THE REAL PROTEGE

"Ling," Old Master Li began, his voice low but resolute, "your mother and I will be going back tonight with your brothers."

Ling Li turned quickly, brows lifting. "Dad, Mom… are you not staying for a couple of days and spend time with us?" There was a note of yearning in her voice, rare, unguarded.

Old Master Li exhaled like a general burdened not by war but duty. "No need. I've been re-elected again as the President of the Chinese Chamber." His expression twisted into a mix of pride and weariness. "I don't think they'll ever let me retire from that post."

Ling Li laughed, warmth spilling over her expression. "Ha ha, that's because you're too outstanding, Dad!"

"Hmp, you—" Old Master Li narrowed his eyes and pointed a finger at her. "Before I forget, let me remind you to control your temper."

Ling Li blinked. "Excuse me? Dad?"

"I know your first marriage was a disaster," he continued, folding his arms.

"But not all men are scumbags like your ex-husband. This new son-in-law of mine is kind, patient, and decent. If you lose this one, I'll personally drag you home by the hair."

Ling Li "...."

'Am I your daughter or my husband is?'

"I know, Dad," Ling Li said sheepishly, cheeks flushing. "It won't happen again."

Old Master Li snorted, then turned to Chu Yan, who stood quietly beside her, posture respectful.

"Chu Yan," he said sternly, "my daughter has been spoiled by us all her life, and she's — well — a little hot-tempered. I hope you'll be patient with her."

"Dad! I'm not!" Ling Li whined, scandalized.

"You Are! Hmp! Just look at you. You're pouting already!"

Chu Yan stifled a smile, bowing slightly. "She's perfect, Sir. Her temper only proves that she still fights. I consider it an honor to be her peace."

Madame Li gently placed a hand on her husband's arm, her lips twitching into a fond smile. "Come on now, don't ruin the mood with your lectures."

She turned to the couple, eyes misting. "Things didn't start well today… but they ended beautifully. That's what matters."

She opened her arms. "Come here, both of you — give your Mom a hug."

Ling Li and Chu Yan stepped forward in unison, enveloped in their mother's soft embrace as Old Master Li watched with quiet pride.

It was not just a hug.

It was a closing of wounds. A seal upon blessings.

The warmth between them wrapped the air like fine silk as the final rays of lantern light flickered across the edge of the courtyard. A few remaining guests drifted politely toward the exits, casting admiring glances as the newlyweds stood beside Old Master Li and Madame Li, the night still cloaked in quiet celebration.

Ling Li brushed a hand gently over her mother's sleeve. "Then Mom, Dad… Chu Yan and I will come to visit you on the third day."

Madame Li waved her hand dismissively, her jade bangles chiming faintly with a fond sigh. "But it's too far! We are family — there's no need to be so formal."

Old Master Li shifted slightly on his feet, his expression carved in affectionate resolve. "If you think you should come home, then come. We always welcome you. You haven't been home for a long time, Ling. I won't force anything. But if you're ready… We'll be waiting."

"Yes, Dad," Ling Li said softly, her voice steady, a faint glint of longing beneath her composure.

Then Old Master Li turned to Chu Yan, his gaze sharp but kind. "And you, son — bring the twins. Let your little princesses run wild in our courtyards."

Chu Yan bowed his head respectfully. "I will, Sir."

"Call me Dad. And take your parents with you," Old Master Li added, his tone half-commanding, half-hopeful. "Let them see what our country truly holds. Not the world they hear about, but the one we live in."

Chu Yan nodded, hands folded properly. "Thank you, Dad. I'll invite them to join us. I think… they'd be honored."

Madame Li placed both palms lightly over Ling Li's cheeks, kissed her forehead, then moved with a mother's quiet grace toward the departing line of state cars.

And as their silhouettes disappeared into the velvet night—

Ling Li turned to Chu Yan.

"Do you think your parents will say yes?"

Four Eyes smiled at her, soft and certain. "If I tell them what kind of in-laws they're visiting? They won't dare say no."

Ling Li chuckled. "Right," she said.

And with that, the whole family headed home in a long convoy of gleaming cars, the white limousine gliding at the front like a swan leading its brood.

When the vehicles finally came to a stop at the grand front entrance, the mansion's façade was bathed in the soft lantern light. Servants dressed in ceremonial attire stood at attention.

Without hesitation, Four Eyes stepped out, straightened his collar, and turned to her. His glasses caught the light as he leaned in with a slow, deliberate smile. "At last," he murmured, voice husky with something between mischief and reverence, "to the bridal chamber."

Before Ling Li could respond, he swept her into his arms.

Her gasp was barely audible, drowned out by the collective hush that fell over the onlookers. Her cheeks flared crimson — not just from his words, but from the immediate awareness of dozens of eyes following their every step. Her body stiffened instinctively, and she gripped his shoulder for balance, her fingers trembling.

Four Eyes adjusted his hold with practiced ease, his expression unreadable beneath his glasses, yet the slight curl of his lips revealed his quiet satisfaction. Ling Li turned her face partly into his chest, attempting to shield herself from the audience. However, she still felt the weight of their glances, their whispered commentary — curiosity from the more immature twins, knowing smirks from their friends, and a few teary smiles from her in-laws, already reminiscing about their own bridal nights.

The path from the mansion's threshold to the chamber was lined with ornate crimson banners and drifting petals. Each step seemed slower, heavier, as if the moment itself resisted being rushed.

As they neared the door of the bridal suite — a pair of heavy lacquered panels painted with twin phoenixes — Ling Li lifted her gaze, meeting Four Eyes' eyes for just a second. What she saw in them made her pulse throb: determination, protectiveness, and something softer, almost shy, that startled her.