Chapter 447 - 446: A Golden Son-in-law!

City center.

Outside the mall, on a bustling street.

Standing among the crowd, Fenric finally noticed something strange. Nearly all the pedestrians passing by were couples—a man and a woman walking close together, radiating the sweetness of love.

Even along the way here, he had seen multiple confession scenes.

Inside the mall, he spotted merchants advertising special discounts for Valentine’s Day.

"...Today is Valentine’s Day?"

Fenric muttered with a slight frown. Pulling out his phone to check, he confirmed it was true.

"So that’s why... when I gave Yuhan those two special items this morning, she must have misunderstood. She probably thinks it was a Valentine’s gift, and now she wants to give me something in return."

The realization struck him suddenly—he had made a huge blunder.

He truly hadn’t known today was Valentine’s Day. He gave her the items simply on a whim, not with any intention to flirt with her.

Yet, even if it was a misunderstanding, Fenric didn’t regret it. In fact, he felt a little amused.

He was satisfied with Yuhan.

She had the figure, the looks, the intelligence, and the sensibility.

If it were his previous life, Fenric wouldn’t even have dared to dream of a girl like her. If Yuhan one day became his girlfriend, he would be genuinely happy.

Just as Fenric was lost in thought, someone tapped his shoulder.

Turning around, he saw a face as radiant as a blooming flower.

It was Yuhan.

"Hi! Fenric, you looked spaced out just now. What were you thinking about?"

Her bright, clear eyes shimmered with a smile. Anyone could tell she was in a good mood, excited to be out on a date with him.

Although Fenric wasn’t usually one to think much about romance, he wasn’t the type to falter at a crucial moment either.

"I was thinking about where to take you later. Should we do what other couples are doing—watch a movie, have dinner, maybe go shopping?"

"..!"

At his words, Yuhan’s cheeks instantly turned red.

What he described was exactly the routine of a couple’s date.

Though shy, she whispered softly, "I’ll follow your lead."

Fenric grinned. "Then let’s stick to the standard routine. Come on, let’s catch a movie first."

"Wait!"

Yuhan quickly pulled a small, elegant gift box from her pocket and held it out to him, her face tinted pink.

"Fenric... this is for you. See if you like it."

Fenric gazed at her, captivated by how radiant she looked even in her shyness.

Taking the box, he opened it to find a men’s watch inside. It was exquisitely crafted, a high-end design adorned with rubies—its value obvious at a glance.

He picked it up, fastened it around his wrist, and admired it with satisfaction.

"Yuhan, did you pick this yourself? You’ve got great taste. Look—doesn’t it suit me perfectly?"

Yuhan tilted her head, studied him seriously for a moment, then smiled brightly. "It really does. It looks great on you."

Fenric placed a hand over his heart, smiling. "Then I’ll treasure it. I like it very much—thank you."

Her cheeks flushed even deeper at his words.

"Alright," he said cheerfully, "let’s go watch that movie."

The two of them walked side by side toward the cinema, Fenric buying milk tea for them along the way—just like every other couple on the street.

Because it was Valentine’s Day, the cinema was crowded with couples, and most of the romance films were already sold out. In the end, Fenric chose a blockbuster film instead, and the two lined up to enter the theater together.

To his surprise, the Jadeveil Nation’s film industry in this world had developed remarkably well. The special effects of the blockbuster were vivid and realistic, making the experience surprisingly enjoyable.

By the time the movie ended, evening had already arrived.

Fenric then led Yuhan to a Western restaurant that looked promising, where they shared dinner together—just like any ordinary couple.

After following the "routine" of a Valentine’s date, their bond had deepened noticeably. Neither of them said it aloud, but they had silently acknowledged each other.

—--

Meanwhile, at Yuhan’s home.

In the courtyard of a municipal party committee residence, the doorbell rang.

Inside, a middle-aged man was dining with his wife.

The man’s features were strong and upright, his demeanor carrying a natural air of righteousness—he was a rare example of a middle-aged man who remained strikingly handsome. His wife, though older, still retained her elegance and charm; in her youth, she must have been breathtaking.

This couple was Yuhan’s parents.

"I’ll get the door," the man said, standing up.

Since this was the municipal party committee compound, idle strangers couldn’t just walk in. Anyone who could get this far had to be of considerable status.

He opened the door to find several capable-looking men in black suits.

"You are...?" Father Ford asked cautiously.

"Good evening, Director Ford." The man in the lead presented his credentials. "My surname is Hao. We’re from the National Department. Here’s my identification."

The National Department—a special organization tasked with protecting the country, wielding immense authority.

Seeing the emblem on the document, Father Ford accepted it with both hands and studied it carefully. It was genuine.

"Director Hao, please come in," he said, leading them inside.

Once they were seated, he asked anxiously, "I don’t know why comrades from the National Department would visit me. What matter brings you here?"

He was truly uneasy.

Normally, local government officials and the National Department were two completely separate entities that rarely crossed paths. For them to come knocking could only mean that some matter of grave importance—something threatening national security—was involved.

Yet in his years as an official, Father Ford had always been diligent and conscientious. He couldn’t imagine what could have prompted this visit.

"Director Ford, don’t be nervous."

The man leading the group, Director Hao, smiled politely. "We came because this concerns your daughter."

"My daughter!?" Father Ford froze, then his voice sharpened. "What happened to the child?"

Even Mother Ford tensed, her face filled with worry.

Director Hao’s smile widened slightly. "Director Ford, perhaps you’re unaware... but your daughter, Yuhan, is currently in a relationship."

"What?!"

The moment Father Ford heard those words, his face darkened like a tiger about to pounce.

"This girl! No wonder she hasn’t been home much lately—falling in love so early!" His tone carried both anger and disbelief.

He had always cherished his daughter like a precious jewel. Now, hearing she might be ’taken’ by someone else, his heart burned with unease.

"That can’t be right," Mother Ford interjected. "Isn’t Yuhan supposed to be staying with her cousin, Vienne? Doesn’t Vienne look after her?"

Father Ford snorted coldly. "Vienne is swamped with work every day. How could she possibly have time to keep an eye on Yuhan? Last time Yuhan said she was visiting her sister—I bet it was just an excuse!"

All the while, Director Hao observed their reactions carefully, jotting down mental notes. He had deliberately revealed the matter halfway to test how Yuhan’s parents would respond.

Finally, Father Ford forced himself to calm down, realizing there were more pressing concerns than scolding his daughter.

"Director Hao, comrades... tell me honestly. Is my daughter involved with someone inappropriate? If so, she must have been deceived. I know her—this child would never do anything disloyal to the motherland..."

Director Hao chuckled softly. "No need to worry, Director Ford. On the contrary, this should be considered a blessing. The young man your daughter is involved with... is Shura."

"Shura?" Father Ford frowned. "That name sounds familiar... where have I heard it before?"

Mother Ford’s eyes suddenly widened. "Wait—could it be the one who surpassed Vivienne, the very one making headlines today?"

"What?!"

Father Ford’s eyes widened as the realization struck him.

Director Hao nodded gravely. "Yes, that Shura."

He leaned forward, his tone firm. "Director Ford, I’m here today to ask for your cooperation. We need your support in fostering your daughter’s relationship with Shura. This comes directly from the highest authority. Shura is too important to our country. He has never aligned himself with any power, and so far, Miss Ford is the only person who has managed to get close to him."

"This..."

Father Ford was momentarily speechless. A moment ago, he had thought his precious daughter was being taken advantage of by some pig. But now—wasn’t she reeling in a golden son-in-law instead?

Director Hao’s smile returned. "In addition, the highest official has reviewed your record and personally praised your achievements. After the next meeting, you may be transferred to the provincial level, entrusted with greater responsibility."

Promotion. And not just any promotion—it was a leap from city leadership to the provincial stage.

Father Ford understood this wasn’t solely due to his political record. It was because of his daughter.

If he were the type of man blinded by ambition, he would already be laughing in joy and promising his full cooperation.

But instead, he hesitated. A promotion was good, yes—but should it come at the expense of his daughter’s happiness?

After a pause, Father Ford asked carefully, "Director Hao, can I at least know more about Shura’s identity? Of course, if it’s classified, just pretend I didn’t ask."

Director Hao reassured him. "Don’t worry. We’ve investigated thoroughly. Shura’s family background is clean. He’s just like your daughter—a fresh high school graduate. Here, take a look."

He handed over a photograph.

Father Ford and his wife leaned in.

The photo revealed a handsome young man, with bright eyes and an aura impossible to conceal, even through the picture.

Father Ford exhaled in relief. He had feared this Shura might be some much older man.

But no—he was young, radiant, and indeed a good match for Yuhan.

"Thank you, Director Hao. I am willing to follow the higher up instructions."

Though still uneasy about his daughter dating so early, Father Ford knew: a boy like Shura was a rare opportunity. Miss this chance, and there would be none like it again.

"Excellent." Director Hao stood, smiling. "Then my task here is done. One last thing—Shura’s identity remains a state secret for now. Please keep this confidential."

"Of course." Father Ford nodded repeatedly.

After the delegation departed, Yuhan’s parents sat in complicated silence.

"This girl Yuhan," Mother Ford muttered, "to think she hid her romance from us! I should call her right now and ask."

But Father Ford stopped her. "Let it be. She’s grown up. She has her own thoughts. As for this... opportunity, we can’t control it."

Mother Ford sighed. She wasn’t against the match—only worried for her daughter’s heart.

"How about I call Vienne, then?"

"That’s fine."

—---

Outside, Director Hao and his men walked away, already on another call.

"Any news on Serena Kline’s whereabouts?" Hao asked grimly.

Serena Kline—Fenric’s biological mother.

"Not yet," came the voice on the other end.

Director Hao frowned. "Find her as soon as possible. Other forces are searching too. As for Shura’s father, dispatch more men for covert protection."

"Understood."

—---

At that moment, Vivienne Song sat in her office, reviewing the latest report on Jadeveil Nation’s Samsara data.

Her phone buzzed. She glanced at the caller ID, rubbed her temple, and answered.

"Sister, good evening."

"Vienne, is Yuhan with you right now?"

"No, she went out earlier. Hasn’t come back yet."

"Oh, I see. Then... do you know about Yuhan and that Shura?"

"I do. I reported it myself."

"Vienne... could you tell me what kind of person he is?"

Her voice carried motherly worry.

Vivienne smiled faintly. "Sister, you’re afraid Yuhan will be wronged, aren’t you? Don’t worry. Shura is my friend too. I know his character well. He’s someone who repays gratitude. I can’t promise anything, but I’m certain of this—he won’t hurt Yuhan. In fact, I think they’re good together."

They had just reached this point when rapid knocks sounded at the office door.

"Hold on, Sister."

Vivienne lowered the phone. "Come in."

An officer rushed inside, his face pale with urgency.

"Commander, urgent news from Lois. Adam and several top-ranked masters have appeared in Osaka, in the Thousand Lanterns Island Nation!"

Vivienne’s expression hardened. She shot to her feet, her eyes blazing with sharp light.