The only SSSS-level fertility constitution in the entire interstellar space

Caught off guard, Lu Yao was tightly embraced, her nose bumping against his chest, which carried a cool, refreshing scent.

She could clearly feel that Fu Ciyan's arms were tightly wrapped around her, and his emotions were somewhat off. He buried his head in the crook of her neck.

"Fu... Fu Ciyan?" Lu Yao panicked slightly, her hand hovering helplessly in the air before finally landing gently on his tense back. She tentatively asked, "What's wrong?"

Fu Ciyan did not answer immediately, but instead held her tighter, as if he wanted to meld her into his very bones, drawing strength and comfort from her.

The room was dark, with only the light from the living room streaming in from the doorway, outlining the silhouettes of the two embracing.

Lu Yao quietly let him hold her, without asking any further questions, waiting for his answer.

After a long while, Fu Ciyan's tense body slowly relaxed.

"It was a video call from my father; he was trying to persuade me to accept Qin Shu," Fu Ciyan said, his voice muffled.

Lu Yao blinked. She already knew that Fu Ciyan and Qin Shu were family friends.

"So, what do you think?" Lu Yao wasn't really surprised. Since they were family friends, it was normal for his father to come and act as an intermediary.

"I refused. It's impossible between us. Even if I could accept a marriage match now, the partner would definitely not be someone from the Qin family." Fu Ciyan's voice was full of undisguised resentment. "Because my father was her mother's match."

At this point, Fu Ciyan tugged at the corners of his lips, revealing a not-so-attractive smile.

Lu Yao couldn't help but widen her eyes; she had never expected there to be such a connection.

"Then, who are you?"

"No, she and I are not related by blood." Fu Ciyan shook his head.

Lu Yao breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself, "Thank goodness, I was so scared."

"Then why would your father try to match you two up?"

"Because he felt that Qin Shu liked me, and if I agreed, we could settle down in the future and become a long-term couple."

Fu Ciyan seemed to have been suppressing his feelings for a long time, and once he opened his mouth, he wanted to say what was on his mind.

"That sounds pretty good." At least once things settle down, they won't have to endure repeated forced marriages.

"Yes, that's what he said too. He said that Qin Shu hasn't accepted any matchmaking for two years because of me. The ridiculous thing is that she hasn't stopped having men in these years, but the Qin family has just suppressed it with money. But what am I?" Fu Ciyan's gaze turned cold as he said this. "She was raised by Madam Qin, and her roots are already rotten. She doesn't care about me; she's just unwilling to accept it."

Lu Yao hadn't expected there to be such a thing. Thinking of Qin Shu, she had met him before. He seemed quiet and gentle, and although he was a bit spoiled, she hadn't expected him to be so outgoing in private.

But this seems quite normal; the world has granted women many rights.

"Does your father know about this?"

"He might know some things, but probably not very clearly. However, he probably knows now, but it doesn't matter anymore." Fu Ciyan said, a slight smile playing on his lips. His gaze towards Lu Yao was exceptionally firm. "Because his existence cannot change my decision."

At this point, he seemed to recover: "I'm sorry for telling you all this nonsense. Don't take it to heart. It won't affect our relationship, and I won't let her make a scene in front of you."

*

After Fu Ciyan cut off Fu Hongyi's communication, the holographic projection disappeared, leaving him alone in the study, facing the cold walls and the silence of the room.

He slumped back in his chair, raising his hand to rub his throbbing temples.

There was a lump of stale air stuck in my chest, I couldn't exhale it, and I couldn't swallow it.

Was he wrong?

He only hoped that his son could have a "stable" home, so that he wouldn't have to compromise and endure time and time again in the cracks of the matching system, crushing his dignity and swallowing it with blood and tears, like he did.

The Qin family is of high social standing, and Qin Shu is indeed somewhat arrogant and playful, but in this era, what serious mistake is that?

As long as the family backgrounds are similar and the genetic levels match, isn't it the best choice to settle down in the long term?

Why doesn't Fu Ciyan understand?

Fu Hongyi closed his eyes, unwilling to think any further.

Just then, his personal terminal on his wrist vibrated again; it was a communication request from Madam Qin.

Fu Hongyi frowned, hesitated for a moment, and then answered the call.

A holographic image of Madam Qin appeared in the study.

She was dressed in an elegant loungewear set, her well-maintained face bearing an air of superiority: "So, has she agreed to decline the banquet?"

Looking at Madam Qin's expression, which was full of self-righteousness, Fu Hongyi couldn't help but feel annoyed.

He sat up straight, his face regaining its usual composure, his eyes cold.

"No," he answered succinctly. "His attitude in declining the banquet was very clear; he refused."

Madam Qin's smile froze instantly, then her brows furrowed, and her tone became accusatory: "You refused? Fu Hongyi, what did you say to him? Was your attitude not firm enough? As his father, can't you make the decision for him? What is it about my Qin Shu that makes him unworthy of him?"

"Madam Qin," Fu Hongyi interrupted her, his voice not loud but unyielding, "He has his own reasons for declining the banquet. I have said before that I will not make decisions for him and will respect all his choices."

"Respect?" Madam Qin's voice suddenly turned sharp, as if she had heard a joke. "Fu Hongyi, you should know that I only have one daughter, Qin Shu. This is her only wish. If Fu Ciyan is sensible, he will agree. If he is not sensible, then don't blame me for being impolite."

"What are you trying to do? Are you crazy? Don't forget Fu Ciyan's current status. He is the youngest general in the Federation, not an ordinary person you can manipulate at will!" Fu Hongyi couldn't help but stand up. "Qin Shu is important to you, and Ciyan is equally important to me. Madam Qin, if you really dare to do anything, my Fu family is not to be trifled with. I hope you understand that."

At this point, Fu Hongyi seemed unwilling to hold back any longer: "Also, don't talk about how much Qin Shu has sacrificed for Ci Yan anymore. Although she hasn't participated in the matchmaking these past few years, she hasn't been idle either; she's never stopped having men."

"What nonsense are you spouting? Those are all rumors. Haven't I already explained it to you? You..."

"You can fool me, but don't forget what Ci Yan's job is. Does he need to use his power to examine the evidence that your Qin family paid to suppress?"

Faced with Fu Hongyi's words, the composed expression on Madam Qin's face finally cracked.

Looking at her like this, Fu Hongyi felt a strange sense of pleasure rising in his heart.

"So don't bring up Qin Shu's liking for Ci Yan and her giving up her match for him anymore, otherwise it will only make people think that the women from your Qin family are disgusting."

"Fu Hongyi, what did you say? How could you...?"

Before Madam Qin could finish speaking, Fu Hongyi had already ended the call. He didn't want to see her face at all!