NOVEL NEXT Chapter 220: Acknowledging You as My Grandson-in-Law
Inside the room, Xiao Yan waited for Nalan Jie to return, propping his arm on the table, staring blankly ahead.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
With this voice entering Xiao Yan’s ears, Nalan Jie’s figure reappeared in the room. Xiao Yan snapped back to reality and stood up to face him.
“Grandpa Nalan, you’re back.”
“Yes.” Nalan Jie nodded slightly, his hands behind his back. “I’ve already informed Lord Jia about the butler situation. He will send someone to follow up.”
The butler had accepted Nalan Jie’s assignment, unaware of Nalan Jie’s suspicions, but he was likely wary of any suspicious actions from the Nalan family. Any disturbance might alert him, so having the royal family monitor him was more effective since the butler wouldn’t suspect them.
Nalan Jie then looked at Xiao Yan and slowly said, “Xiao Yan, Lord Jia also asked me to tell you to visit the Miteer Auction House later and meet with Hai Bodong. He has something new to ask of you.”
“I understand. I’ll head over right away.”
Xiao Yan nodded in promise. Since Nalan Jie Lin had sent him to Jia Ma Sacred City to see if there was anything he could help with, he naturally agreed to Lord Jia’s request.
Afterward, Xiao Yan followed Nalan Jie out of the room, heading towards the reception hall.
On the way, Nalan Jie glanced at Xiao Yan, a faint smile forming in his eyes, and asked softly, “Xiao Yan, what do you think of Yanran?”
“Ah?”
Hearing Nalan Jie’s sudden question, Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, then spread his hand and responded lightly, “Miss Nalan is exceptionally talented and wise, understands right from wrong, and possesses a resolute and courageous character. I personally think she is a very outstanding girl.”
Xiao Yan’s evaluation was neither humble nor arrogant, which greatly satisfied Nalan Jie.
He could tell that Xiao Yan’s assessment of Nalan Yanran was genuine, not exaggerated because of his presence. It was Xiao Yan’s true perception of her.
“Back when Yanran went to the Xiao Clan to force a marriage, I only found out afterward. Here, I apologize on her behalf to you and the Xiao Clan.”
Nalan Yanran’s actions of forcing a marriage were unknown to Nalan Jie until later, and it had angered him. Whether forcing or breaking an engagement, Nalan Yanran had used an overbearing stance, greatly disrespecting the Xiao Clan.
Over the past six months, Nalan Jie had wanted to drag Nalan Yanran to the Xiao Clan to apologize several times, but she had been training intensely in Yun Lan Sect after being provoked by something, giving him no opportunity.
“You need not worry, Grandpa Nalan,” Xiao Yan said with a gentle smile, waving his hand. “Miss Nalan is young and impulsive, she’s bound to make mistakes. It’s nothing that can’t be corrected.”
Nalan Jie nodded in promise, more satisfied with Xiao Yan’s demeanor.
Honestly, where could one find such a good grandson-in-law?
Strong yet humble, young but mature, and most importantly, he displayed unwavering determination and integrity throughout the Snake-People incident.
Xiao Yan’s potential was promising, but his character was even more noteworthy. Who in the Jia Ma Empire could match him?
Recalling Xiao Yan’s deeds during the Snake-People incident, Nalan Jie felt he had indeed chosen the right grandson-in-law.
If Xiao Di could see his grandson’s growth, he would surely be gratified.
At this moment, Nalan Jie thought of something and asked Xiao Yan, “By the way, do you know what was in the letter your grandfather sent ten years ago?”
“No, I don’t,” Xiao Yan replied, shaking his head. “My grandfather said it was for you. As his grandson, I couldn’t read it without permission.”
Ten years ago, Xiao Yan’s sole purpose in coming to the Nalan family was to deliver his grandfather Xiao Di‘s letter to Nalan Jie. He had no idea what it contained.
Nalan Jie wasn’t surprised by Xiao Yan’s answer. He looked ahead and slowly said, “Your grandfather’s letter mentioned many things, mostly old friends’ greetings and his regrets at the end of his life.” Nalan Jie’s eyes showed a hint of sadness. “He also brought up your and Yanran’s engagement, hoping to dissolve it.”
Xiao Yan frowned slightly but remained silent, listening as Nalan Jie continued.
“In your grandfather’s view, the Nalan family was thriving while the Xiao Clan was declining. In such a situation, the two families were no longer equal, and even if you and Yanran married, people would criticize that the Xiao Clan wasn’t worthy of the Nalan family, causing Yanran to be wronged by marrying down.”
“Dissolving the engagement was indeed your grandfather’s sincere wish.”
“But I didn’t do it.”
Nalan Jie looked at Xiao Yan, speaking earnestly.
“If you were truly a despicable and incompetent person, I wouldn’t have let this engagement continue. Even at the cost of my reputation, I wouldn’t let my granddaughter marry someone who couldn’t give her happiness.”
“But from the moment I saw you ten years ago, I recognized you as my grandson-in-law.”
“A mere six or seven-year-old child traveled alone from distant Wutan City, enduring countless hardships, all just to fulfill his grandfather’s last wish.”
“Though you looked ragged and worn at that time, the determination in your eyes and the relief you felt after delivering the letter remain clear in my mind.”
“Since then, I’ve been certain that Yanran marrying you would bring her no grievances.”
Nalan Jie’s heartfelt praise made Xiao Yan a bit bashful, scratching his face in embarrassment.
Being praised so directly was… quite embarrassing.
At this moment, Nalan Jie chuckled softly.
“However, I only found out a few months ago that you and Yanran met when you were children.”
“I also didn’t expect my fiancée to be that little… Miss Nalan from ten years ago.”
Just as he was about to say “little foodie,” Xiao Yan caught himself, realizing he was in front of her grandfather, and changed his words.
When Nalan Yanran had come to the Xiao Clan, Xiao Yan had been stunned for a while before recalling her from his distant memories.
Thinking of this, Xiao Yan felt a twinge of nostalgia.
In hindsight, Nalan Yanran played a significant role in steering him onto the right path.
“Xiao Yan, since Yanran has already set a three-year promise with you, I won’t interfere with your engagement for now.”
Nalan Jie spoke softly. The three-year promise had spread throughout the capital. Canceling it would make both the Nalan and Xiao families, as well as Yun Lan Sect, a laughingstock.
If they couldn’t honor a public commitment, what would people think?
“But I still hope you can spend more time with Yanran during this period and hopefully develop genuine feelings for her. That way, if Yanran wins after three years, it won’t be as difficult for you.”
Nalan Jie grinned. He was very pleased with Xiao Yan as a grandson-in-law. Although Nalan Yanran’s forceful three-year promise was somewhat overbearing, if it could lead to their marriage, he would be very happy.
Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s mouth twitched slightly, looking at Nalan Jie with some embarrassment.
“Um… Grandpa Nalan, I’m not planning to get married yet…”
Xiao Yan muttered, to which Nalan Jie laughed heartily, patting Xiao Yan’s shoulder heavily.
“Hahaha~ No rush, there’s still almost three years. People’s thoughts can change in an instant. Maybe by the time the promise ends, you’ll have changed your mind~”
Faced with Nalan Jie’s hearty words, Xiao Yan showed a slightly helpless smile.
As they spoke, they reached the reception hall. Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yixian were chatting amiably, while Zi Yun and Qing Lin sat bored across from them, and Little Lion King King was sleeping soundly on the floor tiles.
“Grandpa, Xiao Yan, have you finished talking?”
Seeing Nalan Jie and Xiao Yan enter, Nalan Yanran stood up immediately.
Nalan Jie nodded slightly, and Xiao Yan said, “Miss Nalan, I have some matters to attend to, so I must take my leave.” He then turned to Xiao Yixian. “Xiao Yixian, you and Sister Zi Yun stay here for a while. I’ll be back soon.”
“Are you leaving already?”
Nalan Yanran’s face showed undisguised disappointment, and Xiao Yixian frowned slightly.
“Where are you going?”
“To the Miteer Auction House.”
Xiao Yan answered honestly, and both Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yixian immediately tensed up, their minds conjuring the same figure.
Ya Fei!
“I’m going too!”
Xiao Yixian immediately said, not wanting to leave Xiao Yan alone on that woman’s turf. With Xiao Yan’s innocence, he might be taken advantage of!
“I’m going too!”
Following Xiao Yixian’s words, Nalan Yanran also declared firmly.
In her mind, Ya Fei was one of the most dangerous women around Xiao Yan!
Ya Fei has a good figure, charming demeanor, and a clear understanding of how to win a man’s favor—every word and action she does is full of allure!
Besides that, her family background is almost on par with the Nalan family. Although her strength may be slightly lacking, her business acumen is impeccable and unmatched!
“Eh? You both want to go too?”
Hearing the two women’s request, Xiao Yan looked a bit troubled and turned his gaze towards Nalan Jie for his opinion. After all, Nalan Jie hadn’t mentioned whether the matter at the Miteer Auction House could be disclosed to others.
Nalan Jie understood Xiao Yan’s questioning look and gently waved his hand.
“No problem. They would find out about this matter even if they didn’t go. It doesn’t matter.”
With Nalan Jie’s approval, Xiao Yan understood and looked at Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yixian.
“Alright, let’s go together then,” Xiao Yan said, then turned to look at Qing Lin and Zi Yun. “What about Qing Lin and Sister Zi Yun?”
“I will go with Young Master Xiao Yan too,” Qing Lin replied immediately. She was unfamiliar with this place and didn’t want to stay alone.
Zi Yun, beside Qing Lin, gently waved her hand and glanced at the sleeping Little Lion King.
“You all go ahead. My son just fell asleep. I’ll come find you when he wakes up.”
The Little Lion King, when asleep, was truly immovable like a mountain. Zi Yun couldn’t leave without watching over him herself.
“Understood,” Xiao Yan responded softly. Then the group left the Nalan residence, with Zi Yun and the Little Lion King missing from their previous numbers, and Nalan Yanran joining them.
Watching Xiao Yan and the others leave, Nalan Jie sighed softly with his hands behind his back.
If Nalan Yanran could see Xiao Yixian’s affection for Xiao Yan, how could he, an old man who had lived for so long, not see it?
This was unexpected but not unreasonable.
Xiao Yan was excessively outstanding, and it was no wonder more than just Yanran had taken a liking to him.
However, judging by Xiao Yan’s attitude, he probably hadn’t noticed at all.
Forget it, no point in overthinking.
Nalan Jie shook his head slightly.
Each generation has its own fortune. As an old man, worrying too much would be unnecessary.
If in the future Xiao Yan couldn’t become his grandson-in-law, Nalan Jie would undoubtedly feel regretful.
But even so, he couldn’t force Xiao Yan to marry his granddaughter—that would be doing harm.
All he could do was leave it to the young people to decide for themselves.
Thinking this, Nalan Jie sighed again and glanced at Zi Yun.
“This… Miss Zi Yun, do you need anything else?”
From what Xiao Yan had told him, this stunning woman was the Amethyst Winged Lion King, which naturally made Nalan Jie apprehensive.
But despite his apprehension, courtesy couldn’t be abandoned. As long as she didn’t cause trouble in the Nalan family, she was a guest, and he had no reason to neglect her.
Hearing Nalan Jie’s polite inquiry, Zi Yun responded bluntly without thinking.
“Bring me some plates of roasted meat. My son is advancing and is eating a lot more.”
The energy required for a magical beast to advance was immense. Looking at how much the Little Lion King had eaten just this morning, Zi Yun estimated he’d be hungry again when he woke up.
Nalan Jie was momentarily taken aback by Zi Yun’s words, then glanced at the sleeping Little Lion King before nodding to Zi Yun.
“Please wait a moment. I will have the servants bring it immediately.”
With that, Nalan Jie turned to leave the reception room when Zi Yun’s voice reminded him suddenly.
“Remember to make it cold.”
“…Alright.”
As expected of a lion, even in the human form, she’s still got a cat’s tongue.
Hearing Zi Yun’s request, Nalan Jie responded softly, a peculiar expression on his face.