Chapter 603: Chapter 520: Marriage Alliance

The Gu brothers didn’t stay long. As soon as Xiao Man and Yang Liu’er got in the car, they sped away.

Gu Shaojun didn’t even acknowledge Bai Junfan, acting as if he hadn’t seen him. From a distance, he had used his Divine Sense to see Bai Junfan blocking his girl, and he was seething. But this wasn’t the right time or place, and his time was precious. He just wanted to spend more time with his little sweetheart. Otherwise, he would have undoubtedly gone over and given Bai Junfan a harsh beating, leaving no room for phony pleasantries.

Bai Junfan watched the black sedan vanish into the distance, his gaze turning chillingly sharp. He clenched his fists, a towering rage surging within him. ’The Gu brothers... they’re taking it too far!’

’Taking my woman without a single word and ignoring me completely... How can Gu Shaojun be so arrogant!’

’We both come from prominent families. We’ve all pushed ourselves to the limit over the years, and our achievements and merits are no less than his. What gives him the right? How dare he be so dismissive?’

’Is it because his cultivation is higher? Hah! Some start their journey as Cultivators earlier than others; I’m just a few steps behind. With my ample resources and a rare, pure Single Spirit Root, even the heavens have blessed me with such favorable conditions. I’m bound to find better opportunities. If I just push a little harder, I’ll definitely catch up to him!’

’The Gu-Tang marriage alliance? That’s nothing special!’

Bai Junfan glanced up at the floors above. Jun Ran’s room wasn’t on this level; she couldn’t have seen or heard what just happened. As for that frail, sickly girl who was nothing but skin and bones, Bai Junfan couldn’t say he liked her—in fact, he felt nothing at all. However, if they were to marry, the Jun and Huang families could provide him with tremendous support, which would be hugely significant for his future advancement. Although his grandfather was still around and the Bai Family stood as proud and vibrant as a great tree, his father’s death years ago had left a generational gap. Some connections and spheres of influence had lain dormant for too long; he was either unable to consolidate them or simply couldn’t revive them. ’So, Grandfather’s plan is sound, and Aunt’s judgment is spot on. It’s just a marriage, after all. A simple alliance between two families!’

Bai Junfan exhaled, his mind made up. He opened his car door, got in, and started the engine to head home. Earlier, in the hospital room, he had overheard Jun Ran telling her mother that she didn’t want any chicken soup because it was too greasy. An idea formed: he would hurry home and have Shun Ma make some congee with lean pork and pickled mustard greens. In a little while, he would personally deliver it to Jun Ran. This would show Mrs. Jun that he was a thoughtful and considerate man, worthy of being entrusted with her daughter for life.

Congee with lean pork and pickled mustard greens... Liu’er’s favorite. When she was sick as a child, her mother back home in Pan Kou Village would make her a bowl. It was truly delicious—fresh, fragrant, and smooth, with a light taste that wasn’t greasy. Perfect for someone frail with a poor appetite from being sick.

The thought of Liu’er decisively getting into the Gu family’s car without a single backward glance made Bai Junfan’s chest tighten, his eyes darkening. ’My woman will be mine for this life and all eternity. No one can take her from me! That bastard Lu overestimates himself. Such audacity... Just wait, he’ll reap what he’s sown!’

Gu Shaojun and Xiao Man escorted Yang Liu’er back to the Lu family home. Lu Jian Country came out to welcome them, thanking them profusely. Since Gu Shaojun was busy, Lu Jian Country couldn’t convince them to stay for long. They spoke for only ten minutes or so before he saw them off.

Closing the courtyard gate, Lu Jian Country turned to Yang Liu’er and said, "Didn’t we have an agreement? The company car was supposed to pick you up. You were to come straight home after school, or meet up with Jianling at the office. Why did you go off on your own again? The Bai family is bad news. We have to be on our guard right now!"

"It’s the weekend, and I wanted to buy a few things. I had to go to several stores, and it would have been inconvenient for the car to follow me, so I let the driver return to the company. I thought I’d be fine since it was broad daylight in a bustling area. I even know a few people at De Ren Hospital... But who could have known..."

Knowing she was in the wrong, Yang Liu’er replied in a low voice. She recalled being dragged away by Bai Junfan in the hospital’s outpatient hall. She’d had a terrible feeling then, so clearly sensing his intentions. ’He was going to drag me back and imprison me, stripping away my freedom, maybe even locking me away from the light of day!’

If Xiao Man hadn’t shown up in time, she would have once again become Bai Junfan’s personal plaything, a servant to the Bai Family!

In this life, she had escaped the Bai Mansion, become strong and independent, and had finally enjoyed a few days of holding her head high. She’d had the confidence and courage to provoke the sisters Bai Qingyue and Bai Yifen, persuaded Luo Chunxiang to leave the Bai Mansion, and then "betrayed" Bai Junfan by getting a marriage certificate with Lu Jian Country. After so openly making an enemy of the Bai Family, it was easy to imagine the fate that awaited her if she were truly dragged back. Her life might be even worse than in her past life!

A wave of fear washed over Yang Liu’er at the thought, and her heart filled with desolation. Sniffling, she asked Lu Jian Country, "If one day I disappeared, leaving no trace in this world, would you come looking for me?"

Lu Jian Country cupped Yang Liu’er’s face in his hands, making her meet his gaze. His eyes were intense. Gritting his teeth, he did his best to keep his voice steady. "I will not let that happen. I absolutely will not allow it! You are my wife, Weiwei’s mother, our treasured family. Anyone who dares to bully you or stand in your way home is our enemy! I’ll tear the earth apart to find you. I’m Lu Jian Country—and I’m not above killing or committing arson! Even if I have to chase you to the ends of the earth, I will find you and bring you home!"

Yang Liu’er’s eyes instantly turned red, and tears streamed down her face as if a dam had burst. She let Lu Jian Country pull her into a tight embrace.

Gu Shaojun checked with Xiao Man, and since she didn’t need to return to school, he had Gu Shaofeng drive directly to the Gu Mansion. The Tang Family was coming over for dinner that evening.

Tonight was just a casual family dinner. Gu Shaofeng had been transferred back to the Northern Military Region and was allowed to bring his spouse, so this was Wu Xiangyun’s first time in Beijing to meet her in-laws. The Gu family’s plan was for the new bride to first meet the family and close friends. A formal wedding ceremony would require picking an auspicious date and making more detailed arrangements.

In the car, Xiao Man asked Gu Shaofeng about Wu Xiangyun’s health. Gu Shaofeng told her honestly that Xiangyun was doing great. Her body had fully recovered, her appetite was good, and her weight was back to a healthy level. He added that he’d like to fatten her up to her former, slightly chubby self, but Xiangyun wouldn’t have it, insisting she wanted to stay slim to wear pretty dresses.

Perhaps because he had finally married the woman he loved, Gu Shaofeng seemed less severe. He sincerely thanked Xiao Man again and again, even offering a rare smile. It wasn’t a radiant, sunny smile, but it was breathtaking all the same.

’Handsome men are definitely safer when they’re icy,’ Xiao Man thought. ’If he went around smiling at girls like that, he’d cause chaos in the streets.’

Xiao Man, nestled next to Gu Shaojun in the back seat, couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle at the flawless profile of the handsome man in the front. As if reading her mind, Gu Shaojun gave her cheek a light, punishing squeeze.

When they arrived at the Gu Mansion and got out of the car, Gu Shaofeng offered to take Xiao Man to see Wu Xiangyun. Although they had only met once, they had corresponded frequently and were pen pals who got along well. Besides, Wu Xiangyun had a pile of gifts for Xiao Man, including local specialties hand-picked by her parents, as well as some things her friend, Zhang Qingwan, had asked her to bring along—likely more local specialties.

Gu Shaojun, however, refused. He led Xiao Man directly back to her room instead. He could only stay for one night and had to leave the next morning. He had just been reunited with the girl he longed for day and night, and he hadn’t had nearly enough time to kiss her and talk to her. Every second of their reunion was priceless and could not be wasted.

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