Chapter 290: Lifelong Burden
After Young Master Cao left, the Tang family estate fell into an unusual silence.
Tang Mother sat on the floor, looking like a deflated balloon, her eyes filled with the despair of shattered hopes.
The rest of the Tang family shot odd and strange glances at Sang Zhe.
…No.
Why are you looking at me?
I’m not Linghua Fairy!
“What now… what can we do?”
Tang Father wore a worried expression: “We already sent invitations to several families. I thought with the parents’ orders, it would just be a formality to get engaged. Who knew it would turn out like this…”
Tang Mother suddenly cried out, “It’s over! With this invitation sent out, the whole world knows my daughter has been dumped by the Cao family. Who would dare to marry her now?”
“It’s all your fault! Why did you send the invitations early? We hadn’t even gotten the fortune-telling!”
“What? You’re blaming me, you old shrew? Wasn’t it you who brightened up and designed the invitations the moment you heard Young Master Cao was coming to court her?”
As Tang Father and Tang Mother started bickering, Sang Zhe watched coolly from the side, enjoying the chaos.
All I can say is…
Karma really swings back fast.
Before, they were mocking me with glee, and now this retribution came quicker than expected.
“Enough!”
At last, Tang Yubbing stepped in to separate her parents, her eyes showing a hint of loneliness as she said, “Dad, Mom, it’s no big deal if no one wants me. Honestly, I always wanted to be a free-spirited heroine and never imagined I’d settle down so soon.”
“If no one dares to marry me… then so be it.”
“I’m happy being free.”
Hearing this, Tang Mother suddenly teared up and hugged Tang Yubbing tightly.
“My good daughter… it’s me who’s sorry for you.”
Sang Zhe figured it was his time to speak, cleared his throat, and prepared to introduce himself.
But right as he opened his mouth, Tang Father interrupted coldly: “What are you still doing here?”
“I don’t know what nonsense you’ve fed Young Master Cao, but look at the mess you made with Yubbing’s engagement; are you satisfied now?”
“Get lost! Our Tang family doesn’t welcome you!”
Oh, now that’s the line!
I love it!
Next should be a cold smirk from me followed by revealing my cultivation level, leaving the Tang family in shock. Then a smug dragon king grin to top it off…
Perfect.
So Sang Zhe smirked, stepped forward, and was just about to speak.
But once again, he was interrupted.
“You rotten old man, what are you saying?!” Tang Mother reprimanded Tang Father sharply.
Come on!
Can I get a chance to speak here?!
I was finally ready to show off! Don’t cut me off! Sang Zhe was almost upset enough to throw a fit.
“Young Master Sang,” Tang Mother suddenly wiped her tears, beaming as she approached Sang Zhe, her demeanor completely transformed from before.
“Earlier, I was narrow-minded, sharp-tongued, and blind.”
She enthusiastically pulled Sang Zhe over to Tang Yubbing, saying, “Actually, I’ve felt from the start that you and Yubbing are a perfect match, destined for each other. Our Tang family would be very pleased to have you as a son-in-law.”
Tang Yubbing: “…Huh?”
Sang Zhe: “…Wait, this wasn’t in the script!”
“Crazy lady, what are you doing?!”
Tang Father yelled angrily: “Young Master Cao backed out; it must be this kid’s scheme. You want to bring him into our home?”
“Mind your own business!”
Tang Mother shot an irritated glare at Tang Father, hugging Tang Yubbing again: “I can’t let my daughter be lonely forever.”
“Invitations have already been sent out; now the world knows my daughter is to be married. You really plan to let Yubbing be a spinster, having people gossip behind her back?”
“You’re heartless, but I can’t bear to see my daughter suffer like that!”
“Finally, we have a suitor who doesn’t care about these matters; we can’t let him slip away!”
Sang Zhe remained silent for a long while, his lips twitching.
…You really aren’t going to ask for my opinion at all, are you?
Finally, Tang Yubbing couldn’t hold it any longer, shaking off Tang Mother’s hand: “Mom! Let me be frank!”
“He… is not my boyfriend.”
“I just got him to block the marriage.” Her lovely eyes slightly drooped.
“Honestly, during my time in the Demon Cult, I’ve been focused on work, with no time for romance.”
“Besides, the Demon Cult doesn’t have a good reputation. You two probably don’t know, but I’m already infamous in the cultivation world as a notorious enchantress.”
“I believe even if Young Master Cao hadn’t backed out, he would have eventually once knowing my identity.”
Hearing this, despair deepened in Tang Mother’s eyes.
“Yubbing… what are you going to do now?”
“Both of you are cultivators; you know this path is long and lonely. I can’t stand seeing you endure that loneliness.”
“It’s fine.”
Tang Yubbing forced a sad smile, softly saying: “Being alone is also pretty good.”
After that, she turned with an apologetic look towards Sang Zhe: “Young Master Sang, I’m sorry for dragging you into this.”
“Thank you for blocking this marriage for me. I knew I could trust you.”
“I’ve troubled you long enough; let’s take a day off and head back tomorrow. You’ve been gone for a while, and haven’t had a real reunion with Little Ying and the others yet.”
“I’m sorry for troubling you this time—” Tang Yubbing lowered her head, her tone filled with guilt.
Sang Zhe glanced at her.
Then he looked at the devastated Tang Mother and the worried Tang Father.
He slowly raised his hand: “Um… can I speak now?”
“Huh? Of course you can.”
“I won’t be interrupted again?”
“…No, you won’t.”
Finally relieved, Sang Zhe, under Tang Yubbing’s slightly startled gaze, walked up beside her and took her hand in front of everyone.
Everyone stared at him, including a blushing Tang Yubbing, her cheeks aflame.
“Ahem.”
Sang Zhe cleared his throat, took out the script card prepared by Little Ying, and solemnly read:
“Hello, esteemed elders of the Tang family, Uncle Tang, Auntie Tang, I am Sang Zhe, from the Central Plains, 23 years old, at the initial stage of Great Ascension, currently serving at the Demon Cult Water Gate branch as the head of the Punishment Department.”
“In my younger years, I encountered the blossoming sister Yubbing.”
Love at first sight, lifelong regret.
“I know I still have many shortcomings compared to sister Yubbing.”
“But we are both young.”
“I vow to spend my life marrying Tang Yubbing as my wife, to share our lives, and grow old together.”
“…Lifelong burden.”
Tang Yubbing gazed at him, entranced.
“With this statement, I propose this marriage; please approve, Uncle and Aunt!”
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