The young woman led Yang Kai into the central courtyard, where they were immediately surrounded by ten members of the Zhang Family.
"Who goes there!" someone shouted, wariness written across his face.
"It's Lord Yang! It's Lord Yang!" the girl exclaimed with excitement, clutching Yang Kai's arm and repeating herself over and over to everyone around them.
"What kind of manners are these, shouting and screaming like that?" A familiar voice rang out, and a moment later, a plump, beautiful woman appeared from the side, her appearance bearing a faint resemblance to Ruoxi's.
"Grandmother, it's Lord Yang! He's come!" the young woman cried hurriedly.
"What Lord Yang?" The woman frowned slightly, stepped forward, and took a closer look. Her hand flew to her lips as her expression turned to one of mixed shock and joy. "Lord Yang!"
"Madam Zhang, it's been a while!" Yang Kai smiled. The beautiful woman was none other than Ning Suwan, Ruoxi's grandmother.
Ning Suwan stared blankly for a long while before finally smiling. "Lord Yang is as impressive as ever!" She paused, then seemed to remember herself, turning to the girl still clinging to Yang Kai's arm. "Ruoyu, go invite your great-grandmother out."
"Okay!" The girl called Ruoyu hurriedly rushed inside.
Ning Suwan peered past Yang Kai but did not see the figure she was hoping for. Her pretty face shifted subtly, and she asked with a trembling voice, "Lord Yang… is Ruoxi…"
Yang Kai smiled reassuringly. "Rest easy, Madam Zhang. Ruoxi is perfectly well. She simply had some matters to attend to and couldn't come along this time."
Only after hearing this did Ning Suwan press a hand to her chest and let out a sigh of relief. She had genuinely feared hearing something terrible from Yang Kai's lips. Years ago, the Zhang Family had been bullied and oppressed, and it was Yang Kai who had stepped forward to save them from disaster. Later, when Zhang Ruoxi had left with Yang Kai, it had been for a full ten years without a single word. Naturally, Ning Suwan had worried endlessly. The world beyond was nothing like the peace the Zhang Family had enjoyed in recent years. Though Yang Kai had shown great promise back then, as their horizons had broadened over the years, the family had come to understand that the Yang Kai of old was not necessarily all that powerful.
If he had truly provoked some formidable enemy out there, Ruoxi could very well have been dragged into the fallout.
Thankfully, Yang Kai had come, and he told her that Ruoxi was safe.
"Please come inside, Lord Yang!" Ning Suwan gestured inward, having set her mind at ease. Though a hundred questions burned on the tip of her tongue, years of refinement had tempered her into a more composed woman, and she knew this was not the right moment to start asking them.
By now, the growing crowd of Zhang Family members who had gathered around had realized exactly who Yang Kai was. Many of them had seen him years ago, and even those who hadn't had heard the stories—knew that Ruoxi had been taken away by him.
Hostility and wariness vanished, replaced by warm smiles and friendliness.
Ning Suwan led Yang Kai into the Zhang Family's reception hall, where they took their seats as host and guest. Tea was promptly served.
Before they had exchanged more than a few words, an aged voice drifted in from outside: "Lord Yang has arrived?"
Yang Kai rose in haste and saw an elderly woman making her way toward them step by step, supported by Zhang Ruoyu. The moment her clouded gaze fell upon Yang Kai, a brilliant light erupted in her eyes, and she cried out in surprise, "It really is Lord Yang! This old woman greets Lord Yang!"
Yang Kai was startled. He reached out with his hands and gently held her up, saying in a fluster, "Elder, you mustn't. This is far too much for me to accept."
Old Madam Zhang said, "It is only right. If it hadn't been for you back then, the Zhang Family would no longer exist."
"What was entrusted to me, I carried out faithfully. There is no need to speak of what happened so long ago." Yang Kai shook his head slowly, personally supporting Old Madam Zhang as he guided her to the seat of honor. Only after settling her down did he return to his own seat.
Ning Suwan watched this scene in silence, the corner of her lips curving upward into a smile of quiet satisfaction.
Though the Zhang Family had agreed to let Yang Kai take Ruoxi away, everyone knew that when a brilliant young man like him brought along a beautiful young girl, certain things were bound to happen. It was only a matter of time before Ruoxi became his woman.
In other words, Ning Suwan had long since regarded Yang Kai as the Zhang Family's son-in-law.
It was just that this son-in-law far surpassed the Zhang Family in every way. She had accepted this in her heart long ago, but it wouldn't do to make it too obvious, lest it come across as presumptuous and bring suffering upon Ruoxi.
Now, seeing him again, Yang Kai showed not a shred of arrogance. He was respectful to his elders and kind to the young—his character was truly commendable.
"Lord Yang…" Old Madam Zhang had just opened her mouth after sitting down when Yang Kai waved his hand and said, "Elder, please just call me by my name. There's no need to use that title anymore."
Old Madam Zhang said, "How can I…"
Ning Suwan smiled. "Mother, since Yang Kai insists, why insist on standing on ceremony?"
Hearing this, Old Madam Zhang seemed to catch on to something and smiled. "Then this old woman will presume upon her age!"
"Only natural." Yang Kai nodded gently.
"How is Ruoxi… now?"
Ning Suwan said, "Yang Kai already told us—Ruoxi is perfectly fine, Mother. You needn't worry."
"Truly?" Old Madam Zhang looked at Yang Kai intently.