"Han Lie, how many people are in your family?"

Han Lie might not have eaten pork before, but he'd certainly seen pigs run. He automatically and conscientiously began his report.

"Auntie Zhao, it's just my parents and me at home. Dream City didn't have much in its early years. My grandfather's generation suffered greatly and passed away young. From my parents' generation, only an aunt and a younger uncle are left."

"Oh my! No wonder you're so sensible!"

Han Lie didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

What was this all about?! Was she just praising me for the sake of it?!

Zhao Anni continued, "What's the economic environment like where you live?"

Han Lie wasn't trying to make a grand impression. He replied steadily, "Dream City is a resource-based city. The rich are extremely wealthy, while the poor still constitute the majority. However, overall economic growth is quite rapid, so there are always ways to earn some extra money. On the whole, it's decent, but my family is quite average."

"Oh, there must be a lot of nouveau riche there, right? Is it easy to get bullied?"

Han Lie smiled and chose his words carefully.

"There are indeed many nouveau riche. The overall character of the wealthy often doesn't keep pace with their growing fortunes, so unnecessary conflicts are also common.

"But we're honest people who don't look for trouble. We respect ourselves, so we aren't constantly bullied.

"Brazen people exist everywhere, but they aren't the mainstream anywhere."

"Good, good! What a good boy!"

Zhao Anni was extremely pleased.

She didn't care at all where Han Lie was from, what his family's circumstances were, or whether they were poor or rich.

To put it bluntly, with her and Uncle Pan's current wealth, even if it didn't grow any further, it would be more than enough for Pan Ge to live comfortably for several lifetimes.

So, what was the need to find a boy who matched their family's social status?

Any boy would do!

The questions she asked weren't really meant to gather information; she just wanted to assess Han Lie's character.

She wouldn't mind if Han Lie's character was lacking, but the problem was that a boy with a poor character couldn't possibly change Pan Ge.

She understood her daughter's pride and haughty spirit all too well.

So, if Han Lie wasn't suitable, she wouldn't try to force the issue with her daughter.

They would just keep looking for another prospect.

But after this conversation—well, he was quite an outstanding young man!

He was thoughtful, had his own ideas, and was composed. He lacked the arrogance typical of rich second-generation kids. On top of that, he was quite clean-cut and pleasant-looking...

Old Pan, you did well!

Zhao Anni swiftly washed the fruit, arranged it in a fruit basket, and eagerly led Han Lie back to the living room.

By then, Uncle Pan had come downstairs and was leisurely chatting with his daughter and Xi Luting.

The moment their eyes met, Zhao Anni raised an eyebrow slightly, smiled with pursed lips, and gave a subtle nod. Uncle Pan understood immediately.

The Empress Dowager has also given her considerable approval!

"HAHA!"

With a hearty laugh, Uncle Pan proactively stood up.

"Teacher Han, you're here! Quick, come sit down. Let's have some tea, just the two of us!"

He was brimming with an enthusiasm that felt both warm and fatherly.

This even left Pan Ge stunned.

Sensing that rather eager warmth, Han Lie felt somewhat conflicted.

I think of you as a big brother, but you genuinely want to be my father-in-law... Can we perhaps renegotiate... You call me your worthy son-in-law, and I call you Third Dad?

While these stray thoughts wandered through his mind, Han Lie hurried over and bowed slightly.

"Uncle Pan, hello."

Under the astonished gazes of his daughter and Xi Luting, Uncle Pan took Han Lie's arm, firmly guided him to a seat at the tea table, and personally began to prepare the tea.

"Let's dispense with the formalities! The main reason I invited you to our home today is to ask for your guidance.

"But we'll discuss serious matters later. Tea first, drink your tea!"

Pan Ge eyed her father suspiciously.

Xi Luting eyed Pan Ge suspiciously.

Zhao Anni quietly observed them both.

Uncle Pan chatted animatedly while brewing the tea.

Finally, there was only Han Lie. He remained serene, like still waters running deep, his eyes slightly lowered, a faint smile on his lips. No one knew what he was thinking.

---

Thank you to Bai Zhou for becoming the second Alliance Hierarch!

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