Chapter 66 Heavens! Are you really planning to meet the parents carrying me in your arms like a princess?

“Yes, Elder Zhang, I’ll head in right away.”
Wen Xiu was the first to react. He bowed respectfully to the elderly man with white hair and beard, then led the way inside.
Just who was this old man, to command such deference from the fifth young master of the Wen family?
This question was not only on Tang Xiwei’s mind—who stood nearby—but on the minds of everyone present.
“That elder Zhang is a distinguished veteran of the family, one of the loyal ministers who helped my father win the family succession years ago. Even now, his authority and influence in the Wen family surpass my own,” Wen Wan whispered into Chen Luo’s ear, giving him a quiet introduction. “These days, most of the power and capital along the southeastern coast is under his supervision.”
Chen Luo immediately understood. He glanced up and down at this Elder Zhang—so this was the legendary loyal minister who had helped a dragon ascend the throne. No wonder Wen Xiu treated him with such courtesy.
But Chen Luo’s main concern was Wen Wan herself. Ever since she’d had him by her side, her illness had never relapsed.
Yet now, the mere news that the Wen family patriarch, Wen Tao, wished to see her had triggered the psychological trauma of years past. Wen Wan looked as though she might collapse at any moment, her legs unsteady beneath her.
“Chen Luo, you… you really shouldn’t come in. I don’t want you involved in the family’s affairs.”
“My father… that man… he’s truly terrifying. That’s something everyone in the Wen family agrees on, so…”
Before she could finish, Wen Wan cried out in surprise, for Chen Luo had bent down, slipped one arm under her knees and the other around her back.
“Come on up.”
With a sweep, Chen Luo lifted Wen Wan into his arms in a bridal carry, holding her tightly to his chest.
“You haven’t been eating well again, have you? You’re getting lighter,” he teased, giving her supple thigh a gentle squeeze as he whispered in her ear.
“I’m already involved. Don’t be afraid. While you’re in my arms, let’s go meet this frightening father of yours together.”
Saying this, Chen Luo strode into the villa, clad only in shorts and a tank top, carrying Wen Wan in his arms.
Elder Zhang watched their retreating figures with a smile, stroking his beard.
“I’m getting old, truly old. The young people these days never stick to the script.”

With that, the old man followed them inside and closed the villa door behind him.
Yet the sight of Chen Luo carrying Wen Wan in his arms had left everyone outside stunned. Both sides began murmuring quietly.
“Holy—! Did I just see what I think I saw? President Wen just got carried off in a bridal hold? Am I dreaming? Someone slap me.”
*Smack!* The man went flying sideways, and the slapper exclaimed,
“Damn! My hand hurts! So it’s not a dream—our future boss lady really did get the princess carry from President Wen, and she just let it happen! Truly an inspiration to us all!”
“Oh my god! The legendary, ruthlessly decisive Sixth Miss Wen, acting as docile as a kitten—never thought I’d live to see the day! Just a few years ago, she ruined a dozen families, left them in shambles!”
“You’re telling me! I remember following Fifth Young Master and watching her, with a laugh and a word, wipe out an entire underground syndicate in the capital. And now, she’s suddenly the picture of a sweet little wife?”
“What’s with you all! We’re supposed to be at war here, and you’re gossiping? Wait till we’re back, you’ll all face a thorough disciplinary meeting!”
Mo Lan barked at the crowd, her voice sharp, even as she whipped out her phone to snap furious photos of the couple walking in.
Both factions eyed Mo Lan’s photo frenzy with exasperation. Gossip? She was shipping this couple harder than anyone!
The tension that had suffused the scene was now almost entirely dispelled, the threat of violence scattered by the spectacle of Chen Luo’s bridal carry. Many had already put away their weapons. There was no more sign of an impending battle; in fact, a few men and women nearby were already exchanging contacts!
Hello? Is this a battlefield or a matchmaking party? Are you all planning on going speed dating after your shift ends?
While everyone was distracted, Tang Xiwei, lying on the ground, struggled to her feet and limped unnoticed toward the back door of the villa.
…
Inside the villa, Wen Xiu was the first to take a seat on the couch before a massive screen.
This was the video system connected to the family’s ancestral home—independent from any company network, with the highest level of confidentiality.
Wen Xiu sat down, visibly uneasy. He’d nearly wet himself just talking to his father on the phone earlier, and now he’d have to face Wen Tao via video call.
Damn it! I’d rather see the King of Hell than that old man’s face—it’s just too terrifying!
No, I can’t be too nervous, or he’ll find fault with me and skin me alive if not worse.
He straightened his clothes, tried to calm himself, poured a glass of red wine, and lifted the goblet to steady his nerves.

“Pfft! Cough, cough!”
Wen Xiu’s mouthful of wine sprayed everywhere as he broke into a fit of violent coughing.
It wasn’t that he’d choked, but that he saw Chen Luo walk in, clad in shorts and a tank top, carrying Wen Wan in his arms.
“What the hell! That’s disgusting! Do you have any sense of hygiene at all?”
Chen Luo quickly dodged the sprayed wine, eyeing Wen Xiu with disdain.
So this is the scion of a capital financial dynasty? What a slob!
Wen Xiu couldn’t be bothered with Chen Luo’s contempt. He pointed at them and shouted,
“Wait—you’re meeting the family dressed like that? Are you insane? You—”
He was about to curse Chen Luo out, but Wen Wan shot him a sidelong glare that shut him up at once.
“Come on! Can’t I say a word about your boyfriend’s lack of manners? You’re not even married yet! Do you have to defend him so fiercely?”
“No!” Wen Wan’s voice was firm and laced with menace. “Say another word and see what happens.”
“Fine, fine, love conquers all. I’ll keep my mouth shut, happy?”
Wen Xiu could only roll his eyes. So she gets to do whatever she wants, just because she’s in love?
Wen Wan: Yes, being in love means I can do whatever I want!
“But… are you really planning to meet Father like that? Aren’t you afraid he’ll fly into a rage?”
Wen Xiu was truly speechless at this point. Even an ordinary father wouldn’t let some man carry his daughter in like that.
Wen Wan realized the impropriety and made to get down from Chen Luo’s arms, but he refused to let go.
“I’ll meet the family just like this. What’s he going to do—bite me?”
As soon as Chen Luo finished speaking, the giant screen before them flickered to life.
“This is the first time anyone has spoken to me that way. Young man, you are truly interesting—very interesting indeed.”