and support. But how could she allow them to throw away everything they had worked for? They could give it all up, but what about her brother? She couldn't be so selfish.
Meanwhile, in the president's office of Jiang Group, the man seated at the desk was Jiang Chenyu. Cold and composed, his aura exuded a chilling distance. His sharp, handsome features—strong brows, broad forehead, and high nose—gave him an air of indomitable strength.
When his father entered the office, Jiang Chenyu barely glanced up before returning to his work.
Old Jiang seated himself on the sofa and announced, "August 15th is your wedding date."
Jiang Chenyu paused, the pen in his hand hovering over the paper. His gaze slowly lifted to meet his father's, but he didn't say a word.
Old Jiang picked up the teacup on the coffee table, blowing away the foam before taking a sip. "I know you've been holding out for years. But your mother, up in heaven, wouldn't want to see you still unmarried."
After a brief silence, Old Jiang continued, "The date is set. The girl is from the Gu family. Her name is Nuannuan. She's special, only 20 years old and still a student."
"Twenty? Give her to Jiangsu then." Jiang Chenyu sneered, the corner of his lips curling with disdain as he spoke without hesitation.
"Asshole!" Old Jiang thundered.
"Jiang Chenyu! That's your fiancée! How could you say you'd give her to your nephew?" Every time Old Jiang spoke to his second son, his anger reached boiling point. Jiang Chenyu had always been the rebellious one, constantly going against his father's wishes. Old Jiang could hardly stand to be around him most days.
Jiang Chenyu responded coldly, "So, whoever you choose is supposed to marry me?"
"Jiang Chenyu!" Old Jiang's fury was palpable. His son's stubbornness was going to be the death of him.
"This time, it's not up to you. The betrothal gifts have already been prepared. We're officially proposing to the Gu family. And let me warn you, Jiang Chenyu—you *will* marry her, even if it kills you."
Jiang Chenyu's eyes narrowed, his gaze hardening. "Impossible," he said icily.
Old Jiang, seeing how resistant his son was, decided to play his trump card. "Marry her, and I will tell you everything about *her*."
This time, it was Jiang Chenyu who was caught off guard. His expression changed slightly, and his eyes darkened.
He knew exactly who the "her" his father referred to was.
"You've been investigating?" Jiang Chenyu asked, his voice low, suspicion lacing his words.
Old Jiang stood up, leaving the fresh cup of tea untouched. "August 15th. That's the wedding date. Get ready."
And just like that, the days flew by, and the wedding date approached, as scheduled.