Chapter 110: The Shu Family

Xiao Ye also nodded in greeting to the bodyguard; they moved like a genuine couple.

The bodyguard hesitated before nodding slightly, his gaze never leaving Shu Ran and Xiao Ye as they walked into the estate.

Within the manor, once someone is aware of something, news quickly spreads to everyone.

“I thought it was someone else. So, it’s the eldest miss of the Shu family. I thought you chose freedom in marriage? Why are you now surrendering and coming back? And you’ve brought along such a delicate, pampered pretty boy.”

As Shu Ran prepared to enter the Shu family’s reception hall, a woman she met halfway began to sneer at her and Xiao Ye with a mocking tone.

“I advise you to mind your own business, or you’ll only bring trouble upon yourself.”

Shu Ran glared coldly at the woman, her voice icy and devoid of any warmth.

The woman swallowed hard and could only glare helplessly from the side, clearly somewhat afraid of Shu Ran.

Xiao Ye was somewhat surprised; this seemingly gentle and fragile Shu Ran had such a strong and resolute side.

“This is my cousin. They’ve been pressuring my father because I refused to comply with them, so she always speaks like this,” Shu Ran explained with a smile to Xiao Ye.

Xiao Ye was indifferent to such people; words only have so much power. How could they possibly hurt him in this way?

Passing through the reception hall and into the study, they encountered many of the Shu family’s servants along the way.

Besides bowing and greeting Shu Ran respectfully, they whispered and gossiped about the two holding hands tightly.

Within just ten minutes of Shu Ran entering the estate, rumors about her and Xiao Ye had already spread like wildfire throughout the Shu household.

Outside the study, Shu Ran held Xiao Ye’s hand and said, “Next, we’re going to see my father. He’ll surely have something to say to you. You must hold your ground.”

Xiao Ye nodded, and the two pushed open the door and stepped into the study.

Seated inside was a middle-aged man with neatly groomed hair, looking fresh and vigorous, showing no signs of aging.

This was Shu Shan, head of the Shu family and Shu Ran’s father.

“Xiao Ran, where have you been all this time?” The middle-aged man looked up, and the moment he saw Shu Ran, he immediately stood up.

But his body suddenly froze when he saw Xiao Ye beside her.

“What do you mean by this? Are you planning to defy the family’s orders again?”

“Father, I’ve made myself clear. There are things I hope you can respect my choice on.”

“So you’ve brought this pretty boy home to see me? Kneel down!” Shu Shan roared, disregarding their father-daughter bond and preparing to enforce the family’s discipline!

He had misunderstood the relationship between Shu Ran and Xiao Ye, thinking in anger she had taken a man from outside, and that the situation couldn’t be undone.

Stubbornly, Shu Ran lifted her head, refusing to kneel. Shu Shan reached for a feather duster beside him, ready to strike.

But at that moment, Shu Ran’s face was filled with determination as she shouted loudly, “Go ahead and hit me. You’ve never cared about me anyway—you only want me to sacrifice myself for the family’s interests!”

Hearing this, Shu Shan seemed to lose his spirit, sinking dejectedly back into his chair.

After a long silence, he put down the duster and, looking toward Xiao Ye, spoke with difficulty, “Boy, what’s your name?”

At this moment, Shu Shan looked much more haggard; the sharp, capable middle-aged man had vanished.

The weight of age and despair settled over him again.

“Uncle, my name is Xiao Ye.”

Before Xiao Ye could finish, Shu Shan interrupted him harshly.

“You’re not worthy of calling me ‘uncle’ yet. I haven’t recognized your status. Just call me Head of the Shu Family. Now, explain your relationship with her.”

Shu Shan completely misunderstood the two, which was understandable; he hadn’t allowed them any time to explain.

“Very well. Head of the Shu Family, Shu Ran and I are not actually a couple. I’m just someone she found to act as a decoy for outsiders,” Xiao Ye said calmly, his expression steady.

Shu Shan was stunned, suspiciously looking between Shu Ran and Xiao Ye, unable to grasp the situation.

“Shu Ran doesn’t want to sacrifice herself for the family’s interests. To ease her troubles, this plan was devised.

I understand the predicament you’re in, Head of the Shu Family. It’s just that some in the family are pressuring you into an alliance with the Chen family. But trust me, this problem will be resolved soon.”

Xiao Ye spoke confidently, though his face remained impassive.

Chen Ning was already dead by his hand; what was left was to deal with the aftermath. The Chen family had no time to intervene.

Unquestionably, Xiao Ye’s words struck a chord within Shu Shan.

His current concerns were precisely those two points. Otherwise, how could he bear to let the daughter he raised from childhood be sacrificed?

“You insolent brat! How dare you say you’ll solve my troubles? What proof do I have to believe you?”

Shu Shan narrowed his eyes and asked Xiao Ye.

“You don’t have to believe me. Just wait a few days; the matter will resolve itself. Hold firm against the family’s pressure. As long as Shu Ran doesn’t marry over there, everything will be settled.”

Xiao Ye shrugged, a faint, serene smile on his face.

Seeing Xiao Ye so confident, Shu Shan felt a flicker of doubt. Though they’d just met, he found himself wanting to trust this young man before him.

Shu Shan fell silent for a long while, ignoring Xiao Ye, then turned to Shu Ran.

“Xiao Ran, I admit I’ve been wrong in this matter. I hope you can understand that your father is in a difficult position too.”

At this, tears welled in Shu Ran’s eyes. Without looking back, she turned and left the study.

Shu Shan sighed and then said to Xiao Ye, “Boy, I’m willing to believe what you say, but you must stay in the Shu household these days. Whether acting or as a hostage, I hope you can deliver and solve my troubles.”

“Of course, Head of the Shu Family. Since I’ve come here, it’s to resolve this matter,” Xiao Ye nodded.

Shu Shan waved his hand, signaling for him to leave the study. He needed time to collect his thoughts.

After leaving the study, Xiao Ye noticed Shu Ran hiding just outside, quietly sobbing.

“Your father does care for you. He has his own difficulties,” Xiao Ye said softly from the side.

Shu Ran nodded, wiping the tears from her face.

“These things are none of your concern. You just need to do your part.”

With that, she left the doorway and returned to her room.

Shu Ran was well aware that Shu Shan had his own hardships.

Her tears today were not because of her father’s treatment of her, but because his words had struck a deep chord within her heart.