Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 97: Speak the Awkward Words First

Chapter 97: Chapter 97: Speak the Awkward Words First

Knowing it was the two of them, Ye Yujun came to open the door. Seeing Cheng Qiaobei standing outside with things in his hands, she wasn’t exactly giving a warm welcome, but she wasn’t exactly unhappy either.

Cheng Qiaobei followed the principle of not hitting a smiling face, bowed politely, and said, "Mom."

Calling on the phone was one thing, but doing it face-to-face was another. Ye Yujun didn’t know whether to respond or not, hesitated for a couple of seconds, and then said, "...Come in."

Cheng Qiaobei entered and didn’t forget to ask, "Is Dad home too?"

This time, Ye Yujun couldn’t avoid answering, "Yes, he’s home."

"I saw some fresh fruit at the store and bought some on the way here," Cheng Qiaobei said, making his way to the kitchen, "I’ll take it to the kitchen."

He wasn’t shy about it, and Ye Yujun couldn’t get a word in as he naturally walked into the kitchen.

Chen Ningxi changed into slippers and said to Ye Yujun, "Is Dad in the study?"

"Hmm." Ye Yujun nodded and softly reminded him, "He’s in a bad mood, so mind your attitude."

Feeling a pang of guilt, Chen Ningxi replied, "Got it."

The study door was tightly closed. Chen Ningxi stood at the door and knocked.

Knock, knock, knock. Upon hearing the noise, Chen Weichuan looked up and asked knowingly, "Who is it?"

"Dad, it’s me."

"What do you want?" Chen Weichuan frowned.

Cheng Qiaobei walked up behind Chen Ningxi, lightly placing his hand on her shoulder as if giving her support, "Dad, Ningxi and I came to see you."

Hearing Cheng Qiaobei’s voice reminded Chen Weichuan of the matter of him eloping with Chen Ningxi to get registered, which made his anger flare up again.

Coldly, he said, "Come in."

Cheng Qiaobei smiled at Chen Ningxi, "It’s okay."

Chen Ningxi pushed the door open, "Dad," she began, but Chen Weichuan sternly said, "I didn’t tell you to come in."

"!" She was stunned.

Seeing her looking lost, like a child who had done something wrong, Cheng Qiaobei compassionately held Chen Ningxi’s shoulders with both hands, steering her two steps outside the door, "Go wash the strawberries and grapes, and bring them in for Dad to taste later."

Worried that her father would scold him harshly, Cheng Qiaobei smiled gently, "Go on, it’ll be fine."

He retreated into the study and closed the door.

Turning around, he was immediately met with the imposing sight of Chen Weichuan sitting behind the desk, his jawline tense, clearly displeased by the sudden registration without informing them.

Now that it was a done deal, scolding would relieve some of his frustration.

Cheng Qiaobei pulled out the chair opposite him and was about to sit, when he remembered he hadn’t been invited to, "Dad."

Hearing this ’Dad,’ Chen Weichuan felt a sharp pain throbbing in his temples, causing him to frown and close his eyes briefly before easing up.

"You have quite the nerve, marrying such a big matter, without discussing it with us. Seems like you don’t care much about Ningxi."

True to form, just one comment about not caring pinned him on the moral high ground of shame.

"Dad, it was me who suggested registering without consulting you two, that’s my fault entirely. But to say I don’t care about Ningxi," Cheng Qiaobei paused, "it’s not that I don’t care, it’s that I care too much. Afraid of losing her, I got flustered and didn’t think things through. All I could think of at the time was registering with Ningxi right away for peace of mind; every second felt unbearable to wait."

Chen Weichuan’s expression remained stern, "If someone else said they hadn’t thought things through, I might believe them, but you," he shook his head, "what exactly are you up to?"

A hint of concern shadowed Cheng Qiaobei’s brow, knowing that nothing he said would be convincing to Chen Weichuan right now.

"Dad, you see through me very well. I’m indeed not someone without plans. I’ve put thought into being with Ningxi, but I never intended to gain anything from her or to use her. Truthfully, I just didn’t want to miss the chance to live my life with her."

To prove his sincerity, he mentioned transferring all his assets to Chen Ningxi, and that the recently purchased marital home was in Chen Ningxi’s name, with him bearing all the renovation costs and other expenses.

Upon hearing this, Chen Weichuan sneered, "You think I’d use money as a measure to marry off my daughter? Ridiculous. Don’t think just because you spent money, Ningxi would be at your disposal. We’re giving our daughter in marriage, not selling her off; don’t use money to impose on us."

"Dad, you’re misunderstanding me. That’s not what I meant at all," Cheng Qiaobei explained, "In my view, when a man loves a woman, he spends money and time on her. I’m willing to do both for Ningxi, with nothing else influencing that. You mentioned selling a daughter," he shook his head, "I never thought that way. If I had even a slight intention of using money to settle for a woman, I wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of registering with her. You know the kind of person I am; if I wanted to deceive a woman, I wouldn’t need to put my entire fortune into it, as that wouldn’t serve my interests, would it?"

Chen Weichuan pondered for a moment, "If you want to get married, you should have discussed it with us first. Ningxi’s mom and I are reasonable people and wouldn’t charge exorbitantly just because we’re giving away our daughter. Failing to discuss this with us shows a lack of respect, and disrespecting us means you’re also disrespecting Ningxi."

"..." Cheng Qiaobei broke into a cold sweat. This perfectly closed argument left him without a path forward. Clenching his fists, he drew a deep breath before saying, "Dad, it’s understandable for you to think this way, but please don’t just look at what I’ve done so far; see what I do in the future. I will prove to you and Mom that I deeply respect you both, and Ningxi."

Chen Weichuan knew well enough that Cheng Qiaobei was a businessman. If he was truly only playing around or looking for benefits, there’d be no need to risk his entire fortune. If he were calculating, he’d probably start with a prenuptial agreement rather than registering with Ningxi straight away.

Considering this, his expression softened slightly, and he asked, "What are your plans moving forward?"

Cheng Qiaobei detailed his plans, including the wedding, the process, the range of guests invited to the banquet, and inquired about the number of tables necessary for the bride’s side. He also talked about potential honeymoon destinations and addressed more pragmatic matters like the bridal gifts and new family member red packets, all meticulously prepared beforehand. He also discussed their future plans, including post-marital work considerations. With the Zhoushan project just starting, most of his time would be spent there, but as the hotels he managed spanned across the country, there would be times when he needed to travel for business.

Hearing that he’d already planned out their future long before, Chen Weichuan felt somewhat reassured, but some uncomfortable words needed to be said upfront.

"There’s one more thing I need to remind you. Although you and Ningxi are married, if you plan to use our relationship to gain advantages from me, it’s best not to entertain that thought. Even if you tell me, I won’t agree to it. To avoid awkwardness for everyone, I hope such situations won’t arise in the future."

Suddenly, Cheng Qiaobei understood why Cheng Xiangheng opposed their relationship.

Back when Jade Jiali was set to start a project in Zhinan City, when Chen Weichuan was the mayor, Cheng Xiangheng reached out privately offering rich benefits to secure cheaper land and more government compensation. However, Chen Weichuan declined.

At the time, he was just a small department manager, and given safety concerns, Cheng Xiangheng instructed him to drive to Zhinan City.

Since Chen Weichuan was someone who couldn’t bring him benefits, how could Cheng Xiangheng simply be willing to become family through marriage?