Chapter 4: Silent Agreements

\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~

The air in the sitting room shifted once Fei left to return upstairs. The polite calm remained on the surface, but a quiet seriousness had settled beneath it.

Luo Wenzhou placed his teacup gently on its saucer, posture relaxed but attentive. He understood the gravity of this visit, even if it had been couched in smiles and gentle hospitality. Fei Du’s parents exchanged a brief glance before Mr. Fei cleared his throat, his voice low and direct.

“I appreciate you coming, Wenzhou,” he began. “And I’m grateful your father was open to this meeting. I wanted this discussion to happen face to face.”

Luo nodded with equal formality. “My father sends his regards. He told me this isn’t just about business.”

“No,” Mr. Fei agreed. “This concerns our sons.”

Fei’s mother quietly refilled the tea before excusing herself, leaving the two men alone. A long pause followed before Mr. Fei leaned forward, his voice slightly heavier.

“There is a long-standing issue I want to be honest with you about — one I’ve kept hidden from my son.” He took a breath. “Our family has enemies, Wenzhou. Old rivals, bound by blood grudges. It isn’t just corporate — it’s personal. Some of them have gone quiet in recent years, but we’ve begun noticing... activity again.”

Luo’s eyes sharpened. “Have there been direct threats?”

“Not to Fei. And that’s exactly what I intend to prevent.” His tone tightened. “He’s never been exposed to that world. He’s a quiet soul. Sheltered, maybe — but not weak. Just innocent. I want to keep it that way.”

Mr. Fei leaned back slightly, studying Luo. “That’s why I came to your family. Your father is a man I’ve trusted all my life. Your reputation speaks for itself. I wanted Fei to marry into strength — but also into care.”

Luo’s jaw tensed, then relaxed. “You want to know what I feel.”

“I do.”

Luo met his eyes squarely. “I admire him. More than that… I want to protect him. I’m not saying this for business. I mean it. If this arrangement goes forward, I won’t let anything touch him.”

Mr. Fei’s eyes softened slightly. “That’s what I needed to hear.”

There was a pause, the mood settling as they exchanged a look of mutual understanding.

“My wife and I will be hosting a formal dinner soon,” Mr. Fei continued, “with both families present. It’s time to take the next step. We’ll settle the terms and the date for the wedding.”

Luo nodded, more solemnly now. “I’ll speak to my father. I know he’ll agree.”

Just then, Fei’s mother returned with a fresh pot of tea, a warm smile on her face. She glanced between them.

“Everything in order?” she asked gently.

Mr. Fei gave her a quiet nod. “We’re aligned.”

She poured for them both, then sat beside her husband and looked to Luo with soft eyes. “Thank you for coming, Wenzhou. And thank you for speaking so openly about our son. He… He means everything to us.”

“I understand,” Luo replied sincerely. “More than you know.”

A beat of silence passed, then her expression lifted with a touch of sweetness. “And between us,” she added, “you made quite the impression this morning. He was very pink after you left.”

Luo chuckled under his breath. “That wasn’t my intention.”

“But you’re not sorry,” she teased.

“Not at all,” he admitted.

She exchanged a glance with her husband. “Then let’s begin the next chapter. We’ll reach out to your parents to arrange the dinner. It’s time to speak about the future properly.”

Luo stood, bowing his head slightly. “I look forward to it.”

[End of Chapter 4]

\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***