I held my phone up in front of him, my expression calm. "Do I look like I'm joking?"
"Dong Ling, I know you're angry, I..."
"Uncle Li, you're misunderstanding."
"I'm not angry because of Li Chengji; I'm angry for you, for the Li Family's business and reputation."
"The marriage between our two families concerns both our interests. We can't let the mistake of one person, Li Chengji, tarnish the reputation of both families."
"Since Li Chengji is unreliable, let me break off the engagement with him."
"I will marry you."
Li Xingyu was taken aback, a hint of mocking amusement curling at the corners of his lips. "Dong Ling, do you know what you're saying?"
"To spite him, marrying an old man who could be your father—don't you think that's a loss?"
I shook my head. "I'm just trying to solve a problem."
"Besides, I have no feelings for Li Chengji. Marrying you or marrying him makes no difference to me."
"Of course, if you think I'm after the Li Family's wealth, rest assured that our marriage will only be for show."
"I can continue with my work and won't interfere with you and your... girlfriends."
Li Xingyu's private life wasn't exactly chaotic, but it wasn't clean either. Unlike Li Chengji, Li Xingyu was low-key and good at hiding things. There was almost no gossip about him online. But I knew he had a steady female companion by his side—a university classmate who had been with him for over ten years.
Li Xingyu's expression darkened. "You investigated me?"
I met his gaze fearlessly. "You investigated me too, didn't you?"
"Since you know I have no feelings for Li Chengji, you should understand that my suggestion comes from a sincere desire to help you solve this problem."
Li Xingyu narrowed his eyes and stared at me in silence. I let him scrutinize me.
After a long while, he smiled lightly and said, "Do you know how bold your suggestion is?"
"Dong Ling, you are quite daring."
"However, I like bold girls."
"Let's do it your way."
I secretly breathed a sigh of relief and replied, "Thank you."
"Tomorrow we will go out together. Let the reporters take pictures; it will prove that our families are still united."
"As for the engagement banquet, we can hold it whenever it's convenient for you."
Li Xingyu thought for a moment and said, "That makes sense. Let's stay here tonight to save you from running back and forth."
I smiled slightly and replied, "That's exactly what I meant."
"However, I need my documents for the wedding; I brought them with me."
Li Xingyu raised an eyebrow and said, "You are quite prepared."
I lowered my head and smiled as I followed the servant to the guest room.
The next morning, I knocked on Li Xingyu's door.
"Hurry up! Today is May 20th; there will definitely be many couples getting married. We need to get in line early."
Li Xingyu looked at me helplessly and said, "Dong Ling, aren't you being a bit too enthusiastic?"
"Oh come on, marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime event; we have to take it seriously."
"Uncle, just listen to me this once. If we go early, we can finish quickly. I have dinner plans with friends tonight."
Li Xingyu glared at me for a while but eventually gave in.
On the way to the civil affairs bureau, I linked my arm with Li Xingyu's and smiled sweetly.
Although Li Xingyu's expression was always sour, it didn't affect my mood at all.
"What are you smiling about?" he asked.
"Today is May 20th! Aren't you happy, Uncle?"
Li Xingyu snorted and replied, "What is there to be happy about?"
"You see, it's May 20th, such a romantic day. Look at those young couples by the roadside, how sweet they are."
"Uncle, can't you put down your work and relax a little?"
Li Xingyu remained noncommittal.
I linked my arm with his and smiled even brighter. "But still, I have to thank you, Uncle."
"Thank you for accompanying me to get the marriage certificate today; it really means a lot."
"After all, being labeled as a cuckold is not something to be happy about."
Li Xingyu paused, gritting his teeth as he squeezed out a response: "You're welcome."
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