Lust System: Harem Of Beautiful Women

He was also aware of the family dynamics. Frankly, people like him were more pragmatic. Lending out such a large sum so readily suggested he probably had no intention of asking for it back.

This was the first time Arthur had experienced the feeling of being respected and honored as a father-in-law.

Arthur’s expression instantly became extremely ugly. He sneered, ”What’s the matter, dear in-law? Do you find some fault with my son-in-law?”

Compared to last time, Darlan could sense that Arthur was genuinely furious.

”Not at all. I just think this son-in-law is truly remarkable. A live-in son-in-law who’s also financially independent. I truly envy the great fortune your family must have cultivated,” Hela said, accustomed to being domineering. She smiled and added, ”Please don’t misunderstand, dear in-law. I’m just wondering, since our brother-in-law here is so outstanding, why was he willing to become a live-in son-in-law?”

Her tone had softened slightly, no longer directly poking at sore spots, but it was still a veiled barb.

Daniel couldn’t help but interject, ”Mom, their relationship is their own business. What does it have to do with you?”

Being admonished by her son seemed to fuel Hela’s temper instead. She rarely scolded her son, but now she did, ”You little rascal! Marriage isn’t just a matter between two people; it’s a matter between two families! You’re brothers-in-law; what’s wrong with wanting to understand each other better?”

This statement was ostensibly reasonable, and one couldn’t find fault with the wording itself. It also showed that Hela was quite skilled in such exchanges.

”That’s enough!!” Darlan was already seething with anger. He slammed his hand on the table and roared, ”The affairs of young people are none of your business! Why are you interrogating them like this?”

”Is it wrong for me to ask?” Hela was clearly not convinced, especially after her son had been so badly beaten this time.

It seemed the two of them were on the verge of losing control and starting a full-blown argument.

Luis smiled warmly and raised his glass, intervening, ”Uncle, Auntie, honestly, there isn’t some complicated story behind it. Lily and I have been together since very early on. We were each other’s first love, and it’s a wonderful thing that we managed to build a life together.”

”As for the marriage and the live-in arrangement, well, I had some savings back then, but not a lot. It didn’t seem right to have an extravagant wedding.”

”My family situation is unique. I’ve had to rely on myself for everything. So, being straightforward and honest seems like the better approach.”

Luis ran his hand through his hair and said cheerfully, ”Anyway, the most important thing is that my wife and I are happier than anyone else, whether we were poor before or have a bit of money now.”

Hela remarked with a hint of acidity, ”That’s true. When taking a wife, one should seek virtue. To marry a wife who is virtuous and can even bring prosperity to her husband... that really is a blessing.”

This comment was clearly a double-edged sword, simultaneously insulting Lily for her looks and implying that Nancy was somehow unlucky or brought misfortune, suggesting that marrying her was a disaster for the family.

Nancy’s face visibly darkened. Just as she was about to speak, Arthur immediately stopped her with a sharp look.

Darlan also snorted sternly, ”Alright, that’s enough of this trivial chatter. We’re all family gathered here; let’s talk about something more pleasant.”

”I need to take this call.” Hela picked up her phone and walked out of the private room.

Darlan offered an apologetic smile and said, ”She can be a bit petty. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Although Darlan was strongly chauvinistic, Hela was certainly not any less formidable than him.

”Fortunately, my mother-in-law didn’t come. She isn’t exactly broad-minded either. If those two were to meet, they’d definitely end up arguing.”

--

Grandpa Zester’s family is planning a grand celebration for his 80th birthday, so they intend to make it quite formal, even sending out physical invitations and so forth.

After eating, Nancy and Daniel’s family returned to the countryside first. After all, there were still many preparations to handle, and they couldn’t be careless even though three days remained.

Arthur, in a rare display of amiability, discussed the matter with Ruth. Wanting to show respect for her eldest daughter, Ruth decided to attend the banquet. However, she stated that Lily and Luis could not go.