After today, Xiao Yan intended to sever ties with the Nalan family, likely leaving little entanglement in the future.
They slowly arrived at the Xiao family's most luxurious reception hall. Xiao Zhan's face grew heavier, finding it hard to respond to Nalan Jie and Nalan Su's conversation, frequently glancing at Xiao Yan.
Seeing Xiao Yan's calm expression, Xiao Zhan sighed and waved away the other Xiao family members, including Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, and a few elders.
Then, he slowly opened the doors, smiling at the four visitors: "Please, come in and talk freely."
Nalan Jie and Yun Yun noticed the forced nature of his smile.
For such a celebratory event, the Xiao family normally wouldn't exclude so many relatives.
Once the doors closed, they all sat facing each other. Bai Han, the strongest among them, personally served tea.
"Thank you."
"Thank you, Mr. Bai."
Seeing this legendary Dou Huang serve tea personally, even Nalan Yanran, Nalan Su, and Nalan Jie trembled slightly.
Yun Yun also felt uneasy; in all her years leading the Yun Lan Sect, she had never seen a Dou Huang act like a servant.
."
Even Xiao Zhan was a bit taken aback, but Xiao Yan, seated below him, remained perfectly calm, as if it were natural.
Everyone present swallowed hard. Such a display....was it impressive, or outright arrogant?
After serving the tea, Bai Han quietly returned behind Xiao Yan, standing like an immovable iron pillar.
Only then did Xiao Zhan break the awkwardness with small talk, and the others followed, discussing trivial topics.
The atmosphere gradually eased. But when things reach their peak, the fall is often swift.
Nalan Su grew more talkative and finally asked a question that fell heavily upon the hall.
"Brother, surely you know why we came. Haha, I want to ask about the marriage between these two young ones. Have you and Xiao Yan's family decided anything?"
Immediately, the smiles faded.
Nalan Yanran's delicate smile froze, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Nalan Jie and Nalan Su's smiles grew tense.
Yun Yun frowned, her unease growing stronger.
Xiao Zhan's smile vanished, replaced by awkwardness, and finally, a helpless wry grin.
Seeing this, Nalan Jie and Nalan Su stiffened in shock.
Only Xiao Yan remained calm. After a long silence, he slowly stood and stepped forward.
"Uncle Nalan, Elder Nalan, I'm afraid I must apologize regarding this marriage
His calm voice echoed through the hall, amplifying the already tense atmosphere. Nalan Yanran froze, her cheeks losing the crimson hue, her face turning even paler.
After a long moment, Nalan Su finally broke the silence, his voice trembling:
"Xiao Yan, what do you mean by this?"
Every eye turned to Xiao Yan, especially those on Nalan Yanran's side, their gazes like knives.
Xiao Yan's expression remained neutral. His gaze finally rested on Nalan Jie, whose face darkened.
"Elder Nalan, the engagement between Yanran and me was arranged impulsively by our elders. It was never my choice."
"While I respect my grandfather and you greatly, I must say that young people have the right to make their own choices. Over the years, I've met a girl I truly like."
"So I hope you will agree to cancel the engagement, granting us freedom to choose our own paths."
The hall, previously silent, tensed immediately.
Nalan Yanran stood abruptly, her beautiful face turning pale, eyes fixed on Xiao Yan, unsure what to say.
Her feelings for Xiao Yan were mild at best. Though impressed by his talent and reputation, she had never loved him obsessively.
What hurt her most was being actively rejected.....something she had never imagined.
For the proud daughter of Yun Lan Sect and Nalan Family, always victorious in looks and talent, this was a crushing blow.
Even breathing became difficult.
Nalan Jie and Nalan Su's faces darkened.
Breaking an engagement was shameful for both parties. For men, it was an immense humiliation; for women, a severe loss of face.
Though Xiao Yan's words were polite, the primary discomfort came from shattered expectations.....they had envisioned this marriage as a certainty.
But Xiao Yan had ended their dreams, leaving a profound sense of loss.
The dream groom had flown away. Was the Nalan family's future truly dependent on Yanran alone? Were their plans mere fantasies?
Despite Xiao Yan's flawless explanation, they could not help but feel deeply upset.
Among the four, only Yun Yun remained relatively calm. She had no expectations for this engagement, merely curious about Xiao Yan's talent.
Yet, seeing the young girl's pale face, she felt a twinge of sympathy.
"Phew!"
Suddenly, a heavy exhalation echoed. The aura of a Dou Wang began rising. Nalan Jie's chair creaked under the immense pressure.
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