Chapter 383: Chapter 382: Am I, Xu Lingjun, Someone Who freeloads?
After listening to Li Pingting’s explanation to Xu Lingjun.
Xu Lingjun finally understood what was going on with that driver’s bizarre look earlier.
He had thought Li Fufeng was gentle and considerate, completely unlike the rigidness Li Jingjun had mentioned... Turns out, he was waiting for him right here.
Indeed, a wedding was being arranged for the two, but it wasn’t him marrying Li Jingjun; it was Li Jingjun marrying him.
This also explained why all the women in the Li Family were surnamed Li. They were the true bloodline, and the men were just tools for carrying on the family line.
This Li Fufeng was completely coveting Xu Lingjun’s appearance and aptitude, intending to use his sperm to birth offspring for the Li Family.
And not even providing a bride price... just taking him for nothing.
Li Pingting sneered coldly, "So Jingjun didn’t mention it to you, huh? But it’s understandable, considering I’m the cautionary tale. Do you know why I’m still single at over thirty? It’s not that no man is willing to join the Li Family, but truly capable men, which of them are willing to join?"
"True, and the name Li Lingjun really doesn’t sound good at all. It feels like Li Jingjun and Lingjun are siblings, there’s a kind of inces~tuous vibe about it."
Xu Lingjun sighed deeply and said, "No, I have to go talk to the old lady."
"Either give up or accept fate, could there be a third path no matter how much you talk?"
Li Pingting said quietly, "If there were a third path, do you think I would still be single now?"
"Cut the crap, lead the way."
Li Pingting sneered and said no more.
Li Fufeng’s life was very regular, so much so that there was no need to ask. Li Pingting directly led Xu Lingjun to a tranquil garden.
In the garden, the small hills and flowing water weren’t fake; rather, part of the original mountain had been uniquely left in this garden, making it seem more real and serene.
At this time, Li Fufeng was quietly sitting on a recliner with her eyes closed, resting.
When Xu Lingjun approached, she didn’t turn back and asked, "Xu Lingjun, you’ve traveled such a long way. Why don’t you rest in your room properly instead of running around?"
"I just wanted to ask about the wedding matters."
Xu Lingjun didn’t straightforwardly ask, having lived two lifetimes, he knew a bit about the art of conversation.
He said tactfully, "After all, Jingjun and I truly love each other. Although I didn’t intend to marry her so soon, you, as Jingjun’s elder, took the initiative to propose it, so I naturally want to satisfy you. Therefore, I wanted to ask when we could arrange for the parents of both families to sit down and have a proper talk?"
Li Fufeng opened her eyes.
Xu Lingjun continued, "According to our customs, before marriage, the groom’s side needs to provide a new house for the couple to live in, and there should be a bride price expenditure. Correspondingly, perhaps you, the old lady, may also need to return some of it as a startup fund for our daily life..."
Li Fufeng looked at Li Pingting and asked, "Pingting, didn’t you tell him?"
Li Pingting averted her gaze. Seeing Xu Lingjun proactively challenging Li Fufeng, she felt a slight, inexplicable pleasure in her heart, averted her gaze, and said, "No, he is quite opinionated himself, not my place to tell him anything."
Li Fufeng nodded and said, "You talk about the two families meeting, but I remember, you’re an orphan."
"I have a father-in-law, a father-in-law is like half a dad, and this father-in-law treats me better than his own daughter, so he’s almost like a biological father."
Xu Lingjun smiled, "I think it’s best for him to be involved in major life decisions like my marriage, to show my respect."
Li Pingting stood speechless on the side.
Thinking, inviting your father-in-law to attend your wedding to another woman?
In the name of respect?
Why does that feel more like an insult?
"No need."
Li Fufeng said lightly, "Since you’re joining our family, everything is simplified. If you’re inclined, you can invite your father-in-law here now. In fact, back then, my husband also kept a mistress. We’re not particularly bothered by this; Blue Star has long been on the battlefield. Although there’s gender equality, most who go to war are men. Nowadays, there are fewer men and more women. Having one wife and a few concubines is understandable, especially with your capabilities. It’s even more understandable."
Xu Lingjun feigned surprise and said, "Joining? Isn’t Jingjun marrying me?"
"Sorry, it’s the rule of our Li Family. Didn’t you say you love Jingjun? Then what’s wrong with sacrificing a little for her?"
"But I already have a wife."
"Wife? Do you mean your fiancée?"
Li Fufeng said, "Like I said, we’re not bothered by you having mistresses outside. As long as you can convince Jingjun, you can even bring her home. When we pass away, everything of the Li Family will be yours. You can do whatever you want then."
Xu Lingjun asked, "But she can’t be my wife anymore, right? Just considered a mistress."
Li Fufeng replied, "Your wife can only be Jingjun."
Xu Lingjun shook his head and said, "I’m afraid that’s not possible."
"Is this what you call your affection and feelings for Jingjun?"
Li Fufeng finally showed some sarcasm in her eyes, shaking her head, "I know you and Jingjun are in love, plus you have excellent aptitude, which is why I’m willing to give you a chance... If you’re unwilling to accept, then there’s nothing to discuss. Leave if you don’t want to comply. Our Li Family is a prominent clan and won’t trouble outsiders."
Li Pingting glanced at Xu Lingjun, didn’t speak, but the meaning in her eyes was clear to Xu Lingjun.
See, there’s really no room for negotiation here.
Xu Lingjun wasn’t angry, and asked, "Old lady, do you think women are stronger than men, so why should a woman endure ten months of pregnancy, and the child still end up with the man’s surname, right?"
Li Fufeng replied, "It’s not that complicated, it’s just about wanting to continue the Li bloodline and surname."
"But even if I join, and the child takes your surname Li as you wish, the biggest issue with naming a child after the mother is if Jingjun and I have a daughter, fine. But if it’s a son, who later marries into another family, the child takes his wife’s surname. Then isn’t it still not Li anymore? By then, your protection of the Li surname will be in vain."
Xu Lingjun shook his head and said, "According to your reasoning, wouldn’t the surname change every generation? You’re insisting my children take their mother’s surname, without considering that there might be another old lady making things hard for my kids. If they submit as I do, the Li surname won’t be preserved."
"It’s different."
Li Fufeng couldn’t help but glance at Xu Lingjun, apparently not expecting him to be so articulate, using her own logic against her.
She said, "If it’s a daughter, naturally marry into the family. If it’s a son, marry a wife... Anyway, it has to be Li."
Xu Lingjun shook his head and smiled, "Old lady, you’re really having double standards here. You want the surname rights for yourself, but won’t allow other women to have their own surname rights."
"I have my reasons for guarding the Li Family!"
This time, Li Fufeng didn’t put on an indifferent attitude. She took a deep look at Xu Lingjun and said, "Come with me, I’ll show you why I’m so set on continuing the Li bloodline."
With that, she got up with her cane and walked out.
Xu Lingjun followed her steps.
Li Pingting seemed to be moved by Xu Lingjun’s words too and silently followed at the end, without saying anything.