Chapter 8: Who Just Walks Up and Calls Someone Husband?

On the other side of the hall, Luo Chen, who had just calmed down, curved his lips into a grin even more crooked than a Dragon King’s.

He had long heard of Su Wan’er’s reputation.
He also knew that the Luo and Su families had once arranged a marriage alliance years ago—the groom-to-be none other than Luo Jiutian.

Heh, but now…

The Luo family’s young master was no longer Luo Jiutian.
It was him, Luo Chen!

By family tradition, once the young master changed, all resources, connections, and marriage contracts tied to the former young master would be reallocated.
This marriage to Su Wan’er would naturally and logically fall into his hands.

That the Su family hadn’t made an announcement today was nothing more than consideration for appearances.
They were simply waiting for him, the new young master, to fully establish himself before formally declaring it.

To Luo Chen, this was a test.
As long as he proved himself strong enough and steady enough, no matter what entanglement Su Wan’er once had with Luo Jiutian, she would eventually be his wife.

And Su Wan’er’s sudden arrival today—without doubt, it was a signal.
She couldn’t wait.
She wanted to meet her future husband in advance.

After all, with his status and his heaven-defying talent, it made perfect sense for a fairy-like girl to throw herself into his arms.

Thinking this, Luo Chen’s gaze grew all the more confident.
He smoothed his sleeves, rose to his feet, and prepared to step forward in welcome.

But in the very next moment, his smile froze.

Su Wan’er didn’t even glance his way.
Instead, she walked straight toward the corner.

Everyone was momentarily stunned, then the room erupted.

“That direction… Su Fairy is heading for Luo Jiutian?”
“No way, another one going over? What, is there some peerless treasure sitting there?”
“I think it looks more like unfinished business of the heart.”

As Su Wan’er’s footsteps drew closer, Luo Jiutian remained seated where he was.
His expression was calm.

He lifted his teacup slowly and took a sip.
Tactical tea drinking.

Only when a pair of familiar embroidered shoes stopped right before him did he raise his head, ready to say a few polite words to brush her off.

But before he could even open his mouth, Su Wan’er leaned forward and called out sweetly:

“Hubby~”

Pffft—

Luo Jiutian failed to hold back.
A mouthful of tea sprayed straight out.

“Su… Su Wan’er, what are you saying? We haven’t even—”

He hadn’t finished speaking before Su Wan’er darted in and, under the eyes of the entire hall, planted a kiss right on his lips.

Luo Jiutian froze.
So did the crowd of onlookers.

When they saw this scene, the entire hall boiled over.

“She—she just called Luo Jiutian hubby… and kissed him?!”
“Holy crap! Isn’t that way too direct?”
“Coming to the Luo family’s banquet and witnessing something like this—even if I died right now, it’d be worth it!”

Before the clamor could subside, a sharp crack sounded.

Right beside Luo Jiutian, the teacup in Luo Yunlan’s hand split with a clean fracture.
Tea seeped slowly down through the crack, spilling across her palm.
She seemed not to notice, making no move at all.

A flash of crimson glinted in Luo Yunlan’s eyes.

How dare this woman?

The very instant she stepped foot into the Luo family’s hall, she shamelessly kissed her Little Tian in front of everyone.

Brazen.
Flirtatious.
Shameless.

The words flickered through her mind, yet none of them could smother the swell of emotion rising higher and higher within her.

She knew—it wasn’t the kiss itself that truly unsettled her.
It was that Su Wan’er dared to do what she herself… did not dare.

No one noticed Luo Yunlan’s strangeness.
All discussions revolved entirely around Su Wan’er’s world-shaking move.

Of course, Luo Yunlan wasn’t the only one rattled.
Luo Chen was, too.

He had just risen brimming with confidence to greet Su Wan’er, only to be completely ignored.
And now, right before his eyes, the fiancée he thought already belonged to him had not only walked up to Luo Jiutian—she had kissed him.

[ Ding! Host successfully caused the Child of Destiny ‘Luo Chen’ to mentally collapse.
Luck value converting automatically… ]

[ Current countdown to Blue Star’s return: 299 years, 6 months. ]
[ 2 years deducted. Remaining: 297 years, 6 months. ]

The system’s notification rang in Luo Jiutian’s mind, though he had no time to care.

By now, Su Wan’er had already turned and seated herself—right beside him.

Before he could react, two beauties had taken their places, one on each side, sandwiching him between them.

Su Wan’er beamed as she slipped her arm through his, leaning close.
“Hubby, I missed you so much.”

Luo Jiutian’s eyelid twitched.
He tried to pull his arm back, only to find her grip unexpectedly tight.
After two failed attempts, he gave up struggling altogether.

“Wan’er, this isn’t funny.”
He lowered his voice.
“Calling me ‘husband’ like that is… inappropriate.”

Su Wan’er blinked innocently.
“How could it be inappropriate? We have a marriage contract, don’t we?”

As she spoke, she leaned even closer, putting on a pitiful look.
“Or is it… that Jiutian-ge dislikes me?”

Luo Jiutian opened his mouth, about to speak, when a gentle voice cut in from his other side.

“There was indeed a contract.
But now that the young master has changed, your relationship ought to be reconsidered.”

Su Wan’er turned her head toward the speaker.
Her smile thinned slightly.
“And this elder sister is…?”

Luo Yunlan lifted her gaze, meeting Su Wan’er’s eyes.
“Luo Yunlan, eldest daughter of the Luo family.”

She hadn’t intended to say more.
But after a brief pause, her eyes swept across Luo Jiutian, and she added softly:
“We’ve grown up together since childhood.”

Su Wan’er let out an “Oh,” tilting her head in thought.

No wonder Jiutian-ge seemed so cold and distant with her today.
On normal days, he would have teased her until she blushed.
She thought he was just being shy…

But it turned out he had a rival by his side all along?
And this rival was putting on the aura of a gentle, graceful official wife?

Infuriating!

No, she absolutely couldn’t lose in momentum here!

“Luo Yunlan…” she murmured softly, then chuckled.
“How strange. I’ve never once heard Jiutian-ge mention you.”

Luo Yunlan returned her smile.
“What a coincidence. I’ve also never heard him speak of you, his so-called fiancée.”

Their gazes locked.
Neither backed down.
The atmosphere sank, heavy tension spreading in the air.

Su Wan’er discreetly shifted her fingers.
“It seems sister and Jiutian-ge are truly very close. I can’t help but feel a little envious.”

Luo Yunlan inclined her head slightly.
“Wan’er overpraises.
Knowing each other from childhood, the bond is naturally different.”

On the surface, their exchange was courteous and calm.
But only Luo Jiutian, trapped between them, could feel the crushing pressure from both sides.

He focused on his nose, then on his heart, preparing another tactical sip of tea—only to find his cup already empty.

He lifted the teapot, ready to pour, when suddenly two slender hands brushed against his at the same time.

Su Wan’er: “Allow me.”
Luo Yunlan: “No, let me.”

Their eyes met again.
Still smiling.
But in the air between them, sparks threatened to ignite.

Luo Jiutian’s head throbbed.
He pressed one hand to the table edge and shoved the teapot toward the middle.
“You two play. I’m not thirsty.”

Both girls caught his “emotion.”
Their aggressive auras unconsciously dimmed a little.

Su Wan’er wore a pout outwardly, but inside, she was delighted.
See? Jiutian-ge still cared for her.
That look of his—clearly, he was defending her, displeased that Luo Yunlan was pressing too hard.

Hmph, of course Jiutian-ge couldn’t possibly betray her.

Across from her, the corners of Luo Yunlan’s lips curved up ever so slightly.
Little Tian… still didn’t like anyone being too forward with him.
This little girl had been far too frivolous.
Of course he wouldn’t respond, and that was why he showed such an expression.
As expected, in his heart, he leaned closer to her side.

The two of them fell silent, yet in their hearts each reached completely opposite conclusions.

Suddenly, Luo Chen’s voice rang out across the hall, clear and strong, breaking the tense atmosphere.

“Honored guests from afar, Luo Chen is deeply grateful for your presence.”

He clasped his hands and bowed, expression solemn.
“From today onward, I officially return to the clan as the Luo family’s young master.
Earlier, I was impetuous and caused offense, disturbing the mood.
I beg your pardon.”

The guests blinked, turning their gazes toward him.

Luo Chen’s face was steady, his tone neither humble nor arrogant.
“The transfer of clan authority is of utmost importance.
I have no wish to wield my identity as a weapon.
I only hope to convince with strength.”

He paused, sweeping his eyes across the hall.
“Among our guests tonight are many exceptional talents.
If any are interested, I would be honored to exchange pointers.”

Having said this, Luo Chen cast a glance at Luo Jiutian, then stood tall with his hands clasped behind him, waiting quietly.

Only then did the guests realize—

Luo Chen was taking the initiative.
He meant to establish his authority with real victories.

Many eyes lit with eagerness, fighting spirit stirring.
The next spectacle was about to begin.