The Seventh Base

Chapter 435: Chapter 64 Welcoming Guests
 

The Elder’s words fell, and everyone laid down their utensils. Suddenly, it became quiet at the dinner table, without a single sound.

The Federation President glanced at the Elder, then lowered his head as if nothing had happened, although there were slight ripples in his heart.

Shi Qiang was also astonished. This was more than just poaching.

Elder Xiang actually wanted Xu Mo to join the Xiang Family?

It seemed that the Elder appreciated Xu Mo even more than imagined and even hoped that he would become a Xiang Family member.

The Xiang Family, the most powerful family on Byron Star, stood at the pinnacle and operated from behind the scenes.

As long as Xu Mo joined the Xiang Family, his status would soar. At least on Byron Star, no one could shake him, not even the Federation President would need to show respect.

To bestow upon Xu Mo the opportunity to join the Xiang Family, with the Elder’s status, was undoubtedly the highest honor, far more prestigious than the Purple Gold Medal.

Medals are awarded to outsiders.

But now, he was inviting Xu Mo to become a family member.

“A member of the Xiang Family?” Xu Mo was somewhat taken aback. He didn’t quite understand the meaning of these words. How could he become a member of the Xiang Family?

“Yes,” Elder Xiang continued, looking at Xiang Yuner seated opposite Xu Mo and said, “Yuner is close to your age, a little older doesn’t matter. You two can start getting to know each other, and later, you can gradually develop feelings within the family.”

Xu Mo understood.

It was a marriage proposal.

“Grandfather,” Xiang Yuner called out, feeling that something was amiss. What era was it now, and her grandfather’s thoughts were still so conservative, actually employing the practice of arranged marriages and matrimonial alliances.

Although she was a bit curious about Xu Mo, and she felt rather good about him, having a certain fondness, it was far from talking of marriage. The old man’s arrangment of the marriage was still hard to accept.

Several people from the Xiang Family began speaking up one after another, their voices not loud, but none were very supportive.

“Elder, this matter is significant, shouldn’t we consider it cautiously?” someone started to persuade.

Their Xiang Family had never had the precedent of outsiders joining.

And it was about Xiang Yuner, the granddaughter the old master doted on the most.

The old master liked Xu Mo, but was there a need to go to such lengths?

The Elder’s authoritative gaze swept over the crowd and said, “Eat your meal.”

Immediately, everyone fell silent again, no one daring to contravene the Elder’s wishes.

The Elder looked toward Xiang Yuner and said, “Yuner, you know that Grandfather has always cherished you the most. When those people visit, they like to bring someone with them, and I am fully aware of what they have in mind. But none of those juniors are to my liking. Moreover, under the guise of marriage alliances, they want you to marry into their families, which is inappropriate.”

“Xu Mo is outstanding, and I greatly admire him; he is worthy of you. In the future, you could always stay by Grandfather’s side. How wonderful that would be.” The Elder spoke to Xiang Yuner, who was speechless.

Although he said so, being arranged in a marriage was still quite hard to accept.

But within the family, she knew of her grandfather’s dominance. His word had always been law, and no one could go against his wishes. It seemed he had made a decision, and it would be difficult to change his mind.

Xiang Yuner looked at Xu Mo. She did not dislike him, and in fact, she felt quite favorable towards him, but that did not mean she could accept an arranged marriage.

“Xu Mo, Yuner is my most beloved granddaughter and should be worthy of you,” said the Elder, looking at Xu Mo. “Just nod, and the Xiang Family will become your family. You won’t have to suffer outside anymore.”

Xu Mo didn’t know what to say for a moment.

He glanced at Xiang Yuner—she was beautiful, standing gracefully, full of youthful vigor.

And the Xiang Family, the top family on Byron Star, even the Federation President had to be respectful and polite here.

If one could choose an easy life, the Xiang Family was undoubtedly perfect.

He also knew that the Elder’s intention in arranging for him to marry into the family was not to humiliate him.

This was not an ordinary family; it was the family of the Federation’s founders, proud in their own right. The Elder was also an extremely proud person, so Xu Mo could tell that the other side did indeed appreciate him, which was why they wanted him to marry in.

A family with such a heritage, and he as a rootless individual—it was normal to marry in.

This was already a great honor for him, especially as he was being given the most cherished granddaughter to marry.

However, this was not the lifestyle Xu Mo wanted.

By enjoying the privileges of the Xiang Family, he would also have to fulfill obligations. He would become a person of the Xiang Family and would henceforth have to follow the Xiang Family’s directives.

Looking at Xiang Yuner, Xu Mo said to the Elder, “Elder Xiang, Miss Yuner is undoubtedly excellent. However, my heart belongs to someone else, and I can only gratefully acknowledge your kindness.”

That was all Xu Mo could say. He couldn’t very well express disdain for Xiang Yuner or the idea of marrying into the Xiang Family, could he?

From any perspective, it would seem impolite. Using such an excuse was, without a doubt, the most appropriate.

The dinner table remained exceptionally quiet.

His heart belongs to someone else?

Was that a rejection?

Someone actually had the audacity to refuse becoming a member of the Xiang Family.

“I’ve heard some things, but Xu Mo, you are not an ordinary individual; you are destined to achieve great things. Sentimental attachments should take a back seat. You’re still young; there’s no need to get caught up in romance. It’s just dating, after all, not a problem,” Elder Xiang continued to speak.

He had made inquiries about Xu Mo, knew his experiences, and naturally understood some of his romantic rumors.

But these were not issues.

Even if he was truly in love, he could just break up.

Xu Mo hadn’t expected the Elder to be so insistent and couldn’t help feeling a bit embarrassed.