Old Pan was acting out of desperation; those words were only effective for a short period.

Once Han Lie truly had Pan Ge, and it was certain she wouldn't "repeat the same mistake," the couple would definitely turn hostile. It wouldn't go as far as forcibly separating the lovers, but they would surely deal with Xi Luting, making sure Han Lie couldn't easily enjoy the bliss of having both women.

The Pan Family was immensely wealthy, and when it came to controlling a commoner, they had countless methods.

They wouldn't even need to do anything specific. As long as you wanted to marry Pan Ge, desired the Pan Family's support, and coveted their wealth, would you dare not to obey their every command?

It's tough being a son-in-law who marries into wealth...

So, in reality, this was just an empty promise.

For anyone else, it would be useless. Not only useless, but it was also highly probable that after all the effort, they would end up with nothing.

Open-minded parents might support their daughter dating in college, but when it came to discussing marriage, there would undoubtedly be more practical considerations. The percentage of college sweethearts who actually made it to the altar was very low.

What Old Pan was thinking now was merely a momentary impulse.

However, an empty promise useless to others was very useful to Han Lie.

As long as you dare to give me an opening, I dare to clean out your house! Keep your family fortune to yourselves; I only want your daughter!

The unexpected surprise invigorated Han Lie.

However, his acting was consistently top-notch; he still maintained a considerable degree of caution and composure. His expression seemed somewhat tempted, yet full of embarrassment.

"I... I... I really never thought about... anything with Pan Ge... I'm not... Sigh! I've never been in a relationship before; it's just too awkward..."

Old Pan nodded in satisfaction.

Yes, he's a good young man! Not too many devious thoughts!

Considering Han Lie's acting skills, deceiving Pan Shengwu and Zhao Anni was a far-fetched idea. But the problem was, he wasn't entirely acting. His attraction was real, his hesitation was also real, and his surprise was genuine. It was just slightly embellished…

How could anyone see through that?

In any case, Old Pan couldn't. The scene unfolding before him was also new to him.

So utterly new!

He harbored no doubts whatsoever and, following his own line of thought, continued to encourage Han Lie.

"We've had a good amount to drink today, Little Han. Uncle Pan wants to have a heart-to-heart with you..."

Well now, Old Pan was feigning drunkenness even more skillfully than Han Lie. His eyes were bleary, his cheeks flushed, and he occasionally slurred his words, perfectly embodying someone who had drunk a lot but wasn't completely out. Without such a performance, he'd be too embarrassed to say certain things.

"Let's take advantage of the alcohol and speak some honest truths, from the heart. Don't you try to fool me, you hear?"

"Mm-hmm, Uncle Pan, please speak. I'm listening!" Han Lie replied, nodding obediently.

"Good!"

Old Pan slapped Han Lie's shoulder forcefully, thinking clearly, Hm? Little Han's physique seems a bit sturdier than last week... Good!

Snapping back to the present, he continued his persuasion.

"I definitely know our girl better than you, right?"

Not necessarily... Han Lie thought.

He suppressed his laughter and nodded. "Right, right!"

Old Pan also nodded, extremely pleased.

"I'm glad you understand. Our girl, she's never liked playing with boys, even when she was little. Back in high school, the line of boys wanting to take her to dinner could have stretched from our house all the way to your school! But she never gave any of them the time of day. It's not like our family has ever been short of a meal, right?"

"That's right!"

"So you see, what's her attitude towards boys she doesn't fancy? She completely ignores them! Now look at you. Last time, with the crabs, Pan Ge invited you herself, didn't she? What does that tell you?!"

It tells me Xi Luting really pushed her buttons... Han Lie silently mused on the truth, then watched as Old Pan, based on entirely flawed premises, arrived at a relatively correct conclusion—

"It means she sees you differently!"

Differently indeed. She hates my guts so much her teeth ache... But then again, without strong emotional fluctuations, feelings can't develop. I suppose I've made a good start.

Han Lie understood everything perfectly but still asked with shining eyes, "Really?"

"Absolutely! Trust me!" Old Pan thumped his chest.

"But..." Han Lie was still dragging it out. "I really don't know how to pursue girls... I am, however, quite good at making them angry."

"Then go ahead and make her angry!" Old Pan decided firmly. The plan sounded utterly unreliable at first, but he actually had follow-up tactics... which was just ridiculous.

"Then Auntie Zhao and I will help smooth things over and create opportunities for you two!"

I... Should I laugh out loud in appreciation first?

Han Lie was almost ecstatic.

Normally, when pursuing a girl in college, if you win over her dorm mates, you're basically halfway there. Now, her own parents were offering to help. How could she possibly get away?!

Other parents might not have effective methods, or might even be counterproductive, but Zhao Anni? Handling a mere Black-hearted White Lotus was a piece of cake for her.

Old Pan finished laying out his idea and looked at Han Lie expectantly.

But the young man was still being bashful and hesitant, which thoroughly frustrated him.

These innocent boys are just unreliable! If only I had another option… Ah, forget it. Little Han is pretty good—reliable, and he can even drink with me… He's just shy. If I give him a little push, that'll do it, right?

With one arm around Han Lie's shoulder and the other pouring him wine, he then, with the stern authority of a prospective father-in-law, pressured Han Lie to accept his fate.

"Drink up, and this matter is settled!"

Han Lie drank, a pained expression on his face.

Old Pan grinned from ear to ear.

"Good! That's a real man! Now, you work hard, hurry up and win over our girl, and in the future, I'll treat you like my own son! Oh, and our girl has expensive daily expenses; that money can't come from you. When you leave later, Uncle will give you a card. Spend whatever you like!"

"COUGH! COUGH! COUGH! COUGH..."

Han Lie choked badly again.

What is this?! My future father-in-law is giving me money to woo his daughter and doesn't even mind if I keep a mistress?!

Looking at the shocked young man, Old Pan smiled smugly.

Like Xi Luting? Naive! Once you truly enjoy a high-quality life and the pleasure of spending money freely, you'll realize how good our girl is. Don't worry about whether it'll work out for now. Anyway, I'm not worried you won't try your best. With my money and our girl's looks, how could you possibly resist?!

Old Pan thought he could overwhelm Han Lie with this offer, while Han Lie…

Well, he was indeed overwhelmed into a state of beaming delight.

The capital's secured, the Imperial Sword is in hand... Now, where's my little darling? Come let your big brother give you a kiss! This year's Best Tool Award... if it's not you, Uncle Pan, I won't acknowledge anyone else!

Xi Luting and Pan Ge watched the two drunkards, arm in arm as if they were the closest of family, their faces a mixture of disgust and utter bafflement.

Men… they're truly strange…

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