The trials and tribulations for Si Hua and He Ju were about to begin.
Standing before Bai Yao like schoolchildren, He Ju spoke up before his father-in-law could: “Dad, Hua Hua has been kneeling outside for a long time; her knees might be injured. How about letting her see the doctor at Bai Yan’s place first? Can I have a word with you alone?”
Si Hua clutched He Ju’s hand: “I’m fine, I’ll stay with you…”
Bai Yao gave Si Hua a look of disappointment but nodded in agreement to He Ju’s suggestion.
He Ju then turned to Si Hua: “Be good, go ahead, I’ll handle things here.”
Si Hua shook her head: “I’ll stay with you, your knees are also…”
He Ju felt helpless; his wife could be so stubborn.
Without another word, he took action, lifting Si Hua in his arms despite her exclamation and strode towards Bai Yan.
Bai Yan looked like he’d also been punished with kneeling, his knees bruised and battered, a heavy loss indeed.
Carrying Si Hua over, Si Mei’s eyes lit up; her son-in-law was commendable, prioritizing her precious daughter.
Bai Yan’s gaze towards He Ju was clear: I’m in this sorry state because of you two, pay up!
He Ju ignored it all, his eyes only for Si Hua. After placing her on a chair, he turned to the doctor treating Bai Yan’s wounds: “Please take a look at my wife too.”
After the doctor agreed, He Ju greeted Si Mei and then rubbed Si Hua’s head: “Be good, I’ll be back soon.”
With that, he re-entered the study, closed the door, and stood before Bai Yao, calling out: “Dad.”
Bai Yao scoffed: “You’ve got some nerve, but did I allow you to call me dad? Always quick to climb up the ladder, aren’t you?”
He Ju remained calm, though he felt a bit nervous, and seriously replied: “Okay, dad.”
Bai Yao: “…” It seemed his words fell on deaf ears.
Eventually, Bai Yao decided not to quibble with He Ju and quickly got to the point: “Since you’re married now, I won’t belabor the point. You’ve been told about our family’s situation by my thankless son, so tell me, how do you plan to deal with it?”
He Ju had thought about this question a long time ago.
So when Bai Yao asked, He Ju responded without hesitation: “Firstly, I don’t want a penny of Si Hua’s assets, and I won’t let anyone else have them unless she wishes to give them away.”
After speaking, He Ju smiled at Bai Yao’s skeptical look: “If you don’t believe me, dad, I can draft a legally binding declaration that whether we’re married or divorced, I voluntarily renounce all claims to Si Hua’s property.”
He Ju understood Bai Yao’s doubts; after all, the fortune Si Hua stood to inherit was worth billions, the exact amount unknown even to him.
But it was astronomical.
It’s understandable that people are greedy and have their own interests.
Although Bai Yan was a man of integrity, He Ju knew after years of association that Bai Yan wasn’t cut out for business.
Bai Yan might handle simple projects, but with such vast sums, he couldn’t manage alone.
He Ju later realized why Si Hua, despite being a woman, could control the entire Bai family; Bai Yao, though authoritative, was getting on in years and couldn’t handle everything.
As for Si Mei, she sought a peaceful life; taking over the family business would end that tranquility, and she was unwilling.
Thus, the responsibility fell on Si Hua, who enjoyed business and had the capability to improve the Bai family’s fortunes. However, Si Hua had a fatal flaw: she was too lenient with enemies.
That’s why the Bai family’s people were so unruly.
It was also why Bai Yan, that rascal, was so intent on pairing her with He Ju.
He Ju’s words made Bai Yao see him in a new light.
Bai Yao knew of He Ju’s talent in gambling on stones, a skill the Bai family sorely needed. He Ju’s self-control impressed him, quitting once he’d made enough money.
He Ju’s family background also pleased Bai Yao; his parents were teachers, indicating a solid upbringing, and likely open-minded. Si Hua living with such a family would be more comfortable than marrying into wealth.
The Bai family wasn’t short on money; Bai Yao didn’t need his daughter’s in-laws to be wealthy. He just wanted her happiness.
He Ju’s words and actions today suggested to Bai Yao that Si Hua had inherited her mother’s good judgment.
But as a businessman, Bai Yao remained cautious, not letting He Ju off easy with just a few words.
Bai Yao: “Perfect, the Bai family has lawyers. How about you draft the declaration right now?”
Without hesitation, He Ju agreed: “No problem.”
Bai Yao was a man of action, immediately calling the lawyer to come over.
After the call, Bai Yao looked at He Ju: “Continue with your thoughts on the Bai family.”
He Ju: “I have no opinions on the Bai family. I only know that anyone who crosses my wife or hurts those she cares about will have trouble with me.”
He Ju’s sincerity was evident: “I just want to protect her and live a peaceful life with her. Nothing else matters.”
Bai Yao regarded He Ju: “But your current strength doesn’t inspire confidence.”
He Ju smiled: “Dad, time will prove everything. Even if I talked until I was blue in the face, you wouldn’t believe me, right?”
Bai Yao couldn’t help but laugh, the atmosphere lightening. He even teased He Ju: “Didn’t you feel ashamed kneeling outside today?”
He Ju: “I married your daughter without discussing it with you first. It’s what I deserve.”
Bai Yao was inwardly delighted by the response but rolled his eyes: “You’re sensible, kid. Now that the marriage certificate is obtained, what about the wedding?”
He Ju’s heart eased; his loyalty seemed to have temporarily lowered his father-in-law’s guard.
He Ju: “The sooner, the better. I hear the Bai family is at the old house. Let’s set the wedding date for tomorrow; I’ll inform my parents.”
As He Ju finished speaking, a man in a suit carrying a briefcase entered.
It was the Bai family’s lawyer, Gu Nan.
He Ju, without any hint of discomfort, explained the situation.
After consulting Bai Yao, Gu Nan began to draft the declaration on his computer following He Ju’s instructions.