Uncle Shazhu, a simple-minded man in a courtyard house, persuades people with reason.

Guided by the servants, He Ping'an walked towards the villa deep within the courtyard. The Lou family's residence was now far more impressive than the small villa depicted in the TV series…

Fountains, sculptures, and lawns are all present, especially the garden... Peonies, crabapples, and other precious flowers, whether in season or not, are casually placed there to bloom, silently flaunting wealth.

After about ten minutes, the servants led He Ping'an to the door of an English-style villa, where the servants at the door went inside to announce his arrival.

What a grand display...

Even knowing it was a show of force from the Lou family, He Ping'an still smiled calmly. Especially when he saw the several cars parked not far from the villa.

"Mr. He, my master invites you in!" The maid who came to announce the arrival stepped forward and bowed, gesturing for him to enter.

He thanked her softly, refusing the maid's offer to hold the baby or take the formula. Dressed in a school uniform, with a baby in his left hand and formula in his right, He Ping'an casually walked up the steps.

The Lou family estimated that they had just finished breakfast. When He Ping'an entered, the servants were clearing the table, removing dozens of exquisite plates in succession. This glimpse into the extravagance of the Lou family, even for a simple breakfast, revealed the true scale of their lifestyle.

He Ping'an nodded repeatedly, not at the breakfast itself, but at the perfect timing! It was taken away just as clearly as he'd seen it. Just like before…

The car could have driven straight to the villa, but it stopped at the gate, forcing him to walk in. This was a way of showing off his wealth while simultaneously expressing his own. "Look how rich my family is, but there's no place for you." "Just look, don't even think about getting on the table!"

Subtle, direct, yet gentle; his silence speaks volumes. To go to such lengths to deal with a poor student—this doesn't seem like the way Lou Bancheng would act at this time.

Was it Lou Xiaohui's biological mother, Lou Bancheng's first wife, or was Lou Xiaohui's marriage prospectus too important? So important that... even a poor student like him had to be treated with "respect," lest it displease Lou Xiaohui and cause setbacks in the marriage!

He Ping'an glanced discreetly at the corner of the second floor before his gaze fell upon Lou Bancheng and his wife, who had been watching him closely for some time. The middle-aged woman before him, adorned with only a few pieces of jewelry, exuded an air of elegance and nobility, accentuated by her scholarly demeanor.

Unlike his portrayal in the TV series, where he was obese and dull like a wild boar waiting to be slaughtered, Lou Bancheng was no longer thin. Although he was still not exactly thin, his eyes were deep and wise, and his aura was powerful and imposing.

"Mr. Lou, Mrs. Lou!"

Even when facing the person in question, He Ping'an remained calm. His casual attitude was exactly the same as when he was talking to the servant earlier.

To be honest, He Ping'an's attitude was somewhat rude. Even setting aside the fact that he was carrying baby formula, he should have at least greeted the host upon entering!

Ultimately, it's the young man's pride that's at play. He knows that in three years the Lou family will be nothing more than a plaything for him to manipulate, but being looked down upon is still unpleasant!

For some reason, looking at Lou Bancheng before him, He Ping'an suddenly recalled a popular saying from his past life in the online novel world. Since he remembered it, it meant he subconsciously wanted to say that saying, so he decided to follow his heart:

"I understand why Mr. Lou summoned me! I just don't know if you've ever heard this saying... 'Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river; never underestimate a young man's potential!' Who knows, perhaps in the future, our roles will reverse?"

Lou Bancheng was taken aback at first, but after carefully examining He Ping'an and seeing how serious he was, he suddenly pointed at He Ping'an and burst into laughter. It was unclear whether he was laughing out of anger or mocking the ignorance of the young man!

Lou Bancheng, who had dominated Beiping for many years, was born during the Qing Dynasty, rose to power during the Beiyang period, and survived the rule of the Japanese. Today, no young person speaks to him like that anymore!

If it weren't for his daughter's desperate efforts and his wife's persuasion, this young man wouldn't even have had the chance to see him.

A declaration of intent? A threat?

"Very well, I'll await that day! When it comes, I'll personally pour you tea and apologize!"

He Ping'an tilted his head, turning his gaze back to the corner on the second floor. He shook his head at Lou Bancheng: "No need, just promise me Lou Xiaohui as my second wife!"

"Clang!"

Lou Bancheng slammed his teacup heavily onto the golden nanmu tabletop. He had originally intended to grant He Ping'an a meeting out of consideration for his daughter, or rather, her future husband's family, and offer him a small favor to send him on his way. He never expected this young man before him…

"Xiao Hui, why aren't you coming down to see your sweetheart? You're acting like you're going to die for him, but he's thinking of taking you as his concubine!"

Lou Bancheng, somewhat flustered, shouted something towards the second floor and left immediately! The middle-aged woman sized up He Ping'an for a moment but didn't say a word. After seeing her daughter go downstairs, she shook her head and left as well.

They were already making the biggest concession by being allowed to meet He Ping'an and giving him a chance!

"Hello, Lou Xiaohui!" "Yay!"

He Ping'an put down the milk powder, raised He Yushui's little hand, and greeted the little beauty with her eyes red like a rabbit's.

"He Ping'an..." Lou Xiaohui had lost her usual energy, but seeing He Yushui waving at her, she still managed a forced smile. She expertly pulled him into her arms and instructed the servants to prepare formula and feed him!

During their casual conversation, He Ping'an learned the gist of the matter. Just as he had suspected, Lou Bancheng wanted to use her to arrange a marriage between him and the newly appointed mayor of Beiping.

Lou Xiaohui naturally disagreed, but she couldn't fight city hall... Threats, persuasion, and even the threat to the lives of the He family members. Lou Xiaohui couldn't withstand it, but she still managed to plead for this opportunity, which wasn't really an opportunity, for He Ping'an.

At this point, Lou Xiaohui, her eyes red, glared at He Ping'an:

"What a coincidence, your arranged marriage partner is also a bastard surnamed He, just like you. He keeps a mistress, and you're even more despicable, making me your mistress!"

He Ping'an smiled and nodded affirmatively: "Then I'm more shameless than him! At least I'm better than that bastard in some way!"

Lou Xiaohui was left speechless, both amused and exasperated by the shameless remark. He Ping'an took the drowsy little girl, Xiaoyushui, from Lou Xiaohui's arms. He wiped away the little beauty's tears and gently comforted her:

"Don't always cry. If crying worked, there wouldn't be so many tears in the world! Hold on, and believe in hope!"

There were some things He Ping'an couldn't and shouldn't say, and he hoped Lou Xiaohui would understand. Otherwise, he would have no choice but to ask that bastard with the same surname who stole his girlfriend to leave in advance!

Lou Xiaohui thought He Ping'an was fighting and striving for their happiness, and she was deeply moved. She said many things about not giving up and working together.

If she knew that He Ping'an was speaking from the heart, I wonder if she would still be moved?

The two chatted for a bit longer before He Ping'an carried Xiao Yushui away. On his way, he also took the milk powder that Lou Xiaohui had specially bought for Xiao Yushui!

"You're the super-powerful He Ping'an that my older sister was talking about? My name is Lou Xiao'e!"

Just as He Ping'an stepped out of the villa, he bumped into a mother and daughter.

"Hello!"

In the drama, Lou Xiao'e is a naive seven-year-old girl. However, her mother, Lou Tanshi, is far inferior to Lou Xiaohui's mother.

Not only was she adorned with jewels, but she also exuded an undisguised air of superiority!

Not likable!