The marble dining table stretched across the room like a battlefield—cold, gleaming, and merciless.
Above, crystal chandeliers cast golden halos over silver cutlery and porcelain dishes, bathing the room in opulence and pressure.
Han Jiayan stood at the entrance, still clad in the tailored suit that Li Xinyue had chosen for him earlier that day.
His reflection shimmered off the polished silverware and mirrored surfaces.
He barely recognized himself—he looked like a man sentenced to dine with titans.
At the far end of the table sat Li Wenhao, patriarch of the Li Family, his gaze sharp, heavy with unspoken judgment.
Next to him sat Zhao Lihua, graceful and composed, eyes studying Jiayan like a museum piece.
Li Xinrou, Xinyue's younger sister, sat scrolling half-heartedly on her phone, occasionally stealing curious glances at Jiayan over the rim of her glass.
Xinyue, calm as moonlight on steel, took her seat at the head of the table.
"Sit, Han Jiayan," she said.
It wasn't a suggestion.
He obeyed.
---
Dinner began in silence, the clink of porcelain and rustle of napkins the only sounds.
Servants moved like whispers—pouring wine, presenting delicate appetizers.
Then came the voice that cut through it all.
"So," said Li Wenhao, "I assume my daughter told you why she chose you."
Jiayan nodded. "Yes, sir."
"And you agreed? Just like that?" His tone was smooth, but lined with disdain.
"Not just like that," Jiayan said evenly. "I thought about it. A lot."
Li Wenhao leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Men who rush into luxury often drown in it."
"I don't plan to drown."
"Good," Wenhao said, lifting his glass. "Because my daughter… is the ocean."
Li Xinrou gave a soft snort into her wine.
Xinyue didn't flinch. "Father, we're here to welcome him. Not interrogate him."
"This is my way of welcoming," Wenhao replied coldly.
---
The main course arrived—steamed sea bass, delicately seasoned with ginger, scallions, and judgment.
Wenhao shifted gears.
"What does your father do?"
"He's a mechanic."
"And your mother?"
"She works as a housekeeper in a guesthouse."
Zhao Lihua gave a small, unreadable smile. "Humble beginnings."
Wenhao sipped his wine. "And now you walk into a world of dynasties. Do you even understand what we are?"
Jiayan met his gaze. "I wasn't born into power, sir. But I'm not afraid of it."
There was a pause. Heavy. Tense.
Then Wenhao gave the faintest twitch of a smirk. "We'll see if those words survive reality."
---
Dessert arrived—bird's nest soup served in delicate crystal bowls.
Xinrou leaned in, chin on palm, eyes twinkling with mischief. "So… Brother-in-law… have you kissed my sister yet?"
Jiayan nearly choked.
"Xinrou," Xinyue said sharply.
"What? I'm just checking if the marriage comes with… bonus content."
Wenhao cleared his throat, mildly amused.
Jiayan wiped his mouth. "No. Not yet."
"Planning to?" Xinrou teased.
He paused.
"I don't think your sister is someone you plan around.
She plans you."
Even Xinyue smiled at that—barely, but genuinely.
Wenhao stood suddenly, his chair making almost no sound on the polished floor.
He walked over to Jiayan, slow, assessing.
"You didn't flinch," he said. "Not when I questioned your blood.
Not when Xinrou baited you.
Not even when I stared you down like a man under trial."
He paused just before Jiayan.
"I don't like you," he said bluntly. "But I respect backbone."
Jiayan gave a respectful bow. "Then I'll earn the rest."
Wenhao nodded once and turned to leave. "See that you do."
---
Later that evening, on the balcony, Jiayan stood with Xinyue, the city lights blinking below like stars drawn too close.
He sighed. "Your dad's… intense."
She handed him a glass of water. "He's a lion. And lions test every man who tries to touch their pride."
"You mean you?"
She didn't answer immediately. Just stared out at the skyline like it was a battlefield yet to come.
Then she asked, "Why didn't you lie to him?"
Jiayan shrugged. "Because the truth's easier to remember."
Xinyue turned, her eyes sharp and thoughtful. "That's why I picked you."
He held her gaze. "So… what's next?"
Her lips curved in a slow, knowing smile.
"Tomorrow morning," she said. "Family introduction banquet. You're about to meet the rest of the jungle."
---