"Someone to marry? Easy… I can just marry Fuhan!" Yan Mei blurted.
The yard went silent. Everyone froze in shock, but before Lin Xu could react, she frowned and asked, "Wait… whose family were you supposed to marry into?"
Madame Yan straightened her clothes, her tone sharp. "The Song family. They'll be here tomorrow."
At that name, Mo Ying's head snapped up. Fuhan's eyes darkened slightly. The two men exchanged a quick look.
Yan Mei didn't notice. She took a step toward Fuhan, smiling nervously. "So? Would you be willing to marry me instead?"
Fuhan's face remained unreadable. For a long moment, he didn't answer. Finally, he shook his head. "No."
Yan Mei froze, her smile vanishing. "Why?" she whispered, but Fuhan didn't explain. He simply turned and walked away.
"Enough of this foolishness!" Madame Yan scolded as she grabbed Yan Mei by the arm and dragged her off. Yan Mei struggled weakly but was pulled away without choice.
The yard fell into silence.
