Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1594: 521: No Forcing_3

Previously on Shadows of the Deep Space...
Su Ming returns home with his parents, Zhao Ning and Su Yuan, just as various clan leaders arrive unannounced for business discussions. Among them are Old Clan Chief Tai Falu with his granddaughter Vivian, Clan Leader Mokduo with Hilis, and Clan Leader Jyenis with Helena, all of whom impress Zhao Ning with their elegance. Su Mulong introduces the visitors to Su Ming's nervous parents, who are warmly greeted by the leaders, who express admiration for raising such an outstanding son as Su Ming.

Right now, Su Mulong noticed Su Yuan appearing somewhat uncomfortable, prompting him to speak to Mokduo and his two companions.

“The wind is picking up here. Shall we move indoors to continue our conversation?”

Mokduo and the other two traded looks and nodded in agreement, smiling broadly.

“Sure.”

Su Mulong exhaled in obvious relief without delay.

Next, Mokduo addressed Hilis directly.

“No need for you to join us inside. Perhaps you could stay and chat with Mrs. Zhao Ning?”

“Yes.”

Hilis gave a nod and responded affirmatively.

“Exactly, the young folks shouldn’t have to stick with us elders.”

Tai Falu along with the other pair joined in after observing the exchange.

“Yes!”

Vivian and Helena answered promptly.

Chatting animatedly and laughing, Su Mulong and his group headed toward the castle.

Though Su Yuxuan and the rest yearned to approach and join the talk, a sharp look from Clan Leader Su Feng held them back.

Now, Hilis approached Su Yuan and Zhao Ning, brushing off her skirt lightly before offering a graceful greeting.

“Greetings, Uncle and Aunt. I’m Su Ming’s close friend.”

“Hello.”

Su Yuan answered, a touch of nervousness in his voice.

In that instant, Zhao Ning studied Hilis’s beautiful features and felt a sense of familiarity, like she’d encountered her previously, leading to a curious inquiry.

“Have we met before?”

“I neglected to mention; I’m Hilis!”

With a warm smile, Hilis introduced herself.

Zhao Ning’s expression filled with profound astonishment upon hearing Hilis’s name. Even if she wasn’t an avid follower, who hadn’t come across the renowned Hilis? Surprised, she exclaimed.

“Oh my, are you the famous Miss Hilis?”

“Yes.”

Hilis confirmed, still smiling.

Disbelief covered Zhao Ning’s face—the country’s idol was her son’s friend, no less.

“Ahem~”

Su Ming cleared his throat quickly, hinting at Zhao Ning to tone it down.

A playful glint in her eye, Hilis turned to Su Ming and queried.

“Mr. Su Ming, is your throat bothering you?”

“No.”

Su Ming responded, feeling embarrassed.

At this juncture, Vivian moved forward to offer a friendly hello to Zhao Ning.

“Hi, Aunt, I’m Vivian, a friend of Su Ming’s.”

“Hello, Miss Vivian.”

Zhao Ning eyed the approaching Vivian and took an immediate liking to her.

Then Helena advanced, saying hello to Zhao Ning in a gentle tone.

“Hi, Aunt, I’m Helena, another friend of Su Ming’s.”

“Hello, Miss Helena.”

Zhao Ning replied swiftly, her joy nearly overflowing. It was remarkable that all three lovely women were her son’s close friends.

“Aunt, your complexion is amazing; you appear so youthful, it’s hard to accept you’re Su Ming’s mom.”

Helena complimented Zhao Ning as well.

“Really?”

Delight brightened Zhao Ning’s face at Helena’s remark.

“Absolutely true; in fact, you seem around our age.”

Helena continued smoothly.

“No way, I merely care for myself somewhat, making me look a tad younger.”

Beaming after Helena’s words, Zhao Ning responded.

“Aunt, what’s your secret to such great skin? Could you share?”

Helena pressed on right away.

From the side, Vivian grinned while seeing Helena lift Zhao Ning’s spirits and added.

“I’d love to learn too, Aunt.”

Hilis remained quietly by, chiming in with occasional suggestions as they conversed.

….

Su Ming and Su Yuan found themselves sidelined.

They shared a look before settling at a relaxed table on the Observation Deck.

“Son, these girls are wonderful. What if your mom gets attached to them?”

Su Yuan expressed with a worried face.

“Why that expression?”

Smiling, Su Ming asked Su Yuan.

“I’m fretting over the dowry! How much will we need?”

Su Yuan tallied his assets mentally.

Su Ming chuckled at this and told Su Yuan.

“Dad, quit the math! These girls manage banks and safes; dowries aren’t an issue for them.”

“Ah!”

Stunned, Su Yuan reacted to Su Ming’s words.

“Don’t concern yourself with such matters; just enjoy life daily with good food and drink.”

Su Ming advised his father.

“Okay.”

Su Yuan settled down after replying.

Meanwhile, Zhao Ning and Hilis’s group approached, still giggling and talking.

“What’s got you all so cheerful?”

Su Ming inquired smilingly.

“Just some parent talk, nothing much. Son, come aside with me briefly.”

With that, Zhao Ning grabbed Su Ming’s arm and drew him away.

Confused, Su Ming gazed at Zhao Ning and questioned.

“Mom, what’s going on?”

“Listen, I approve of all three completely. Pick whichever you like.”

“No, we’re only friends.”

“Doesn’t matter; this time you’re not escaping. Choose at least one from the trio.”

A bit irritated, Zhao Ning insisted.

“Alright, we’ll discuss it later.”

Utterly helpless, Su Ming agreed.

Having lectured Su Ming, they rejoined the others.

“Miss Hilis, Miss Vivian, Miss Helena, how do you view my son?”

Smiling, Zhao Ning asked.

“He’s wonderful, Aunt!”

Hilis and the two others answered smilingly.

“Excellent, you all should spend more time together.”

Zhao Ning declared joyfully.

Then Vivian laughed lightly and commented.

“Aunt, it’s not that we avoid Su Ming; he’s just too occupied, making it tough to arrange meetings.”

“Right, my last message to him took a full year for a response.”

Grinning, Helena added.

Hearing them, Zhao Ning’s countenance darkened instantly, and she shot a stern glare at Su Ming.