Lin Chen took a deep breath before turning to face the three stunning women. He would certainly remember encountering such extraordinary beauties, yet he was positive he had never met them before. So why would they declare their willingness to marry him?
"Thank you for helping the Lin family today," Lin Chen addressed them, his expression puzzled. "But as far as I know, the Lin family has no prior connection with any of you. May I ask why you intervened?"
Murong Qingcheng looked at him seriously. "I am your senior sister."
Gu Ruohan and Ye Zining both nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We were aware of the Lin family's plight, but Master instructed us not to intervene prematurely…"
"He said this was the Lin family's tribulation," Murong Qingcheng continued, "and that our interference would worsen things. Everything had to wait until you were released from prison…"
Lin Chen's eyes widened. Senior sisters?
Murong Qingcheng turned to Old Master Lin, her expression apologetic. "Old Master Lin, we hope you understand. It wasn't that we refused to help, but…"
Hearing this, Old Master Lin felt a mix of sorrow and gratitude. He shook his head gently.
"How could we blame you? This was our family's fate. We are deeply indebted to you for your kindness today. I only fear this act may bring you trouble…" He sighed heavily, his expression grave. "As Yan City's former foremost family, the dangers we've faced these five years are well known. By upholding the Lin family's dignity today, you've likely drawn unwanted attention onto yourselves." He then looked meaningfully at Lin Chen. "Chen'er, they've shielded us from calamity. You must repay this debt."
"Grandfather, I will uncover the truth behind what happened to our family," Lin Chen vowed firmly. "Whoever is responsible willpay." He turned back to the three women. "You needn't involve yourselves further in the Lin family's troubles. Leave the rest to me. If you ever face difficulties because of this, come find me." While he had no memory of his masters mentioning senior sisters, he intended to honor their gesture regardless of their true identities.
Gu Ruohan's brow furrowed, her voice resolute. "Impossible! The five-year period is over. Master commanded me to marry you, so the Lin family's troubles aremine." She drew herself up proudly. "I am the War God of the Northern Frontier. No matter how powerful the enemy lurking in the shadows, they cannot shake me."
Ye Zining remained silent but met Lin Chen's gaze with unwavering determination, her stance making her commitment clear.
Murong Qingcheng stepped forward, her gaze steady and earnest. "Junior Brother, when I declared I would marry you before the crowd, it wasn't merely for show." She glanced at Gu Ruohan and Ye Zining. "All three of us are here on Master's orders. We have unanimously decided to become your wives." Though she maintained her composure, a faint blush crept up her neck as she spoke the word "wives." Their masters had not only granted them their achievements but also their lives; marrying Lin Chen as commanded was a duty they accepted without question.
Lin Chen stared at them, stunned. Did Master really arrange for me to marry all three at once?While confident in his physical stamina thanks to his medical skills, polygamy wasn't legal in the Dragon Kingdom. Each woman was breathtakingly beautiful in her own way, and any man would be tempted. He had assumed their appearance was merely to save face for the Lin family, not a genuine marriage proposal.
Facing their expectant gazes, Lin Chen was tempted to agree immediately – what man wouldn't desire such fortune? But the force capable of crushing the mighty Lin family was undoubtedly formidable. The path to vengeance would be perilous, and he refused to drag them into it.
"This is my fight. Please return home. The vermin hiding in the shadows cannot touch me. I willroot them out!"
Gu Ruohan's eyes flashed with indignation. "What are you implying? Do you look down on me, the War God?" Her voice sharpened. "Six years on the Northern Frontier taught me every kind of danger! Master sent me back to Yan City specificallyto protect you!" While bound by her master's command to marry Lin Chen, she held no illusions about the infamous Lin heir – a spoiled, reckless youth whose drunken driving had landed him in prison. How such a man earned their master's favor baffled her, but the order stood.
Murong Qingcheng sighed softly, her tone stern yet patient. "Junior Brother, the Lin family is in crisis. We are here by Master's decree. Don't be stubborn." She gestured to the others. "Ruohan will ensure your safety. I will guide you in business matters so you can reclaim the Lin enterprises. Zining will safeguard your health. For the Lin family's sake, and your own, you cannot afford to be willful any longer." To her, Lin Chen's defiance reeked of the spoiled arrogance that had defined his past.
Lin Chen couldn't help but feel exasperated. "You know how formidable our Masters are. I truly amcapable!" he asserted with confidence.
Gu Ruohan looked him up and down, a skeptical smile playing on her lips. "Capable? Prove it." She placed one hand behind her back, adopting a defensive stance. "Come on. I'll give you a chance. I'll use only one hand. If you can make me move a single step, I'll acknowledge your skill."
Ye Zining, her luminous violet eyes sparkling, added softly, "My accomplishments in the medical path are renowned throughout the Dragon Kingdom. If you are confident, Junior Brother, we could test our skills."
Murong Qingcheng suppressed another sigh. Why was this young master so frustratingly ungrateful for their help?
Old Master Lin observed the exchange, his gaze shifting between his grandson and the three determined women. Finally, he spoke decisively. "Chen'er, in this matter, you willheed me." He turned to the women, his expression softening. "The Lin family remains under my authority. From today, you are part of this household. If this foolish boy dares reject you," he shot Lin Chen a pointed look, "I will disown him!"
The declaration stunned all four of them. "Grandfather...!" Lin Chen began, eyes wide.
Old Master Lin waved him into silence, addressing the women again. "Whether you choose to marry Chen'er is your decision. But the Lin bloodline is dwindling..."
Before he could finish, Gu Ruohan stepped forward. "Old Master, this is Master's command. I willmarry Junior Brother." Her commitment was absolute.
A hearty laugh erupted from Old Master Lin. "Hah! Good! Excellent! There's still hope for me to hold my great-grandchildren!" His eyes shone with longing. "An old man has few desires left. My only wish is to see my grandson marry, have children, and carry on the family line before I close my eyes forever." He looked earnestly at each woman. "Tell me, will this old man live to see that day?"
Under the weight of his hopeful gaze, the formidable auras of the three women vanished. Blushes crept onto their cheeks, replacing their usual composure with a rare, flustered shyness.
"Old Master, you will see that day," Gu Ruohan stated firmly, regaining her composure first.
"Good! Good! Good!" Old Master Lin beamed, immensely pleased. "With your word, I am content."
Murong Qingcheng bit her lower lip, recalling her master's explicit order to marry Lin Chen and restore the family. "Grandfather Lin... I... I will also help carry on the Lin family line..." The words left her face burning crimson, her heart racing.
"I will too..." Ye Zining whispered almost inaudibly.
Lin Chen's own heart pounded. Grandfather is truly formidable. With just a few sentences, he secured these three goddesses for me.Marrying them was undoubtedly appealing. He pondered the situation. The enemy remained hidden. Perhaps leveraging his senior sisters' presence, as his masters likely intended, was the wisest move. Revealing his full strength prematurely might alert their foes. Playing along for now could expose their adversaries.
A smile touched his lips as he made his decision. "Since my dear wives are so capable," he announced, the term "wives" causing all three women to blush anew, though they nodded in acceptance, "I shall place myself in your hands."
Murong Qingcheng regained her businesslike demeanor. "You've just returned and have much to learn. There is an important banquet tonight. You will accompany us."