Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales

Chapter 1671: Seventh Grandfather Chen

Chen Xiaolong didn’t care about Yang Ming’s words. He just snorted coldly and looked away. He felt that Yang Ming was a bit unreasonable or even a little arrogant!

Indeed, if he was still a freshman in high school four years ago, he would definitely be afraid of Yang Ming. However, school life and the current situation were two different things. In school, whoever was stronger would be the boss, but who would compete in terms of physical strength in society? If he distributed some banknotes casually, there would be people to help him fight.

The elevator made a “ding” sound and stopped at the sixth floor. Yang Ming and Chen Mengyan followed behind the crowd and walked out of the elevator. Chen Mengyan held Yang Ming’s hand tightly. It was evident that Chen Mengyan was very nervous. Yang Ming smiled and comforted her, “It’s okay. I won’t act rashly. At least, I will not make things difficult for Uncle Chen.”

Yang Ming knew that Chen Mengyan was not worried about Chen Xiaolong initiating something unexpected. Instead, she was afraid that Yang Ming would do something impulsive when he was enraged. If that happened, it would be hard to settle because Chen Fei was there as well.

Chen Mengyan was relieved to see Yang Ming that understood her meaning.

The entire sixth floor was a banquet hall. Many people had already arrived. They were sitting on the seats in the banquet hall, chatting in groups. They all looked at the elevator door in unison when it opened. When they saw Chen Zhifu walking out, they immediately stopped talking and started to stand up.

These were the people who came out of or were still staying in the Chen Family Village. They were from all walks of life, but their achievements were not as high as Chen Zhifu, and they were even more uncomparable to Chen Zhiye.

Amongst them, some people recognized that the man next to Chen Zhifu was Chen Zhiye. They all showed envious gazes.

Chen Zhifu stepped out of the elevator, gestured in greeting to everyone present, then introduced, “This is my younger brother, Chen Zhiye. He is the chairman of Southern Zhengyuan Import and Export Trading Company!”

Most of the people present had come to lick the brothers Chen Zhifu and Chen Zhiye’s boots. They thought about receiving some benefits from both of them, so they clapped and cheered immediately after listening to Chen Zhifu’s introduction.

Chen Zhifu was very satisfied with the current scene and atmosphere. He smiled and nodded to the crowd, then continued to introduce, “This is my nephew, Chen Xiaolong!”

The applause resounded, accompanied by a series of compliments about Chen Xiaolong’s handsome appearance, great capabilities and so on. In short, there were compliments on everything. This made Chen Xiaolong’s self-esteem gain unprecedented satisfaction.

Chen Xiaolong glanced at Chen Mengyan proudly. He wanted Chen Mengyan to see his current glory. As long as she follows him, half of the glory would be hers.

However, Chen Mengyan was completely indifferent. Her facial expression remained blank as if she didn’t hear the compliments in front of her. Chen Xiaolong felt a little depressed, and so he glanced at Yang Ming to demonstrate his strength. He wanted to show Yang Ming the gap between them.

However, what was even more regrettable was that Yang Ming’s facial expression did not show any shame or envy; instead, it was still the same mocking look. This increased the resentment in Chen Xiaolong’s heart to a new level. This Yang Ming can’t tell chalk from cheese. I have already shown that I am a hundred times more capable than him, but he is still indifferent. Does this person really not know how to differentiate between good and bad or is he that arrogant?

Chen Xiaolong gave a helpless cold snort and turned his head. At this time, Chen Zhifu said, “Next, let’s invite the former patriarch of Chen Family Village, Seventh Grandfather Chen!”

As soon as Chen Zhifu spoke these words, the compliments across the restaurant toward the father and son, Chen Xiaolong and Chen Zhiye,t immediately subsided. One could see the position of Seventh Grandfather Chen’s status in the hearts of Chen Family Village’s members.

The side door of the restaurant opened slowly, and a man in his sixties helped an old man in his eighties to walk out slowly. The man in his sixties was Chen Zhifu’s father, Chen Dahe, who was also the current chief of the Chen Family Village. The eighty-year-old man beside him was the old patriarch mentioned by Chen Zhifu, Seventh Grandfather Chen!

“Seventh Grandfather!”

“Seventh Uncle”

“Seventh Great Grandfather”

…

The Chen Family Village members spoke up one after another to greet respectfully. There were all sorts of terms of address, but these were the three most common. Only close kin addressed him in other ways, such as uncle and grandpa 1.

“Seventh Grandfather!” Chen Zhifu and Chen Fei immediately stepped forward. Even Chen Zhiye carefully walked over and greeted him. It was apparent how high Seventh Grandfather’s status was.

Seventh Grandfather nodded slightly in response to everyone’s greetings. One could see that this old man’s energy was hale and hearty. He was still very healthy even though he was over eighty years old.

When the old man saw Chen Zhiye, he nodded to him, “Zhiye is back! Good. Returning home in silken robes 2. You did not shame our Chen Family Village!”

“This is all because Seventh Grandfather taught me well when I was young!” Chen Zhiye said quickly and respectfully. Although he was a billionaire, Seventh Grandfather Chen was the supreme existence in the hearts of all the Chen Family Village’s people. In the old society, the patriarch of a big family of a surname had a godlike existence. His spoken words must not be disobeyed!

Even if you became a big officer in the court or a very rich man, you still needed to practice a junior’s rites in the face of the family’s elders and patriarchs when you return to your hometown. Otherwise, you would be considered unfilial and unethical.

Although this was a new era, this tradition had been preserved in many large families. The Chen Family Village was no exception. Although Chen Zhiye was powerful and influential in society, he still duly respected Seventh Grandfather Chen after he returned.

“En.” Seventh Grandfather Chen nodded his head, and his gaze fell on Chen Fei. There were only a few outstanding and successful people in the Chen Family Village, so Seventh Grandfather Chen naturally remembered them in his heart. They were also a topic of pride when he talked to others, “Little Feizi, you are here too. Not bad! I heard that you have become the bureau chief. It’s the biggest officer position in our Chen Family Village now! You and Zhiye are in government and business careers respectively. Both of you are the leaders of our Chen Family Village’s younger generation! ”

“Seventh Grandfather, you overpraise me,” Chen Fei said quickly and modestly. “How can we still be considered the younger generation? Our children are all twenty years old!”

“You’re right!” Seventh Grandfather Chen stroked his beard, and then turned to look at Chen Xiaolong, “Xiaolong, do you recognize Seventh Great Grandfather?”

“Seventh Great Grandfather!” Chen Xiaolong said with a humble face. “How can Xiaolong not recognize you? When I was a kid, you carried me in your arms and brought me to play by the river! At that time, I was immature and pulled your beard!”

Chen Xiaolong had already heard this from his father before. The key to the success of his matter with Chen Mengyan relied on Seventh Grandfather’s attitude. If Seventh Grandfather contributed to this matter, his words would hold enormous weight due to his status in the Chen Family Village. Chen Fei had to consider it properly even if he was not willing to. Therefore, Chen Xiaolong was determined to lick Seventh Grandfather Chen’s boots vigorously.

“Hehehehe …” When Seventh Grandfather Chen heard Chen Xiaolong talk about his childhood memories, Seventh Grandfather Chen couldn’t help but be overjoyed. He also thought of the past events and patted Chen Xiaolong’s head lovingly, “En, in the blink of an eye, this little kid that followed behind Seventh Great Grandfather is at the age of marrying a wife! ”

“Seventh Great Grandfather…” Chen Xiaolong said as he pretended to act young deliberately.

“By the way, I heard that you’re after Little Feizi’s daughter?” Seventh Grandfather Chen suddenly asked kindly.

“Seventh Great Grandfather, I …” Chen Xiaolong pretended to blush, but he eventually nodded.

” Hahahaha, okay, Seventh Great Grandfather will decide for you!” Seventh Grandfather Chen narrowed his eyes and said confidently, “I’ve been the matchmaker for most of the Chen Family Village’s youngsters! Even Little Feizi and Xiaoyu’s wedding was decided by me. Isn’t that true, Little Feizi? ”

Chen Fei’s face turned dull when he heard Seventh Grandfather Chen talk about Chen Xiaolong and Chen Mengyan’s matter. He was about to say something, but he didn’t expect Seventh Grandfather Chen to suddenly mention his marriage with Chen Fangyu. He nodded quickly to agree. He said with a bitter smile, “Yes, thank you Seventh Grandfather for being my matchmaker! ”

“En,” Seventh Grandfather Chen nodded with satisfaction and looked at Chen Mengyan next to Chen Fei. “This is Little Mengyan, right? You grew up to be very beautiful, just like your mother all those years ago. No wonder our Xiaolong is attracted to you! ”

This Seventh Grandfather Chen was Chen Dahe’s seventh uncle, and was also Chen Xiaolong’s Seventh Great Grandfather. This was why he was extraordinarily concerned about Chen Xiaolong ‘s affairs. When he heard that Chen Xiaolong liked Chen Mengyan, he decided to finalize their marriage!

The Chen Family Village had a rule which stated that the young men and women in the village should try their best to look for their other halves in the village, instead of outside. Therefore, when he heard that Chen Xiaolong was smitten with Chen Fei’s daughter, Chen Mengyan, Seventh Grandfather Chen said he would take complete charge of it without a second thought! This made Chen Zhiye and Chen Zhifu very happy. With the agreement of Seventh Grandfather, they were not afraid that Chen Fei would say much.

Chapter 1672: Grant Marriage

“Seventh Great Grandfather,” Chen Mengyan’s facial expression changed immediately. She did not expect to encounter such an awkward scene! Chen Mengyan didn’t have much contact with Seventh Grandfather Chen when she was a child, and so she was not very afraid of him. However, when she saw her parents’ cautious look, she felt a chill in her heart. She had a bad premonition.

” Hehe, okay. Today, I shall announce in front all the Chen Family Village’s villagers that my great grandnephew Chen Xiaolong and Chen Mengyan of Little Feizi’s family are formally engaged!” Seventh Grandfather Chen had not decided the marriage of youths for a long time. If it was not for Chen Xiaolong, he would not do so today. At most, he would send Chen Dahe to announce and give his congratulations.

But, Chen Xiaolong was his great-grandnephew. He felt that by announcing this matter himself, he could make his great-grandnephew feel prideful in front of the whole Chen Family Village!

“Good! Good!”

The people of the Chen Family Village cried out “good” one after another. A chorus of congratulations and blessings could be heard endlessly. Chen Xiaolong was so proud at this moment. He felt that this was the best moment of his life!

He glanced at Yang Ming scornfully and looked at Chen Mengyan proudly. He said in his heart, So what if you two are boyfriend and girlfriend? As long as Chen Mengyan is a member of the Chen Family Village, she must listen to Seventh Grandfather Chen. This is the village rules!

Chen Fei’s face had become very gloomy. He didn’t expect that Seventh Grandfather Chen would suddenly announce this. But due to his relationship with Seventh Grandfather Chen from when he was young, it was inappropriate for Chen Fei to refute. Thus, the situation was deadlocked.

“Seventh Great Grandfather Chen, I have a boyfriend! I can’t accept this engagement!” Chen Mengyan also knew her parents’ difficulties. At this time, she could only refuse personally.

Initially, everyone from the Chen Family Village was congratulating Chen Zhiye and Chen Xiaolong. However, the abrupt words of Chen Mengyan suddenly chilled the atmosphere. It was dead silent.

Seventh Grandfather Chen’s smile also froze instantly. He didn’t expect Chen Mengyan to have a boyfriend! Yes, he never thought about it. If he knew beforehand, perhaps he wouldn’t be so reckless! However, he didn’t know, and his words had already been spoken. It could not be changed!

He was Seventh Grandfather Chen, the old patriarch of the Chen Family Village. Every word of his held enormous weight. Even the current village head, Chen Dahe, had to listen to him and could not go against his will.

Therefore, in the Chen Family Village, the custom of treating Seventh Grandfather’s words as imperial edicts was developed. No one could disobey or resist. Even if what he said was wrong, others must implement it.

Although Chen Mengyan had a reason to refuse, Seventh Grandfather Chen could not allow this to happen. He could not allow a junior to dare resist his order!

Seventh Grandfather Chen’s face was dark and fierce. For so many years, no one had dared to refute him, especially in front of so many people. The entire Chen Family Village was present. How could he have any face to stay in the Chen Family Village if he swallowed his words?

“What boyfriend! You are from the Chen Family Village. How can you marry someone outside?” Seventh Grandfather Chen snorted coldly and said unquestionably, “Well, I have made the decision. You will marry Chen Xiaolong. Set a date and perform the engagement ceremony first! ”

Chen Xiaolong’s face suddenly showed a satisfied smile when he heard Seventh Grandfather Chen’s words. Before, he was afraid that Seventh Grandfather Chen would not be tough enough, and he would stop after learning that Chen Mengyan had a boyfriend. Unexpectedly, Seventh Grandfather Chen was even more overbearing than what Chen Xiaolong had imagined.

Chen Fei also finally understood at this moment that he had been fooled. He should not have come tonight. He was not stupid. Thinking of Chen Zhifu’s attitude toward Chen Mengyan before this, he also understood that the banquet tonight was a trap. A trap for his own family and the target was Chen Mengyan!

He didn’t know why Chen Zhiye’s son, Chen Xiaolong, had fallen in love with Chen Mengyan. But they had invited Seventh Grandfather Chen to be his matchmaker! This made Chen Fei angry and helpless at the same time. Seventh Grandfather Chen was still their elder even if his actions had crossed the line! He couldn’t refute, and it was inappropriate for him to go against Seventh Grandfather Chen.

Chen Fangyu shared the same thoughts as Chen Fei. She looked at Chen Zhifu with much hate and regretted taking the call in her heart. She just hoped that things would be over rapidly tonight, then she would explain to Seventh Grandfather afterward. This was the only way.

However, it now seemed that Seventh Grandfather Chen was stubborn, and he had decided to set a date for engagement.

“Seventh Grandfather, I think today is better than any chosen day. Why don’t we do it tonight?” Chen Zhifu narrowed his eyes and suggested to Seventh Grandfather Chen, “All the people of the Chen Family Village are here today, and they can also be a witness. What do you think? ”

“Okay, tonight then!” Seventh Grandfather Chen also wanted to solve the problem swiftly. The matter had already progressed to this stage. Only by solving it as soon as possible could he prevent his prestige from being damaged. Otherwise, who knew what other changes would happen tonight?

At that time, even if the people of the Chen Family Village did not say anything in front of him, they would surely talk behind his back that his words had no prestige. Thinking of all these things, Seventh Grandfather Chen was even more determined to facilitate this marriage.

“As Seventh Grandfather said, we will hold an engagement ceremony for Chen Xiaolong and Chen Mengyan tonight. Nobody has any comments, right?” Chen Zhifu turned his eyes to the people of the Chen Family Village.

Although everyone had seen that something was amiss, Seventh Grandfather Chen’s words had always carried enormous weight in the hearts of the Chen Family Village’s villagers. Since Seventh Grandfather Chen had decided, how could anyone oppose it? Therefore, they all agreed and complied.

“I say, old fart, are you sick?” Yang Ming who was standing at the side could no longer tolerate this. In his opinion, Seventh Grandfather Chen’s method of forcing things by taking advantage of his seniority was despicable! Yang Ming had clearly seen Seventh Grandfather Chen’s stunned reaction in that split second when he realized that Chen Mengyan had a boyfriend. He realized that Seventh Grandfather Chen had probably been used as a tool by Chen Zhifu and his brother. He also somewhat sympathized with the old man.

However, Seventh Grandfather Chen had not withdrawn his previous words after learning that Chen Mengyan had a boyfriend. Instead, he insisted on taking action and ignoring others. He insisted that Chen Mengyan must marry Chen Xiaolong. This made Yang Ming’s impression of Seventh Grandfather Chen plummet instantly!

Yang Ming was a person who respected the old and loved the young. Otherwise, he would not stand up bravely for justice by helping the old man who was selling at his stall, which in turn allowed him to get the magical lenses.

Afterward, in the detention center, it was also because of his sympathy for Fang Tian that he helped him to teach those little punks a lesson.

However, the Seventh Grandfather Chen in front of him today was not worth Yang Ming’s respect and sympathy in the slightest! He tried to force Chen Mengyan to marry Chen Xiaolong out of selfishness, and this had offended Yang Ming’s bottom line! Even if he was an old man in his eighties, Yang Ming would not save him the slightest face!

To maintain his dignity, he forcefully did such a bad thing. Not only was it lacking in morals, but it was also simply stupid! This was why Yang Ming wondered if this Seventh Grandfather Chen was a dotard.

Although Yang Ming’s voice wasn’t loud, it was powerful. Everyone present could hear it clearly! In an instant, an awkward silence permeated the whole hall and everyone looked in Yang Ming’s direction!

Yang Ming had actually scolded Seventh Grandfather Chen as an old fart. Such things that provoked Seventh Grandfather Chen’s majesty had never happened before. This overwhelmed these people for a while, and they were as mute as a fish!

“Little kid, what did you say!?” Seventh Grandfather Chen was furious with Yang Ming’s words. He raised his walking stick and smashed at Yang Ming, “Where are you from? Whose child are you? I’ll beat you to death! ”

Yang Ming twitched his lips and flickered away, avoiding Seventh Grandfather Chen’s walking stick. He said in his heart, Because of your old age, I will humbly tolerate you once. Otherwise, if it was someone else who dared to wave their walking cane at Yang Ming, he would have already reciprocated.