A Whirlwind Marriage with the Beautiful CEO Chapter 611-620
Chapter 611
Scarcity made things valuable–the same applied to humans!
The Lowe family had not returned to their hometown for many years. Today,
news spread that they were back, so more people came to visit and
exchange New Year’s greetings. Although some rural people were
materialistic, the simplicity of their lives was far more abundant than in
bustling cities.
Frederick also came to Emmanuel’s house. Since he would face endless
discussions about why he had not gotten married if he stayed at his own
home, why not come here and listen to others discussing why someone else
had not gotten married? He also realized he overestimated the power of his
PowerPoint presentation. Regardless of how often he answered, people
would continue asking as long as he remained unmarried.
“Why haven’t you gotten married?” That was a question Emmanuel had been
asked many times today, even though Alessandra had spread the word that
her son was married.
It was almost as if he should make a public declaration! However, it
remained a lie since nobody had seen his wife.
“Manny, just admit that you’re not married!” Shane was sticking by
Emmanuel’s side today. After all, they had not seen each other for so many
years, and if they did not interact more today, who knew when they would
have the chance to meet again?
He believed if Emmanuel could not find a wife, he would not have the face to
return. However, he still believed that Emmanuel and Frederick were lying
together to deceive him. Frederick originally mentioned that Emmanuel
married an ugly wife; even if it were an average–looking wife, he would have
tried to believe it. However, Frederick insisted on saying that Emmanuel’s wife
was stunningly beautiful and incredibly wealthy. How could Shane convince
himself to buy such an outrageous lie?
“I am indeed married.” Emmanuel persisted, not tired of repeating himself.
“Then, where is your wife?” someone else questioned.
He could not answer because he had no idea where Mackenzie was right
now! The situation was getting out of hand. Many villagers sighed as they
had a favorable impression of Emmanuel’s grandfather and father. They
were loyal, upright, and devoted to their country, so how did Emmanuel, in
turn, become so untrustworthy?
Meanwhile, at the entrance of Hero’s Village, a black Mercedes Benz cleared
the way and stopped in an open space. Following behind was a red Bentley,
which also came to a stop. Immediately after, another Mercedes Benz
arrived. Then came the fourth and fifth cars, both Mercedes Benzes as well.
A convoy of five luxury cars seemed out of place in the ancient village, like a
two–dimensional Transformer suddenly intruding into the world of heroes.
However, as it turned out, this was a perfectly reasonable occurrence!
In the next moment, almost simultaneously, the doors of all the Mercedes
Benz cars opened, except for the Bentley. Tall and imposing bodyguards in
black suits scattered around, ensuring every detail of the site and eliminating
any potential danger.
In addition, a gray–robed old man slowly approached the Bentley and
respectfully opened the door. “Haha. Hero’s Village truly lives up to its
reputation!” Terence leaned on his cane and stepped out, taking in the fresh
air. Having lived in the city for too long, he almost greedily savored this type
of air. He opened his mouth and took several deep breaths while closing his
eyes.
Alfred had also heard about the renowned heroes and great generals who
once appeared in Hero’s Village. He had long wanted to pay a visit. However,
who knew the daughter of the Quillen family would be married into this
place? That could be considered fate.
In the next moment, Mackenzie also got out of the Bentley. She wore black
tights that accentuated her slender and elongated legs, appearing even
taller and creating a visual effect of being five–foot–eleven! She also wore d
tight–fitting white thermal shirt with pearl patterns as a top with a white
down jacket.
Chapter 612
The combination of black and white was seemingly simple. However,
Mackenzie wore the outfit with the effect of top models. Along with her innate
icy temperament, it secretly captivated the male bodyguards around her.
This woman belonged only in heaven!
Mackenzie felt cold, so she wrapped a red scarf around her neck. That
instantly brought a festive atmosphere to the first day of the new year!
“Grandpa, let’s go!” She walked over and wrapped another red scarf around
Terence’s neck.
The old man dressed in a red suit perfectly matched with the festive scarf!
“Haha. Let’s go! Let’s wish our in–laws a happy new year!”
He was in a great mood today. Choosing Hero’s Village as the first stop for
the new year’s greetings was marvelous to him! However, this magnificent
-procession of new year’s greetings frightened the surrounding villagers.
Is this a new year’s greeting or an invasion by the enemy? Many people
secretly followed behind to watch, pointing and discussing among
themselves. Who has such distinguished people as guests?
People in Hero’s Village had not seen such liveliness during the new year for
many years since the younger generation kept migrating out!
Mackenzie was unfamiliar with the route, so she approached an elderly lady
at the entrance and asked, “Excuse me, miss. Happy New Year! Can you tell
me where the Lowe family lives?”
The way Mackenzie addressed her made her heart flutter with joy! She
pointed toward the eastern part of the village and excitedly said, “The way to
the Lowe family’s house is easy to find. Just keep walking straight until the
end, and you’ll see a brick house directly facing the heroic stone statue!”
“Thank you.” She nodded and walked away.
Terence felt that his granddaughter’s way of expressing gratitude was a bit
cold, so he turned to the elderly woman and said, “Thank you, miss!” Then, he
instructed someone to give her a generous reward.
However, the elderly lady insisted on declining the reward, and her happy
and smiling expression instantly turned cold. This old man! How could he
address me as ‘miss‘? I don’t want to be a ‘miss‘ to him!
It was lively since the Lowe family had returned to the countryside for the
New Year after many years. More and more people were pressing Emmanuel
for information about his wife. However, he did not know how to respond.
Even Alessandra knew nothing about Mackenzie, so how could he casually
reveal details to these people?
At that moment, Howard appeared again with his wife and burst into
laughter. “Emmanuel, did Frederick suddenly use you to brag and catch you
off guard? You can’t back down now, right? Seriously, not having a wife is not
a big deal! Why lie on the spot and stick to it?”
Everyone chimed in and agreed. So what if someone did not have a wife? At
-most, they might receive a few mocking remarks. However, lying was a
matter of character and would make the village look down on you!
“I got married. Today, I planned to bring her back to the village to pay
respects to our ancestors.” He had no choice but to continue saying so.
“Stop spouting nonsense!” Howard could not bear it any longer and angrily
interrupted him. “I despise trash like you the most. You refuse to face reality.
You’re doomed for a lifetime=”
Before he could finish his sentence, someone outside suddenly exclaimed,
“Someone’s here for New Year’s greetings to the Lowe family!”
The voice was filled with excitement, catching everyone inside off guard.
Howard frowned in annoyance. What’s so surprising about New Year’s
greetings? Why make such a fuss?
However, in the next moment, even his eyes widened! His gaze shifted to the
entrance, and he saw a woman as delicate as the snow. The woman was not
enthusiastic, but her vermilion lips curved with a charming smile as she said
to the bewildered Alessandra, “Mom. Happy New Year! Grandpa and I are
here to visit you.”
As soon as she spoke, the scene fell into a dead silence.
Chapter 613
“Is… Is she Manny’s wife?!” Shane was the first to exclaim in shock. At first
glance, he thought Mackenzie was a goddess who had descended to the
mortal world!
He, on the other hand, was a keyboard warrior who loved to comment on
beautiful women online. Gradually, he developed a high standard toward
women and believed that true beauty should possess both looks and
temperament, beauty inside and out. However, even with his critical eye, he
could not find any flaws in the woman before him!
It was not just him, though. Seeing the envious gazes of everyone, even
Alessandra suddenly felt a sense of dizziness as if her eyes were playing
tricks on her! How should I describe my daughter–in–law? Too beautiful. Too
pure. Too unique. Too elegant and poised! She was undoubtedly excited and
happy, but she could not help but worry deep down. Is my ‘ugly son‘ worthy of
such a lady?
“Mom, Mackenzie is here to greet you for the New Year. Why aren’t you saying
anything?” It was Roselynn who came over in time to remind Alessandra.
She excitedly and loudly exclaimed, “Ah! Mackenzie, you finally came. I’ve
been eagerly awaiting your arrival!”
Terence burst into hearty laughter. “Apologies for keeping Mrs. Lowe waiting.
Mackenzie and I were preparing some New Year gifts, so we arrived late,
haha.” After speaking, he waved his hand.
Immediately, Alfred signaled outside the door, and a row of men in black
suits promptly carried in large and small gift boxes. The entire room was in
astonishment.
“Please make way!”
Howard and his wife, blocking the path, were directly pushed aside.
Alessandra only then realized that there were so many people outside. She
wore an expression of sincere anxiety. “Old Mr. Quillen, isn’t this too much? I’m
happy to have you and Mackenzie here for the New Year! We really can’t
accept so many gifts from you!”
She finally started to worry! My daughter–in–law’s financial power is not
simply that of a high–level executive in a large corporation, right? Why would
they bring so many bodyguards and subordinates just for a trip? Is her
grandfather the leader of some shady organization? However, his demeanor
and style don’t quite match that description! They’re more like a prominent
wealthy family! What should I do? Help!
Alessandra had a clear understanding of her son’s status. It was considered
a blessing from the ancestors to find a wife after going on 18 blind dates, so
how could he enter a prestigious wealthy family with his humble
background?
“Haha, Howard, do you still think I’m lying? Do you find yourself ridiculous?”
Frederick saw Howard being pushed aside and could not help but feel a
sense of relief even though he was still single!
Shane also added fuel to the fire, taking advantage of his shoved wife on–the-
ground, and whispered, “Hurry up and hide your wife, or else the whole village
will compare her to Mackenzie. You’ll be so embarrassed!”
Damn it! Howard instantly broke down. He raised his arm high and shouted,
“It’s fake! It’s all fake! You can’t fool me!”
All eyes in the room were drawn to him instantly, thinking he was crazy in
unison. Even if Emmanuel’s wife is more beautiful than yours, there’s no need
to react like this, right?
“Emmanuel, tell us the truth! Where did you rent this beautiful lady from,
some company?” Howard thought he had the truth in his hands. He pointed
at Emmanuel and loudly questioned him.
Emmanuel looked puzzled, not understanding what he was talking about.
What company?
Seeing his silence, Howard continued to shout, “Don’t think I don’t know!
Nowadays, many companies specialize in designing setups, providing actors
and props to assist losers in showing off at home! You, who haven’t returned
for ten years, suddenly come back and marry a heavenly goddess. She also
happens to be from a prestigious family. Do you think I’d believe you? You
paid a professional team to stage this act, right?”
□
Chapter 614
“This scheme may deceive the simple villagers of Hero’s Village, but it can’t
fool me. I’ve been in the city and lived a life, hahaha.”
Seeing him acting as if he had the truth in his hands, Emmanuel was
speechless. How is there someone so self–righteous?
Unfortunately, quite a few people in the room believed him! Even Shane
surprisingly whispered, “So, there are companies and teams like this
nowadays? If I had known, I would’ve hired one too! Putting on a show in front
of the elders in the village would be so impressive!”
Mackenzie did not rush to clarify for her foolish husband. Instead, she ignored
it and took the initiative to hold Alessandra’s hand. “Mom, don’t you worry!
Today is my first time coming home for New Year after marrying Emmanuel.
How can I not bring gifts for my mother–in–law? One might say I lack
etiquette if they heard.”
Hearing these words, Alessandra felt even sweeter than eating honey.
Emmanuel was also pleasantly surprised. He had been worried that
Mackenzie would be upset about what happened last night and miss the
event. Now, his worries were completely dispelled.
He never expected that not only would his wife visit, but she would also
handle everything so beautifully. She was so generous and graceful!
“It’s fine. It’s not necessary!” Alessandra looked at the boxes of gifts and
expressed her uneasiness. Had this kind of unimaginable plot happened
before anyone’s eyes, they would have felt unsettled too!
Mackenzie released her hand and slowly addressed the villagers present.
“Dear fellow villagers, my name is Mackenzie Quillen. Today is my first time
returning to the village with my husband, and I haven’t prepared any gifts for
everyone. Instead, I have prepared a cash envelope of 300 for each person
as a New Year’s greeting!”
What?! A 300–dollar cash envelope? One for each person? How much money
would that cost?
Everyone thought they misheard until the black–clad bodyguards opened a
large gift box and handed out the cash envelopes. That was when they
realized it was true!
“Ah! Every single bill is real!” someone immediately exclaimed.
Holding the cash envelope in his hand, Howard trembled all over! How could
this be happening? Why?!
The group of people was grateful for Mackenzie. It was not an exaggeration
to say that 300 was equivalent to a month’s income for many villagers! That
was much more generous than what Zaniel gave!
Mackenzie smiled faintly and said, “If you want to thank someone, thank
Emmanuel. Didn’t you say that we are all actors he hired? Well, he rented all
of these!”
Bullsh*t! Who would believe that this was rented? They had real money in
their hands!
The crowd immediately berated Howard for his nonsense, their eyes turning
green with envy. The embarrassed man cursed with tremble and cold sweat,
barely able to stand steady, and quickly ran away!
“Hey, your wife!” Shane shouted behind him, “He’s running so fast. Doesn’t he
even want his wife?”
Frederick chuckled. “Maybe his wife was the one rented to act! Hahaha.”
As news of the large cash envelopes spread, more and more people
crowded in, especially the children in the village. The scene was bewildering
as if someone suddenly opened a granary after three years of hunger!
Mackenzie saw the extremely excited Lowe family of three and inexplicably
curled her lips with a smile. In the past, she would never show off in such a
manner. First, there was no need! Secondly, she did not feel like it.
However, today’s atmosphere made her feel comfortable showing off! It
seemed like marriage was not such a bad thing.
Chapter 615
Emmanuel knew Mackenzie enjoyed the tranquility and assumed she did not
like crowded and lively environments. So, he found an opportunity to pull her
away through the back door. Both kept walking upward until they found a
quiet spot.
She stood at the elevated spot, admiring the scenery of Hero’s Village.
Though it was not a utopia, the environment was clean and comfortable. It
was perfect for a living!
“Mackenzie, thank you for coming!” He walked toward her side and sincerely
expressed his gratitude. “My mother is so content. I’ve never seen her smile
this happily before!”
1
t
She intentionally turned her face away. “Hmph, didn’t I promise you? Did you
think I would break my promise?”
“No, I knew you would keep your promise!” he replied, and a hint of delight
flashed in Mackenzie’s eyes. This man understands me. He continued, “I was
worried you were still upset with me from last night.”
Hearing his words, she became angry and suddenly stared at him with cold
eyes. “What? Am I such a petty person in your eyes? Didn’t I tell you I don’t
know the taste of jealousy?”
“Um…” Emmanuel was most afraid of his wife being angry. Although he knew
she was jealous, when she said it like that, even a straightforward guy like
him had to stay silent, right? Hence, he quickly smiled and coaxed, “I knew
you’d understand and believe in me. Claudette and I don’t have the same
kind of relationship as you and-”
“What kind of relationship do we have, then?” She skillfully interrupted his
words at the right moment. It was an art.
“We’re friends!” He confessed.
“And what about us?” She continued to ask, feeling a hint of sweetness in her
heart, but her face did not reveal it.
“Isn’t it written on our marriage certificates?” He was puzzled.
“I want to hear you say it!” She suddenly became assertive.
“We are husband and wife!” He said, “Didn’t you just admit it in front of all my
relatives and friends? We’re husband and wife, a married couple! Maybe in
the future, you might even be buried in my family’s graveyard.”
“Hmph! Who wants to be buried with you?” She coldly snorted and turned her
face away. She would only openly acknowledge their relationship in such a
place with Emmanuel’s relatives and friends.
However, in Yeringham, in the upper echelons of business, she dared not
openly admit it. As for why? Even she could not explain it at the moment!
She was satisfied with Emmanuel’s words today because this fool was
gradually giving her a sense of being married.
t
“Mackenzie, I still want to apologize to you!” He could not figure out her
thoughts, so he seriously said, “Last night, I had no choice but to do what I did…
Sorry. It made you embarrassed.”
“What is there for me to be embarrassed about?” She looked at him again
and continued, “The one who should feel embarrassed is you, isn’t it? My
family doesn’t accept you, you can’t enter the Quillen family, but that’s not
my concern. It’s all your own doing!”
“Um…” He was stunned. Her words saddened him! After taking a deep breath,
he solemnly said, “Ms. Quillen, a husband and wife are a partnership. Your
words will hurt our relationship.”
She gravely replied, “You’ve done things that hurt our relationship. Do you
expect me to take the initiative to fix it?”
1
Chapter 616
“Well, then…” Emmanuel was also reasonable. He sighed and said, “I’m sorry,
looks like I have to figure something out. I genuinely like you and want to be
with you. I want us to grow old together and to be buried in the same place.”
Mackenzie was too stunned to say anything. Who confesses. so out of the
blue? I’m not ready for this! She blushed slightly, somewhat satisfied with his
foolish attitude. She did not continue to give him a hard time and quickly
changed the subject. “Now that my grandfather and I have come to your
house for the New Year, is there something else we should do next?”
“Of course there is!”
“What is it?” she asked. Since she was here, she would fulfill her role as a wife.
She would not give up halfway like Emmanuel because that was not her
style! As the female CEO of Terence Group, she valued efficiency and
reputation in her work. Marriage was no exception.
Emmanuel looked at the time and smiled. “Perfect timing. I’ll take you to meet
our old godfather in the village!”
:
“Old grandfather?” Mackenzie frowned, wondering why it was so troublesome.
In the Hero’s Village, the church shouldered a sacred place. A long time ago,
it used to be a village school but was replaced by public academics as time
passed and society developed. The old teacher became unemployed and
the school was converted into a church for worship.
Respected and revered by everyone in the village, the old teacher had
students throughout the whole town. As one would say, a teacher resembled
a father. Since the old teacher never married, his disciples, as a sign of
respect, had their descendants address him as godfather.
Emmanuel’s grandfather was also a disciple of the old teacher, so his father
referred to him as the godfather. In Emmanuel’s generation, they addressed
him as the old godfather. The situation in other families in the village was
probably similar to his. So, gradually, the old teacher became the old
godfather of the entire Hero’s Village.
On the way to the church, Terence got curious and asked Emmanuel for
information regarding the old godfather. He was surprised and asked, “Are
you saying the old godfather of Hero’s Village is over a hundred years old? He
participated in the war eighty years ago?”
Emmanuel nodded. “That’s right. Many descendants in Hero’s Village are
inspired by his patriotic spirit and volunteered to go to the border, sacrificing
their lives to defend our great country’s land and rivers!”
He was one of them. So, the old godfather held a high position in his heart.
“Well, it seems he is truly an admirable old man!” Terence also nodded, eager
to meet this legendary figure in the Hero’s Village. After all, very few people in
the world could be considered his peers at his age!
Alfred walked alongside him without saying a word, but his narrowed eyes
revealed a hint of curiosity. On the other hand, Mackenzie remained silent
throughout the journey and quietly walked.
Along the way, everyone’s eyes were on her, rendering her somewhat
distracted. Although she had been the center of attention since taking over
as the CEO of Terence Group, the feeling of being adored today was different
from before.
In the past, those who adored her had no connection with her and only
sought to flatter her for their interests, which she had no interest in and even
found repulsive. However, the villagers of Hero’s Village, apart from some
men, had pure admiration for her, giving her the feeling of being a top star
and meeting genuine fans.
“Look, Emmanuel and his wife have come to church!” The moment Emmanuel
and his group arrived at the open space in front of the church, someone
immediately shouted.
It was Shane, and it was obvious that he loved to attract attention. After all,
as Emmanuel’s junior, he should also bask in some of his senior’s prestigious
glory, right?
Many were devoutly waiting for the old godfather in front of the open space
of the church. Upon hearing Shane’s call, they turned to look at Emmanuel
and Mackenzie, who suddenly felt a hostile gaze and instinctively looked in
that direction.
The woman looking at her was none other than Emmanuel’s childhood friend,
Queenie!
Chapter 617
The young people came to the church to worship the old godfather during
the New Year. It was a custom in the Hero’s Village. The open space in front of
the church was prepared specifically for them. Therefore, Terence,
Alessandra, and Alfred did not enter the area designated for the youngsters.
Instead, they chatted with other villagers on the side.
When Queenie saw Emmanuel and his wife enter the open space, shè
immediately walked over with a smile. “Emmanuel, is this your wife? She truly
lives up to the rumors, so beautiful that it makes others feel ashamed!” After
she finished speaking, she covered her mouth and giggled.
Mackenzie, however, did not laugh and remained cold as usual. Although
Queenie’s hostile gaze disappeared in an instant, she believed she was not
mistaken. Is it possible this woman has some special relationship with
Emmanuel? Otherwise, why would she be hostile toward me?
“Yes, you’re right.” Emmanuel nodded. In the presence of others, he would not
boast about marrying Mackenzie, but inexplicably, he felt a sense of fortune
having her by his side in Queenie’s presence.
“Hello, I’m Queenie! Emmanuel’s longtime childhood friend. He even
pretended to be my groom and held me when we were kids. But
unfortunately, when we grew up, he chose another bride. Maybe I wasn’t
pretty enough…” She reached out to Mackenzie and added a
self–deprecating remark.
Mackenzie, however, looked at her coldly and showed no intention of shaking
hands. As for Zaniel next to Queenie, she did not even glance at him from
beginning to end. That was just her personality–she had no reason to waste
time looking at or acknowledging strangers irrelevant to her.
Queenie felt awkward and turned to Emmanuel, jokingly complaining,
“Emmanuel, your wife seems quite cool. Not very easy to get along with,
こ
huh?”
Before he could answer, Mackenzie sneered. “There’s no need for you to get
along with me. What difference does it make if I’m cold or not?”
“Well…” Queenie immediately looked aggrieved and embarrassed.
Some of the villagers could not help but speak up in her defense.
“Queenie took the initiative to talk to her in a friendly manner, but Emmanuel’s
wife doesn’t seem to understand courtesy.”
“She may be beautiful, but a wife should adhere to the principles of
obedience and virtue. Such a wife isn’t desirable!”
“I wonder how he manages to deal with her. Maybe he married into the
family and can’t speak up when his wife bullies him at home!”
“If that’s the case, what’s the point of marrying a goddess?”
Hearing these comments, Alessandra suddenly felt uncomfortable. Initially,
Mackenzie’s arrival at the Hero’s Village was a moment of great joy and
excitement for her, but now, that feeling had been diluted.
As these comments were not directed to their faces and were in a chaotic
state, Emmanuel was unable to respond to those individuals despite
overhearing them. He simply held Mackenzie’s hand and said gently, “Don’t
mind them, Mackenzie.”
She replied nonchalantly, “As long as you don’t mind, I don’t care.”
She had no further dealings with these people after leaving Hero’s Village, so
why would she care? Besides, it was true that she was not easy to get along
with; that was something known throughout Yeringham, and there was no
need to explain or hide it.
“Pfft! So, you’re just a parasite, a kept–man!” Howard, who had been silent like
a quail, finally spoke with a disdainful expression. After being treated poorly
at Emmanuel’s home and fleeing, he finally found an opportunity to attack
Emmanuel.
Chapter 618
On the side, Shane overheard and immediately mocked, “Haha, Howard, let’s
not worry about whether Manny is a freeloader. If you have a wife like that,
I’m afraid you would go crazy too! Right?”
Howard did not dare to refute for a moment because the other party hit the
mark. After realizing it, he awkwardly said, “Who would marry a rude and
disrespectful woman like her?”
“Oh my, do I smell a sour stench? Fred, do you smell it too?” Shane waved his
hand and taunted.
“What ‘Fred‘? Call me Frederick! I smelled it a long time ago. Someone is even
more sour than sour plums and smells worse than expired vinegar.” Frederick
and Shane echoed each other, leaving Howard defenseless.
In Frederick’s eyes, it was not Mackenzie who was difficult to get along with at
all; it was Queenie who brought it upon herself. What’s the motive behind
saying that someone’s husband had married you and even hugged you in
front of his wife? The wife didn’t lay a hand on you, which should have been
seen as a gesture of saving face!
He was grateful for his good friend’s sake. Fortunately, Mackenzie reacted
nonchalantly. If she had acted indifferent, Emmanuel would have been
heartbroken, right?
It had to be said that Frederick was the one who understood Emmanuel the
best. Emmanuel indeed had such a feeling, so he did not feel resentful about
her prickly way of chatting. Instead, he felt at ease. It seems that she cares
about me!
However, what made Emmanuel feel uneasy was Zaniel. The way Howard
described it, that man seemed completely unfeeling, nothing like a married
couple. What on earth are Howard and Queenie up to? Why do they find such
strange partners?
“The old godfather is here!” At that moment, someone exclaimed.
The noise in front of the church immediately quieted down. This scene alone
showed the esteemed position of the old godfather in the Hero’s Village.
Mackenzie also thought that the old godfather of Hero’s Village would be a
dignified and scholarly old man full of a domineering aura; she had even
been a little excited earlier. However, she was disappointed at the first
encounter.
It seemed she was still influenced by the media. In reality, the old godfather
was just an old man with white hair and a face covered in age spots. His face
looked rougher than tree bark; his attire was casual, not sloppy, but devoid of
any scholarly temperament. The only thing that satisfied Mackenzie was his
deep and slightly shining old eyes.
“Hello, old godfather!” Everyone immediately bowed and called out in unison.
t
Emmanuel was no exception. He held deep admiration for the old godfather,
not only because his late grandfather and father bore great respect for him,
but also because he had received his teachings when he was young. The old…
godfather had even taught him some fundamental martial arts. For him, the
old godfather was his first mentor.
“Well, everyone, Happy New Year!” The old godfather slowly raised his right
hand and greeted his descendants with a smiling and benevolent face. Then,
amidst the cheers of the whole village, the old godfather was assisted by a
young man to slowly sit on a chair at the center of the open space.
Everyone stood at attention, indicating the high status and prestige of the old
godfather in Hero’s Village. However, due to his advanced age and being
over a hundred years old, his movements were unsteady and even a bit
unattractive. In the end, he needed the young man to lift his feet and help
him up.
Mackenzie frowned slightly. After all, with her status and position, she had
always been the center of attention wherever she went. Now, she had to wait
below while watching others serve an old man slowly. As someone who
valued time, she could not help but feel a bit impatient..
After the young man finished assisting the old godfather, his gaze shifted
downward, and he looked slightly different when he made eye contact with
Emmanuel.
“Emmanuel, long time no see. You’re finally back, huh?” the man spoke
directly to Emmanuel.
Chapter 619
“Yeah, I’m back.” Emmanuel nodded, responding to the man’s words.
The man’s name was Yosef Harper. Just like Queenie, they were Emmanuel’s
childhood playmates and even sat together in class. Not only that, but the
old godfather had wanted to take them both as disciples, teaching them
literature and martial arts.
Unfortunately, Emmanuel ended up leaving Hero’s Village with his father,
living in Yeringham, and later coming to the Northern Region. It had been
over ten years since they had last seen each other, and they finally reunited
today.
“Yeah.” Yosef nodded with a smile, which carried an intriguing impact on
people.
Firstly, he cultivated himself in literature from a young age under the old
godfather’s guidance, giving him the disposition of a scholar. Secondly, he
was recognized as a handsome man in Hero’s Village, with attractive facial
features and even dimples when he smiled. His charm was quite powerful
among women.
“After all, neither of us married Queenie…” He nodded and continued with a
smile. “Do you remember when we said as kids that we would see who would
marry her in the end?”
The villagers around them instantly became restless, engaging in lively
discussions. Queenie blushed and lowered her head shyly, her cheeks turning
red, while Mackenzie’s originally icy and indifferent face became even more
distant.
Emmanuel immediately tightened his grip on her delicate hand and smiled
dismissively. “Children say whatever comes to mind. No need to bring up
jokes like this.” He was relatively calm about it. After all, he and Yosef were
only six years old back then.
It was just a game of playing house, and a group of boys were discussing it.
He was simply one of them, coincidentally chosen as Queenie’s husband
during the game. He never had any feelings for her, and after the game, he
quickly forgot about it.
However, Mackenzie forcefully pinched his large hand, angrily pulling her
hand away. He endured the pain and glanced at her from the corner of his
eye. Oh, no. Is she angry again?
Seeing this scene, Yosef smiled again and added, “Now isn’t the time for idle
chat. You should join everyone–and worship the old godfather.”
“Alright.” Emmanuel nodded, maintaining his composure.
Frederick, on the other hand, was infuriated, his face flushed. Both Yosef and
Queenie were cunning individuals, just like heartless schemers! They
intentionally brought up such matters before and after to undermine
Emmanuel’s relationship with his wife! How disgraceful!
However, they both casually mentioned it in the context of reminiscing, and
even Emmanuel could not react, let alone him. Moreover, the traditional
ceremony of loyalty and filial piety had already begun, diverting everyone’s
attention.
The younger generation lined up, waiting to bow and pay their respects to
the old godfather. Mackenzie also stood in line with Emmanuel, observing the
unique ritual of the village.
The individual rituals held little reference value, but she observed the ones
where couples worshiped the godfather, which had their own rules and
etiquette. Firstly, they had to wear unique clothing with a filial or loyal plaque
hanging from their chest. Secondly, the posture of men and women when
worshiping was different.
Men/could just bow their heads, but women had to bury their heads on the
ground, waiting for the old godfather to tap their heads a few times,
symbolizing the opening of their wisdom and the future prosperity of their
husbands and offspring.
Although the taps were not painful and were done in the name of blessings,
the dignified Mackenzie could not possibly imitate those women, ending up
with a face covered in dirt. Who am I? Of course, the number one icy goddess
of Yeringham!
Chapter 620
No way! Kneeling and worshiping? Absolutely not!
“Emmanuel, it’s your turn!” Queenie and Zaniel had already worshiped the old
godfather and were waiting for Emmanuel and his wife. When they
approached, their eyes seemed to hold some expectation.
Emmanuel nodded and took the jackets Yosef handed him, passing one of
them to Mackenzie. Unexpectedly, she did not accept it.
He was slightly taken aback.
The next moment, Mackenzie walked directly toward the old godfather with
confident steps, speaking in a composed manner, “Happy New Year to the
old godfather of Hero’s Village!”
“Uh-”
Seeing this woman deviating from the village customs, the surrounding
villagers were immediately taken aback and looked at each other in alarm.
“Bold! How dare you show such disrespect to the old godfather!” A discussion
ensued.
Emmanuel smiled wryly, thinking that something bad will probably happen.
Indeed, Yosef immediately became agitated and warned Mackenzie, “Show
some respect!”
However, the aged old godfather reached out to stop him, smiling at her. “Oh,
Happy New Year! Who is this girl?”
“My name is Mackenzie Quillen. I married Emmanuel this year and came to
pay respects to you, Old Godfather,” she responded calmly, unaffected by
the angry stares of the villagers and Yosef’s warning.
Terence watched this scene with great interest from the crowd, knowing that
his granddaughter would not adhere to the customs of Hero’s Village.
“Oh, so you’re Emmanuel’s wife? Haha… Good, good!” The old godfather
Taughed excitedly, “Another loyal and virtuous family is blossoming. Hero’s
Village is fortunate!”
Mackenzie remained silent, simply watching him.
After a while, the old godfather continued, “Since you’re Emmanuel’s wife, why
don’t you worship me as the old godfather?”
“There’s no need for that,” she replied directly.
Feeling the waves of anger from the surrounding villagers, Emmanuel
became frightened and quickly walked up to her side, speaking on her
behalf, “Old Godfather, I’m Emmanuel. It’s Mackenzie’s first time in Hero’s
Village, and she doesn’t understand our village customs. I apologize on her
behalf. Please don’t be angry.”
The old godfather waved his hand, and his initially elderly and frail expression
became slightly intimidating. He stared at Mackenzie for a long time, but she
showed no signs of fear. Then, he forcefully struck his cane on the ground
and questioned loudly, “Why is there no need? Paying respects to the old
godfather through kneeling has been a tradition of the Chanaea for
thousands of years. Do you outsiders forget about the traditions of loyalty
and filial piety? Do you know that loyalty and filial piety are not only personal
virtues but also the foundation of a country?”
It had to be said that this Hero’s Village old godfather had an imposing
presence.
Seeing him like this, Terence and Alfred felt somewhat powerless. After all, the
old godfather was over a hundred years old–thirty years older than them. If
he questioned them, they would not know how to respond.
However, Mackenzie remained expressionless, neither agitated nor afraid. “To
borrow the words of the renowned scholar, Yankee Yorsen, loyalty is loyalty to
the nation, and filial piety is filial piety to one’s parents. Old Godfather, you
were Emmanuel’s grandfather’s teacher. For me, we have no familial
relationship. You are not my monarch, nor are you my parents. I don’t need to
be loyal and filial to you, but… Chanaea indeed upholds the traditional virtues
of respecting the old and caring for the young. I respect you as an elder and
have specially come to pay my respects to you and offer a money packet as
a gesture. Please accept it!” After speaking, she stared squarely at the old
godfather’s anger, placing the cash envelopes in his hand.
Everyone in Hero’s Village was stunned by her actions. Who doesn’t know that
the old godfather detests receiving gifts and never accepted cash
envelopes?
However, this time, the old godfather held onto the cash envelope without
putting it away or throwing it, just staring at Mackenzie, the unconventional
young girl.