Leon King said, "Uncle, aren't you celebrating a bit too early?"
Julian King chuckled, "I'm happy every day—there's no such thing as too early or too late!"
After he finished, Julian King patted Leon King on the shoulder. "Leon, according to King Family tradition, the younger generation can't marry until the elders are wed. I've held off on marriage all these years—must've been tough on you! But don't worry, once I get married, you'll be free to do the same! Hahaha..."
With that, Julian King strode away.
Leon King glanced at his shoulder where he'd been patted, then looked at Julian King's retreating figure. Behind his plain glasses, his eyes darkened instantly.
If it weren't for the Yin Family, how could Uncle Julian have turned things around so quickly?
But going up against the Yin Family comes at too high a price...
At the banquet, Cecilia Gu sat quietly chatting with Rona Muir.
From time to time, society ladies and debutantes would come over to greet them.
Even though they didn't say why, it was obvious they were trying to get close.
After all, it wasn't just ordinary people signing up for the selection—there were plenty of wealthy folks too!
And tonight, all these rich guests were connected in countless ways.
So, if there's even a slim chance to connect with the Yin Family, these people would do whatever it takes.
Cecilia Gu greeted them politely, but only exchanged pleasantries—nothing more.
Just then, a familiar face appeared.
It was the proud young noble they'd met in France—the one whose cat scratched up one of Charles Yin's wine barrels. He'd come with his daughter this time.
Cecilia Gu remembered the little girl's name was Livia, about the same age as Miles Gu.
Sure enough, as soon as Livia arrived, she came over to greet Cecilia Gu.
It had only been a few months, but the girl seemed to have changed a lot.
The arrogance and willfulness she used to have seemed to have faded away.
At least now, she seemed a lot more normal.
"Good evening, madam." Livia greeted politely, all traces of her former arrogance gone.
Her mother, meeting Cecilia Gu for the first time, spoke humbly and sensitively: "Madam, I'm very sorry. My daughter was thoughtless before and offended you. Today, we've come to formally apologize."
Cecilia Gu smiled gently. "It's all right. I wouldn't hold a grudge against a child."
The other woman kept talking, but Cecilia Gu just nodded with a polite smile.
Seeing Cecilia Gu's cool attitude, the woman realized she couldn't continue, so she said goodbye and left.
Not long after, Livia suddenly ran back, looking up at Cecilia Gu. "I heard you're the Chairwoman of Saint Diana Academy now. Can I go to Saint Diana Academy when I grow up?"
"Of course," Cecilia Gu replied with a smile. "As long as you're a noble and have good grades, anyone can attend Saint Diana."
Livia's eyes lit up and she clenched her fists. "I will go for sure!"
With that, Livia turned and ran off.
Rona Muir laughed beside her. "That little girl is quite something!"
Cecilia Gu said thoughtfully, "Looks like Saint Diana Academy's reputation is really spreading. It's famous in London already."
Rona Muir teased, "I bet she's after your two sons! Ethan Yin and Miles Gu are both going to study at Saint Diana Academy, you know."
At the mention of school, Cecilia Gu's face lit up. "That's right, in a few years, Miles Gu will be back with me! I can't wait for that day to come!"
"You should worry about the one in your belly first." Rona Muir said, half-joking. "It's been three months—can you tell the gender yet?"
"Almost," Cecilia Gu replied with a grin. "I'll get checked when I go home. For some reason, I have a feeling this one's another rascal boy. But honestly, I'd love to have a daughter."
Rona Muir stroked her chin. "I think it's a girl."
Cecilia Gu asked curiously, "Why?"
"Don't you think this pregnancy is totally different from when you had Ethan Yin? Back then, you were sensitive and easily emotional. But now, you're so carefree and relaxed." Rona Muir explained.
Cecilia Gu thought about it and realized it was true.
When she was pregnant with Ethan Yin, it was during a rocky time with Charles Yin.
Back then, even the slightest thing would set her emotions off.
But this pregnancy really is different.
Of course, that's because their relationship is stable now—there's nothing left to get worked up about.
Still, with this pregnancy, she's been pretty carefree.
But does that really mean it's a girl?
Aren't girls supposed to be more sensitive and thoughtful?
Rona Muir insisted, "I just have a feeling—this one's definitely a girl!"
The two were chatting idly when the host announced the official start of the banquet.
After the host finished the opening dance, Charles Yin came over to invite Cecilia Gu to dance with him.
As the evening's most distinguished guest, Cecilia Gu knew she had to take the second dance—no one else would dare go before her. So she happily followed Charles Yin onto the dance floor.
"What were you chatting about? You looked so happy," Charles Yin asked, smiling down at Cecilia Gu.
"Oh, nothing much. Just talking to Rona about this pregnancy—it feels so different from when I had Ethan Yin. Back then, I got sick but not as badly as this time." Cecilia Gu laughed. "I say it's another boy, but Rona insists it'll be a girl."
"I thought you didn't care about the gender?" Charles Yin chuckled. "Last time I suggested a test, you said it wasn't necessary. But it doesn't matter—boy or girl, I'll love them both. They're our children."
"I'm just curious," Cecilia Gu said, glancing at Julian King in the distance. She asked in a low voice, "How did things go with all your work these days?"
"Everything went smoothly," Charles Yin replied, his eyes sparkling with delight. "This trip to London was definitely worth it."
Cecilia Gu nodded. "So we'll be heading home soon?"
Charles Yin nodded. "Probably in two or three days. If you miss Miles Gu, you can spend more time at the Field house with him."
Cecilia Gu shook her head. "Earl Field has already signed him up for lots of classes, so I won't bother him. I can visit often anyway. I'm glad to see Miles Gu adapting so well. Soon, both Ethan Yin and Miles Gu will go to Captain Hans for training. It's coming up fast, so let Miles prepare. I doubt Captain Hans will make things easy for the kids."
Charles Yin replied dotingly, "Whatever you decide is fine."
After the second dance, everyone joined the dance floor.
As Cecilia Gu was about to leave, Leon King suddenly approached and bowed. "May I have this dance?"
Cecilia Gu smiled. "Of course."
She placed her hand in Leon King's palm and followed him back onto the dance floor.
"What now? Still not ready to give up? Trying for one last shot before I leave?" Cecilia Gu teased Leon King.
Leon King's eyes flashed behind his glasses, but he kept his tone casual. "Having another option isn't a bad thing, is it?"
"So what's your excuse this time? If it's about money, forget it—I have plenty." Cecilia Gu asked curiously.
Leon King said softly, "I'm about the same age as Uncle Julian, and I'm not bad-looking either."
Cecilia Gu looked at him in surprise. "And?"
Leon King's eyes glinted. "In terms of looks, I don't lose to Uncle Julian."
With that, Leon King slowly took off his black-rimmed glasses, revealing his dazzling eyes.
Even Cecilia Gu, used to handsome men, couldn't help but widen her eyes.
He really was strikingly handsome!
No wonder he wore glasses even though he didn't need them—just to hide his looks.
"Since you only care about your friend's interests, we shouldn't have any conflict. I haven't met your friend yet, but I imagine she's a beauty. The King Family only announced an engagement with the Mo Family, but didn't specify who. If you want, could the match be with me instead? I promise: I will never betray her, I'll be loyal, and I'll make both families thrive together." Leon King said directly.
Cecilia Gu was stunned.
She'd never seen someone so willing to sacrifice themselves for their family's future!
But it's not like they're desperate—there's no need to trade oneself for survival.
Right now, Leon King is the standout of the third generation, and Mr. King Sr. is planning to skip the second and hand things straight to him.
Why would he use his future and marriage to secure the family's status?
"I'm confident I can make your friend fall in love with me. Wouldn't that be a perfect partnership?" Leon King said softly.
Cecilia Gu felt her worldview shatter.
"You think love can be switched at will? Have you ever truly loved anyone?" Cecilia Gu couldn't help but retort.
"No," Leon King answered plainly. "I've never been in love. So I don't see anything wrong with changing a partner. I'm no worse than Uncle Julian, am I?"
Cecilia Gu couldn't help but laugh. "Well, I guess there's nothing left to discuss. We're just not on the same page. To me, love is sacred—it's not to be profaned."
"So you really trust your husband to be loyal to you?" Leon King asked.
Cecilia Gu nodded solemnly. "Yes, I trust him! We've been through so much. If that's not enough for us to believe in each other, then there's no such thing as love in this world."