Chapter 7

This is not the previous life, where there are restrictions against close relatives marrying.

Only in this way can the Shen family's foundation be passed down, without falling into the hands of outsiders.

Unless his two uncles can have more children, this matter is very likely to happen. Perhaps Shen Ruoxi doesn't fancy him, or perhaps she has her heart set on someone else, but these are all insignificant; the will of the family does not change with the personal will of those who depend on it.

And the will of the Shen family is the will of Old Master Shen; the two have long been inseparable.

At the same time, Shen Lian could see what kind of person his blood-related grandfather was. Despite the upheaval, he could still clearly discern the pros and cons, and within a few days, make the decision to bring him back.

Such decisive action is unparalleled. A person like this can achieve something wherever they are.

If he had refused to come back before, he would likely have been forcibly sent back to the Shen family.

If he were just an ordinary person, facing such a situation, he would have gladly accepted this unexpected benefit from the heavens. But he was destined not to take this path.

In this matter, it seemed he could gain a beautiful wife and wealth, but in reality, he would be nothing more than a tool.

Perhaps in Old Master Shen's eyes, this was for his own good, but Shen Lian did not want to be a tool.

It wasn't because this matter offered him no benefits; it was simply a matter of dignity.

Glancing vaguely at a corner, Shen Lian tightly clenched his fists. His strength was still not powerful enough.

As expected, he was indeed under surveillance!

Seeing that Shen Lian was completely unconcerned with her harsh words and even had the leisure to look around, Shen Ruoxi became even angrier. She couldn't help but pull out a golden hairpin from her head and throw it at Shen Lian.

Her skill in throwing was excellent, with a nine-out-of-ten success rate. Even a small jade hairpin, in her hands, could almost hit wherever she aimed after just a few steps. She intended to hit Shen Lian's face and scratch his skin, to see how he would react in a fit of rage.

Women, in general, cherish their beauty, and in the heat of a struggle, they often scratch others' faces. Shen Ruoxi was no exception.

Although she didn't have the nerve to approach and hit Shen Lian's face directly, it was her instinct.

Moreover, Shen Lian's appearance was delicate and his face soft, so Shen Ruoxi subconsciously saw him as a kindred spirit. Her anger only increased her desire to destroy.

But in the blink of an eye, Shen Ruoxi was dumbfounded, as her golden hairpin clearly landed between Shen Lian's right index and middle fingers.

She never expected that Shen Lian would have such keen eyesight and reaction speed to catch her hairpin.

Shen Lian's finely arched eyebrows slightly furrowed, revealing a hint of sternness. Coupled with his piercing, star-like gaze, he exuded an indescribable authority.

With a light flick of his two fingers, the golden hairpin whistled through the air and firmly lodged in Shen Ruoxi's disheveled hair.

"Shen Ruoxi, I'll let this slide this time. If you try to lay a hand on me again, I promise I'll leave a flower on your face."

His tone was not harsh, but combined with his expression and the skill he just displayed, it naturally carried a formidable presence.

What happened next was both unexpected and reasonable.

Shen Ruoxi burst into tears, crying, "You're bullying me."

Tears streamed down her face, immediately drawing the attention of some nearby servants.

Shen Ruoxi didn't give Shen Lian a chance to speak further and covered her face as she walked away.

Shen Lian was somewhat taken aback. After all, Shen Ruoxi was just a half-grown, mature girl. Being bullied and crying was perfectly normal.

The news that Shen Ruoxi, who had always been pampered, was bullied by the newly returned young master Shen Lian quickly spread throughout the Shen household. As for how many versions of the story would be told, that was beyond Shen Lian's concern.

******

On the east side of the Shen residence was a garden. Every evening, the old master would take a walk there. This place was not only for his evening strolls but also for discussing important matters.

The surroundings were open and spacious, and many major decisions affecting Qingzhou Prefecture were made here.

The sunset on the green leaves seemed to be using its last rays of light to dry the droplets on them.

Of course, this was a poetic way of describing it.

In reality, the old master was holding a watering can, watering a rhododendron. These rhododendrons were planted by Shen Lian's maternal grandmother years ago. The once fragile seedlings had now blossomed, but the person who planted them was no longer there.

"Did you make Ruoxi cry?" the old master asked without turning his head. His hands did not tremble like those of an ordinary old man, and the steady stream of water fell precisely on the petals and leaves, scattering countless droplets without a single one splashing onto him.

"I didn't expect you to care so much about me. I'm quite flattered," Shen Lian said with a smile, unlike others in the Shen household who were always on edge around the old man. Shen Lian was much more at ease.

"Ruoxi is a bit spoiled, but she has a good heart. Don't forget that when you were young, she always saved some of her treats for you," the old master said gently.

Shen Lian wasn't very familiar with this, as he had most of his predecessor's memories but not every detail.

Moreover, things from when they were four or five years old were hard to remember.

Even if two children grow up without suspicion, they can still become strangers as adults.

Shen Lian understood the old man's intentions but didn't necessarily want to cooperate. To be honest, he knew very little about this grandfather, but he recognized that he was an extraordinary person who had risen from humble beginnings.

He simply replied, "I am the elder brother, and she is the younger sister. I won't stoop to her level."

By emphasizing their sibling relationship, he was subtly expressing his stance.

The old man looked deeply at Shen Lian and naturally handed him the watering can, saying, "This watering can is now yours. How much water you use and where you pour it is up to you."

Shen Lian steadily took the watering can, understanding that the old man was entrusting him with the family.

After a few more unrelated words, Shen Lian took his leave.

Only after Shen Lian left did Shen Qingshan emerge from the other side of the garden and approach the old man.

Shen Qingshan said, "This child has always been deep in thought. After two years in the mountains, he has become even more intelligent. He seems stronger than Juer and Weier."

Juer and Weier were the nicknames of Shen Lian's two cousins.

The old man's gaze was fixed on the droplets on the petals, and he slowly said, "Calculating the dates, the funeral for the two children should be held tomorrow."

Shen Qingshan's expression darkened. "I have already made the arrangements."

The old man's gaze turned cold. "Tomorrow is also when that wandering martial artist will meet with the Green Bamboo Gang."

At that moment, Shen Lian, who had just left the garden, turned back for no reason, feeling a sense of desolation in the deep garden.

No matter how wealthy one is, in the end, it's all about planning for the future and the next generation. This was not his pursuit.

What Shen Lian was thinking about was how to find a way to truly strengthen his frail body and gain at least the ability to come and go freely in the Shen household.

PS: Thank you to virus_W, Han Tang Jin Ming, and Eleven for your support. I'm still asking for more recommendations. The next chapter is a turning point. If I get 3,000 votes today, I'll release the third update.