Yan Qianyi instructed Xiao Ke to send a video request to Mu Yunlie.
However…
The screen persistently displayed "Connecting."
The call went unanswered until it timed out.
A silence fell over the restaurant for a few seconds.
Then, a cold scoff from Han Yarong pierced through the quiet.
"Qianyi, your father adores you immensely. Now, when the family needs your assistance, you fabricate a false marriage to reject the union with the Mu family? That is rather ungrateful. Besides, the Mu family is truly esteemed; Mu Shao is more than a worthy match for you."
"If they're so wonderful, why not let Ruyi go instead?"
Having been rebuffed by Mu Yunlie, Yan Qianyi felt rather displeased.
"Ruyi currently has a boyfriend, while you are single. And as for Ruyi's reproductive capabilities…"
Mid-sentence, Han Yarong abruptly halted.
Yan Qianyi seized the opportunity to continue, "Indeed, given Ruyi's reproductive potential, the Mu family wouldn't be interested anyway."
"Watch your words," Han Yarong retorted with a cold huff. "Ruyi has been accepted into the Federal Military Academy; her future is bright. You, on the other hand, have squandered two years of your education and are unlikely to achieve much. Marrying into the Mu family is your best option at this point."
"Enough! Let's cease this argument!" Yan Hong interjected firmly. "Qianyi, in the past, I've indulged you in every matter, but this time I cannot allow you to be reckless! Whatever you used to register this fictitious marriage, undo it immediately, and do not let anyone from the Mu family discover this!"
At that moment, Xiao Ke chimed in.
"Master, Master, the sir is attempting to contact you via voice."
Meanwhile, Ah Chang, who was sending a voice request to Yan Qianyi, looked puzzled as he asked Mu Yunlie, "Hasn't the master already decided to remain widowed? Why is he still entertaining her?"
Ah Chang was quite the eager learner.
As a highly intelligent system, he felt it essential to understand his master's thoughts better in order to serve him more effectively.
"Let's see what she intends to do."
Mu Yunlie tightened the sash of his robe and seated himself on the sofa.
He had just exited the bathroom; the video call from Yan Qianyi had gone unanswered in the rush and had timed out.
Since she had taken the initiative, her eagerness might yield some insights.
After all, with nothing pressing at the moment, he might as well observe the girl's intentions.
Yan Qianyi quickly connected to the voice call.
In a soft, endearing tone, she called out, "Hubby~~ why did you take so long to answer?"
Her reproach was laced with a playful lilt.
Mu Yunlie felt a jolt throughout his body, nearly dropping the glass he held.
If Ah Chang had a physical form, he would likely have been covered in goosebumps at this moment.
Yan Hong and the others perked up their ears.
They heard Mu Yunlie's voice, cool and detached, inquiring, "What's the matter?"
His rich, magnetic voice was indeed pleasant, yet his tone was devoid of warmth, sounding almost frigid.
"It's nothing much; my family doesn't believe I'm married. They think you're a figment of my imagination."
As Yan Qianyi spoke, she overheard Yan Ruyi muttering nearby, "That voice sounds a bit like a robot."
Quickly, she added, "Oh, they still think you're a robot!"
Mu Yunlie: ???
Is this all she contacted him for?
Mu Yunlie's voice turned even colder. "I'm quite busy; let's discuss it in person."
After all, it was only in person that he might be able to play the role of a widower.
"Alright, when will you be available?"
"Tonight, at our usual place."
Yan Qianyi glanced at Yan Hong and the others. "Now do you believe he's real?"
Han Yarong scoffed dismissively. "If he doesn't even dare to show us his face, he's probably hideous. Qianyi, even if you refuse your father's arrangement, you can't just marry any random stray!"
Yan Ruyi couldn't help but stifle a laugh.
Thinking that Qu Yang now belonged to her while Yan Qianyi had wed a man of no consequence and perhaps of dreadful appearance, she felt a sense of satisfaction.
As she basked in her delight, Xiao Ke projected a holographic screen.
On the screen appeared a captivating image that seized everyone's attention.
(End of Chapter)