Chapter 2300

At noon the next day, You Le'an, eyes heavy with sleep, went downstairs to find something to eat.

The dining hall was empty; only two cleaning servants were chatting quietly in the corner.

"Have you heard? Yesterday the master and mistress came back, and they seemed to mention something about the Young Master..."

"Really? What's the matter?"

"It seems they're saying…… they want to arrange a marriage for the Young Master? After all, he's at that age."

"Huh? Is that true? Would the Young Master agree?"

"Who knows? The master and mistress always have a way..."

"The voices weren't loud, but in the quiet morning they sounded especially clear."

You Le'an, who was about to turn into the dining hall, had his steps freeze in place instantly.

"A marriage alliance?"

"Jin Chen is going to be married off!"

You Le'an's heart clenched tight; the lingering sleepiness from just moments ago vanished instantly.

He leaned against the cold wall, barely managing to stay upright.

"【Host, your goal is to eventually return to the original world; don't let emotions cloud your judgment.】 The Villain System came online, trying to comfort him."

You Le'an frowned, not wanting to hear a single word.

He drew a deep breath, trying to suppress that heavy ache.

Just a few days ago, Jin Chen was still holding him while they napped together—how could he suddenly be getting married off?

That's too awful! It's like he's going to be blamed by the villain!

No, I have to ask Jin Chen.

The phone rang a few times before finally being answered.

Jin Chen gestured toward the person speaking, "Le'an?"

Hearing that familiar voice, You Le'an's tense nerves suddenly loosened, and a sour sense of grievance welled up in his nose.

"Brother Chen, where are you?"

Jin Chen noticed something off in You Le'an's voice, sat up a little, and said, "I'm at the tea house on the mountain. Want to come over and play?"

"I want to come find you."

"All right." Jin Chen answered without the slightest hesitation, "Have the driver bring you over, and be careful on the way."

——

Tea house on the hills outside the city, Room Seven.

Outside the window lay rolling tea hills, the new green glowing softly in the afternoon sun.

Inside, an elegant tea fragrance permeated the air; several documents were spread on the redwood tea table, Jin Chen reclined relaxed in the armchair, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the warm surface of the purple clay cup.

Across from him sat the wealthy second-generation heirs hoping to invest in the urban investment project, riding a wave of east wind, discussing the funding allocation for the project's next phase.

The somewhat portly Li President chuckled and asked offhand, "President Jin, you picked up that call awfully fast just now, your tone sounded different—who could be so important?"

His tone carried the usual teasing common in their circle.

Jin Chen set down his tea cup, his gaze sweeping over the endless tea hills outside the window, his tone casual.

"Family."

"Oh." The few wealthy heirs immediately exchanged knowing smiles, drawing out their tone with a hint of good-natured teasing.

The atmosphere in the private room lightened a bit. In this circle, those three words "family" spoken from Jin Chen's mouth carried weight that needed no explanation.

Although no one knew the exact identity of that young master, Jin Chen's attitude was the clearest signal: he was someone Jin Chen had taken under his wing, not to be interfered with or slighted by outsiders.

Jin Chen gazed into the distance, 【Le An, what's wrong? Any new mission?】

Ling Gun Gun chewed tea leaves, 【No mission, huh, I don't know either~】

At the tea house entrance, a low-key yet heavy main gate shut out the outside clamor.

The door attendant in a traditional Chinese long robe stood with hands at his sides, demeanor respectful.

Almost simultaneously, a black sedan and a ride-hailing car pulled up one after another at the entrance.

The youth who stepped out of the ride-hailing car was slender, with a delicate, clean-cut appearance, carrying a hint of shy fragility.

He approached the attendant, his voice low, barely betraying nervousness, "Hello, I'm looking for Mr. Sun You, in… Room Seven."

No sooner had his words fallen than the other car door opened, and Le An practically jumped out.

He didn't even notice the person beside him; his light-colored curls glinted in the sunlight, his eyes showing some agitation and distraction,

He strode quickly to the attendant, not waiting for a question, and gave his name directly.

"Jin Chen, Room Seven."

The attendant, obviously having received instructions, treated Le An with somewhat greater respect than the fragile youth, giving a slight bow and immediately making a "please" gesture.

"Young Master You, this way please."

Upon hearing the room's name, the fragile youth instinctively glanced at Le An.

Seeing the other's refined, striking mixed-race features and the attendant's unusually deferential attitude, the youth's eyes flickered with a hint of realization and a barely perceptible envy.

Another favored little lover brought into such an occasion, I suppose.

He couldn't help but sneak another few glances at Le An.

However, Le An's heart and eyes were filled only with Jin Chen and that damned marriage rumor; he took no notice of the glances from the side, and under the attendant's guidance he practically flew inside, heading straight for Room Seven with a clear goal.

The heavy private room door was pushed open silently by the server.

Inside, the echoes of the business discussion had not yet fully faded, the relaxed atmosphere of lively conversation still flowing, and everyone's gaze turned simultaneously to the doorway.

Le An's figure appeared there.

He wore a simple T-shirt, clashing with the room's ambiance, yet there was no sense of awkwardness despite being stared at.

No greetings, no formalities.

It seemed to completely shut out the other people in the private room; his gaze locked firmly onto the man in the main seat wearing a white shirt with slightly rolled-up sleeves.

You Le'an's path went straight through the space laid with thick carpet, ignoring all the slightly surprised and curious glances.

He sat down beside Jin Chen's seat, his eyes filled with stubborn disregard, and his head lightly bumped Jin Chen's shoulder.

That was less a bump and more a touch seeking confirmation.

"Chen-ge," You Le'an's voice was pressed low, with a hint of nasal tone hardly noticeable; only Jin Chen could hear the tension and urgency inside.

"I have a question I want to ask you." He lifted his head, staring at Jin Chen without blinking.

Jin Chen lowered his gaze to look at him.

The boy's face showed anxiety and fragility that could not be hidden, clearly reflected in his eyes.

"Is it urgent?" Jin Chen's voice was gentle and soothing; his gaze swept over the curious second-generation rich across from them, then fell back onto You Le'an's face.

"Do you want to say it now, or wait a bit?"

His tone was calm, giving You Le'an space to choose.

You Le'an's agitation was soothed by the warmth of Jin Chen's palm and his steady voice.

He glanced at Jin Chen, then quickly glanced at the outsider nearby who was obviously listening with ears perked up; that reckless impulse was slightly pulled back by reason.

To ask in front of strangers whether they want to form a marriage alliance… that's just too embarrassing!

And what if…

If it's really true, he fears he won't be able to control his emotions.

You Le'an pressed his lips, lowered his eyelashes, and obediently sat beside Jin Chen.

"Wait a bit."

A flicker of doubt passed deep in Jin Chen's eyes; the hand resting on You Le'an's arm gave a gentle squeeze, "Okay."