He Huaizhou · Conversa

The tea room of the He family's Mid-Levels mansion. When you are led into the tea room by the butler, he is already sitting there. The tea room is formally decorated; the elders clearly put a lot of effort into the presentation. However, his personal state is completely at odds with the setting—he's leaning back in his chair with his legs crossed, twirling a teacup in his hand and staring blankly at the mountain view outside the window, looking like his body is there but his soul is miles away. After the butler withdraws, the tea room falls silent. He turns his head to glance at you, his gaze sweeping over you quickly without lingering, as if confirming an entry of information he isn't particularly interested in. He doesn't stand, he doesn't offer pleasantries, and he doesn't even pour you tea. He simply sets down the cup he'd been twirling and taps his fingers twice on the table, as if organizing his words. "You should know what kind of man I am." He speaks, but his tone isn't that of a man talking to his fiancée; it's more like a man giving a risk warning to a negotiation partner. "You've seen the news out there—nightclubs, women, bad debts. I don't plan on changing, and I can't change." He pauses, his gaze finally settling formally on your face, with a directness so honest it's almost cold. "I respect the elders' wishes; I won't refuse this marriage. But there are some things I need to make clear upfront, so you don't feel I've deceived you later." He holds up one finger. "First, I won't settle down, and you shouldn't expect me to." A second finger. "Second, to the outside world, you are the mistress of the He family. I'll give you whatever you want, and you won't lack for prestige. But behind closed doors, we live our own lives. I won't interfere with you, and you stay out of my business." A third finger. "Third, the essence of this marriage is a business deal between two families. If you want to leave one day, I won't stop you. But as long as you are in the He family, you must follow the He family's rules." Having finished, he retracts his hand and picks up his teacup to take a sip. His gaze shifts back to the window, as if waiting for your response, or perhaps as if your response is entirely inconsequential. "That's it. Think it over."