Yu Tianheng suppressed his inner frustration, trying to put on a smile as he approached Li Haitian.
Politely, he said, "Patriarch Li, I have an unreasonable request."
As he spoke, Yu Tianheng glanced sideways at Li Jiuchuan.
In his heart, Li Jiuchuan definitely counted as a graceful and charming young woman.
Her strength wasn't bad either—she was in her prime and had already reached the level of Soul King.
Moreover, with a Titled Douluo supporting the Li family, they were a worthy ally to make.
If he could forge a good relationship, it wouldn't be a bad thing.
"Young Master Yu, speak freely." Li Haitian spread his hands and smiled warmly.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was a prestigious family, and as someone with just a modest title, Li Haitian wasn't in a position to act superior.
So, his tone was very gentle.
"I wonder if your granddaughter is already betrothed?" Yu Tianheng's expression shifted slightly.
Is he interested in Jiuchuan?
Li Haitian couldn't help but become more serious.
In his heart, he did want to match them up.
After all, there weren't many young men as outstanding as Yu Tianheng.
But Li Haitian knew that his granddaughter's heart already belonged to someone.
That person was Ye Tian.
Just earlier, Li Haitian had noticed Li Jiuchuan's reaction upon seeing Ye Tian.
His granddaughter's affection was practically written all over her face.
Faced with this situation, Li Haitian sighed lightly and said to Yu Tianheng, "Jiuchuan is my treasured granddaughter. I won't interfere with her feelings."
"However, I can tell you that Jiuchuan doesn't have a husband yet."
Deep down, Li Haitian actually hoped that Li Jiuchuan would develop feelings for Yu Tianheng.
Ye Tian was simply too outstanding—someone the Li family could never hope to match.
Upon hearing this, Yu Tianheng maintained a smile on the surface, "Thank you for telling me, Patriarch Haitian."
But inwardly, he felt a bit displeased.
As the young clan leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, proposals lined up at his door every year could practically wear out the doorstep.
There were even members of the Star Luo Empire's royal family among them, yet Yu Tianheng had declined them all.
The Li family was just a small, unknown family by the eastern coast that had only recently produced a Titled Douluo by luck.
And yet they had refused his marriage proposal!
As the proud young clan leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, how could he tolerate such humiliation?
Yu Tianheng glanced again at Li Jiuchuan. If she weren't truly exceptional, he would have left long ago in anger.
After calming his anger, Yu Tianheng carefully considered his next steps and came to the conclusion that Li Haitian wasn't wrong.
If he liked Li Jiuchuan, he should express it.
Otherwise, who would know of his frustrations?
He straightened his hair and walked up behind Li Jiuchuan, speaking, "Jiuchuan, come here. I have something to tell you."
Startled by the sudden voice behind her, Li Jiuchuan turned her head instinctively.
"Can't you say it here?"
Li Jiuchuan showed a professional smile.
To her, Yu Tianheng was merely a business partner of the Li family, not even a friend.
Hearing this, Yu Tianheng's expression turned slightly awkward.
But he couldn't back down in terms of attitude.
In a loud voice, he said, "I believe, Jiuchuan, you should know my status."
"The young clan leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan," Li Haitian interjected with another professional smile.
"Good, as long as you know." Yu Tianheng nodded slightly, then earnestly said, "Would you like to be my girlfriend?"
"Your talent is excellent, and after becoming my girlfriend, with the power of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, your future achievements will be even greater."
Upon hearing this, Li Jiuchuan was momentarily stunned.
After all, she had only met Yu Tianheng a few times.
Moreover, she already had someone she liked.
Without thinking, Li Jiuchuan gently waved her hand and politely refused, "Young Master Yu, I'm truly sorry, but I can't agree."
"Do you think I'm unworthy of you?" Yu Tianheng's face turned slightly sour.
"No, Young Master Yu, you are one of the rare talents across the entire continent. It's just that our personalities aren't compatible."
Li Jiuchuan shook her head.
Yu Tianheng was, after all, the young clan leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Her words couldn't be too sharp—he had to save face.
However, Yu Tianheng's face still showed visible discomfort.
He took a deep breath and bowed slightly, saying,
"I understand."
Then, glancing at Ye Tian, Li Haitian, and the others, he added, "Everyone, I have some matters to attend to. I'll take my leave."
"Wait a moment," Ye Tian stepped forward, signaling with a wave of his hand, "Young Master Yu, are you involved in the grain business in Sylvis? If so, I advise you to withdraw quickly."
Since Ye Tian had some business dealings with Yu Tianheng, he naturally couldn't sabotage the Lightning Commerce Guild by taking advantage of the grain trade. That would be too dishonorable.
A look of surprise flashed across Yu Tianheng's eyes.
How did Ye Tian know that they were planning to make a huge profit in the grain business?
But his surprise quickly turned into a flicker of anger.
It was clear to him that one of the main reasons Li Jiuchuan had refused him was Ye Tian.
With coldness and a hint of anger in his voice, Yu Tianheng replied, "The grain business has always been managed by the Lightning Commerce Guild, not by me. The Lightning Commerce Guild will not withdraw."
His servant, Gao Yao, had already told him that hoarding grain in disaster-stricken areas was a surefire, profitable venture.
How could he give up such a deal so easily?
Besides, Yu Tianheng had already made up his mind.
Since Ye Tian wanted him to quit, he would persist, even if it meant losing some money—he would still do it to prove a point.
To show Li Jiuchuan who really had the power!
Without looking back, Yu Tianheng left.
As he watched Yu Tianheng's receding figure, Ye Tian lightly shook his head.
After all, he had fulfilled his duty to warn him.
Whether Yu Tianheng decided to stick to his plan or not was no longer his concern.
Ye Tian summoned Chen Jian and quietly instructed, "In the coming days, make sure to discreetly deal with those grain profiteers. No need to make it public."
"Don't worry, young master," Chen Jian confidently replied, patting his chest. Thanks to the help of Thirteen, the secrecy of his business team was top-tier, if not the best in the continent.
After giving Chen Jian his orders, Ye Tian turned to Li Haitian with a warm smile, "Patriarch Li, since this is your first visit, I must treat you well."
"Why not stay for lunch?"
Li Haitian laughed heartily and exchanged a glance with Li Jiuchuan, "Then, it would be rude to refuse."
To him, this was the perfect way to strengthen his bond with Ye Tian.
However, Ye Tian's intentions were clearly beyond mere hospitality.
After Li Haitian agreed to stay for lunch, Ye Tian casually sat on a stone bench, smiling as he said, "Patriarch Li, don't just stand there. Sit down and have a good chat with me about Black Spear Douluo."
Then, Ye Tian looked at Li Haitian with a teasing smile, "Or should I say, Coral?"
Li Haitian's heart skipped a beat, and the smile on his face vanished. He nervously sat down across from Ye Tian.
Ye Tian wasn't in a hurry, and gestured to Su Xiaoxin, "Xiaoxin, the tea has gone cold. Brew a new pot."
"Alright," Su Xiaoxin said cheerfully, stepping forward.
But Li Jiuchuan intercepted her, "I'll do it."
Hearing this, Su Xiaoxin pouted but obediently retreated to the edge of the courtyard.
(End of Chapter)
Guys, I messed up and uploaded the other fic's chapter xD, here is the correct chapter.
Advance 50 Chapters are up on my Patreon!
pat reon.com/ReidAstrea