Chapter 776: Want to go for a late-night snack?

Extreme embarrassment……in an instant enveloped the whole living room.

The atmosphere was ambiguous and subtle, making everyone feel ill at ease.

Li Sisi lowered her head, her long eyelashes……trembling nonstop in panic.

At this moment, it was too embarrassing.

Li Sisi, with her head buried low, simply dared not lift her gaze to anyone.

A scorching heat spread from her cheeks to her neck, her whole self shy to the extreme.

Li Sisi's heart……had already stirred up a towering wave.

Only she herself knew, she had secretly fallen for Lin Yuan long ago.

From their initial encounter on duty, to one accidental entanglement after another……

And then to tonight's all-night lingering tug-of-war……

This secret affection of hers……had already taken root and sprouted in her heart, impossible to hide any longer.

Yet, amidst her joy, a strong worry surged into her heart instantly.

Li Sisi unconsciously lifted her moist eyes, cautiously, with a hint of apprehension and unease, quietly glancing at Su Monong beside her.

She knew better than anyone that Su Monong and Lin Yuan's relationship……went far beyond ordinary superior-subordinate.

The ambiguous bond between them was deeply entrenched.

At this moment, Li Sisi was filled with apprehension, her heart repeatedly asking herself: Su older sister……are you really willing to let Lin Yuan go to me?

Li Sisi just quietly watched Su Monong's profile, restraining all her panic,

She silently waited for Su Monong's response, her heart in turmoil, full of uncertainty and unease.

Lin Yuan beside them froze completely, his whole body stiff on the sofa, his mind instantly blank.

He never imagined that Li Sisi's parents……would so bluntly matchmake him and Li Sisi in public, even having prepared the marital home and future life in advance.

This sudden elder-style matchmaking left him embarrassed, at a loss, his whole body feeling ill at ease.

The living room's atmosphere was ambiguous and awkward, everyone's gaze subtly falling on him, awaiting his response.

Lin Yuan's throat felt slightly dry, his mind in chaos, completely unsure how to respond.

If he refused, it would reject the elders' goodwill, making the situation even more awkward;

But agreeing would be nonsense; the absurd entanglements of tonight simply cannot be spoken of outwardly.

Just at the crucial moment when Lin Yuan was torn between advancing and retreating, helpless.

Su Monong, who had been silently observing……spoke first, breaking the stalemate.

Su Monong spoke in a gentle, composed tone, with a fitting smile, openly and gracefully:

"I think Lin Yuan and Sisi are really quite good together; their personalities click, their characters are both excellent, they're especially suited."

As soon as she said that, the whole room was slightly stunned.

Su Monong's eyes held a hint of undetectable amusement, and she leisurely added:

"As your boss, I've already given my nod of approval."

Having said that, she slightly tilted her head, her clear, beautiful eyes blinking lightly,

Su Monong, staring straight at the dazed Lin Yuan, softly asked:

"Lin Yuan, what do you think?"

That counter-question directly left Lin Yuan utterly bewildered.

He stared blankly at the smiling Su Monong before him

Lin Yuan's mind completely crashed, filled with confusion and doubt.

He simply couldn't figure out what Su Monong meant.

From start to finish tonight, they were entangled the deepest, their tacit understanding and secret relationship……known only to themselves,

As a result, now she actually publicly played matchmaker between him and Li Sisi?

At this moment, Lin Yuan utterly couldn't fathom his own boss's thoughts, feeling it absurd and inexplicable.

Amidst the tangled thoughts, Lin Yuan finally snapped back to his senses, hastily adjusting his tone,

Lin Yuan gently shook his head at the Li parents, full of expectation.

"Um, uncle, aunt, I feel that I and Sisi are actually not a good match."

That sentence……instantly broke the ambiguous atmosphere in the living room,

Li Dachao and Liu Xue, who had been smiling, both froze for a moment, the enthusiasm on their faces slightly stiffening.

Liu Xue instinctively leaned forward, her eyes full of incomprehension, and quickly asked:

"How could you be unsuitable, Xiao Lin? You two look well-matched, your personalities complement each other, your jobs are both proper and respectable—where aren't you suitable?"

Lin Yuan's Adam's apple rolled, really finding it hard to voice the true reason,

Lin Yuan could only casually come up with the safest excuse, speaking sincerely:

"It's because my own conditions are too poor. My family is ordinary; in Jiangnan I have no house or car, my foundation is unstable, I'm not worthy of Sisi's fine conditions, and I can't provide her a stable life."

He thought this explanation would make them drop the idea/

But he didn't expect.

The Li parents, hearing that, showed no hesitation at all, immediately laughing and waving their hands to rebut.

Li Dachao's tone was exceptionally cheerful, with a carefree look:

"What's there to fuss over! Poor conditions aren't a matter at all; our family's conditions are more than enough, we don't lack these external things."

Liu Xue also quickly echoed, her eyes sincere and eager, blunt enough to catch one off guard:

"That's right, Xiao Lin; as long as you're willing to marry our Sisi, from now on you'll be just like our own son. All the family business, savings, and property we've built over a lifetime will be yours, you can use them freely, with no burden to bear."

Beside them, Li Sisi, who had lowered her head, quietly lifted it.

Li Sisi's cheeks were flushed… still carrying her lingering shyness.

She clenched the corner of her clothes, summoning the greatest courage of her life, her soft, quiet voice…… sounded in the living room, especially resolute.

"Lin Yuan, I can support you, my income is stable, I don't need to worry about home, our future life will definitely be easy."

Lin Yuan was momentarily speechless, his whole person dazed.

He mentally ranted wildly, this family is too blunt!

Others discussing marriage are always subtle probes……

This family, however, is straightforward, direct to the point, even speaking of supporting someone and giving family property in an open-and-aboveboard manner??

They have not a bit of beating around the bush, really leaving Lin Yuan with no way to cope.

Before he could think of how to respond, Su Monong beside him…… slowly added fuel to the fire,

Su Monong's lips…… hung with a rich playful smile, her tone languidly playing matchmaker:

"Look, Uncle and Aunt and Sisi are so sincere, what a wonderful fate—I see it and feel it's a match made in heaven, Lin Yuan, you really should give it proper consideration."

Lin Yuan, hearing this, was completely speechless, his heart full of bewildered amusement.

No, what on earth is Su Monong trying to do?

Clearly, so many private entanglements happened between the two tonight, yet…… she now appears to be desperately trying to match him with someone else.

Su Monong repeatedly fanning the flames, deliberately pushing him toward Li Sisi, really leaves people baffled.

Lin Yuan simply can't figure out what scheme his deep-thinking female boss is playing.

After the tumult of thoughts, Lin Yuan suppressed the myriad doubts in his heart.

Lin Yuan's attitude remained especially firm, he lightly shook his head, and earnestly spoke to decline:

"Thank you, Uncle and Aunt, for your kindness, and thank you, Sisi, for your feelings. But matters of the heart cannot be forced; we truly aren't suited, so let's just forget it."

His tone was gentle, yet carried an unyielding resolve, with no room for wavering.

As soon as he said that, the living room instantly fell into silence.

The formerly ardent, warm atmosphere completely dissipated, replaced by a full sense of desolation and regret.

The light in Li Sisi's eyes instantly dimmed.

Li Sisi's moist eyes…… instantly veiled with a thin layer of watery mist.

She lowered her head again, her long lashes drooping and trembling slightly, her whole person revealing an undisguisable loss, all her expectations dashed.

The smiles on Li Dachao and Liu Xue's faces also completely faded; they exchanged a glance, their eyes full of pity and regret.

Liu Xue let out a soft sigh, her voice full of regret:

"That's really a shame, Xiao Lin, you're so outstanding and down-to-earth, with upright character—truly a rare fine young man; we genuinely take a liking to you."

Li Dachao also nodded in agreement, his heart full of regret:

"Yeah, it's a pity the fate wasn't there, can't be forced. It's really a shame such a good kid."

In the spacious villa living room, the atmosphere instantly became low and quiet,

Everyone's gaze carried loss, entwined with a deep sense of regret.

This stagnant atmosphere didn't last long,

Li Dachao was the first to come to his senses, smiling and waving his hand, actively breaking the awkward situation.

He deeply knows that forcing feelings is useless, and he doesn't want a pleasant gathering of juniors to become stiff and awkward,

Li Dachao simply changed the subject, warmly gesturing for Lin Yuan to sit down:

"Never mind, never mind, fate's hard to explain—let's not talk about this. Xiao Lin, don't keep standing; come sit, I'll brew a pot of good tea, and we'll chat leisurely."

Li Sisi lightly nodded, pressing down the heavy loss in her heart.

Li Sisi rose…… and took out an exquisite fruit plate from under the coffee table.

Inside were arranged sliced strawberries, grapes, and honeydew melon, the flesh fresh and plump, the fragrance clean and sweet.

She silently sat beside Su Monong, the two close together, eating fruit in small bites, quietly listening to the conversation ahead.

Liu Xue also quickly set aside her inner regret, following along to smooth things over.

Liu Xue's face again put on a gentle smile, deliberately dispelling the earlier embarrassment:

"Exactly, exactly, let's not talk about those things—tonight it's rare to have guests, let's have a good chat. Sisi, don't just stand there; take out some fruit to entertain your sister and Lin Yuan."

Lin Yuan, out of courtesy, patiently responded one by one,

Lin Yuan occasionally interjected a few remarks, his attitude modest and proper.

He maintained proper posture throughout, his sense of measure just right.

This made the Li couple increasingly feel he was steady and reliable, their inner regret growing stronger, only feeling that such an outstanding young person failing to form a bond with their daughter was truly a great pity.

The living room's atmosphere gradually warmed, shedding the earlier ambiguity and awkwardness, gaining a few degrees of domestic leisurely warmth.

Li Dachao skillfully boiled water, washed the tea, and brewed it; the whole sequence flowed smoothly, the rich tea aroma drifting about.

He chatted with Lin Yuan about family matters, from Jiangnan's local customs and workplace hustle fun stories, to daily life trifles, his tone easygoing and amiable, utterly lacking any senior's airs.

The night outside the window…… grew ever deeper,

The Western-style wall clock ticked, its hands…… steadily sweeping past midnight.

Beside her, Su Monong idly pinched a fruit piece, her peripheral glance occasionally flicking toward the listless Li Sisi beside her.

Su Monong watched the girl's eyes conceal none of her despondency, occasionally stealing glances at Lin Yuan's small movements.

Su Monong's lips…… perpetually held a faint, elusive playful smile.

Su Monong said nothing, yet took in all her little thoughts.

Occasionally, when Li Sisi lifted her head and met her gaze, her ears would instantly redden.

Li Sisi hurriedly lowered her head, her heartbeat involuntarily quickening.

Liu Xue rubbed her sore brow, then spoke softly:

It's getting late; we're old and can't stay up late, so we'll go upstairs to rest first. You young people can chat slowly, don't be reserved, just make yourselves at home.

Having stayed up until deep night, Li Dachao and Liu Xue, now aged, had been up for several hours straight, their eyelids already sore and heavy.

Li Dachao's eyes were filled with weariness, and his speech had slowed considerably.

After they finished speaking, they walked with leisurely steps, slowly went up to the second-floor bedroom, and gently closed the door,

Soon the couple fell silent,

The entire villa instantly fell silent, leaving only the living room's soft warm light flowing gently.

Once the elders left, the tense atmosphere completely relaxed.

Lin Yuan immediately stood up, smoothed his collar, and politely said goodbye: "Uncle, Aunt, you're resting, so I won't disturb you further; I'll take my leave now and come visit another day."

Li Sisi, who had been sitting quietly beside them, as if prepared, rose almost immediately, hurriedly followed their steps, and voluntarily said, "I'll see you out."

The three walked out of the warm living room one after another, stepping into the cool night breeze.

In the courtyard, the late wind blew gently, carrying the fresh scent of plants.

The night was thick and tranquil, the entire upscale villa district sinking into silence.

Just a few steps after stepping out the front gate, Li Sisi, walking last, suddenly summoned all her courage, swiftly raised her hand, and lightly grasped Lin Yuan's sleeve.

Her fingertips trembled slightly, her palm warm, her whole face flushed crimson from cheeks to ear tips.

Li Sisi's delicate teeth… tightly bit her lower lip, her eyes brimming with cautious anticipation.

Li Sisi's voice was as faint as a mosquito, heavy with shyness and nervousness, she spoke haltingly:

"Lin Yuan…… tonight, why don't you stay?"

The sudden plea left Lin Yuan frozen on the spot, his brain crashing instantly,

Lin Yuan stood there, his face full of astonishment.

After a half‑second pause, fearing a direct refusal, Li Sisi hastily added another sentence, her tone soft and earnest:

"Even if you don't stay the night, it's fine…… we can wait until late night to leave, first, first come to my room; I've prepared lots of midnight snacks, let's eat something before we go, okay?"

Lin Yuan stared blankly at the shy‑faced, expectant girl before him.

Lin Yuan's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and he instinctively retorted:

"Ah? It's already twelve o'clock—do we really need to eat a midnight snack this late?"

Just as Lin Yuan was bewildered and full of doubt, Su Monong at his side instantly saw through Li Sisi's hidden little thought.

Su Monong's eyes…… flickered with a sly, ambiguous smile.

She stepped forward half a step, her slender arm affectionately looping around Lin Yuan's arm, her warm body lightly leaning against him.

Su Monong's soft voice, tinged with a hint of lazy encouragement, rose slowly: "Twelve o'clock isn't late at all—young people's night life has only just begun."

Su Monong lifted her gaze at the still‑dazed Lin Yuan, her eyes curved, smile full, and continued to urge:

"Since little sister Sisi has invited us so sincerely, we shouldn't disappoint her; let's go to her room and sit a while, okay?"

Lin Yuan hurriedly gave a slight struggle to free his arm, lowered his voice, and said with a hint of helpless panic:

"Don't mess around—her parents are still home! If we run to her room in the middle of the night and get caught by her uncle and aunt, we really won't be able to explain ourselves, and the misunderstanding will only grow."

Upon hearing that, Li Sisi grew ever more nervous and shy, her cheeks flushing to the point of almost bleeding, yet she still refused to let go.

Li Sisi lowered her head slightly, bit her lip, and in a whisper only the three could hear, with a hint of obstinate pleading, she said softly:

"It won't happen…… my parents sleep especially deeply; they fall asleep as soon as they hit the bed, they won't wake up. We'll sneak in quietly, stay absolutely silent, and definitely won't be discovered…… just a little while, really nothing will happen."