C11 You Stood up for Her!

Qiao Minghui was quick to respond. "What are you saying, Young Master Huo? Qiao An is our Qiao family's little princess. How could we possibly bully her without cause?"

Huo Chengzhou, with a discerning ear, caught the double meaning in those words. He tapped his forehead thoughtfully. "So you're saying you don't bully without reason? Does that mean there's a justified cause? Explain!"

The emotion in the man's eyes was distinctly cool, yet it was hard to discern whether he was pleased or angry. His every word seemed to be nothing more than a straightforward question.

Zhou Yun's pale complexion eased slightly. She didn't believe that a man like Huo Chengzhou would stand up for a blind girl like Qiao An. She held her head high and declared, "When Qiao An learned that she was to marry you, Young Master Huo, she was displeased. She made quite the scene, saying she wouldn't marry. And then she went so far as to insult you publicly, claiming you had a leg ailment. As her mother, I naturally had to discipline her somewhat. The child has grown too wild abroad. How can she be so prejudiced?"

She smiled. "Young Master Huo, you are clearly a paragon among men."

At that, Huo Chengzhou's finger, which had been rhythmically tapping his forehead, abruptly halted. His lips curled into a cool smirk, and he let out a scoff. His gaze, however, turned piercing and icy as it swept over Zhou Yun. "Is that so?"

Under his intense and oppressive stare, Zhou Yun's back was slick with cold sweat, her smile frozen on her face. She nodded vigorously. "Yes, that's exactly it."

Huo Chengzhou nodded, his lips still curled, his gaze still frosty. "Since Auntie considers me so exemplary, and since Qiao An is clearly not interested in marriage, perhaps Qiao Xue should be the bride. I never coerce anyone into marriage."

Zhou Yun's expression turned rigid, and she cast a desperate glance at Qiao Minghui. Qiao Xue was completely taken aback and blurted out instinctively, "I won't marry!"

"Why?" Huo Chengzhou inquired.

Before Zhou Yun or Qiao Minghui could intervene, Qiao Xue spoke up. "I have someone I love. Moo Haoyan and I are getting engaged soon."

"Moo Haoyan?" Huo Chengzhou's eyebrows lifted subtly as his gaze swept over Zhou Yun and Qiao Minghui. "Uncle, aunt, in your opinion, who is more outstanding between Moo Haoyan and myself?"

Of course, it was Moo Haoyan.

That was the unspoken consensus between them, yet neither dared to voice it. Qiao Minghui spoke hesitantly, "How could he compare to Young Master Huo? Naturally, Young Master Huo is the epitome of grace and a man of great capability at such a young age."

Huo Chengzhou nodded, his hand leaving the wheelchair armrest to give Qiao An a reassuring pat on the shoulder as he spoke up, "Did you catch that?"

Qiao An, who had been observing the situation quietly, was startled by his gesture and words, tilting her head ever so slightly.

What was he getting at?

But the man seemed to have no intention of letting her respond, withdrawing his hand from her shoulder as his cool voice rang out once more, "In that case, let's welcome Qiao Xue into the Huo family."

His statement was resolute, brooking no argument. Qiao Xue, still young and easily frightened, suddenly rose to her feet, protesting, "I've said I won't marry! Don't get the wrong idea just because my parents flattered you. And don't even start on your looks; with those legs of yours, you're only a match for Qiao An! You two..."

"Slap!"

A crisp slap cut Qiao Xue off mid-sentence. She stumbled, barely steadying herself against the couch, and looked at Qiao Minghui with incredulity. "Dad! You hit me!"

"I did hit you!" Qiao Minghui's chest rose and fell with barely contained fury. "Speaking such insolence in front of Young Master Huo, who do you think you are?"

Zhou Yun could no longer stay seated. She rose to shield her daughter, glaring at Qiao Minghui with outrage. "How dare you hit my daughter, and all to defend Qiao An! What was wrong with what she said..."

"Pa!" Qiao Minghui's hand struck Zhou Yun's face with another slap. "This is the result of your poor parenting! All of you, out!"

The unfolding scene took Qiao An completely by surprise, yet it seemed to spark a gleam of excitement in Huo Chengzhou's eyes.

As Zhou Yun was about to help Qiao Xue make her exit, Huo Chengzhou spoke up again with an icy tone, "Don't leave. We're not done talking. Sit back down!"

His seemingly nonchalant words instantly froze Zhou Yun and Qiao Xue in their steps. Observing their hesitation, Qiao Minghui added sharply, "Get back here, now!"