Chapter 6: CH: 6 Yue'er, why don't you pour tea for Xiaoyuan?
[Chapter: 6 Yue'er, why don't you pour tea for Xiaoyuan?]
Yan Ruyue's cheeks flushed an intense shade of red.
"You're here to annul the engagement today. Did you bring the engagement book?" she asked, her tone rising slightly.
When their eyes met, Yan Ruyue felt a jolt run through her body, as if she'd been electrocuted. Her cheeks burned hot, and she quickly tried to find something to talk about to distract herself.
Lin Yuan noticed her peculiar behavior but didn't pay much attention to it.
With a casual wave of the red document in his hand, he said, "Of course, I brought it. Rest assured, the engagement will officially end today."
"Oh, that's good," Yan Ruyue replied with a snort before hastening her steps, walking ahead of him rather than alongside him.
Is this the result of my 150 charm points? Lin Yuan wondered as he touched his smooth, jade-like face.
To be a qualified supervillain, one must not only have a silver tongue and a way with words but also demonstrate sharp perception and insight.
He could tell that Yan Ruyue had been sneaking glances at him earlier. He didn't feel the need to call her out on it and had even deliberately locked eyes with her once. To his surprise, the Yan Ruyue who had ignored and dismissed him only a day prior was now stealing glances. The sudden change was unexpected.
It wasn't entirely due to his charm value, though. The stark contrast between his former groveling demeanor and his current aloof, confident aura played a significant role in catching her attention. When their eyes met, she became so flustered that she sped up her pace to walk ahead. It was as he suspected—the cold, reserved exterior of this girl concealed a pure and easily flustered heart.
Lin Yuan shook his head slightly, his gaze drifting to Yan Ruyue's jade-like legs as she walked ahead of him.
He didn't feel the need to pretend to be an upright gentleman and look away. He openly admired the elegant curve of her hips and the captivating sway of her figure. Yan Ruyue's legs were the kind of beauty that many men could only dream about.
Unfortunately, the beautiful view didn't last long as they soon arrived at the drawing room.
The drawing room was large but modestly decorated, with a small coffee table and several sofas arranged for guests. A middle-aged woman was seated on one of the sofas, waiting for them.
"Mom, I brought him," Yan Ruyue announced before sitting on a sofa and occupying herself with her phone.
Song Xuan frowned and said sharply, "Where are your manners? Sitting down before the guest does?"
"Humph," Yan Ruyue huffed, avoiding her mother's gaze. She knew her actions weren't polite, but she had been eager to sit down and hide her flushed face.
"Xiao Yuan, it's been so long since I last saw you! You've grown so handsome. Come here and let Auntie have a good look at you," Song Xuan said, her tone shifting to a warm, maternal smile as she addressed Lin Yuan.
Song Xuan wasn't merely being polite; she genuinely thought Lin Yuan had grown exceptionally handsome.
"Hello, Auntie Song," Lin Yuan greeted her warmly as he walked over.
Song Xuan's expression softened further at the way he addressed her. Though being called "Auntie" reminded her of her age, she appreciated the respect.
This middle-aged woman was none other than Yan Ruyue's mother, Song Xuan. A resilient and intelligent woman, she carried herself with the grace of someone who had navigated countless challenges. Even in the comfort of her home, she was dressed in a tailored suit that reflected her strength and confidence—qualities that had clearly influenced Yan Ruyue's character.
"Auntie has been busy with work these past few years and hasn't had the chance to see you. It's been three years, hasn't it?" Song Xuan said with a sigh, her voice gentle and full of warmth.
"Yue'er, why don't you pour some tea for Xiao Yuan?" she added, her tone turning slightly firmer as she glanced at her daughter.
"Yes, yes," Yan Ruyue replied reluctantly but obediently rose to pour tea. Though she was known as an icy beauty to others, she dared not disobey her formidable mother.
"Cough…" Song Xuan coughed a few times as Yan Ruyue poured the tea, showing signs of a mild cold.
Lin Yuan and Song Xuan began chatting about everyday life and family matters.
As a seasoned businesswoman, Song Xuan excelled in conversation. Lin Yuan, with his charm and eloquence, matched her effortlessly. Understanding her character well, he steered the conversation in a way that created a harmonious rapport between them.
By the time they touched on more serious matters, Song Xuan's demeanor toward Lin Yuan had grown noticeably softer.
"Xiao Yuan, have you made up your mind about ending the engagement?" Song Xuan asked solemnly. "If you're having second thoughts, it's not too late to change your decision."
Pretending to be engrossed in her phone, Yan Ruyue was actually listening intently. Her body tensed at her mother's words. She knew her mother meant every word. If Lin Yuan showed even a hint of hesitation, the annulment could be stopped.
But Lin Yuan's reply eased her tension.
"Auntie, my decision is final. Yan Ruyue is a wonderful person, but I believe we're not suited for each other. Marriage is a significant commitment, and it shouldn't be forced upon anyone," Lin Yuan said with conviction.
"Yes, marriage is indeed a significant commitment…" Song Xuan echoed, her expression thoughtful as if recalling something.
After a brief pause, she smiled warmly and said, "Since you've made up your mind, I won't try to persuade you otherwise."
Turning to her daughter, she added coldly, "Xiao Yuan is an exceptional young man. It's your loss not to appreciate what you had."
"Cough, cough…" Song Xuan coughed harshly, her voice breaking mid-sentence.
"No matter how good he is, I just don't like him," Yan Ruyue retorted, her tone stubborn and resolute.
"You…" Song Xuan frowned, attempting to scold her daughter, but another coughing fit cut her off.
"If there's no freedom in choosing a marriage partner, what's the point of life?" Yan Ruyue murmured, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Cough, cough…" Song Xuan's coughing grew more severe, her body visibly weakening.
Lin Yuan, observing the situation, finally intervened. "Yan Ruyue, stop arguing. Can't you see Auntie is unwell?"
But Yan Ruyue was unwilling to back down. Today felt like her only chance to voice her defiance.
"I won't stay silent! Marriage should be a choice, not an obligation!" she cried out, her emotions boiling over.
"Cough, cough…" Song Xuan's coughing reached a peak before she suddenly closed her eyes and collapsed to the ground.
*****
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