The atmosphere in the Lin Family's living room appeared harmonious.
"Uncle, we've already completed the planning blueprint for the pear garden plot. We're just waiting to start construction and relocation. I wonder if you have any other opinions? We can discuss further," Huo Qinglin stated his purpose for coming quite frankly.
Lin Kunhuai froze for a moment, his gaze shifting to Lin Banxia.
Lin Banxia wanted to appear relaxed, but upon hearing this, anger surged in her heart. Her small face darkened, expressionless.
Lin Kunhuai knew Huo Qinglin was determined to secure the land, so he asked Lin Banxia, "Banxia, where is the deed kept? You can hand it over to Qinglin now, right?"
Lin Banxia was deeply disappointed when she heard her father showing no shred of reluctance as he rushed her to hand over the land deed.
Was this how a son acted? He was really willing to let others demolish the pear garden that his parents had painstakingly built?
"Dad, I still need to think this over carefully. How about you let me marry Qinglin first? Would that be okay?" Lin Banxia insisted on one thing. Marriage, sure—but handing over the deed? No way.
The reason she thought this way was that she knew, without the land deed, she wouldn't even have the chance to step into the Huo Family.
The atmosphere instantly froze.
Everyone's gaze felt like knives cutting into Lin Banxia's face.
Yet Lin Banxia's delicate, beautiful face remained adorned with her usual smile.
"Qinglin, didn't you say you loved me the most? It shouldn't be a problem for you to marry me, right? Pear garden is so beautiful; I was even thinking of applying for it to become a natural heritage site. Can't you..."
"Banxia, do you find it amusing to go back on your word like this? When are you going to give me the land deed? My grandfather is still waiting for me to report back," Huo Qinglin was truly angry now. He thought Lin Banxia was being unreasonable. She had clearly agreed to this earlier, and now, she was reneging, making him look foolish.
Lin Banxia had no choice but to shut her mouth and say nothing.
Lin Kunhuai also pressured her further, "Banxia, one must keep their promises. Since you'd agreed to give Qinglin the deed, you must follow through. Just give it to him now—your marriage will naturally fall into place after this."
Lu Huan Ning anxiously joined in to persuade, "Exactly, cousin, just listen to Uncle. He's definitely looking out for your best interest."
Lin Banxia remained calm as ever, lifting her eyes to glance at Huo Qinglin. His face was dark, filled with sheer disappointment in her.
"Well, marriage is a major life decision, and I believe it deserves careful deliberation," Lin Banxia continued to press her standpoint.
Lu Huan Ning, growing impatient, urged her, "Cousin, if you were marrying an ordinary man, then being cautious is undoubtedly wise. But you're marrying the second young master of the Huo Family—you'll soon be the Huo Family's second young mistress! That's a symbol of status and prestige. Do you know how many women dream of becoming part of the Huo Family and can't even get in? You need to cherish this opportunity."
In her heart, Lin Banxia scoffed. Women dreaming of joining the Huo Family and failing—that certainly included you, didn't it?
Lu Huan Ning, you really were born to be a perfect third party, weren't you? Even this sort of matter, you just had to interfere.
"Cousin, what you've said precisely highlights my concern. Considering how grand the Huo Family's threshold is, for a woman like me from a small family, whether or not I can find happiness after marrying into it is another matter entirely. I'm just worried... Qinglin, if you truly marry me, will you be devoted to me? You won't go behind my back and fool around outside, right? Honestly, I do genuinely love you. And if you do mess around, it's not really your fault—those shameless, gaudy women outside are throwing themselves at you. I wouldn't blame you for it." Lin Banxia spoke with a double-edged intent, directly scolding Lu Huan Ning in front of everyone.
Lu Huan Ning's expression immediately darkened.
In her heart, she seethed, Lin Banxia, your tongue is truly venomous—to insult me even at this moment! Just wait until you finally enter the Huo Family's doors; we'll see whether you're still so smug then.