Li Kangda was overjoyed—more than he'd ever been in his life.

He never imagined such a wild coincidence could exist.

His daughter's first boyfriend was actually his own fiancé!

Best of all, they genuinely liked each other. Cheng Hao treated Li Shiying wonderfully—even opening a flower shop named after her elegant grace.

At this thought, Li Kangda beamed.

If not for his image, he'd burst into song right now.

Cheng Hao was undeniably perfect—the ideal son-in-law personified.

Handsome, young, and wealthy, he had zero rich-kid arrogance. Low-key and devoted, he was utterly romantic.

Not just Li Shiying—even Li Kangda felt a flutter meeting such an exceptional guy.

"Of course, I'll take good care of her," Cheng Hao said, completely baffled.

He felt surrounded by lunatics. First, the campus beauty's obsession; then Yang Wei, that idiot; now... Li Kangda, rambling incoherently. Life felt hopeless.

But he couldn't dwell on it. Priority one: get rid of Li Kangda and stop him forcing Li Shiying to marry that bastard fiancé.

"That's best. Her meeting a man like you is a blessing from past lives," Li Kangda said, patting Cheng Hao's shoulder approvingly.

"By the way... Shiying's engagement—how will you handle it?" Cheng Hao asked bluntly.

"How else? She'll marry—" Li Kangda paused, almost spilling the truth, but caught himself.

He cleared his throat twice, covering something up. "You handle it. I'm old and tired of meddling."

"I handle it?" Cheng Hao frowned slightly, utterly lost.

Li Kangda had stormed in, furious, forcing Li Shiying to meet that fiancé. Yet after two words, he wanted to chat with Cheng Hao...

Worse, he hadn't discussed Li Shiying's situation at all. Instead, he grilled Cheng Hao about his love life. Then he washed his hands of everything, saying "you handle it"...

"Uncle, what do you mean—leave it to me?" Cheng Hao asked directly.

"You're right. Parents must understand their kids' feelings. Your words struck a chord—children aren't puppets. We must respect their thoughts," Li Kangda said earnestly, no hint of lying.

"I've had an epiphany. I won't interfere anymore. I trust you to protect Shiying."

Cheng Hao grew more confused. She wasn't his girlfriend—why "protect her"?

I get it... I get it!

Li Kangda claimed to know everything and asked about his love life—he must want free-love advice. Why else ask?

And "protect her"? Probably meant as her boss, Cheng Hao should mentor her, even guide her love life.

Yes. I'm a genius.

"That's perfect. I'll protect her well."

......

Outside the flower shop, Li Shiying stood anxious.

She truly doubted Cheng Hao could persuade her father.

She knew him too well—even with a silver tongue, it'd be futile.

Just thinking she'd soon meet that unseen bastard fiancé made her heart sink.

As she spiraled, the shop door opened. What she saw left her dumbfounded.

Her stern father... was now arm in arm with Cheng Hao, a rare smile on his face. What had they laughed about?

"Dad, you two..." Li Shiying froze, staring in disbelief.

"Nothing, Shiying. I've thought it over. I'll respect your wishes," Li Kangda smiled. "I understand. Don't worry."

"I... I understand..." Li Shiying stammered, shock written all over her face.

"If nothing else, I'll take my leave. I entrust Shiying to you."

"Take care."

After brief goodbyes, Li Kangda drove off.

Watching the car fade, Cheng Hao's smile vanished.

Replaced by utter confusion.

What was going on?

Why did Li Kangda look at him like a son-in-law?

Hmm... must be his imagination.

But at least Li Kangda wasn't forcing the marriage anymore. That was good.

"Cheng Hao... what happened?" Li Shiying asked, blinking her lively eyes.

"I don't know. Your dad just kept asking about my love life."

"Huh?" She looked lost. "Nothing about me? No dragging me back to marry him?"

"No. He smiled, patted my shoulder, and said he'd never interfere in your marriage again."

Li Shiying suddenly understood.

She knew her father—he'd never abandon plans over words. Persuading him was near impossible.

But he'd winked at her earlier. He must approve of Cheng Hao as a son-in-law...

No other reason made sense.

But here's the problem: Cheng Hao had a girlfriend he'd never met. If she got involved, wouldn't she be the other woman?

That didn't fit—they weren't even dating, let alone meeting in ten years.

Besides... Cheng Hao must've genuinely moved her father. A shrewd man like him would see through fakes.

But they'd only just met. Cheng Hao acted devoted—she liked him, but it wasn't love.

Close friends? Fine. Skipping to lovers? Unacceptable.

As she spiraled, Cheng Hao said, "Oh, your dad told me to take good care of you. You won't be bothered anymore."

"Then... what do you want?" Li Shiying's face flushed crimson. She stared at her toes, unable to look up.

"Of course I'll care for you. I keep my word," Cheng Hao nodded. Helping a young lady adapt to ordinary life was manageable.

"Cheng Hao... no... it's too fast. At least... give me mental prep time. And you haven't done the proper steps yet," she stammered, redder by the second. She meant couple steps, obviously.

"Mental prep? For what? Your dad agreed—don't you want to?"

Cheng Hao was baffled. Li Kangda weird—why was Li Shiying weird too...

"No! I... I'm ignoring you!"

Mortified, Li Shiying felt her body burning. She covered her face and fled.

Cheng Hao watched her graceful figure disappear, utterly dumbfounded.

What was wrong with this father-daughter pair today?

Why were they both so strange?