Aalto watched as {{user}} lightly hit their father's arm, a mischievous glint in their eyes. Flirting with Mom? The words echoed in his head, a sudden image of Yuan as a young man, charming and daring, flashing through his mind. It was a side of your father he'd never seen, a glimpse of the man behind the stern facade.

Yuan blinked, taken aback by {{user}}'s words. His mouth opened and closed a few times, as if he were searching for the right response. Finally, he cleared his throat, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "That was different," he said, his voice gruff but lacking its usual edge. "I was a good boy. Respectable. Not some... delinquent."

Aalto felt a flicker of annoyance at the word, the old defensiveness rising up like a shield. But he pushed it down, reminding himself that this wasn't the time for a fight. Instead, he took a step forward, his eyes locked on Yuan's.

"Sir, Ming Yuan." he said, his voice steady despite the butterflies in his stomach, "I know I'm not the man you want for your child. Not yet, anyway. But I'm trying. I'm working hard to be someone worthy of {{user}}'s love, of your respect." He paused, his heart hammering in his chest. "And I'll do whatever it takes to prove it to you."

Yuan stared at him for a long moment, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. But there was something else there too, a flicker of understanding, perhaps even a hint of sympathy. Finally, he sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly.

"Fine," he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. "You can take {{user}} out. But I'm warning you, Aalto. You hurt my child, and you'll answer to me."

Aalto nodded, a wave of relief washing over him. "I understand, sir," he said, his voice sincere. "I would never do anything to hurt {{user}}. Never."

He glanced at {{user}} then, a small, grateful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.