Chapter 14: Say No!

"Uh..."
"There are still a few things I haven't taken care of yet."
"I'll probably be gone for about half a year."
"After that, I'll be able to stay in Dragon Country for good."
Chen Fan spoke the truth. When he left the mountain, the time agreed upon with the old man was still half a year away.
So, after settling his sisters' affairs, Chen Fan would return to Mount Kunlun—
And spend another half a year with the old man!
That was the promise he had made, and he could never forget it!
All his abilities—where did they come from, who had taught him?
Chen Fan would never forget.
This was a promise between an old man and a young boy—
A pact between two men.
"Oh, half a year," Shao Zining's expression softened considerably.
"I thought you'd vanish for fifteen years the moment you left."
"By then, your sisters would be old and faded."
"Without you around, all we do is work or look for you."
Chen Fan chuckled, waving his hand.
"Don't worry, Second Sister. Your little brother is resourceful now."
"There won't be any problems."
"It's you all who should get married when it's time!"
"If you meet someone suitable, just marry him."
"Otherwise, really, you might end up as spinsters."
Chen Fan was only joking; with sisters as beautiful as his, how could they ever be left behind?
Even in their forties or fifties, a single wave would summon a crowd of outstanding suitors!
Shao Zining pouted, looking at Chen Fan with longing eyes.
"Little Fan, that's not our concern."
"After all, there's always someone to fall back on."
Chen Fan let out a laugh.
That was true; as a celebrity, Second Sister had no shortage of admirers.
"But you have someone to fall back on, the other sisters don't."
"Imagine, when the time comes, you're the only one with a boyfriend."
"The rest of your sisters have no one, wouldn't they all gang up against you?"
Chen Fan raised his brows with a teasing grin. He had to admit, being with his sisters was when he felt most at ease.
Of course, the old man was the same...
The corners of Shao Zining's lips curled up as she gently licked her lips.
"Little Fan, are you saying you'll only marry me?"
Huh??
What??
Chen Fan was utterly stunned!
Second Sister, you can mess around with food and acting, but you can't just say things like that!

What do you mean I'll marry you...
Fine, I admit you're gentle, kind, considerate, generous, adorable, clever, and witty...
But you're my sister!
"Ahem, Second Sister, don't joke around."
Shao Zining shot him a glance, suddenly getting a little feisty!
She folded her arms and turned away in a huff.
"So now you're denying being our safety net."
"Hmph, I wonder which rascal used to sweet-talk us sisters."
"'Oh, I'm Chen Fan, I'll be a great man one day.'"
"'Make lots of money and marry my seven sisters...'"
Shao Zining imitated a child's voice, speaking in a sweet, coy tone.
Then she let out a long sigh.
"Alas, times have changed, Little Fan's standards have risen."
"He doesn't care for his sisters anymore."
"And to think we've been waiting for you, always looking for you..."
"Only to end up lonely and abandoned."
"Tsk, tsk."
"How sad, how lamentable!"
At that, Shao Zining actually started to cry!
Chen Fan was taken aback!
What on earth was this?
They used to play house as kids—wasn't that just childish nonsense?
Thinking back, Chen Fan realized he had actually said things like that as a child...
Marry seven sisters as wives?
Good grief, even as a boy he had such grand ambitions...
But seriously, that was utterly impossible!
Still, to comfort Shao Zining, he relented...
"Second Sister, of course I mean what I say."
"Don't cry, I know I was wrong."
Shao Zining, still teary-eyed and delicate, asked,
"So you're planning to marry all seven of us?"
"Yes, yes, yes!"
Hearing Chen Fan's reply and seeing his impatience, Shao Zining suddenly burst out laughing, wiping the tears from her eyes and looking slyly at him.
"Little Fan, I recorded that, you know."
"When we get home, I'll tell Big Sister."
"And the other sisters too."
"I'll say you came back just to marry us all!"
Chen Fan was utterly bewildered...
He was floored...
No wonder Second Sister was always the mischievous one—she could change faces in a flash!
Suddenly, a storm surged in his heart!

How could he forget that Second Sister was an actress...

At Huarong Residence.
By the villa's dining table—
"Can you two show a little more decorum?"
"You eat as if you've never had a meal before."
Meng Rongrong looked helplessly at Chen Fan and Shao Zining, who were wolfing down their food.
Sigh.
There was just no helping them...
"It's not our fault, Big Sister's cooking is too good."
"It's just too nostalgic."
Shao Zining put her hand up as well, giggling.
"Little Fan's right!"
The meal was simple but filled with warmth.
Afterwards, Shao Zining and Meng Rongrong helped tidy up Chen Fan's room,
While Chen Fan planned to take a shower.
Hot water poured down on him, making his whole body tingle.
The rising steam made him feel dizzy.
Ah, these modern amenities were certainly more convenient than anything on the old man's mountain.
"But, there's a bit of a problem now."
"Ares and the Twelve Guardians are all coming to Dragon Country."
"That's fine."
"But if Ares has ended up like this, what about the other gods?"
"Johnson went so far as to kidnap Second Sister—what about the safety of the others?"
Chen Fan let out a long sigh.
Suddenly, he realized there were no towels in the bathroom.
Damn... how was he supposed to get out now?
His throat tightened as he thought of calling for help.
"Sisters, is there a clean towel?"
"There's none in the bathroom..."
Fifteen years had passed, and everyone was grown up now.
After all, men and women were different; asking his sisters for a towel felt a bit inappropriate.
Besides, if Second Sister brought it...
She would definitely tease him.
Thinking of their conversation in the car, Chen Fan shook his head vigorously.
He decided: if Big Sister brought the towel,
he'd carefully open the door—
and quickly grab it!
If it was Second Sister...
He'd just air-dry naturally!
Yes, he would absolutely not give in to his mischievous, drama-queen Second Sister!