After the pleasantries ended, Xie Yanchuan knew that what followed was the real matter at hand.
Sure enough, the next moment he heard his father say, "You know that because of the cooperation project, our family intends to form an alliance through marriage with the Xu Family, but the Xu girl said that she is willing, provided she marries you."
Xie Yanchuan, initially indifferent, suddenly looked up at his father upon hearing the latter part of the sentence.
Xie Suian felt somewhat guilty as he was looked at like that; he coughed lightly twice before continuing, "Jinzhi is a nice child, what do you think about this matter?"
Xie Yanchuan was silent for a long time, then said stiffly, "But wasn't it previously decided for my big brother to marry Miss Xu?"
Mentioning Xie Linchuan caused a subtle shift in the atmosphere at the dining table.
But they were a family; even though Xie Yanchuan was not highly valued, nothing was kept from him. Xie Suian said, "Your brother is still unclear with his former girlfriend, Miss Xu doesn't want to get involved with their issues."
Xie Yanchuan instantly understood; it was because of this matter.
But the marriage alliance falling upon himself...
Xie Yanchuan couldn't quite articulate how he felt at that moment. He just felt an uncomfortable gloominess within, but seeing his parents beside him, he said nothing.
After the meal, He Shuying was idle and sat on the living room sofa, holding the Schnauzer pet dog that ran over, ready to watch some TV.
Xie Suian was preparing to go upstairs to the study to work, leaving Xie Yanchuan with nothing to do.
Before Xie Suian went upstairs, Xie Yanchuan asked, "Dad, is there anything else?"
"What else?" Xie Suian looked at Xie Yanchuan with a baffled expression.
Xie Yanchuan nodded slightly, "If there's nothing else, I'll be heading off."
"You're home now, why not stay the night?" Xie Suian asked.
Xie Yanchuan shook his head, "The lab's been quite busy lately, it's more convenient to head back."
Xie Suian glanced sideways at his wife on the sofa, intending for her to say a few words, but found that He Shuying didn't even glance at him, so he gave up.
"Alright then." Xie Suian responded, resigned.
Xie Yanchuan nodded, looking at the woman on the sofa, respectfully saying, "Mom, I'll be off."
"Mm, be careful on the road." He Shuying finally looked back and said offhandedly.
"Alright." Xie Yanchuan agreed with a nod.
The living room became silent again, except for the sound from the TV, creating an oddly eerie atmosphere.
Xie Yanchuan said nothing more, turning to walk out of the villa; he seemed like a guest visiting, no, his treatment was far lesser than the guests of the Xie Family.
After all, when guests came over, He Shuying would at least pretend to be incredibly enthusiastic, but she wouldn't do that for Xie Yanchuan.
It wasn't until Xie Yanchuan left the villa that Xie Suian frowned slightly, looked at He Shuying, and asked quietly, "Why didn't you say anything to persuade him?"
"Persuade him for what?" He Shuying was equally baffled, not understanding what Xie Suian meant.
"This is his home! Every time he comes back, he just eats a meal and leaves, you don't care about him at all, he's your son too!" Xie Suian said, irritated.
"What's up with that? He's just my son, not yours?" He Shuying retorted earnestly.
"You!" Xie Suian was stifled, too angry to speak, and ultimately said nothing, turning to go upstairs.
Watching his departing figure, He Shuying couldn't help but roll her eyes, "Saying all that highfalutin talk when ultimately it's about making Yanchuan marry."
"Even if I don't care about him, at least I won't use him!"
He Shuying felt that her second son was somewhat unlucky. His career had nothing to do with inheriting the company, yet the marriage alliance fell onto him.
He must be feeling upset now, why let him stay at home?
Isn't spending some time alone better?
He Shuying was filled with disdain towards her husband, feeling he was useless, having struggled all these years only to rely on marriage alliances to stabilize family status.
Driving back, Xie Yanchuan stopped as he encountered a red light. His eyes stayed fixed ahead, suddenly thinking of Xu Jinzhi.
He had known Xu Jinzhi since he was a child, having seen her many times. She was a somewhat arrogant girl with a group of children around her, treating her like a leader.
From elementary to middle school, and then high school, she had always been like that, forever bright and dazzling.
Later, he went abroad for studies, and saw Xu Jinzhi again two years ago at his grandfather's birthday party.
Back then, Xu Jinzhi wore a glamorous gown, her face adorned with exquisite makeup, and he watched her from a not-too-near, not-too-far distance amidst the crowd.
She was still the center of attention, but compared to her younger self, she now possessed more composure.
But whether young or grown, Xu Jinzhi's gaze never fell upon him.
"Beep beep!"
A sharp honk snapped him back to reality, and realizing the car ahead had moved, he hurriedly drove off.
*
The next day.
"Mr. Xu, here are the two final proposals from the planning department. Take a look at which one to choose." Assistant Chen handed over the binder.
Xu Jinzhi accepted the binder and looked through it. These matters had passed many years in her previous life, yet upon looking, familiar memories returned.
Though she couldn't recall all the details, Xu Jinzhi remembered most of it.
So, glancing through the binder casually, Xu Jinzhi said, "Let's go with Group Two's proposal."
"Mr. Xu, this..." Assistant Chen looked hesitant, feeling Xu Jinzhi's decision might be too hasty.
It wasn't a doubt about Mr. Xu's capability, but it seemed that Mr. Xu hadn't thoroughly reviewed the proposals in such a short time, making the decision feel rash to Assistant Chen.
Xu Jinzhi looked up and noticed Assistant Chen's apprehension. She pursed her lips, feigning ignorance, saying, "I had reviewed it earlier."
"Oh, so that's it." Assistant Chen realized, showing he understood; Mr. Xu wasn't a rash person after all.
Assistant Chen smiled, "I'll notify them then."
Saying this, Assistant Chen turned to leave, but Xu Jinzhi quickly called him back, "Wait a moment."
"Mr. Xu, anything else?" Assistant Chen asked.
Xu Jinzhi coughed lightly and then said earnestly, "Go find out what Xie Yanchuan is doing each day now."