Mother Yan tried to make sense of that, then quickly realized. "You mean Yan Xianjue's feelings for Shen Fangli haven't reached the point where he wants to get engaged?"
"That's right." Yan Ci nodded firmly.
"We all know that among the second generation in our circle, having a dozen or so relationships isn't anything surprising."
What was rare was a family like theirs, where everyone from the eldest brother down to him was a confirmed bachelor.
Come to think of it, Yan Xianjue, who had started dating right after coming of age, might be the odd one out in the family.
Yan Ci's thoughts drifted for a moment before he heard Mother Yan flatly deny it. "Impossible. Xianjue isn't the kind of child who's promiscuous with his feelings."
Yan Ci pursed his lips. "I never said he was."
Seeing that Yan Ci was about to get upset again, Yan Yi'an hurriedly took over. "Then what do you think Shen Fangli's favorability level is with Yan Xianjue right now?"
Yan Ci: "..."
Yan Ci rolled his eyes. "How would I know what his standards are?"
"But I'd guess they've only just reached the lovers stage."
"If he really wanted to get engaged, would he keep it hidden and be too embarrassed to say so?"
The whole family fell silent. That was true. Yan Xianjue certainly wouldn't hesitate when spending their money—he didn't even need their permission. Yan Yi'an had quite a few things to say about that.
Yan Wan spoke up then as well. "Besides, while an engagement would bind Shen Fangli to some extent, it would also restrict Xianjue. I don't agree to let them get engaged."
She poked Yan Shan with her finger. Yan Shan looked at her eldest sister in confusion, then, after receiving her look, said indifferently,