However, as soon as he stepped out of the courtyard, the cold wind hit him, and a glance at the motley crew around him made Ninth Master realize belatedly what was going on.
No wonder the old man had been so dismissive, saying they were "unpresentable."
Truly, comparison is the thief of joy—some people just outshine others effortlessly.
But then again, men like Huo Tingzhou—handsome, virtuous, well-bred, and utterly devoted to Miss Sisi—were rare in this world.
Where could he possibly find someone better?
Ninth Master’s frustration was his alone, while inside the courtyard, the elders were engrossed in lively discussions about the young couple’s impending marriage.
Meanwhile, the two people at the center of it all, Jiang Si and Huo Tingzhou, couldn’t get a word in edgewise.
Huo Tingzhou finally spoke up, "Third Granduncle, which room is Jiang Si staying in?"
Third Granduncle pursed his lips.
Oddly enough, despite having been thoroughly pleased with Huo Tingzhou before, a few months of silence had somehow soured his opinion.
Still, for Jiang Si’s sake, he pointed toward the east wing.
To everyone’s surprise, as Huo Tingzhou stood up, he casually took Jiang Si’s wrist in his hand.
The motion was so smooth that by the time anyone noticed, the couple had already slipped into the room.
This was the difference between the joy of gaining a daughter-in-law and the reluctance of giving away a daughter.
Grandpa Huo and Grandma Huo couldn’t suppress their smiles, silently praising, "Good lad, finally showing some urgency."
Third Granduncle, however, froze for a moment before abruptly standing up.
"You rascal! How dare you lay hands on our Si girl right in front of me!"
Luckily, Uncle Zhong was quick to intervene, pulling him back down while whispering,
"With so many people around, the young master wouldn’t dare misbehave in broad daylight."
Huo Tingzhou was indeed a man of propriety.
The one who disregarded decorum was Jiang Si.
The moment they entered the east wing, she locked the door.
In the next breath, her arms were around Huo Tingzhou’s waist.
Knowing him, if she didn’t ask now, he’d brood over it for days.
"You’ve been quiet all this time—are you jealous?"
Huo Tingzhou paused in unpacking, his gaze dropping to her slender wrist. His voice was low and rough.
"No."
"Really?"
Jiang Si didn’t believe him. She pinched his firm abs teasingly.
"I was thinking, if you were jealous, I’d tell them not to come to the wedding."
"But since you’re so magnanimous, then—"
Before she could finish, Huo Tingzhou’s arms tightened around her waist.
With one swift motion, he lifted her onto the desk.
Then, bracing his hands on either side, he stared at her intently.
"Jiang Si, do you prefer younger men?"
Jiang Si burst out laughing, looping her arms around his neck.
They’d been together long enough for her to know exactly what he liked—and what drove him wild.
Her eyes dropped to his Adam’s apple, and she couldn’t resist nipping at it.
Huo Tingzhou’s gaze darkened instantly.
"Jiang Si—"
She didn’t let him speak. "Don’t ask silly questions. You’re the only one I want."
With that, she released him.
Her gaze drifted lower.
Yes, she was a wicked woman—always lighting fires she had no intention of putting out.
But this time, Huo Tingzhou didn’t let her escape. One hand cradled the back of her head as he crushed his lips to hers in a searing kiss.
When they finally broke apart, his voice was hoarse.
"My parents will come tomorrow to discuss the wedding. In three days, I’ll take you home."
This was a man stripped of all restraint.
Jiang Si knew better than to push further. She gave a soft hum of agreement.
After composing herself, she left the room.
Huo Tingzhou rejoined the others ten minutes later.
Under Third Granduncle’s prolonged glare, Jiang Si had no choice but to explain,
"I have a lot of clothes. Packing took a while."
What could Third Granduncle say?
Seizing the opportunity, he handed Jiang Si the deed to the courtyard house.
"Since you’re free now, go to the property office and finalize the transfer."
He then passed her an envelope from Uncle Zhong.
"According to Hu City customs, the bride’s family buys the groom two complete outfits—inner and outer wear. After the paperwork, head to the department store."
Jiang Si refused. "Third Granduncle, I have my own money."
"Your money is yours."
He pressed the envelope into her hands. "Go on. When you return, Uncle Zhong will cook your favorite Hu City dishes."
After the couple left, the usually stern Third Granduncle softened for Jiang Si’s sake.
"Grandpa and Grandma Huo, Jiang Si may not be my blood, but she’s as dear to me as any granddaughter."
"She lost her family young—the Jiang lineage rests on her alone."
"We ask for nothing but your kindness toward her."
"Third Granduncle, you have our word," Grandpa Huo said solemnly.
"You’ve met Tingzhou’s parents—they adore Jiang Si."
"If that boy ever wrongs her, I’ll be the first to make him regret it!"
Not wanting to dampen the joyous occasion, Third Granduncle added,
"Every couple has their squabbles. As long as it’s nothing serious, it’s all part of marriage."
Grandma Huo smiled. "His parents would’ve said this themselves, but they’re working today. Since we’re on the topic—"
"Jiang Si is the Jiang family’s only heir, and Tingzhou grew up with them. ‘Marrying in’ or ‘out’ feels too distant."
"We’ve heard of Hu City’s ‘dual-household’ marriages. The children will split time between both homes."
"Moreover, their first child—boy or girl—will carry the Jiang name."
Third Granduncle was stunned. "The Jiang name?"
"Yes," Grandma Huo confirmed.
"Frankly, our Huo family could never match the Jiangs’ standing, even in a hundred years."
"Tingzhou’s survival, let alone marrying the girl he loves, is blessing enough."
"Claiming Jiang family assets would be unconscionable."
This generosity surprised Third Granduncle.
When Jiang Si returned, he shared the news.
Still amazed, he mused, "I never imagined the Huos would agree to a Jiang heir."
Jiang Si shrugged, swallowing a bite of food.
"In this day and age, children usually take the mother’s household registration. What’s unusual about my surname?"
"How could it be the same? You have no idea how stubborn men can be about their family names. Your father—"
As if mentioning something distasteful, Third Uncle spat several times before continuing irritably.
"Shen Xiuwen married into the Jiang family as a live-in son-in-law, yet he still refused to let it go."
"When your mother was pregnant with you, he kept arguing with her over this issue every other day."
"After you were born, he deliberately neglected both you and your mother, trying to pressure your grandfather into changing your surname."
"Honestly, it all came down to his own insecurities."
With Shen Xiuwen as a cautionary example, Third Uncle was happy for them but didn’t dare make decisions for the young couple.
"You two should discuss this matter yourselves later. I won’t interfere."
"Discuss what?"
Realizing Third Uncle was referring to the child’s surname, Jiang Si shook her head with a smile.
Not only would the child take her surname—back then, even Huo Tingzhou had almost taken hers.
Thankfully, he hadn’t.
Otherwise, Jiang Si might not have gotten used to it.
But right now, there was something else she needed to discuss with Third Uncle.
"Third Uncle—"
