The Reborn Aristocrat’s Daughter
Chapter 704 - 700: Family Gathering_1

Chapter 704: Chapter 700: Family Gathering_1

Situ Xin just asked casually, and she didn’t expect Xiao Muli to answer her so directly. "Eh, what’s on your mind?"

"You know that the Xiao Family has an annual family gathering, and as the Family Head, it’s not easy for me to postpone or skip it," Xiao Muli started, while Situ Xin listened and nodded along.

"I know that, you attend it every year," Situ Xin was a bit lost as to what Xiao Muli was trying to say. Moreover, she, Xia Yujie, and Liu Yuxiang had all been busy with matchmaking matters recently, so they hadn’t paid much attention to any gossip. Therefore, Situ Xin had no idea about the scheming for the position of Lady of the Xiao Family and couldn’t guess what Xiao Muli was hinting at.

"I do attend every year, but today’s situation is a bit different," Xiao Muli said as he kept his gaze fixed on Situ Xin’s face. Looking at her tender lips and recalling their sweet taste, Xiao Muli couldn’t help but swallow his saliva. Then, he adjusted his mindset, fearing he wouldn’t be able to refrain himself from pouncing on Situ Xin in front of all these old gentlemen and ladies. However, if he really did that, he knew very well what the outcome would be—he would surely be swept out by everyone from the Situ and Loo Families. It would then become almost impossible for him to get close to Situ Xin again.

For the sake of his future happiness, Xiao Muli had to restrain himself. But in his heart, he thought that he must hasten his steps to whisk Situ Xin away to his home sooner. Then, when it came to kissing or doing any naughty things, he wouldn’t have to have so many concerns.

Immersed in his thoughts, Xiao Muli could almost see his happy future, and he couldn’t help but smile.

"Why is the situation different this time?" Situ Xin’s question snapped Xiao Muli out of his daydream. Fortunately, Situ Xin hadn’t noticed his expression; if she had seen it, she would have definitely known what he was thinking. Then Situ Xin’s cheeks would surely be blushing fiercely by now.

And she certainly wouldn’t be sitting here, discussing the Xiao Family gathering with Xiao Muli.

"Baby, you know, I’m not young anymore. Many people my age are either married or already have partners. But whenever I’ve attended the family banquet in the past, I’ve always been solo, and if someone was with me, it was just my assistant. In the past, the family didn’t pressure me because I was young and not of marrying age yet. Besides, the Xiao Family’s internal power was dispersed, and everyone was busy scrambling for power and trying to wrest control from me, so they had no time to fuss over my personal life. However, after the recent arms deal issue, all the Xiao Family’s power has been consolidated under me. Those who wanted to seize my power had no way to do so, and they shifted their focus to the position of Lady of the Xiao Family. Therefore, this time the family gathering isn’t just a simple get–together; many will use the occasion to try to set me up with a woman," Xiao Muli said, pausing while he intently watched Situ Xin’s face for any subtle expression. Disappointedly to him, Situ Xin showed no sign of anger or jealousy after hearing what he said. However, Xiao Muli quickly put aside his disappointment, knowing well that his beloved girl wasn’t like other women—it was quite unlikely for her to react that way. "So, Baby, I want you to come with me to this family gathering. Is that okay?"

What Xiao Muli didn’t say was that he wanted Situ Xin to attend the Xiao Family gathering to show those hopelessly dreaming of setting him up with someone that the woman he loved did exist, so they could give up on such fantasies. Xiao Muli also had a selfish motive; he aimed to completely shed his status as an underground boyfriend and rise to the surface, and even better, to elevate his status to a legitimate fiancé.

Xiao Muli might not have voiced it, but the old masters and old madams who had already stopped arguing saw all his little schemes.

As soon as Xiao Muli finished speaking, and before Situ Xin could respond, Old Master Loo was the first to object. "Xiao Muli, you scoundrel, I know exactly what you’re thinking. Baby might not realize it, but you can’t fool us old birds. You handle your messy business on your own. Don’t drag our Baby into it."

"Yes, yes, exactly! Don’t think you can use this opportunity to achieve your goals. Let me tell you, there’s no way that is happening. You better stay away from our Baby," after Old Master Situ finished speaking coldly to Xiao Muli, he turned to Situ Xin and immediately switched to a different tone. "Baby, let’s stay away from Xiao Muli. This guy is full of devious thoughts; we can’t let him deceive us." Having said that, Old Master Situ glanced at Xiao Muli once more.

Although Old Master Situ and Old Master Loo had softened their stances towards Xiao Muli after getting a good talking-to from their respective wives and taking him severely to task, they no longer felt as strongly against him as before. In fact, they were even beginning to agree with their spouses that Xiao Muli might indeed make a very good grandson-in-law.

Both old masters were actually very clear in their hearts; they knew well but the idea of so easily handing over their precious darlings to someone else made them utterly reluctant. They had discussed in private that Xiao Muli was a decent candidate. However, their precious darlings were still young, far from the age of marriage, and they were not ready to let go. They needed to keep them for a few more years and use this time to observe whether Xiao Muli really was a suitable match.

Xiao Muli wasn’t at all surprised by the two old masters jumping in to meddle; in fact, he would have found it strange if they hadn’t. Moreover, he wasn’t worried that their interference would prevent his plan from proceeding normally.

After all, the nemesis of these two old masters was right there, ready and waiting. Xiao Muli didn’t argue with the old masters; he was waiting for their nemesis to come out and take care of them on his behalf.

"I’m telling you, old man, if you want desserts, better hurry up. Don’t stick your nose into the younger generation’s business," Old Madam Situ glared fiercely at Old Master Situ, cursing inwardly: "This damn old man, always messing things up. If he dares to interfere with the Baby and Muli’s relationship, I’ll see how he likes being dealt with." Old Madam Situ had already taken stock of the young men around Situ Xin’s age, and only Xiao Muli met her approval.

"Indeed, how old are you to still be meddling? You better stick to drinking tea and playing chess. If you can’t keep your mouths shut, I’ll have Baby confiscate all your teas and desserts for the month," Old Madam Loo was firmly on Old Madam Situ’s side. These two old madams had already made their own calculations in private.

Although the two old madams were also very reluctant to part with the precious Situ Xin, they realized that Situ Xin was young, while Xiao Muli was not. They had to consider Xiao Muli’s position. Fortunately, the Xiao Family lived close to their families, so even after marrying, Situ Xin could come home every day. If they missed their precious darling, she would be just a few steps away.

Therefore, the two old madams were completely on Xiao Muli’s side. After Old Madam Loo had scolded the two old masters, she turned to Xiao Muli with a loving smile and said, "Muli, don’t listen to Grandpa Situ and Grandpa Loo’s nonsense. It’s proper for you to take Baby to your Xiao Family’s gathering. Go ahead, Grandma Situ and I agree for you to take Baby with you. But remember, you must take good care of her. If you fail, neither Grandma Situ nor I will be pleased."

"Exactly. What Grandma Loo said is right," Old Madam Situ added.

"Grandma Loo, Grandma Situ, rest assured, I will definitely take good care of Baby. I will stay by her side at all times and won’t leave her," Xiao Muli hadn’t expected the situation to develop this smoothly. With just a few words from the two old madams, they had silenced the two old masters, leaving them with nothing to say.

Xiao Muli thought to himself that he would have to make an extra effort to please the old madams of the two families. It might depend on them whether he could marry his beloved sooner rather than later.

On the other hand, the other party concerned, Situ Xin, felt quite helpless. After all, she was involved too; her opinion should matter in this situation. She had the right to go or not to go, didn’t she? How come no one had asked for her opinion from the beginning, and the matter was decided without her consent?

Situ Xin had wanted to speak up in protest, but before she could utter a word, Grandma Situ and her maternal grandmother had already started discussing getting her aunt Lu Juan to find some beautiful dresses for Situ Xin; they wanted to dress up their precious darling beautifully.

Seeing her grandmother and maternal grandmother so enthusiastic, Situ Xin swallowed the words she was about to say. Never mind, she thought, it’s better not to spoil the mood; in the end, she would still have to accompany Xiao Muli to the family gathering.