C15 The Betrothal Gift

It was already ten o'clock in the evening, and the early autumn night brought a chill to the air. However, Shen Yuanhong's heart was filled with warmth. His daughter, Shen Siyu, had just undergone another health checkup, and the results were outstanding: not only was there nothing wrong with her, but she was even healthier than the average person! This delightful news eased the tension that had been gripping Shen Yuanhong's heart.

He felt a surge of joy throughout his being. When he looked at Yun Chen, it was with the affectionate gaze of a father-in-law appraising his future son-in-law. Approaching Yun Chen, Shen Yuanhong gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder and spoke with heartfelt sincerity, "Chen, you and Siyu are still in school. It's important to keep things in perspective."

"I've known your dad for many years, and our friendship is rock-solid," he continued. "So, don't worry about me opposing your relationship with Siyu. I'm just reminding you both that you're still young and education must come first..."

"Alright, I hope you don't mind Mr. Shen being a bit talkative." Shen Yuanhong's gaze was profound, his words laden with the affectionate concern of an elder for a younger person.

"I..." Yun Chen's eyes widened in surprise, and he was momentarily at a loss for words. But Yun Tianxiong, standing nearby, chimed in, "Exactly, son. Mr. Shen is correct."

"We have no objections to your relationship with Siyu. Your mother and I are both very fond of her, so you can put your mind at ease," he reassured. "However, right now, your studies must take precedence. Everything else can wait until after you graduate!"

Yun Chen was at a loss for words, seeing both Shen Yuanhong and his own father taking on the role of elders imparting wisdom to the younger generation. He shot a glare at Shen Siyu, who was trying to suppress her laughter, and quickly steered the conversation elsewhere, "We should head back now; the streets are empty."

"Yes, Chen is making sense," Shen Yuanhong agreed. "Today has been quite eventful. It nearly cost me my life!" He patted his chest and nodded in agreement.

Yun Tianxiong concurred, reflecting on how the day's events had given Shen Yuanhong quite the scare.

Thankfully, it turned out to be just a "misdiagnosis" at the hospital, and Siyu was okay!

Otherwise, my old friend's days ahead might not have been so easy.

Quickly, the group hailed a taxi and headed towards the neighborhood where Yun Chen lived.

In about ten minutes, the taxi pulled up at the entrance to the complex.

After exiting the vehicle, Yun Tianxiong bid farewell to Shen Yuanhong and then led Yun Chen towards their home.

Meanwhile, Shen Yuanhong walked off in a different direction with Shen Siyu.

As they parted, Shen Siyu waved to Yun Chen and called out, "Mr. Yun, you have to come to the school's autumn outing tomorrow!"

Yun Chen was momentarily taken aback, but then he smiled and responded, "Yes, I'll be there!"

Pleased with his answer, Shen Siyu contentedly headed home with Shen Yuanhong.

Once they were out of sight, Yun Tianxiong couldn't contain himself any longer. He stepped forward, playfully slapping Yun Chen on the shoulder, and said with a grin, "You little rascal, you've got some moves!"

Yun Chen winced at his dad's slap and, puzzled by his comment, asked, "What moves?"

"When did you manage to charm Siyu? I can't believe I only found out about it today!"

Yun Tianxiong gave Yun Chen a knowing wink and chuckled.

Feeling the heat, Yun Chen decided to ignore his teasing father and hurried home.

Yun Tianxiong was left behind, still calling out, "Son, just tell me!"

"I'm not that old-fashioned!"

"Say a little something! Then I can brag to Mr. Shen every day!"

"…"

Yun Chen picked up the pace, nearly ready to employ the Wind Escaping Technique.

...

Upon opening the door to his house, Yun Chen noticed the living room was still ablaze with light. Stepping inside, he saw his mother sitting on the couch, engrossed in the television.

The TV was tuned to the midnight news, which was reporting on the hospital explosion.

"Reports indicate that an explosion occurred at the First People's Hospital around six o'clock this evening. The blast was on the tenth floor, seemingly originating from the director's office…"

The fire resulting from the explosion has been fully extinguished, and firefighters are now searching for survivors...

"...

Three victims have been identified, and their identities are under investigation..."

On TV, a reporter with short hair stood at the base of the hospital building, delivering the latest updates on the explosion.

Yun Chen watched the news and breathed a sigh of relief as if he had conducted the investigation himself. No one else had been affected; the only casualties were Zhang Badao and his two companions.

He was thankful that he had discreetly used a Waterball Spell while checking the situation, which had helped contain the fire. The damage could have been much worse otherwise!

At that moment, Jee Fanghe noticed her front door ajar. Turning to see Yun Chen, she quickly approached him, her voice laced with concern, "Son, are you and your dad okay?"

Even though Shen Yuanhong had filled her in over the phone during their trip back, Jee Fanghe couldn't help but ask again.

"Mom, we're fine! The explosion was on the tenth floor, far from Siyu's ward. There's no way it could have reached us," Yun Chen reassured her promptly.

Before Jee Fanghe could respond, Yun Tianxiong appeared behind Yun Chen.

"Dear, the boy and I are alright, and so is Siyu!" Yun Tianxiong called out, his voice booming. "But today, I discovered a secret about our son and that girl, Siyu..."

"Mom, I'm off to bed now! I've got the autumn trip tomorrow! Good night!" Yun Chen interrupted before his father could finish. He quickly wiped the sweat from his brow and dashed to his room, swiftly closing and locking the door behind him.

He knew his dad would surely bring up tonight's events!

Luckily, he made a quick exit, or he would have faced a thorough grilling from his mom this evening!

Meanwhile, Jee Fanghe, utterly perplexed, turned to Yun Tianxiong and asked, "Honey, what were you about to say about our son and Siyu?"

Upon hearing her question, Yun Tianxiong's face lit up with joy as he excitedly revealed, "I've discovered that our son seems to be dating Siyu!"

If most parents found out their child was dating, they'd likely hit the roof!

But when Jee Fanghe learned Yun Chen was in a relationship, she was ecstatic!

She joyfully exclaimed, "Really? That's fantastic!"

"Siyu isn't just beautiful; she's also a top student, sensible, and respectful..."

"And she's the daughter of the Shen family. It's absolutely wonderful that our son is with her!"

Jee Fanghe wasn't the only one thrilled; Yun Chen's father, Yun Tianxiong, shared her joy, saying, "Hmm, I think these two are a great match!"

"It's good that they're dating now!"

"It saves me the worry of arranging Chen's future marriage!"

Jee Fanghe nodded and quickly added, "Yes, indeed!"

"I'll start preparing the engagement gifts right away. We can't let Siyu, that girl, slip through our fingers! She's meant to be a part of the Yun family!"

Yun Tianxiong was speechless...

Meanwhile, Yun Chen, who had been secretly listening from his room, thought, "@#%&*..."

What in the world was happening?

He was dating Shen Siyu?

But...

Why didn't he know about it?

Yun Chen felt a headache coming on, and it was more than just a little annoying.

However...

Shen Siyu had indeed been acting out of character tonight!

In Yun Chen's mind, although Shen Siyu often clung to him, it was just sisterly affection for her brother.

He relished having such a beautiful and vivacious sister and always doted on Shen Siyu.

He always listened to everything Shen Siyu had to say with great patience!

But tonight, Shen Siyu's words were off, and her behavior was bold!

She even stole his first kiss when he was caught off guard...

That was his first kiss!

And just like that, it was gone! At least a longer kiss would have been better...

Because he hadn't really savored the experience of a first kiss.

In that brief moment, all he felt was a cool touch and extreme softness, and then... nothing.

It was nothing like the passionate, mushy scenes on TV! Was it?

"But after today, can I still see Siyu as just my sister?"

"Man, this is such a headache..."

Yun Chen subconsciously licked his lips, where the faint sweetness of the girl's kiss still seemed to linger, leaving him deep in thought...