New York City.
The Smith Family.
Before six in the morning, Sarah was already up, preparing breakfast for the entire family.
The housekeeper, hired to work only six hours a day, left all the remaining chores to Sarah.
Two hours later, the rest of the family members gradually woke up.
Sarah catered to her slightly confused grandfather as he had his breakfast.
Mrs. Smith, Helen, elegantly picked up her bacon with a fork.
"Sarah," She reminded, "the representatives from the Harris Family will be here soon to propose marriage to your older sister. After you prepare the desserts and fruits, give us some space, okay?"
"I understand, Mom." Sarah replied.
Sarah had no intention of meeting the people from the Harris family anyway.
Her older sister, Olivia, looked worried, "Mom, I don't know what kind of person Ryan is?"
"He's the grandson of your grandfather's old friend; how bad could his family be? Let’s see how it goes later. If we all find him suitable, we’ll agree. If not, there's nothing to worry about. It’s a modern society; an old promise between two men isn’t legally binding, right?" Helen said, a flicker of light in her eyes.
...
On the highway of New York City.
A light blue ultra-luxury Lamborghini sped down the road.
In the passenger seat, Ryan sat with deep black eyes masking a hint of impatience. His high nose ridge and impeccably handsome features made him a striking figure.
Driving, his friend Jason laughed, "Ryan, why don't you just stop going on these blind dates? I can find someone to give the Smith family some money and send them away?"
Jason knew well the temperament of this esteemed young master—Ryan was obsessed with his work and had little interest in romantic pursuits. Despite being 28, there had never been a hint of romance in his life. In all of New York, the socialites and wealthy daughters lined up to court him, but it was all in vain.
"Why don't you go talk to my grandfather?" Ryan's voice was cool and noble.
Jason shrugged, "Oh brother, you have such a great sense of humor!"
This marriage was arranged by Ryan’s grandfather before his death. He and George Smith had forged a bond during their youth and had promised to marry their children. However, as time passed and circumstances changed, the two lost contact. In their old age, they found each other again, but one was on his deathbed and the other was senile.
On his deathbed, Ryan's grandfather had held his hand and urged him not to disappoint anyone.
Ryan agreed.
However, he procrastinated for two years until he could delay no longer before he decided to go to the Smith's family to fulfill his grandfather's last wish.
Jason always quick-witted, suggested, "If you really don’t want to do this, there’s a way out—pretend to be poor when you meet the Smith family. If they break the engagement, it’s not your fault, right? Even your grandfather would understand that they’re not a good match if they reject you for being poor."
"But what if they don't despise my poverty?" Ryan asked.
Jason scratched his head: "Well, we'll deal with that when it comes..."
Ryan closed his eyes slightly.
Hearing the sound of a car outside, Mrs. Smith, Helen, immediately stands up and looks outside.
Olivia, let’s go and welcome our guests together."
Helen quickly checked her reflection in the mirror. She had heard the Harris family was very wealthy and was quite satisfied with this potential marriage.
Olivia followed her mother. An old, dusty Jetta pulled into the driveway, and both women coughed, choked by the dust.
...
Two men stepped out of the car, dressed in ordinary jackets and jeans. Although their clothes were clean, the style was outdated, and the cuffs showed signs of wear.
The smiles on Helen and Olivia's faces froze, turning into awkward discomfort.
Helen recalled hearing that the Harris family’s business had declined in recent years. She had thought there would be something left, but it seemed they were truly ruined.
...
"Hello, Mrs. Smith," Ryan greeted her. "This is my friend Jason."
"Hello, Mrs.Smith! Is this Olivia, Mr. Smith’s granddaughter? She's quite beautiful!" Jason enthusiastically chimed in.
"I'm Olivia, nice to meet you." Olivia didn’t feel like talking much after seeing their condition.
Ryan simply nodded as a form of greeting. Only then did Olivia notice his exceptionally handsome and dashing appearance. He was also extraordinarily tall, so much so that she had to tilt her head upwards to see his face clearly—a man who could make hearts flutter. But he was so poor. No matter how good-looking, good looks don’t put food on the table.
"Come in and sit down," Helen's voice was cold.
Her smile also faded. Ryan and Jason entered the Smith family's living room.
...
The Smith family owned a company that, while not incredibly wealthy, did hold some assets. The décor of their home revealed their status.
Mr. Smith, Richard, was reading a newspaper on the sofa. When greeting Ryan and Jason, he quietly judged them.
Jason gave Ryan a look, hinting at earning brownie points. From the family’s attitude, it didn’t seem like they were eager to marry off their daughter.
Jason set down the gifts: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, this is a small token from Ryan."
The gifts were simple health supplements and fruits. By now, Helen was completely displeased. They didn’t even bring premium cigarettes or alcohol, yet they dared to visit.
"Sit." She said.
As they sat down, As they sat down, she asked with a forced smile, "Ryan, how’s your family? Your parents haven’t retired yet, right?"
"Thank you for your concern. Everyone at home is doing fine. My parents have already retired," Ryan replied.
"I remember your parents aren’t that old; they’ve retired already?"
"They wanted to enjoy some time together, so they retired early."
In reality, Mr. and Mrs. Harris were enjoying a globetrotting retirement. Helen, however, was unimpressed.
"So where did you buy your house in New York?"
"I haven’t bought a house in New York yet."
It wasn't that Ryan was pretending to be poor—his family’s business was based in Los Angeles, and he rarely came to New York, usually staying at a family-owned hotel when he did.
Helen didn’t pursue the matter further but was clearly unimpressed. Still, it wouldn’t be polite to turn away guests who had come from afar.
"Sarah, bring the tea," she called.
Sarah appeared with the prepared desserts, fruits, and tea. She was dressed simply in a cotton home dress, her long hair cascading over her shoulders.
As she walked over to Ryan, the light, sweet fragrance of the tea caught his attention. Initially disinterested, he looked up, and the pure, beautiful face of the girl caught his eye.
Her skin was porcelain white, her eyebrows and eyes delicate and unique. A tiny mole near the corner of her eye added a touch of charm to her innocent countenance. The girl dropped her gaze, silently pouring tea for Ryan.