Chapter 14: Engagement?
Bai Feng racked his brain, trying to remember—if he wasn’t mistaken, Uncle Yun’s daughter was called Yun Yue Yao. But from the moment he was born until now, he was absolutely sure he’d never set eyes on her.
First, after snagging the villain system, apart from that one time when he was out investigating the numbers of Child of Destiny types, he’d been pretty much avoiding going far from home. Second, Uncle Yun’s wife had been injured during pregnancy, which resulted in Yun Yue Yao being in less-than-great health, confining her to the house forever and a day.
So, where in the world did this engagement come from?
While deep in thought, Bai Feng’s gaze drifted to his old man. It was pretty clear—this mess probably originate from his dad’s notoriously unreliable brain.
“So, Dad, what’s this about an engagement? How did it even happen?”
Bai Tian You’s expression turned more awkward by the second. Finally, he sighed heavily, slap-happy with regret as he rubbed his head.
“All that drinking, my boy. When you just came into this world, your Uncle Yun’s wife was pregnant, so we got a bit tipsy and came up with the idea of a childhood betrothal.”
“You never told me this?”
“I… was just so drunk I forgot the next morning,” Bai Tian You admitted, scratching his head as if blaming himself for forgetting something so crucial.
Bai Feng: […]
d*mn it! How did he end up with such a sketchy old man?
“Dad, this is your problem. You handle the resolution,” Bai Feng said as he happily shoved more rice into his mouth. Not that he was eager to marry someone he’d never met—plus, with all the Child of Destiny and villain identities flying around in this world, he wouldn’t be surprised if the very first time he met his future fiancée, some rookie would pop up throwing protests.
Bai Tian You clenched his teeth, then held up three fingers. “Triple the allowance.”
Bai Feng shook his head. “Nope. Not interested. I’ve got nowhere to spend money right now.”
“Well, then, what do you want?” Bai Tian You sighed, realizing he was about to bleed out financially.
For years, he’d felt he’d mishandled family relations, which led to a breakup in the household. Plus, Bai Feng was a pretty obedient kid, so he felt somewhat guilty. If it weren’t for that, he’d already have slapped Bai Feng and dragged him to meet the future bride.
Although Bai Feng really didn’t want to get tangled up with his fiancée, the thing had already happened. He also worried his old man might handle it badly, so he nodded.
“Dad, I want to learn Array formations,” he said cautiously.
“Did you fully master your talisman spells? Just thinking about learning Array formations?”
Bai Tian You’s brow twitched. If Bai Feng was after some precious spiritual artifacts, he would have agreed immediately. But something that might ruin Bai Feng’s future? He had to be careful.
“I feel I have quite a talent for Array formations,” Bai Feng insisted. He wasn’t giving up—he needed a way to whitewash his identity as a Master of Array.
Seeing this, Bai Tian You hesitated but didn’t press further. “Fine, I’ll take care of the Array stuff. But if you’re not talented, you’d better abandon the idea quickly.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Bai Feng grinned. From now on, he wouldn’t need excuses to set up arrays in his own house.
“All right, now go with me to see Uncle Yun. Be polite,” Bai Tian You ordered.
“Got it.” Bai Feng put down his bowl, glanced at Bai Yu Mo, who’d been silently sitting there with her head bowed and refusing to eat. He hesitated.
“Yu Mo? Want to come along?”
Suddenly, Bai Yu Mo raised her head. Her face looked a little blank. After a few moments, she reacted and nodded hurriedly.
“Okay.”
“Alright, let’s go!”
Pushed along by Bai Tian You, the duo hurried toward the reception hall.
…
At the reception hall, Bai Feng spotted the kind-looking middle-aged man sitting in a chair immediately. As soon as he stepped inside, the man couldn’t wait to stand and walk over, smiling brightly.
“Xiao Feng! Still remember Uncle Yun? Oh, and Yu Mo’s here too! It’s been years—you’ve grown so much!”
“…Just last month, you were drinking with my dad. How could I forget?” Bai Feng’s mouth twitched.
“Haha, my memory’s terrible,” Uncle Yun joked, scratching his chin’s stubble. “I suppose you already know why I came? We were planning to pick an auspicious day for the engagement, but your dad insisted on asking your opinion—probably forgets about it, that old rascal! Hahaha!”
He wanted to joke, but he noticed Bai Feng’s expression was somewhat stiff, and even Bai Tian You looked a bit awkward.
Immediately, he squinted and turned to Bai Tian You. “You really forgot, didn’t you?”
“Ahem, you know how it is—I drink to forget, and you’ve been quiet about this for so many years. If I’d known, I wouldn’t forget it so easily,” Bai Tian You defended.
Seeing that he’d been caught, Uncle Yun relaxed a little, then straightened his face. “Honestly, I didn’t want to bring it up at first—my daughter’s health isn’t the best, she can’t cultivate. I didn’t want to burden Bai Lao. But recently, my daughter had some lucky encounters, and her health is back on track! She’s now at the late Qi Refining stage. That’s the real reason I’re here to discuss the engagement again.”
“That’s really great news!” Bai Tian You nodded, knowing full well that Yun Yue Yao had always been a thorn in Yun Lao’s side. Now that her health improved, he felt genuinely happy for his old friend.
But Bai Feng’s expression grew a little heavier—damaged body unable to cultivate, then encountering some fortuitous event to restart her cultivation journey. That familiar pattern hit close to home.
He was almost certain—at least nine or even ten out of ten—that his fiancée was a Child of Destiny. If not, then she must be connected to one.
No way this engagement is going to stick!
But he also couldn’t just break the engagement outright—it would give the opponent’s Child of Destiny a reason to counteract with a Renegotiation Buff.
Suddenly, an idea formed in his mind. “Uncle Yun, about the engagement… may I have a word?”
Uncle Yun stroked his stubbled chin with a smile. “Go ahead, little Feng.”
“You know my reputation isn’t exactly spotless. I worry it might affect Yun Yue Yao,” Bai Feng said carefully. “So, I think the engagement should be discussed more thoroughly—maybe wait until she’s a bit older, or we both agree.”
Uncle Yun waved dismissively. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I know your character—no need to fret. This engagement can wait if needed.”
Bai Feng had already guessed this was his plan—testing the waters, finding the best moment to push forward.
He kept going: “And Yun Yue Yao is just starting her cultivation journey. It’s a bit premature to rush into marriage. It’s better to ask both parties for their opinion.”
“Hmm, you’re right, little Feng,” Uncle Yun nodded. “But I’m just gathering opinions now. We can always delay the wedding.”
Bai Feng hesitated, then took a deep breath, mustering his courage.
“Also, because of some past experiences, I believe that marriage should be based on mutual feelings. I can’t accept marrying someone I’ve never met, with no emotional foundation, and no guarantee she’s willing.”
Uncle Yun’s brows furrowed. He could see Bai Feng wasn’t keen, but he couldn’t say much—he understood what Bai Feng meant.
He recalled Bai Tian You’s complaints about how Bai Feng moved to a remote little courtyard after the bone excavation incident, wasting his days away without a word.
He sighed, then slowly relaxed his expression, nodding slightly. “You’re right, Bai Feng. This was indeed too hasty. Let’s wait until Yun Yue Yao can meet you. We’ll postpone the engagement for now.”
Bai Feng finally let out a breath of relief—at least for now, he just had to bluff his way through the engagement topic.
As for the meeting? He’d find some excuse to dodge it later.
