Faced with the six women's murderous stares, Yue Xiaofei showed no fear.
He knew his decision today would offend them.
But he had no other choice, and he would never regret it.
Meeting their eyes, Yue Xiaofei spoke slowly. His voice was calm, yet carried an authority that allowed no argument.
"Everyone, please calm down and hear me out."
"I'm not rejecting you because I look down on you, much less your families."
"On the contrary, it's because I think so highly of you."
"Oh?"
Yan Qingsi raised an eyebrow and studied him. "What do you mean by that?"
Yue Xiaofei looked from one face to the next, his tone utterly sincere.
"Every one of you is exceptional, a dazzling jewel. You deserve a love that is yours alone."
"Your marriages should be built on mutual love and understanding, not turned into alliances or cold transactions."
"That wouldn't be fair to you, or to me."
His words brought a subtle change to all six women's faces.
They were intelligent. Of course they understood what he meant.
Their reasons for coming here today were hardly simple.
Their families' orders and the exchange of benefits had played a large part.
"Love" was little more than a veil to hide behind.
Now Yue Xiaofei had torn that veil away in public without a shred of mercy, leaving them with an uncomfortable sense that they had nowhere to hide.
"Hmph. Pretty words!"
Yi Yuanyuan, the glamorous award-winning actress, broke the silence with a sneer.
"Yue Xiaofei, spare us the empty talk!"
"We're adults, not naive little girls! Love? Can you eat it?"
"This world runs on transactions! Marriage is one of the most important of all!"
"Just tell us: are our offers not enough to tempt you?"
"What do you want? Name it! If