Chapter 22: If I Proposed to Marry Her Right Now, would they allow it?

Grandpa Shen chuckled at his grandson's response, clearly amused by his tenacity and determination to protect and care for Lu Zhi. He playfully taunted, "Well, good luck to you. Even now, while she's relatively unknown, you already have six competitors vying for her attention. Imagine what would happen if the world truly knew how amazing she is. You'll have an entire army of suitors!"

Shen Lian raised an eyebrow at his grandfather's teasing tone, his expression growing serious as he asked, "If I proposed to marry her right now, would they allow it?" He was considering the prospect seriously, but Grandpa Lu's reaction was far from what he expected.

Grandpa Lu sputtered, nearly spilling his tea in shock. "Don't you even think about it!" His protective instincts for his granddaughter were in full swing, and the thought of anyone, even his own grandson, marrying Lu Zhi at such a young age was too much for him to handle. And he also knew just how fiercely her brothers guarded her, and he could imagine the storm that would ensue if Shen Lian attempted such a bold move.

Shen Lian let out a dismissive sound, clearly not amused by the reaction he had provoked. He had thought about proposing to Lu Zhi in a grand manner, but considering her current age, it wasn't practical. He decided to let the matter rest and shifted the conversation back to the topic of selling his company and properties.

Grandpa Shen offered his thoughts on the matter, acknowledging that Shen Lian's parents would likely appreciate seeing their legacy put to good use. He then questioned what Shen Lian intended to do about his employees and subordinates.

Shen Lian leaned back in his seat and explained his plan. He had sent his subordinates on vacation and instructed them to prepare five months' worth of food before the Eternal Eclipse. His intention was to regroup with them afterward. As for his employees, he offered financial support and advice, acknowledging the limitations of his ability to help everyone. He wasn't a hero or a saint, and he had to consider the safety of those around him as well.

Grandpa Shen raised an eyebrow at his response, impressed by his loyalty and trust in his subordinates. He probed further, "You really trust your subordinates this much?"

Shen Lian's smile was both confident and fond. "Yes, I do. They've been with me since I was a child, and their loyalty is unwavering. Even during the chaos of the apocalypse, they searched for me for a year. Besides, they are all incredibly strong individuals. I'm sure Lu Zhi will get along with them quite well." He couldn't help but think of how well his subordinates would fit in with Lu Zhi's strong and capable personality.

At one of the biggest mall in City.

As the shopping spree continued, Lu Zhi found herself being dragged from shop to shop by her mother, grandmother, and brother Zinzin. She couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by their enthusiasm for finding her the perfect winter clothes.

"Mom, you've been buying clothes for me all day, but have you even considered getting something for the men at home?" Lu Zhi finally voiced her concern, feeling a little exasperated.

Her mother, fully engrossed in searching for winter clothes, responded absentmindedly, "Oh, they'll be fine. Men can just wear what they already have."

Lu Zinzin, being one of the men at home, sighed inwardly at his mother's response.

Lu Zhi leaned in, trying to reason with her mother in a hushed voice. "Mom, changing weather isn't good, especially for men. Extreme cold and heat can disrupt their body's ability to regulate reproductive hormones. In cold temperatures, their bodies might prioritize survival over reproduction, leading to a decrease in hormone production. Similarly, intense heat can mess up the delicate balance of hormones needed for the reproductive cycle." She continued, "I'm really worried about them. What if I can't even meet my niece and nephew?" She added a soft sigh. 'And what about Lian? What if this affects him too…'

Mother Lu finally realized the gravity of the situation. "Oh dear, you're right. We can't have that happen!"

Grandma Shen chimed in, equally concerned, "Yes, we can't risk not meeting our great-grandchildren."

Lu Zinzin, who had been eavesdropping on the conversation and recording it on his device, couldn't help but laugh. "They're seriously plotting to take me down with laughter so they can have my share of food during the end of times, aren't they?" he muttered with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

An idea sparked in Lu Zinzin's mind, and he decided to share the entire conversation in a group chat labeled {I love my daughter, granddaughter, sister, my zhizhi <3}. But when he noticed the last name added to the name of the group chat, he clenched his teeth in frustration. "What in the world? This Shen Lian!" he grumbled to himself, seeing him not even bothering to hide his intention to his sister.