Lian Taoze came over beaming. "Junior Brother, I've got wonderful news! Remember how I said I'd find you a good marriage prospect? I've finally found a few. Take a look—these are the portraits I got."
Zhou Chen blinked in realization. He had almost forgotten about it.
Lian Taoze had clearly meant what he said. The Lian Household had been beset by difficulties lately, and even their monthly stipends had arrived a few days late. Yet he had not forgotten his promise.
"Thanks for the effort, Senior Martial Brother."
Zhou Chen took the portraits and unfolded them. There were three in all, each depicting an attractive woman with a distinct look.
The first looked gentle and sweet, with the charm of a girl next door; the second had a touch of gallantry in her eyes; the third looked rather delicate.
Lian Taoze said proudly, "Well? I picked out some fine young women for you. They've all got different looks and personalities—plenty to choose from."
"Sorry for the trouble, Senior Martial Brother."
Zhou Chen looked through them, then asked in detail about the three women's backgrounds.
Lian Taoze introduced them one by one. "The first is Cheng Xiaoxiao, the third daughter of the Cheng Household. They have three daughters altogether, and the first two are already married. The Cheng Household is a little worse off than ours, but she's the only daughter they have left at home. If you marry her, they'll surely devote the full strength of their Lineage to nurturing you."
He turned to the second portrait. "This one is Ding Xian'er. Her family's circumstances are much the same. She has an older brother, but he's never trained in martial arts, so they need a son-in-law with fighting skills to lend a hand."
"As for the last one..." He pointed