Chapter 203 - [Bonus ] Straightforward Discussion

Grace felt very jittery the very first second that Brent held her waist. This was the first close and intimate contact that they had since their agreement to get married. She secretly wished that she could read what was in his mind at that moment so she would know how to feel.

"Brent, son--" Brent's father called him after looking at his son's gesture holding intimately at the lady. As a father, he could assume that his son was just forcing himself and he wanted to tell him that there was no need for him to act against his will.

Brent gave a him a charming smile before the man looked at the side of the mayor and his wife. Grace parents maintained their silence and waited for Brent's instructions.

"Mr. & Mrs. Cleenne, I have overlooked a crucial thing during our past discussion about my wedding. If it's not for my friend that reminded me about it, I would probably neglect my duty as your son-in-law," Brent spoke. His hand did not leave on Grace's waist as if he was ready to display his affection in front of these elders..

"Ahaha, son, we are soon to be family, if you have some requests, just tell me directly and we will try our best to meet the standards of your family," Grace's father replied. He thought that Brent may have other requirements in the marriage and felt completely wary.

At the same time, he took a side glance at her daughter and could not help but smile genuinely after seeing that Brent was holding her. Whatever would be the requirements of the Lee family, he was determined to fulfill them.

"Is it about the location of your wedding's reception? Son, it has to be private. Don't tell me that you'll allow this girl to brainwash you and you change your mind?!" Brent's mother interrupted. 

At first, she was confident that her son would never disobey their request. And he knew better than anyone else. In her mind, if the reception would be changed into public, it was equivalent to letting their family be taken advantage of in broad daylight.

But after hearing Brent's tone, she somehow made a wild guess that his son was really influenced by Sofia's words before.

"We always conduct our business within our family. This wedding should only be joined by our close family and friends too," Brent's father also spoke to remind his son of how 

Everyone in their circle seemed to feel another level of tension around them. Only Sofia who silently listened to them had maintained her calm and composed bearing. Even though Brent's parents were glaring at her, she only comb her hair and pretended not to pay much attention to their conversation. After all, it was a civil matter and she was not part of their family.

Aside from being the friend of the groom and bride, what Sofia had imagined as her position right now was totally different than the elders could imagine. In her perspective, she was the person who was trying to capitalize their ceremony.

Opportunity favors those who have guts. And the others may look at her as shameless but she would run a business soon. In her mind, every opportunity to gain profit must not be overlooked. 

"There are some changes that I'd like to make to the arrangements that we made before. The reception of the wedding will be in the intersection street," Brent calmly announced.

"Bah! I can't believe my son was being brainwashed in front of us!" Brent's father snickered and gritted his teeth in anger. Brent's statement was the very first time that he had disobeyed his parent's request. And they could not believe that he would actually not follow their request.

"Father, I have some realization. Even if our family had maintained low-key, this is an auspicious ceremony. Why not celebrate and let the public know about this matter openly to spread happiness?" Brent spoke softly. 

Hearing this, the mayor subconsciously grabbed his wife's hand so he can maintain a calm composure. But deep down in his heart, he was completely overjoyed.

Brent's parents became silent. If the bride of their son is not the family of the Greenne, they would surely not mind sharing the news with the public. They would even let the entire citizens in district 7 join their ceremony.

"Allow me to speak a few words, old master Lee?" Sofia suddenly said politely.

"You have spoken earlier and had influenced my son's mind already! You are so thick-face to ask permission now. Isn't that a bit too late? And if my husband does not give you consent to speak here, will your mouth stay close?" Brent's mother stated before her husband could speak a word.

"Ah, Mrs. Lee has good eyes and perception. I am also a young girl and will married soon. So, I just want to clear something because I am a little bit confused. This is your son's wedding, but why not make the celebration big? If I get married, I will let the whole world know about it," Sofia slightly laughed to ease the tension around them. Then, she continued, "Could it be that you are afraid that the family of the bride would use you?" 

Sofia's words hit the right spot. No one had opened up this matter but every one of them completely understood that such was really the case.

The issue was very obvious. But instead of discussing and resolving it, Grace's family just agreed to compromise. 

Unfortunately, Sofia is a straightforward person and always wanted a clear understanding of things through direct and open communication. Brent was also taken aback by Sofia's direct words.

"It is better to discuss this matter to avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding between in-laws. Even if you are unwilling to talk about your feelings, it is necessary," Sofia continued when all of them looked dumbstruck by her first query.

"Young girl, what exactly do you want?" Brent's mother questioned with her eyebrows arched in an upward curve.

"Mrs. Lee, Brent is my friend and Grace is also my friend. If one day they would split because of a misunderstanding, I would have to choose between the two of them. I hope that won't happen," Sofia replied and maintained eye contact with her.

"HAHAHA! Since you have mentioned personal feelings then, let's I'll lay it here once and for all! I do believe that the power of my family in society will be exploited through this marriage. So, I wish this to be as private as possible," the old master of the Lee family said with a glint of his eyes that indicated how he despised having such conversation.

"You cannot blame us. The election in our place is getting closer. We don't want our son's wedding to be a tool of an electoral campaign," Brent's mother said and eyed Grace's wife.

"Ahh, the Lee family is indeed the richest in this district. But no matter how much wealth you hold, the Greenne family has much authority in our place. The mayor can make trouble if he wants to," Sofia uttered but quickly paused when she saw the mayor raised his hand to stop her.

"Ehh, young miss doesn't slander me," the mayor immediately interrupted and felt wronged by her. The lady seemed to be on their side earlier. But now, she was actually speaking some opinions that can pull down their reputation too!

"No, I don't intend to slander you, Mayor Cleenne. I am just giving the possibility to the Lee family of your capability. Apologies but from what I have observed, Mr. and Mrs. Lee wants to impose something out of fear that you are taking advantage of their wealth and power. But, from what I can remember, the competition in politics in our district is almost non-existent. In the public's eye, the mayor's performance rating is so high. So, even if the Greene family will not insist on having a big ceremony, they can still win the election." Sofia took a brief pause and arranged her thoughts.

"From every different angle that I examined, there is no negative impact on the Greenne family if the wedding ceremony is not big. They already have the support of the citizens. But, on your Lee family, the possibility of the public throwing an allegation that you don't respect our customs and become unwilling to spend money during the union of your son, that would not be good for your business," Sofia finished.

"That's what I also realized, father. How we handle this wedding will be a reflection of our family. If the reception of the wedding will be on Sofia's business, we can get closer to our patrons directly and let them join the ceremony. We can just hold the reception program in a few hours and have the place cater to the guests for the rest of the day," Brent spoke.

"It seems that you have really come up with your decision. Then, there is nothing that we can do anymore," the old master of the Lee family shook his head three times as he did not refute the idea anymore.

"We will take our leave now to rest early," Brent's mother spoke. She was visibly upset but also felt helpless since her husband won't argue anymore.

The two elders walked away with stiff shoulders and blank expressions on their faces.