Ye Lingling immediately tensed up when she heard Du Guyan ask that question.
Su Chen looked at Ye Lingling, finding her even more stunning—an icy beauty with a hint of charm.
"This might come off a little bold, but I pride myself on being genuine—I'm talking about marriage here!"
"Ye Lingling, are you interested in marrying me?"
Ye Lingling: ???
Du Guyan pulled Ye Lingling a little closer, stared cautiously at Su Chen, and asked:
"This is how you chase girls?"
Du Gubo also gave Su Chen a strange look. Today's young people really are... straightforward.
Su Chen watched as Ye Lingling's pretty face slowly turned red. He spoke seriously:
"Although my soul power is currently low, I'll level up quickly. Within three years, I'll be a Title Douluo. Plus, I already have strong combat strength."
"Not to brag, but in terms of strength, looks, and talent, I, Su Chen, may be second, but no one in the younger generation dares claim first."
"Unfortunately! My Su family used to be one of the four major families in Su Province, but now I'm the only one left. I'm the last hope of the Su family and bear the responsibility of continuing the family line."
Du Gubo said thoughtfully:
"True, no matter how powerful one person is, they're still just one person."
Du Guyan and Ye Lingling were both dumbfounded.
Bro...
Aren't you a transmigrator?
Weren't you alone from the beginning?
Du Guyan gave him a strange look. She remembered on the way here, Su Chen was already flirting with Hu Liena.
Ye Lingling was panicking inside. A young girl like her had never received such a direct marriage proposal before.
"Um... I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you have a girlfriend?"
Du Guyan perked up at this, staring straight at Su Chen, thinking: Let's see how "honest" you really are now, punk.
But...
Su Chen's whole brand was honesty.
"I currently only have one girlfriend—Hu Liena, disciple of Bibi Dong from Spirit Hall. If you're willing to be with me, you'll be my second girlfriend."
"Pffft!"
Du Guyan, mid-sip of tea and ready to watch the drama, spit it all over Du Gubo's face in shock.
What the hell?
Bro, you're seriously playing the honesty card!
Ye Lingling was stunned.
"Um... Su Chen... I..."
You couldn't lie to me just a little? You just came right out and said that?
Even Du Gubo was speechless. Damn! He couldn't figure young people out anymore.
I'm old... so old.
Su Chen, on the other hand, didn't think it was a big deal. In Douluo Continent, strength is everything. Why beat around the bush dating one by one when you can settle the logistics first?
Seeing Ye Lingling too shocked to speak, Su Chen continued:
"I'm being serious. You don't have to worry about me being unfaithful. Every girlfriend I have will be officially married and treated sincerely."
"If we're together, the only thing I can't give you is exclusive love—but everything else, I can give. I'll teach you soul skills, help you level up, and find a way to break the limitations of your Nine-Heart Begonia martial soul."
"If you're willing, just spend some time around me. If later on you're not satisfied, you can leave anytime."
The room fell silent.
Ye Lingling had originally come with Du Guyan to meet Su Chen, but somehow, this turned into a matchmaking session between her and Su Chen.
Su Chen...
Ye Lingling had to admit, based on what she'd seen so far, he ticked all her boxes—except for already having a girlfriend.
And thanks to the diary side-quest system, Ye Lingling didn't think he was exaggerating. If anything, Su Chen was being modest.
Ye Lingling looked at Su Chen, and said seriously:
"Can you give me some time to think about it?"
Su Chen nodded firmly: "Of course. And since I spoke so bluntly, you don't just need to think about it—you can assess my strength and character, too."
Ye Lingling nodded. Her blushing face made it hard for her to respond.
Du Guyan was feeling a bit sour inside and whispered to Ye Lingling:
"You're not seriously considering it, are you?"
Ye Lingling only gave her a quiet glance, but inside, she was extremely stirred.
Nine-Heart Begonia—only one successor per generation. Only two soul masters with this martial soul can exist at a time. For a new one to appear, one has to die.
That alone would be manageable, but with the second limitation, it doomed their lineage. Ye Lingling had lived with indescribable sorrow.
But Su Chen's strength, looks, and promises were all things no one else could offer.
Poor kids grow up fast.
Ye Lingling understood what it meant—if the martial soul's curse could be broken, she could finally live like a normal person. Her descendants could live normal lives, too.
Du Gubo didn't even know what to say at this point. He just gave an awkward laugh:
"Guess I really am old. You young folks sure move fast in love these days!"
Su Chen chuckled and shook his head:
"I wouldn't say that. Love still needs time to grow. I just want Lingling by my side—how else can we build something if we're not even together?"
"That's what they call love over time!"
Ye Lingling had already made up her mind, but she kept a bit of reserve. She didn't want to seem too easy and make Su Chen think she was careless with her heart.
Du Guyan pouted. She was feeling seriously bitter inside. You bastard! Weren't you into me first? How come it's all about Lingling now?
This meal?
Du Guyan lost her appetite. Meanwhile, Su Chen and Ye Lingling were already bonding like an old couple—sharing food, laughing, talking.
Which only made Du Guyan more furious.
Damn it!
I'm so not okay with this!
I was here first!
Finally.
The awkward meal ended. Du Guyan looked at Su Chen and asked:"Su Chen, when are you going to detoxify us?"
Su Chen turned to Du Gubo and said:"Let's go to the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well now. We'll spar first, then I'll detoxify you both and handle the plants."
Du Gubo nodded. As they left the restaurant, he said:"It's a bit of a trip from here to Heaven Dou City. Come with me first—I'll arrange a carriage."
Ye Lingling looked at Su Chen and softly said:"Then I'll go back to the academy first. Make sure to visit me when you return."
"You better come!"
She added with determination in her voice.
Su Chen directly grabbed her small hand and said:"No need. Just come with me. I want you to see my strength firsthand."
Ye Lingling was stunned for a second and quickly replied:"No need—I trust you."
Just as Su Chen was about to speak, a voice rang out in the distance:"Which bastard dared bully my nephew?"
Su Chen turned around to see a fiery, voluptuous beauty walking toward them. Her features were delicate and her eyes piercing, exuding powerful energy. Her figure was full and curvy.
Completely outclassing both Du Guyan and Ye Lingling.
(End of Chapter)