When Lun Hui returned home, it was already past five o'clock. As soon as he entered the door, he saw Yan Xianghua, who had skipped class early, staring fixedly at the TV drama.

"We're going to Nolan Family for dinner tonight," Lun Hui said suddenly.

"I know," Yan Xianghua replied without even looking back.

"Then shouldn't you get ready? The car will be here soon," Lun Hui furrowed his brows.

"It's not me who needs to get ready, it's you. You're all grown up, and you still need Mom to help you get ready for a meal?" Yan Xianghua said dismissively.

"Aren't you going?" Lun Hui felt that something was amiss. "Am I going alone? It's like going into the tiger's den. If I go alone, the atmosphere will be awkward."

Yan Xianghua didn't like the sound of that, so she put down the remote control and stood up.

"Lun Hui, who do you think you are?"

"Why are you suddenly asking this? Are you going to tell me that I'm actually made of stone!?" Lun Hui tightened his grip a little.

"Pffft, I'm asking who your father is."

"I guess it's Lun Li," Lun Hui replied honestly.

"What do you mean 'I guess'? It is Lun Li. Although your mom was stunning and beautiful in her prime, attracting many suitors, she only had one man in her life—your father."

"Okay, so what's your point?" Lun Hui tuned out some of the unnecessary information.

"Have you ever wondered what Lun Li's expertise is?" Yan Xianghua guided him step by step.

"Profiting from his job?" Lun Hui's eyes lit up as he spoke.

"Well, you have to have a job first, right? Guess again," Yan Xianghua became annoyed, patting her son's head.

"Using connections to get ahead?" Lun Hui's eyes shifted quickly as he spoke.

"Wrong! It's flattery!" Yan Xianghua proudly announced.

Lun Hui thought to himself, isn't that essentially the same thing?

"How did Lun Li deceive me back then? You know the Yan family is a well-known prestigious family in the southern part of Liujing Kingdom. My father had high standards, but he was still persuaded by your father's silver tongue," Yan Xianghua said.

"Hold on, according to the old man's version, didn't you coerce and lure him into marrying you? It was like forcing the rice to cook, right?" Lun Hui interrupted.

Smack! Yan Xianghua slapped her son's head again.

"Don't bring up those insignificant details that can't be verified. Anyways, as a member of the Lun family, you have to inherit our excellent traditions. Who doesn't know how to make others happy and flatter them? When you go to Nolan Family later, make sure to sweet-talk them and try to win the hearts of all three of their daughters for me."

"Are you suggesting that I traffic women? I just wanted to have a nice meal and casually mention breaking off the engagement with Miss Er. Maybe Hedda-sama has the same idea," Lun Hui said unhappily.

Little did Lun Hui expect Yan Xianghua to coldly snort and say, "Hmph, you think you can get rid of the two of us orphans and widows that easily? What about the debt of gratitude from back then? Don't underestimate me, Yan Xianghua."

"I say, Comrade Xianghua, your current fierce woman image doesn't reflect well on the family. Let's calm down," Lun Hui could only laugh and cry. "Besides, I made the decision myself. As for marriage, it's mainly about compatibility. Otherwise, where is happiness?"

"I don't care. Anyway, find a girl for me by the end of this year and have a child with her next year. That's final," Yan Xianghua paused, and then changed the subject, "Oh, I took out the all-white custom-made suit that your father used to wear. Although the style is a bit outdated, it still looks elegant. You should wear it tonight."

Lun Hui knew immediately that this was a bad idea.

"Lun Li is nearly six feet tall, and I'm just over five feet seven. If I wear his suit, the pants will be rubbed against the floor," Lun Hui firmly refused. "Let's not talk about it anymore. I've decided to wear casual clothes. Whatever happens, happens. Enough said."Lun Hui quickly ran up the stairs, leaving comrade Hua behind.

Yan Xianghua watched Lun Hui's retreating figure and couldn't help but feel a bit resentful. This child really didn't inherit his parents' good looks. Despite Lun Li often smoking and drinking outside, his figure was always fit, possessing all the qualities of a young playboy. Yan Xianghua, on the other hand, though not exceptionally outstanding, was at least a rare beauty. Unfortunately, their combination resulted in a mediocre-looking son.

During university, he had chosen an unpopular major and followed a strange advisor, leading him to live a life disconnected from his peers for three years. If things continued like this, there might not be any woman interested in their son!

Thinking about this, Yan Xianghua scratched his head in frustration.

But Lun Hui didn't think too much about it. He quickly changed his clothes and was picked up by the extended version of the Nolan Family's luxury car.

By calculation, it had been five years since Lun Hui last visited the Nolan Family, starting from the time Night died. But what was the reason that made him somewhat reluctant to face this family? Lun Hui himself was not quite clear, but he had nothing to feel guilty about. That much was certain.

At the moment, Lun Hui was wearing a black turtleneck jacket, paired with dark blue jeans and a pair of brown canvas shoes, a simple and relaxed outfit.

Returning to this old place after many years, standing in front of the still golden Senate Parliament building, Lun Hui felt somewhat insignificant. This feeling of contrast was easy to understand, originating from life experiences and the difference in social class. Was Lun Hui an excellent master thief? Undoubtedly. But he was still just an ordinary person. Without a doubt, even an ordinary security team leader in this mansion could likely be of master level.

The butler of the Nolan Family was a middle-aged woman, tall and slender. She bore some resemblance to the conservative nuns in TV dramas, serious and rarely smiling. Lun Hui hadn't seen this woman in years and didn't know her name, but he always referred to her as Aunt Lan, following others.

"Master Lun, please come this way. The adults and Miss are waiting in the courtyard," Aunt Lan said.

Lun Hui nodded friendly towards Aunt Lan and cautiously followed behind her.

The entire Nolan Mansion was shaped like a Chinese character "回," with an open-air garden in the courtyard. Although it was called the courtyard, it was quite spacious. The Nolan Family often held banquets and dining events in the courtyard.

Entering the courtyard, Lun Hui indeed saw the luxurious long table that seemed somewhat familiar to him. The snow-white tablecloth featured the orchid pattern, the symbol of the Nolan Family, and had been set with various utensils and dishes.

"Lun Hui? Come, have a seat over here," Hedda waved his hand from afar and warmly beckoned.

Beside him, Nolan Family matriarch, Chang Chuan Nian Yue, smiled and nodded towards Lun Hui. Mrs. Nolan, at this moment, was personally serving the dishes, indicating the importance of this dinner.

To be the wife of such a prominent family, she naturally didn't need to personally cook. Taking on the role of chef this time meant something important.

Lun Hui felt a bit frustrated. Instead of the head seat at the long table, as logic would dictate, Hedda was sitting there himself. However, the position that Hedda gestured to was indeed the first position to his right, which was a bit contradictory.

"It seems you have a way with words, but I'm already fifty years old. There's no need for you young people to envy me," Hedda raised an eyebrow, in a good mood. "I called you here in a hurry tonight, but I hope it didn't disrupt any of your other plans."

"How could it be a disruption? I'm already an unemployed vagrant, always sitting at home. It's a real honor for Uncle to take the time to invite me for dinner amidst your busy schedule," Lun Hui could make fun of himself, as he would soon make room to decline the marriage proposal.It was around the middle of last year when Hedda Nolan ran for the position of the new Senate Speaker. With the support of the Hase family and her own strong ability, she easily claimed the title without encountering any formidable opponents.

"Well, it's not like that. I was quite busy when I was the head of the Knights, but now that I've taken a step further, I've realized that I have much more free time. The role of the Speaker, although it holds significant power, doesn't require the Speaker's judgment for every case. So, its symbolic meaning is even greater," Hedda explained.

The two of them chatted casually for a while, and the dishes were all served. At that moment, Chouya leaned against the right hand of Qiyan Judo and took the second seat on the right side.

"Chouya, it's already past six. Why hasn't Rhythm returned yet?" Hedda asked, slightly annoyed, as she checked the time.

"Dad, Rizuko just took over your position. It's only the second day, so she must be very busy. She'll probably be here soon," Chouya replied in a gentle tone.

A graceful, feminine voice came from a woman walking down the spiral staircase from the east. She was about 1.75 meters tall, slightly taller than Lun Hui, but her wavy golden hair, reminiscent of a cat's graceful stride, added an infinite charm to her overall appearance. Compared to the well-defined features of many pure Caucasians, Nora Nolan's curves were more delicate and graceful. She seemed like lush green grass in spring, hiding away the faint wildness within her. Her perfect figure highlighted her feminine charm to the extreme.

"Hello, Sister Nora," Lun Hui greeted nervously. Compared to Hedda, he felt a slight resistance towards Nora and even a hint of fear.

"It's been a few years since we last met, let me see if you've gained any more masculine charm. Have you been chasing after girls outside?" Nora said playfully, but she didn't make any gestures of affection. She simply pulled up a chair and sat down gracefully.

"Nora, you're joking. You know my personality hasn't changed. Nowadays, girls aren't really interested," Lun Hui replied, rubbing his nose. If he wasn't familiar with Nora's character, he would have thought she was trying to provoke or mock him.

The three blossoms of the Nolan Family had earned quite a reputation early on, and even though Lun Hui was somewhat out of touch with society, he couldn't remain oblivious to what was happening outside his ears.

"Your father told me that you stayed at home for three years after graduating from Doze University?" Nora asked.

"Yes, because my school's reputation wasn't great, and my profession wasn't well-liked. So I couldn't find a job," Lun Hui honestly replied.

"But Lun Hui, didn't you find a job already?" Hase Nemu didn't want the conversation to become awkward, after all, a long period of unemployment at home wasn't a topic that people liked. "You're working as a lecturer at Thorn University, right? It's a pretty good job. Nora also has a part-time job as a visiting professor at Thorn University, so you two will be colleagues. Nora, please take care of Lun Hui."

A visiting professor? Lun Hui was shocked by this title. If Thorn University was where he thought it was, the visiting professors they hired were usually renowned figures, either high-ranking politicians or scholars who had made outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

"Nora, you're truly impressive. I admire you," Lun Hui said sincerely, knowing that he had to seize any opportunity. Who knew what Nora's attitude would be towards him after the divorce.

Of course, Lun Hui secretly hoped that she would bring it up first. That way, it would save face for the Nolan Family and allow for a peaceful separation. The worst case scenario would be if she wanted a divorce, but he, unaware, brought it up first; that would be inappropriate.

"Is it because of the recommendation letter from our father?" Nora asked directly, catching Lun Hui off guard.

Just as the atmosphere was becoming awkward, the door to the courtyard was gently blown open by a breeze, and a woman wearing a knight's cloak walked in.

What kind of aura did she have that made the entire courtyard seem as if it had ignited just by her presence? The whole space seemed to be bathed in a dim brilliance, a kind of radiance that only Lun Hui had seen when performing rituals in the church with a high-ranking bishop.Lun Hui secretly muttered to himself, this woman is getting more and more exaggerated. Although they haven't seen each other in a few years, they are definitely not strangers. However, every time they meet, Lun Hui can feel a slight sense of being tormented internally. This soul-stirring feeling is not very pleasant for Lun Hui.

With a height of about 1.67 meters, she had silver straight hair flowing gently on her purple and gold cape as she made graceful yet steady movements. She wore a white warrior robe with a depiction of a thorny vine on the left and a barbed wire on the right. Her lower body was clad in light gray leather pants and warrior boots.

This woman possessed all the qualities of a human and elf hybrid, perfectly evolved in her.

If you were to ask Lun Hui to describe this woman after being separated for many years, the only words that came to mind would be "dreamlike and mesmerizing," an overused phrase but fitting nonetheless.

Even Lun Hui couldn't help but notice that Lady Nolan and Hedda seemed to have a special expression when looking at Rhythm, as though they had a few more hints of mysterious respect for her compared to their daughter.

"Rhythm, sit here," Nora said warmly, patting the seat to her right at the long table.

"Sorry for being late," Rhythm said like a melodious breeze, the short sentence sounding as if the sun was singing. Lun Hui decided to ignore the woman in front of him, but it was unbelievable how every detail about her was so enchanting. No wonder all the men in the entire city were crazy about her.

But then a thought occurred to Lun Hui, I can't believe I have the courage to reject such a perfect woman's proposal.

While pondering over this, Lun Hui tried to strategically despise and overlook the woman, but when he looked up, he couldn't believe it! Nora, whether intentionally or unintentionally, had noticed that Rhythm Nolan was actually seated opposite him!

At the not so spacious long table, they sat face to face, less than two meters apart.

After finishing a bowl of soup and some dishes, Hedda and the others ate quietly, while Lun Hui contemplated various thoughts. The taste of the food in his mouth was as if chewing on wax.

"Lun Hui, how long has it been since you last came? How many years has it been?" Hedda finally asked.

Upon hearing that the topic was about to shift to a serious one, Lun Hui straightened his posture.

"Uncle, it's been five years since Night passed away after the seven days of mourning." Lun Hui didn't want to bring up that topic, so he simply mentioned Night's death. "Afterwards, because my thief mentor on Duzhe needed me to go into seclusion to train, I didn't have time to come back to the capital city."

Later on, he graduated and dedicated himself to studying at home for his advanced degrees. But whether he really spent all his time at home, nobody knows.

"Night has been gone for five years," Hedda sighed suddenly.

Unfortunately, Night didn't grow up to be a beauty either, with her baby-like round face, Lun Hui couldn't resist pinching her cheeks whenever he saw her.

Thinking of this, a smile crept onto Lun Hui's face.

But this was not the time to laugh, and the timing was even a bit strange.

"Are you thinking about Xiaowan?" Nora asked out of the blue.

"I'm reminiscing about some interesting things," Lun Hui felt grateful that Nora diverted the conversation.

"It's a good thing that Smile is out sketching, she used to pinch your cheeks the most along with Night, but that child doesn't really like you," Nora nodded.

"For these past five years, we haven't had a chance to gather together properly. Lun Hui, your uncle had his reasons, I hope you can understand," Hedda put down her chopsticks and looked at Lun Hui.

That's right, now they just need to explain the reasons, and then Lun Hui can successfully break off the engagement. That's what Lun Hui thought.

"For these years, my political enemies have been targeting me relentlessly, so I was afraid that if I stayed in contact with you too much, you would become a target as well. I have encountered several assassination attempts in these years, but fortunately, I successfully became the head of the council last year, so the threat has diminished." Hedda continued, "Moreover, Rhythm has successfully taken over as the captain of the Royal Knights, reaching the pinnacle. The recent situation has stabilized. To be honest, in terms of her military position, there is no room for promotion anymore."

It makes sense too, since the whole family has reached such high positions. Besides, being the head of the council is equivalent to being the prime minister, a level higher than the prime minister who changes every few years. And the head of the council, like the chief justice, has a lifelong tenure. In reality, they are superior to ten thousand people, and the prime minister has to consider the power of the two major families behind them. Besides the council, Rhythm also took over the position of the Royal Knights' captain, which symbolizes the military power of the empire and represents the noble tradition of the Thorn Kingdom. As the captain, she commands at least five thousand advanced-level warriors. At the age of twenty-two, she not only became the youngest recipient of the honorary holy knight in the history of the empire but also the first captain under thirty. She broke records significantly and achieved political and military success for the Nolan Family.Now that things have settled down, Lun Hui is considering finding suitable husbands for her daughters. There is a rumor going around that King Solon XII is interested in having Prince Dada marry Rhythm Nolan. It is every family's dream to have someone from their bloodline join the royal family. So, Lun Hui can already imagine Hedda mentioning the possibility of a divorce.

"So, Lun Hui, now that Rhythm's situation has stabilized and you've found a job, when are you two going to get married?" Hedda nervously rubbed her palms together, asking.

Before Hedda could finish her sentence, Lun Hui sprayed a mouthful of food.