Chapter 1819: Return Gift

Old Master Ye looked displeased, “What do you mean, I am her biological grandfather, shouldn’t I be concerned about her marriage?”

Ye Jun knew all too well what the old man was scheming. Sometimes, he couldn’t quite tolerate certain behaviors from this family, but given the blood ties and respect for elders, he usually stayed silent as long as things weren’t too outrageous.

Being concerned was all about the groom being Bo Yanching, seeing potential benefits.

The dowry from the Bo Family was bound to be a hefty sum; claiming they weren’t tempted was impossible.

“It’s not that, you always care for Jiaojiao, and I trust you mean well for her. But since her marriage has already been told to me, she and the Ye Family are united in this. We are her maternal family, and naturally, we should support her.”

Ye Lao’s expression softened slightly, “Do you have some acquaintanceship with Bo Yanching? Arrange a convenient time, and I’ll meet him myself.”

“We have no business dealings, nor a personal relationship, but we did meet tonight,” Ye Jun replied without a change in demeanor, “As for Jiaojiao’s dowry, I will negotiate it, though it might be difficult to settle.”

Ye Lao frowned, “Difficult to settle?”

Ye Jun slowly replied, “Whatever dowry the Bo Family offers, we must reciprocate equally, or else it would make our side appear inferior. If word gets out, others might think we are deliberately taking advantage, which wouldn’t look good publicly. But whether to accept what Bo Family offers requires careful thought. If accepted, I’ll contribute what I can, and we’ll pool together, we should be able to match it.”

Chen Nian couldn’t stay calm, “Why should you contribute?”

Ye Jun said, “I’m Jiaojiao’s elder brother; it’s only right I contribute.”

“If the Bo Family wants to give, then just take it. With their status, even what slips through their fingers is enough to make us bankrupt trying to match it—why bother? Why even return a gift!”

Chen Nian truly felt anxious, knowing the elders’ intentions. Any discussion was fine, but touching their own family’s assets was a no-go; how could her son be expected to provide a dowry for an unappreciated girl found by chance. Her words rushed out, revealing her inner thoughts.

Immediately reprimanded by Ye Lao, “If you can’t speak well, then shut up!”

Chen Nian’s heart skipped in shock as she inadvertently exposed what was meant to be concealed.

She pressed her lips tightly, saying nothing more, sitting back with a resentful expression.

Ye Jun sighed inwardly, “Grandfather, how much dowry do you plan to contribute?”

Ye Lao’s face was increasingly strained; he inhaled his cigarette deeply, suddenly choking uncontrollably. Su Rong hurried over, gently patting his back to ease his discomfort.

Ye Lao grasped the armrest, feeling as if his throat might burst from the coughing, apparently displeased by the patting, he indicated with a raised hand for Su Rong to stop.

“Family interactions have always been managed by your grandmother and mother, discuss it with them.”

His foot tapped underneath, Su Rong understood and helped him up, “Do you want to go back to your room and rest?”

“I’m getting older, can’t stay up much,” Ye Lao held onto Su Rong’s hand, with his back turned, his eyes gesturing, “Tell the kids not to chat too late.”

Su Rong felt a muted disappointment but had grown accustomed to being put forward over the decades. She responded with a soft “Alright” and summoned a servant to help Ye Lao back to his room.

She said, “I haven’t checked the storeroom inventory in a long while, I’ll do a count with your mother these days. On Jiaojiao’s side, let her be patient, she’ll get what’s due. Grandma doesn’t favor any child, treating them all equally.”