Saving System: Calm Down, My Fleeing Host!

Chapter 369 - 361: From Blind Date to Talent Show

"Miss Cheng, you are too modest, it’s good there are no misunderstandings."

A relatively younger black-haired elder spoke. He was said to be young not because of his age, but because all the other elders had white hair, making him stand out.

Seeing the atmosphere ease a bit, he tried to mediate, "Since Miss Cheng and Fifteenth don’t see eye to eye, that’s fine. The Sikong Family has plenty of good young men. Why not bring them all out so Miss Cheng can choose carefully? There must be one that suits, right?"

What the watt!

The scene changed too quickly, from a solo blind date to a selection show?

"I don’t think that’s necessary!"

Cheng Xiaoxiao forced a faint smile.

A girl like me is busy, no time to play house with you guys.

"Is Miss Cheng looking down on the Sikong Family?" asked an elder with a stern face.

"Not at all."

"Then why does Miss Cheng decline time and again? Our Sikong Family is a hundred-year-old noble family with hundreds of years of heritage and status. Are we unworthy of someone from a humble background like you?"

The words from this person were much sharper.

Cheng Xiaoxiao sighed internally, finally, no more beating around the bush.

Honestly, she wasn’t worthy, nor had she ever intended to be. It wasn’t like they chased after her to force this match. She wasn’t interested, and they were unhappy.

Forcing a sale to this extent, have they thought about their beloved young men’s feelings?

A bunch of old men stuck in their ways.

If she directly refused, she couldn’t find a good excuse, and it would completely offend the Sikong Family. Given her current situation, going against such a large family would not end well. Even if they didn’t take her life, they might make things difficult for her.

Besides, there are so many family and friends in the Underground City. If these people act unethically and use her family against her, wouldn’t that be even trickier?

This isn’t a sale you can just shut down.

Then let’s appeal to emotion!

"Misunderstanding, dear elders of the Sikong Family. It’s not intentional; it’s because I’ve already set my heart elsewhere and have an engagement, so I cannot agree.

Your kindness, I accept. If the Sikong Family is interested in a marriage alliance, there are a few sisters of mine of age in my family. I audaciously propose finding them a good match. I hope the elders will agree."

The people in the hall were caught off guard by Cheng Xiaoxiao’s reverse play. Their expressions weren’t too pleasant, not expecting that after all their planning, not only did they not achieve their goal, but they were also outmaneuvered.

As far as the variable herself was concerned, it was already an injustice to match Sikong’s sons.

What are her sisters like? It’s not hard to figure out they’re no more than a bunch of ordinary commoners.

What right do they have to marry the sons of the Sikong Family?

Cheng Xiaoxiao’s calm eyes swept over everyone present.

No one bothered to hide their disdain for her family.

Heh!

What’s there to be so arrogant about?

Don’t they realize what’s going on here? No foresight! That’s why Sikong’s sons can’t get a bride.

She knew that the Sikong Family had a strong lineage; the majority were males. Among 10-20-year-old boys, there were about a hundred, while similarly aged girls only totaled twenty-something, making it gravely imbalanced.

After disasters, with dwindling populations, especially females who were inherently weaker, how many could survive? Thus, they were incredibly valuable.

Now you’re being given a chance, Sikong Family. If you don’t cherish it, one day you won’t be able to reach these heights.

"Miss Cheng must be joking. Our sons haven’t even met your family’s daughters. How could we make a hasty commitment!" the black-haired elder deflected, not going too deeply.

Cheng Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes at him. If you look down, just admit it, no need to beat around the bush.

Aware of their cunning, the Great Elder didn’t plan to beat around the bush, either.

Previous investigations seemed superficial. This girl wasn’t all useless. Facing opponents far superior, whose aura alone could suppress her into the ground, she stood undaunted, fought for her interests, and was somewhat commendable.

"I, the Great Elder, have found that Miss Cheng has no engagement or even a marriage arrangement with anyone," the Great Elder asserted, hands behind his back, looking down at the cunning little girl, whose rough tricks couldn’t escape his eyes.

"Hehehe, Great Elder really cares about the younger generation, knowing everything about my affairs," Cheng Xiaoxiao chuckled, though she cursed inwardly.

Was the Great Elder turned into a monkey? Did he investigate her background, or was he just provoking her?

The Great Elder seemed to read her thoughts, adding, "Miss Cheng, if you don’t believe it, we can summon your family for a confrontation."

Damn it!

He’s blocked all her escape routes.

"My engagement hasn’t been widely announced, and most elders haven’t been notified. Only a few people are aware, so bringing them here would be useless."

"Then tell us, Miss Cheng, who exactly knows? We’ll invite them over," he insisted.

Looks like he wasn’t giving her a way out, that stubborn old man.

"Given the freezing cold, I’m afraid the family elders wouldn’t make it. In our place, once you step out, you’d turn into an ice sculpture, unlike the Ouyang Family, who can manipulate the stars and change the climate."

Upon her arrival, Cheng Xiaoxiao was most struck by the Ouyang Family’s temperature. The entire Sikong Mansion nestled within surrounding mountains seemed positioned in a treasure-basin. Whatever magic they performed, the basin’s temperature stayed above freezing, unaffected by outside extreme cold.

"As long as you understand. Ouyang’s heritage is extraordinary, vastly superior compared to ordinary Aristocratic Families. Someone better not be oblivious to their blessings."

"Someone," of course, referring to ungrateful Cheng Xiaoxiao.

"If that’s the case, a private engagement doesn’t stand. It’s merely a verbal agreement, meaningless. The saying goes, ’parental orders, matchmaking words.’ Why don’t we invite the elders from Miss Cheng’s family for a discussion?"

Discuss what, huh? This is clearly coercion.

Cheng Xiaoxiao’s frustrated gaze inadvertently swept over Sikong Yunlong seated above, who was watching her with amusement.

Enjoying the show, isn’t he?

Perhaps she should drag him into the mess?

No way would the prestigious Sikong Family Head marry a woman like her.

Slowly, she spoke, "Since it’s a private agreement, then an agreement means nothing. Seeing the elders insist on my choosing among Sikong’s fine young men, naturally, I’d pick the best. Then I’ll choose him."

As Cheng Xiaoxiao spoke, she turned and pointed at Sikong Yinlong seated in the top position.

The elders’ expressions, at first relieved by her softened response, immediately changed when they followed her finger’s direction.

Giggle giggle!

This little wild cat sure was bold. She aimed for his head.

Wasn’t she afraid of him?

And now, she’s no longer afraid.

She knew the elders wouldn’t agree, hoping he’d serve as a shield.

Tsk tsk! Interesting.

The atmosphere briefly quieted, then erupted.

The elders erupted with objections, "How can that be? He’s our Family Head!"