Just This Once...

Lin Xiao Feng watched his friend's figure leave until he could no longer see him. He lowered his head and took out his phone from his pocket.

His movement halted briefly as he saw the name in his contact list. After a brief seconds of hesitation, Lin Xiao Feng finally tapped his finger on the name.

The dial tone made him grip the phone tightly.

Just when he thought that the call would enter the voicemail, the other party finally picked up the phone call.

Lin Xiao Feng swallowed. "Grandfather."

"Hmm..." Lin Chuan spoke. "Xiao Feng, why did you call at this time? Aren't you supposed to attend the An's family wedding with your parents?"

"Un." His eyes flickered. Lin Xiao Feng was not sure how he was going to break the news to his grandfather. "An Nuan's wedding was called off. The groom left."

"There is such a thing?" Lin Chuan was surprised. 

The Lin family has been neighbors to his son for years. His relationship with that old man from the An family was not bad. Hearing the news made him upset as well.

"Grandfather," Lin Xiao Feng called again. He inhaled a deep breath, wanting to gather his courage before breaking the news. "I'm getting married."

There was a long silence between them.

"You..." Lin Chuan spoke again. "What did you say?"

"I'm getting married," Lin Xiao Feng repeated. He pursed his lips. "To An Nuan."

"What are you talking about?" Lin Chuan frowned. He recalled the news that his grandson reported to him and suddenly, he could connect the dots. "Lin Xiao Feng!" There was a hint of anger in Lin Chuan's voice. "Who are you getting married to?"

"Grandfather..." 

Lin Xiao Feng was still afraid of his grandfather. However, he had to force himself to calm down. 

"An Nuan's groom is not coming back," Lin Xiao Feng continued. "I'm going to take place as the groom and marry An Nuan."

"You're telling me that you're going to be a substitute? Lin Xiao Feng, have you lost your mind?" The old man roared. 

"Recently, you have been worrying about my marriage," Lin Xiao Feng said. "If I marry An Nuan, you no longer have to worry about this matter."

"You are my grandson. Someone who is going to take place as the head of the family in the future. Do you think I would allow you to marry just someone as a substitute?"

Lin Chuan's heart was aching. He had raised Lin Xiao Feng and had worked hard to pave his way to his political career.

"No. I won't allow it." Lin Chuan said.

"Grandfather..." 

"That daughter from An family is not suitable for you. She won't be able to stand against the pressure. Xiao Feng, not just anyone could become the wife of a politician. Do you want to ruin her?"

Lin Xiao Feng began to hesitate upon hearing his grandfather's words. The reason he had never approached An Nuan even though he liked her very much once again crossed his mind.

Indeed, with An Nuan's carefree personality, she was not suitable to be the wife of a politician. Especially as he wanted to go farther.

"Otherwise, do you plan to let go of everything you have built so far?" Lin Chuan continued. "It hasn't been a long time since you moved to Capital City for your career. You know how difficult it is to stay there. Those people can be vicious."

Lin Xiao Feng inhaled another deep breath as he reminded himself to calm down. "I can protect her." 

"Do you think you are capable?"

"I am stronger now. I can definitely protect her." This time, Lin Xiao Feng sounded determined. "I won't let anyone harm her."

Lin Chuan was quiet.

"Grandfather, I like her. I have liked An Nuan for a long time."

The frown on Lin Chuan's face deepened. It seemed that he was not expecting his grandson to have feelings for An Nuan.

"All this time, I have been listening to you," Lin Xiao Feng continued. "Grandfather, I can follow whatever arrangement you have made for me. But just this once... my marriage... Let me marry the person I like, alright?"

Lin Chuan opened and closed his mouth a few times, wanting to reason with his grandson. However, Lin Xiao Feng's tone of voice made him hesitate.

It was the first time Lin Chuan heard the hint of pleading in his grandson's voice.

"Grandfather, I want to marry An Nuan. I can protect her. This time, I called to inform you. I am not asking for permission."

Lin Xiao Feng gripped his phone tighter. The silence on his grandfather's side made him anxious. He already made up his mind that he would go through with this wedding no matter what his grandfather would say.

However, there was a glint in his heart that was still hoping to get his grandfather's blessing.

The silence between them was too long.

Lin Xiao Feng began to wonder if his grandfather had ended the phone call. 

The time duration on the screen told him that the call was still ongoing.

If he listened carefully, he could hear his grandfather's breathing.

"Alright. Just do whatever you want," Lin Chuan spoke after a moment that felt like forever. The anger in his voice did not subside. "It did not seem as if you were going to change your mind no matter what I said." 

"Grandfather, thank you." Lin Xiao Feng heaved a breath of relief.

"Don't thank me." Lin Chuan huffed angrily. "You should know that every action has consequences."

The light in Lin Xiao Feng's eyes dimmed. "I know. Grandfather, I am willing to face whatever punishment for my action."

The phone call ended. 

Lin Xiao Feng stared at his phone for a long time. His body shivered as he thought of the punishment he would receive later.

But it did not matter now.

He already made up his mind.

The pain will be temporary but it will be worth it.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Xiao Feng slid his phone into his pocket and turned around.

Next, he will have to help An Nuan convince her family to let them go through this wedding.