Grandpa Huo looked extremely grim.
Ling Nuan's words had clearly offended him.
But Ling Nuan seemed completely oblivious. Instead, she quite considerately explained the difference to Grandpa Huo.
"The deed is done. Even if I were to break up with Huo Linsheng right now as you ask, people would still label me as his ex-girlfriend. The fact that the ex-girlfriend of Huo Linsheng and the nephew - in - law of the Huo family used to be a couple will still be known to others."
"Compared to the identity of Huo Linsheng's ex - girlfriend, fewer people would be concerned about who Huo Xiao's ex - husband is. So, instead of forcing me to break up with Huo Linsheng, it would be more effective for them to get a divorce."
Grandpa Huo: "..."
"Moreover, Shen Shaoqing is not a good match," Ling Nuan continued. "It's still uncertain whether I'm with Huo Linsheng for money or something else, but Shen Shaoqing's motives are crystal - clear."
"Knowing that his wife had an affair and that the paternity of the child in her womb is uncertain, yet still being able to carry on with the wedding as if nothing had happened. Have you ever thought about what Shen Shaoqing's real intentions are, Chairman? It can't be that he loves Huo Xiao so much that he's willing to wear a cuckold, right?"
Grandpa Huo actually felt somewhat convinced.
If either Ling Nuan or Shen Shaoqing had to be separated from the Huo family, it seemed obvious that Shen Shaoqing was the bigger problem.
Ling Nuan picked up the tea that Grandpa Huo had offered earlier, took a gentle sip, and then went on, "Besides, Huo Linsheng and I are just dating. Whether we'll get married is still up in the air. But Shen Shaoqing is already Huo Xiao's husband. It's obvious which one - marriage or dating - can cause more harm."
Even if Ling Nuan had an ulterior motive, as just Huo Linsheng's girlfriend or at most his fiancée, before becoming an official Mrs. Huo, there were limited things she could interfere with.
But as Huo Xiao's husband, Shen Shaoqing was deeply entangled with her.
Grandpa Huo thought Ling Nuan's words made perfect sense.
He didn't like Shen Shaoqing much, but since his granddaughter liked him, he had no choice.
Logically, since Huo Linsheng liked Ling Nuan, he should also have no say.
Grandpa Huo let out a laugh.
"Miss Ling is sharp - tongued and knows how to negotiate," Grandpa Huo commented. "I almost got swayed by you."
"If you were dating someone else from the Huo family, what you said would be enough to convince me. But you just had to choose the core figure of the Huo family. The influence that the fiancée of Huo Linsheng can have on the Huo family is far greater than that of a relative."
Even after being exposed, Ling Nuan showed no sign of embarrassment or nervousness.
She smiled, looking rather innocent, "It's never been up to me to decide the relationship between Huo Linsheng and me. If you can convince Huo Linsheng, even if I try my best not to break up, I'll be powerless. But if it's him who doesn't want to break up, even if I propose it, he's not the kind of person who will obediently follow orders."
Grandpa Huo offered a suggestion, "You can say something harsh to crush his dignity."
Ling Nuan was amused, "Chairman, do you think he won't be able to tell that I'm being forced? Besides, if I really said that, he might turn from love to hate. I don't need to add unnecessary trouble to my life for a bit of money."
Grandpa Huo's expression calmed down, "Are you saying there's no room for negotiation?"
Ling Nuan: "I think the suggestion I made for you just now is quite good."
Grandpa Huo let out a sneer and said, "There's not only the matter of Shen Shaoqing between you two. There's also the issue of social disparity."
"Did you approach the wrong person, Chairman?" Ling Nuan asked sincerely.
Grandpa Huo: "?"
"Indeed, there's a social disparity. So for me, marriage is like a second chance at life, allowing me to leap over social classes. How could I possibly give up such a once - in - a - lifetime opportunity?" Ling Nuan said sincerely.
Grandpa Huo: "..."
"This is an established fact. But you should be trying to convince Huo Linsheng, not me, who will clearly benefit from this."
Grandpa Huo was left speechless by Ling Nuan's retorts.
Mind Shen Shaoqing?
Get Shen Shaoqing and Huo Xiao divorced.
Social disparity?
This was her chance to leap over social classes. Why would she let it go?
It was reasonable and logically flawless. Grandpa Huo even thought Ling Nuan shouldn't agree to him.
Finally, the old man took back the blank check. To avoid looking too defeated, he didn't forget to throw out a final threat, "You've given up the wealth within your reach. I'd like to see if your choice will ultimately change your life!"
After saying that, Grandpa Huo got up and left with the help of his walking stick.
Ling Nuan was very polite. She got up too and bowed to the old man, "Take care on your way, Chairman."
The Chairman didn't want to see Ling Nuan or hear her voice at all.
However, after leaving the tea - room and getting into the car, Grandpa Huo didn't look too bad.
Assistant Lin probed, "Chairman, did the negotiation go smoothly?"
Grandpa Huo let out a sneer, "Just as difficult as dealing with Huo Linsheng."
Assistant Lin carefully observed the old man's expression and said, "It seems you're not angry, sir."
Grandpa Huo actually laughed, "Why should I be angry? That young lady didn't give up for a little profit, which shows she's smart and that Huo Linsheng has good taste."
Assistant Lin was speechless.
Sure enough, people could say whatever they wanted.
Grandpa Huo also felt a bit regretful, "This young lady is nice, but it's a pity her background is ordinary. If it weren't for that, it wouldn't be impossible."
Hearing this, Assistant Lin carefully chose his words, "Mr. Huo is not young anymore. He can't wait forever. Aren't you in a hurry to have a grandson, Chairman?"
Grandpa Huo pondered for a moment upon hearing this, "You're right. We can't wait any longer."
Then he waved his hand, "Forget it. Children and grandchildren have their own fates. Let them do as they please."
At first, the old man seemed extremely opposed, but after all this, he seemed to give up quite easily.
...
After meeting Grandpa Huo, Ling Nuan didn't rush home. Instead, she went to visit her grandma.
Xun Yao and his wife had been very well - behaved recently because of what had happened before.
They went to work dutifully and visited Grandma Xun whenever they had time. Under the care of her son's family, Grandma Xun was happy every day. She would go dancing in the square when she was free. Those who used to gossip were now all well - behaved.
Sister Li couldn't help but sigh to Ling Nuan, "The old lady has clearly been in a better mood recently. If this continues, maybe her condition will improve."
Hearing this, Ling Nuan also smiled, "Thank you for your hard work these days, Sister Li."
Sister Li replied with a smile, "You're too polite, Miss Ling. I'm just doing my job for the money. It's my duty."
Just as she was about to continue telling Ling Nuan about Grandma's recent situation, her expression suddenly changed. She looked around warily.
"What's wrong?" Ling Nuan asked.
Sister Li lowered her voice seriously, "Miss Ling, it seems someone is staring at us."
Ling Nuan looked up, her eyes filled with an indecipherable meaning.