Bai Jiaqian’s simple remark instantly froze the atmosphere in the dining room.

Even Si Hua’s gaze towards Bai Jiaqian changed in an instant. Everyone present didn’t know that He Ju was the only son in his family. How could he possibly marry into another family?

Bai Jiaqian’s words were a pure insult to He Ju.

Si Hua was so angry she wanted to stand up, but He Ju held her hand and soothed her patiently, “It’s okay, Hua Hua.”

In the past, He Ju might have lost his temper, but now he calmly responded, “I will not marry into a family.”

Bai Jiaqian didn’t expect He Ju to refuse outright and laughed for a moment, “On what grounds do you refuse?”

He Ju looked at Bai Jiaqian and countered, “On what grounds should I agree?”

Before Bai Jiaqian could speak, He Ju continued, “My marriage to Si Hua won’t tolerate any outsider’s interference. Si Hua might consider family ties, but I have no sense of obligation towards you all. I suggest you weigh your own strength before you challenge me!”

Bai Jiaqian sneered, “You can’t earn money, yet you have quite the temper.”

He Ju looked at her, “Indeed, Aunt, you earn a lot of money every day, needing four or five bodyguards when you go out. What, have you done something guilty and fear being caught?”

He Ju’s words completely unsettled Bai Jiaqian. Her gaze became sharp. She knew this wasn’t just a simple retort.

But it was impossible, wasn’t it? She had been so secretive; how could she have been discovered?

Yet Bai Jiaqian didn’t dare to gamble and eventually softened her stance, saying, “What a sharp tongue!”

After that, Bai Jiaqian fell silent.

All present were seasoned businesspeople, and they all sensed something off about He Ju’s simple statement.

Even Bai Xu’s expression changed for a moment. His sister always had the upper hand in arguments; why did she suddenly back down against He Ju? He hadn’t even had the chance to mediate.

Si Mei silently lowered her head, fiddling with her nails, but inwardly she was pondering: It seems He Ju came well-prepared.

Strictly speaking, He Ju hadn’t even graduated from college yet, just started an internship, still a male college student. Next year, he would have to return to school to get his diploma.

A mere college student uncovering some of the Bai family’s secrets meant He Ju was far from simple.

Although Bai Jiaqian had shut up, there were plenty of troublemakers. Bai Xu snorted coldly, “You’re quite good at spreading rumors.”

He Ju remained unbothered, simply nodding, “Indeed, I’m quite good at spreading rumors. For instance, if I’m unhappy, I might just start a rumor about Third Uncle keeping a female celebrity.”

At He Ju’s words, Wang Yaqing’s face turned green, “He Ju, don’t be too presumptuous!”

Si Hua couldn’t stand it anymore. A group of people bullying He Ju alone, what was that? Even He Ju couldn’t stop her this time.

Si Hua stood up and faced Wang Yaqing, “Third Aunt, who exactly is going too far? What has He Ju taken from your family that you all keep picking on him?”

After speaking, Si Hua didn’t wait for anyone’s reaction and pulled He Ju up from his seat, “He Ju and I will have our wedding soon. Either don’t come, or if you do, don’t be a downer, or don’t blame me for not considering family ties.”

Then, Si Hua took He Ju’s arm, “Let’s go, husband, we’re going home.”

Seeing that Si Hua was truly upset, He Ju didn’t continue to address each person, but he clearly saw Bai Xu’s face turn a shade paler.

It was deep autumn, yet why did He Ju feel like Bai Xu was sweating on his forehead?

He Ju left with Si Hua, out of everyone’s sight.

They may have left, but they certainly ruffled some feathers among those present.

Bai Xu was a well-known director in the entertainment industry, running a company with many artists under contract. Si Mei, who had also been in the entertainment industry, knew better than anyone how dirty it could be. Even with her powerful family backing, she had been sidelined for a while for not going with the flow.

What about the other girls without such backing or outstanding looks?

Was what He Ju said just a rumor or the truth? Probably only he and Bai Xu knew.

Anyway, Si Mei didn’t believe anyone involved with the entertainment industry could be squeaky clean.

With the main character gone, the dining room quieted down. Bai Jun then stood up and announced, “I’ve looked at the calendar, and the fifteenth of next month is a good day. The wedding banquet will be set for then. I won’t send out invitations; I’m just notifying everyone here. If you’d like to honor us with your presence, come witness Si Hua’s wedding.”

After speaking, Bai Jun didn’t wait for a response and left with Si Mei.

Everyone looked at each other, faces grim. They had eaten a meal full of frustration.

So the date had already been set, and they were just called here for a simple notification?

Hadn’t they just been arguing with He Ju, making themselves a laughingstock? In the end, were they the clowns?

Bai Jun even stood up and called out to Bai Jun, “Big brother, we haven’t finished discussing He Ju’s property distribution…”

Now Bai Jun wanted to get straight to the point, but Bai Jun had no interest in listening. He was well aware of everyone’s motives.

He hadn’t intervened today just to see what He Ju was capable of.

He had achieved his goal and saw no need to waste more time with these people.

In wealthy families and the business world, even blood brothers couldn’t really talk about family affection.

Bai Jun hadn’t finished speaking when Bai Jun’s figure had already disappeared around the corner.

The dining room fell silent once more.

Bai Jiaqian was the first to leave with her children, followed by Wang Yaqing, who took Bai Xu and her own son and daughter.

Outside the dining room, the usually silent Bai Shang finally said to Wang Yaqing, “Mom, although Si Hua is quite annoying, I find her husband rather interesting.”

Wang Yaqing looked incredulously at her darling daughter, “Bai Shang, are you trying to anger your mother?”

Bai Shang quickly came to her senses, cheerfully linking arms with Wang Yaqing, “Just kidding. What kind of good man could marry Si Hua? I wouldn’t give him a second glance!”

Wang Yaqing relaxed, “Bai Shang, remember, He Ju is a threat to our entire family. As soon as we get the chance, we must ensure he never rises again. You can’t afford to be soft-hearted.”

Bai Shang nodded, “I understand.”