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“See, see, what did I tell you? These two youngsters are just perfect together. Old Five, did your Yun Jin ever behave like this before?”

In the Fu family’s reception hall, Fu Xingguo and Old Five were seated together, watching footage streamed from a drone camera on the giant screen.

Of course, they weren’t intentionally monitoring Su Yun Jin and Fu Lin. It was simply that, in such a vast estate, security demanded cameras and drones to patrol back and forth. There were staff assigned to monitor these feeds around the clock.

Yet, as family members—and as the highest patriarch—Fu Xingguo had the right to watch these monitors whenever he pleased. He hadn’t been so idle in the past, but now that his grandson was out with the girl he liked, as a grandfather, he couldn’t possibly remain ignorant of their situation.

Besides, sitting with Old Five, boredom urged him to check up on his grandson’s side.

When he saw Su Yun Jin and Fu Lin together on the boat, Fu Xingguo’s delight was obvious, his molars nearly showing as he grinned. He kept nudging Old Five, afraid the old man wasn’t grasping the significance.

“Enough, enough, I’m not blind,” Old Five replied, annoyed by the constant prodding, rolling his eyes.

He was quite satisfied with Fu Lin, but seeing his granddaughter flustered because of another brat did stir a touch of discomfort in his heart.

“I never said you were blind, just worried you’d miss it,” Fu Xingguo chuckled, shifting his gaze from the screen to Old Five. “Old Five, think it over—let Yun Jin marry Lin.

To be honest, that brat told me he liked our Yun Jin before. Yun Jin wouldn’t lose out marrying into the Fu family. What do you think? Should we revive their old childhood betrothal?”

With the children absent, Fu Xingguo didn’t hold back, voicing his thoughts directly.

He might have been more cautious with another family, but the Fu family was no ordinary one. Going back three generations, their ancestors were benefactors of the Seven Sects. Though they remained low-key in the elite circles, it wasn’t for lack of power—they simply transcended that sphere.

So-called elite families might have wealth and connections, but the Fu family was a true lineage, rich in culture, contacts, and heritage.

In other words, anyone stepping out from the Fu family stood at the top—those so-called elite families paled in comparison. As the eldest grandson and sole direct heir, Fu Lin’s wife could not be of low status.

Previously, Su Yun Jin had an engagement, so they couldn’t force the issue, but now that Yun Jin was free, her engagement dissolved, what could be more fitting?

Moreover, after his silly grandson was rescued once, his heart was full of Yun Jin. As a grandfather, Fu Xingguo couldn’t let the opportunity slip by.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Fu Xingguo’s hopeful gaze met an unexpected answer. Old Five picked up his tea, took a sip, and set the bowl down, delivering his response.

Fu Xingguo grew anxious. “Why not? Old Five, don’t you want Yun Jin to marry into our Fu family, or do you think we’re unworthy of the Seven Sects?”

With this last question, a hint of displeasure rose in Fu Xingguo’s heart.

The Fu family, after all, were close allies of the Seven Sects. They couldn’t match the grand heritage, perhaps, but they weren’t lacking either. To be rejected out of hand made Fu Xingguo frown.

“Brother Fu, you’re overstating things. Worthiness is beside the point. The Fu family and our Seven Sects are bound by gratitude, you and I are old friends. There’s no question of unworthiness.”

Old Five leaned back against the rosewood chair, crossing his legs in comfortable fashion.

He looked at Fu Xingguo and spoke slowly, “I disagree because Yun Jin has only just ended her engagement. The matter isn’t truly settled yet. If our families unite now, it would inevitably invite misunderstandings—some might think the Fu family interfered and persuaded the Lu family to break the engagement.

Secondly, Yun Jin has grown up, and times have changed. Parents’ orders and arranged marriages are no longer the custom.

Lin’s feelings are clear to me; Yun Jin may not yet realize hers, but she’s a rare young girl. If these two truly end up together, it would be a joy for all. But if fate doesn’t favor them, I’d rather not sit here one day and discuss breaking off an engagement with you.

Brother Fu, you and I are old friends; our families have been close for generations. Would you want a marriage to end our association?”

Breaking off an engagement, spoken politely, keeps families as friends, but in harsher terms, it wounds relationships—sometimes leading to years, even decades of estrangement.

That’s what happened between the Seven Sects and the Lu family after the engagement was broken. For the next decade, they would keep their distance, that much was certain.

But that was the Lu family. If they kept their distance, so be it. The Fu family, however, was different.

Whether by the teachings of the sect or by the solid friendship built over years, neither wished to sever their bond with the Fu family.

Old Five spoke plainly, and Fu Xingguo understood well.

He had weathered storms, navigated the world of fame and fortune, and could empathize with his friend’s feelings.

His eyes crinkled as he laughed heartily, “Old Five, forgive me, I’ve grown muddled in my old age, not thinking things through. You’re right, this isn’t the era of arranged marriages anymore.

My brat likes our Yun Jin, but just because there’s a betrothal, doesn’t mean Yun Jin will always like him.

Yes, yes, let them get along and see where the future leads.”

As he spoke, Fu Xingguo picked up his tea, “Come, Old Five, this cup is for you—a token of apology. With all the years our families have shared, I shouldn’t have said what I did. Don’t let it weigh on your heart.”

“Brother, you’re too polite. I won’t dwell on it,” Old Five replied, raising his cup as well.

The two clinked their cups and drank their tea.

Fu Xingguo leaned back in his rosewood chair, twirling his prayer beads just as Old Five did.

“But back to the point, Old Five, do you think Yun Jin has any feelings for our brat?”

“That’s hard to say.”

Uncomfortable, Old Five paused a long while before answering.

Fu Xingguo noticed, but pretended otherwise, smiling, “If it’s hard to say, perhaps we should create some opportunities for them?”

“Hmm?” Old Five looked at Fu Xingguo.

Fu Xingguo continued, “There’s a project coming up, called ‘Blood and Valor.’ It starts the month after next—a variety show. The main theme is special forces training. Why not let Yun Jin participate? I’ll have Lin act as squad leader.”