201. A Little Gift

Once Yan Miao was done smashing up the room, she looked at her husband who had been hiding by the window. She was so pissed that she began throwing anything she could get her hands on at him.

“Everyone knows they must cherish their wife!” she roared. “Everyone knows to defend their wife! Why are you the only one who’s such a coward? Why didn’t you even have the courage to do anything? All you know to do is to ask me to beg the Yan family for help when there’s trouble. Look what’s happened. Are you happy to see me humiliated by my own family? He Yuan, do you think you’ve done right by me?”

He Yuan couldn’t dodge in time and was hit in the forehead by a glass ashtray. Rage blazed through him. How he wished he could slap her to death. However, he recalled just who this woman was and all he could do was grit his teeth and bore with it. His face went a putrid green from the suppressed anger in him.

***

That afternoon, a guest arrived at the Mu Group. Bai YiHan personally went down to the front doors to greet their guest. When YiHan saw who it was, he swiftly strode over with a smile on his face.

“Jiang-ge, why are you here?” asked YiHan. “Are you here to see me? Have you missed me?”

“You’re rarely home and you haven’t come over lately,” replied Jiang Hua with a warm smile “I have certainly missed you but I’m not here today just to see you. I have business with JingYuan.”

The words “rarely home” made YiHan feel a pang of guilt. “I was planning on heading home in a few days,” he said with an awkward smile.

Hua patted him on the shoulder. “Alright. We all know that you two are currently in your honeymoon period since you’ve only just obtained your marriage certificate. Being by each other’s side for every waking moment isn’t even enough. How could you find the time to visit home?”

“Wow, Jiang-ge,” YiHan said. “You’ve picked up bad habits from my brother. You’re actually laughing at me.”

“I wouldn’t dare do so,” Hua said, hiding his smile behind pursed lips. “Your brother would never forgive me.”

“Alright, you,” pouted YiHan. “How could my brother ever bear to not forgive you? He can’t even listen to anyone say anything bad about you. If you were to laugh at me, he would only laugh along. Perhaps he’d laugh louder than you.”

“Now, that’s a false accusation,” said Hua. “He truly loves you.

“I know, I know,” YiHan said, eyes squinting as he smiled. “You’re always on his side. Your heart has been handed over to him now.”

As the two men walked into Mu JingYuan’s office, they were greeted by a serious JingYuan. “Jiang-ge, are you here because of what happened with HanHan?”

“Ever since you two were registered, you didn’t hesitate at all before changing how you refer to other people. Thanks to YiHan, I can also hear you call me brother,” Hua said. “ You’re right. I’m here with a little gift for you.”

“I have a friend,” Hua said as he handed over a tiny USB flash drive from his pocket. “He’s a computer expert. Many private and secure places would hire him to set up their system’s firewall. I’ve asked him to help me with a task.”

JingYuan inserted the flash drive into his computer and opened up a video file. His pupils shrank. “This request likely went against the rules of your friend’s job, didn’t it?”

“Indeed,” said Hua. “He has already decided to retire and will no longer accept any more jobs. This is the only time he’s ever gone against the core rules of his profession. He’s only willing to help out because it’s a request from me and because he finds it repulsive as well.”

JingYuan closed the video player and looked up. “Tell your friend that the Mu Group would fund his retirement for the rest of his life, if he so wishes.”

Hua blinked. “I told him that the Bai Group is willing to do that.”

“It’s up to him,” JingYuan said, smiling. “Either way, he wouldn’t starve in the future. Also, transfer him to somewhere safe and make sure he’s protected. We wouldn’t want other people taking out their anger on him.”

“I understand,” Hua replied. “However, once the information is made public, there will be no room to retreat. We have to be careful, not because of the monk but because of Buddha. We still have to be respectful to the old Mr Yan. Hence, this information can’t be used yet. Still, it would come in handy one day. I hope Yan Miao can understand that it’s best to avoid offending others, even if they’re insignificant.”

JingYuan chuckled. “Your worth is now more than it ever was. If you’re insignificant, then everyone else in this city is too. You’ve put your faith in me by giving me this. I owe you one.”

“Please don’t ever think of this as a favour,” Hua said, waving his hand before him. “YiHan calls me his brother. I have to do something brotherly sometimes. You are his chosen partner. Why wouldn’t I trust you?”

“Very well. I’ve gained something all thanks to YiHan,” JingYuan said, smiling. “Relax. I will make this live up to its greatest potential.”

“I absolutely believe that you’ll do that,” Hua said. “Right, I still have work waiting for me. I won’t stay for long. Come home with YiHan when you find the time. His parents would like to see you two and XueQing requires YiHan to calm her down.”

“Okay,” JingYuan said with a nod. “I’ll see you out.”

“It’s fine,” said Hua. “Continue on with your work. I can head down myself.”

YiHan, who hadn’t spoken a single word since Hua entered the office and had been glancing around, raised his hand and spoke up, “I’ll see Jiang-ge out.”

“Okay,” JingYuan and Hua simultaneously turned to YiHan and said, smiling.

That evening, JingYuan and YiHan stayed the night at the Bai family home. When YiHan’s parents and sister realised YiHan’s mood wasn’t affected at all by what happened, they all stopped worrying. Everyone enjoyed themselves at the reunion dinner. The warm lights of the Bai family home stayed on until past midnight. The mansion was surrounded by an air of joy.

The He family’s situation was the exact opposite. He Yuan was running all over the city for the sake of his company. He’s done everything he can but still, he can’t resolve the looming danger.

In just three short days, the He Group was showing signs of collapsing. He Yuan had a migraine building up while Yan Miao, in her rage, had destroyed everything that was destructible. On the day after the engagement party, Yuan had expressed his hope that she could return to the Yan family home and personally give in, that she would beg the old Mr Yan for assistance in making sure the He family could survive the imminent threat. Miao had been born a proud woman. She had never once tasted defeat. How could she agree to that? She won’t cave in, not even to her own father!

But the He Group’s circumstances grew worse. Finally, Miao decided to visit the Yan family home. Her personal wealth was tied to the company, after all. Not only that, she couldn’t keep saying no to Yuan’s pleas.

Miao arrived at the Yan family home in the morning. The only members of the Yan family still home were the old Mr Yan and Kong Wen. Yan Cheng was in the office while Yan Yan had already moved into Xu YouRan’s home. The young man was currently browsing for the couple’s home post-wedding.

With a cup of tea in hand, the old Mr Yan was reading a book on chess while Kong Wen read by the window. The house was very tranquil.

The moment Miao stepped through the doors, she threw a heated glare full of hate at Wen. The other woman didn’t even bother looking up from her book.

This infuriated Miao. She stomped her feet. She then threw her coat at the servants. Without even changing out of her shoes, she stomped over to her father, her heels loudly clacking the entire time. 

“Father, look at my sister-in-law,” Miao said to the old Mr Yan, sitting down beside him. “She acts like she doesn’t see me!”

Eyes still focused on the book before him, the old Mr Yan languidly responded, “Then, do you see your sister-in-law? Humans are divided into seniors and juniors. You treat her like she doesn’t exist. You won’t even greet her as you enter the room. How can you even be upset that your sister-in-law ignores you?”

Miao felt so very wronged. “Father, my second brother has forgotten about me ever since he’d gotten married. Do you and my big brother not love me anymore? Why would you criticise me for her sake?”

Wen sighed. “Father, I’ll go check on our lunch,” she said to the old Mr Yan.

“Go,” the old Mr Yan warmly replied with a nod.

Mrs Liu, the servant, placed a pair of indoor slippers by Miao’s feet. “Miss, please change into these,” she whispered.

Miao glared at Mrs Liu and kicked her heels off to change into the provided slippers. Mrs Liu carefully picked up the heels that had been sent flying and placed them in the foyer. Then, Mrs Liu mopped the floors clean before leaving the room with lowered eyes.

The old Mr Yan had been watching the entire time with cold eyes. He didn’t say a word. When Miao saw that Wen had proactively left the room, her anger finally simmered down a little.

“Father,” she cutely pouted at the old Mr Yan, “Yuan’s company has encountered a problem. I’ve called you but Big Brother wouldn’t even hand the phone over to you. His wife told him not to help me and to let me deal with it myself. But I only ever come asking for help because I can’t resolve it.”

When the old Mr Yan remained silent, Miao continued, “Father, you must save Yuan. They all say that Mu JingYuan is a generous man but I never thought rumours could be so unreliable. He’s actually even more mean-hearted than Qi MingYang. He’s doing this to the He Group all because I misspoke once. I’m your daughter. He’s just too bold. He doesn’t respect you at all. And then there’s the Bai family. They did the deed yet they won’t let anyone talk about it. They’re a strong family so most people wouldn’t dare say anything but the Yan family isn’t any weaker. By targeting me, they are definitely looking down on our family! There’s also the Chen family. It’s none of their business. Why are they poking their noses in?”

When the old Mr Yan didn’t respond, Miao unhappily said, “Father, I’m talking to you. Why are you ignoring me?”

The old Mr Yan put down his book and turned to look at his daughter, the woman who looked similar to his wife. “Miao-Miao,” he said, letting out a heavy sigh, “your brother said you are to learn to be responsible for your own actions and words. Have you taken the time to reflect on his words?”

Miao was already in a bad mood as nothing was going well and her birth family only stood aside and watched. She had built up a great deal of resentment against her father and big brother. She had to suppress her rage and cutely plead with her father because she wanted her father’s help. However, with her personality, how long could she have held back her anger? When her father’s words reached her ears, the “wronged and pleading” smile she had put on faltered. All warmth drained out of her face.

“Father,” Miao said, looking at the old Mr Yan, “what do you mean by that?”

The old Mr Yan was observing Miao’s reaction the whole time. “Miao-Miao,” he sighed again, “you are my youngest daughter. Ever since you were a baby, I’ve doted on you more than I’ve ever doted on your two brothers. In fact, I’ve shown more affection to you than to any of your brothers’ children. When you were young, I thought that it’s fine. You were still young and girls should be spoiled. But you’ve grown up now. How much of my advice and teachings can you hold dear to your heart?”

“I’m talking to you about Yuan,” Miao grumbled. “Why are you talking about all these?”

“Have you ever thought about how long it has been since you’ve last sat down and had a proper conversation with me or your brothers?” the old Mr Yan asked.

“I have my own family too,” Miao unashamedly stated. “Where do I find the time?”

“Yes,” said the old Mr Yan, “you’re married. You have your own family and you are the mother of two children, but have you matured along with your age? In this incident, every word out of your mouth pushes the blame to other people. Do you not even realise what you’ve done wrong?”

◄Previous • Index • Next►

200. Cannot Be Abandoned Yet

Yan Cheng was correct. The situation in the Bai family home was certainly as explosive as oil spitting and splattering. In fact, the explosion happened last night. After the end of the banquet, Chen TianYang went back to the Bai family home with Bai XueQing. Bai Yan and Jiang Hua also went back there. When Yan told the rest of his family about what happened, the entire mansion was engulfed by a rumbling thunderstorm. XueQing, temper as fiery as fire, was so angry that she nearly flipped the table. TianYang was so upset at the sight that he spent several long moments thoroughly comforting his girlfriend. 

“The Bai family is in your hands now,” said Ma and Pa to Yan. “Deal with this matter as you see fit. It’s fine even if you go overboard. The two of us aren’t dead yet. We can always help clean up your mess.”

No one planned on telling the old Mr Bai about this incident. They were afraid he’d have a fit. However, the elderly man wasn’t someone who was entirely cut off from the outside world. He called the family on the very next morning and spent half an hour lecturing Bai FuRen. Had his Bai family turned into a nest of cowards? How could the precious grandson of Bai HaiMing be trampled on? Was Mu JingYuan useless? Was food all the man knows?

How FuRen wished he could retort back that JingYuan wasn’t useless. The young man didn’t just know how to enjoy life; he was acting like he had swallowed a bomb. The man was even locked onto his target. All that was left to do was to launch the missile.

In all honesty, everyone knew that same-sex marriages could never be understood and accepted by everyone. They were so very rare. However, faced with the might of the Bai and Mu families, no one would ever voice out any incomprehension or negative opinions they might have. In fact, they had to put on a polite smile. It didn’t matter what other people think but that’s different to voicing those thoughts out loud. Furthermore, the person who spoke those words weren’t just anyone. She was the youngest daughter of the Yan family. Those words were equal to a signal for war.

When Yan Miao returned to the He family home, she was fuming hard. Her anger only burned brighter when she recalled how frustrated she had been the entire evening. She threw a big temper tantrum at her husband and children before going off to bed with a huff. She slept late into the day. Unbeknownst to her, as she was dreaming away, disaster had struck. When she woke up, the first thing she saw was the bloodshot eyes of her husband, filled with emotions like hate and disgust. Still half-awake, the sight made her break out in a cold sweat. But when she blinked and took a closer look, her husband’s eyes were filled with his usual warmth. It was as if what she saw just now was merely a figment of her imagination.

Subconsciously, Miao let out a long sigh of relief. “Do you want to die?” she angrily said. “Why are you staring at me? You nearly scared me to death the moment I woke up.”

“I’m sorry,” He Yuan said with an apologetic smile. “My bad. You were so soundly asleep that I couldn’t bear to wake you up. All I could do was wait here by your bed until you wake up. I was so enthralled by you that I was lost in my thoughts.”

Miao was evidently satisfied with her husband’s attraction to her. “Why are you waiting for me instead of heading into the office?” she asked as she lazily stretched. “Does the company need me?”

Miao owned shares in the Yan Group. However, the unwritten rule of the city was that daughters who were married out could own shares but they often held no power. All they received were dividends. Miao was born of a high social ranking. She was marrying down by marrying He Yuan. Naturally, she owned shares in the He Group as well. The number of shares she owned was actually the same amount as those owned by He Yuan. This was something He Yuan could do nothing about. In the He Group, Yan Miao and He Yuan could be considered equals. But because she found work to be too hard, she rarely did anything. He Yuan also “doted” on her so the company rarely needed her, except when they needed the Yan family’s help.

He Yuan dutifully helped his wife with her clothes. He prepared Miao’s toothbrush for her and helped her wash up. It was only once she was done getting ready for the day did he let worry show on his face.

“Miao-Miao, we’ve encountered a problem with the company,” said Yuan.

“What is it?” Miao asked, giving him the side-eye. “Do you need me to help again?”

Internally, He Yuan let out a cold chuckle: Help from you? Is your help of any use? All you do is offend other people. If not for your powerful father and big brother, I would’ve loved to strangle you to death with my own hands.

Hiding his true thoughts was a basic skill Yuan had mastered. “The problem this time is very serious,” he said, showing a somewhat pitiful look on his face. “Half of the company’s business partners decided to stop all contracts and collaborations with us this morning. The project that we’ve been putting a lot of money into lately has also screeched to a halt. If this goes on, there’s no way our company can function like normal.”

“How dare they!” Miao gasped in rage. “Who gave them the courage to do so? Are they not afraid of my father?”

“This is the act of Mu JingYuan,” said Yuan. “What you said last night have likely enraged him. Of course, there’s still the Bai and Chen families.”

“Him? Because of what happened yesterday?” Miao was even more furious now. “Is he even a man? It’s just one sentence. Is it enough to make him fight with a woman? Also, was I wrong? Those were the facts!”

“Miao-Miao,” Yuan said, “everyone in the city could see what Mu JingYuan thinks of Bai YiHan. Whether it’s a business deal, whether Bai YiHan himself willingly did it or if he’s just a sacrificial lamb, that has nothing to do with us. However, Bai YiHan is like a bomb. He can’t be touched. It’s considered common knowledge. Mu JingYuan is upset if anyone even looks at Bai YiHan a second longer than usual. You might not know it but Li Sun, the eldest son of the Li family, had a lover. He treated her like a treasure, showing her off everywhere he went. Mu JingYuan pushed the girl past the brink of insanity. She died a horrible death in a mental asylum. All because she looked Bai YiHan up and down on one occasion.”

Miao slapped Yuan across the cheek. Fury blazing in her eyes as she raged, “Just who is Li Sun’s lover? How could you compare her to me? Who is she? Who am I? Can we even be spoken of in the same sentence?”

Yuan clenched his jaw. When he turned back around, a sad, pitiful look painted his face once more. “Come, now. I didn’t even say she can be compared to you. I only wanted to tell you how important Bai YiHan is to Mu JingYuan. If we had directly infuriated Mu JingYuan, we would still have hope. However, now that it’s Bai YiHan, the man would surely go berserk. He won’t rest easy. The company’s current state must surely be an appetiser to him. The real attack is waiting for us still. Not only that, the Bai family and the Chen family have both shown strong hostile intentions.”

“How very shameless of the Bai family,” Miao spat through gritted teeth. “They gave away a son to pull in Mu JingYuan and then a daughter to entrap Chen TianYang. Of the Five Great Families in the city, they have taken control of two in one swoop. If this goes on, can we even survive in this city? No matter how grand Bai YiHan appears, he’s only a sex slave to Mu JingYuan. What’s so untouchable about him?”

Yuan knelt down before her. “Miao-Miao,” he said, looking up with that handsome face of his, “I don’t know what ambitions they have nor do I care what Bai YiHan’s real situation is like. The fact is, right now, they have all acted against our family. How could our tiny He Group fight with all three powerful companies?”

Looking down at his rather exhausted face and bloodshot eyes, Miao’s heart ached. She couldn’t help but soften her voice. “Don’t worry. They wouldn’t dare do it. The He Group might not be powerful enough but I am the Third Miss of the Yan family. Even if it’s just me, my father, they wouldn’t dare. Us Yan family members are no herbivores.”

“Naturally so,” Yuan said, smiling. “We have you. Of course, they wouldn’t dare try killing us. However, if things go on like this, the loss would be on us. It’s best to have Father speak up. Our latest project cannot be delayed.”

“Okay,” said Miao. “Don’t worry. I’ll go call him now. I was blinded by rage last night. It’s just one sentence. How can Mu JingYuan be even more narrow-hearted than Qi MingYang? They’ve done the deed so why can’t other people speak of it?”

Yuan gently kissed her on the forehead. “No rush. Your health is most important. Have some food first. I know, you were only acting on impulse. Actually, I like you the most when you’re straightforward like that, no two-faced scheming. When I first saw you, you were so cute and refreshing that I was immediately attracted to you. I’ve been stuck in your thrall since then.”

Miao blushed. “We’re an old married couple,” she muttered. “Why are you saying all that? You’re so disgusting.”

“Even if we’re in our seventies and eighties, I will still speak what I should speak of,” Yuan sadly said. “I’m just like you. I’m only telling you what I think deep inside. I’m not lying either. How am I disgusting?”

“Alright, you,” said Miao. “Go get me the food. I’ll call my father once I’m done with my meal.”

Internally, Yuan clenched his jaw tight: I only mentioned it for show but you could still eat? From last night until now, I’ve yet to eat or drink anything because of worry. You started this mess. You don’t think about ways to save us. Instead, you could still sleep and eat in peace! Why don’t you just choke to death?

No matter what Yuan thought, kindness and warmth remained plastered on his face. He went to the kitchen and brought back a tray of food. He then watched Miao eat, chin in his hands. Only when she was done did he hand the phone over to her.

However, Miao’s phone call wasn’t as instantaneously successful as they had expected. The old Mr Yan refused to answer the call. He wasn’t feeling well. The one who answered the phone was Miao’s brother, Yan Cheng. 

“Miao-Miao, you’re an adult now. You must learn to take responsibility for your own actions and words,” was all Cheng said before he hung up on Miao.

When Miao called again, Cheng repeated the same message. None of her calls after the second call were answered.

Miao was so angry that she threw the phone, shattering it to pieces. Yuan knew then that the Yan family didn’t plan on helping them out in this. His face turned pale. Without the Yan family, anyone could easily stomp over the He family, let alone the Bai, Chen and Mu families together!

Harsh pants escaped Yuan’s throat as he walked over to the window, desperately thinking of more strategies and tactics. He thought that as long as he could deal with the humiliation, bear with Yan Miao, this unreasonable woman, he could have a powerful ally in the Yan family. In truth, the He Group’s improvements over the years have proven his theory to be right. However, he never once thought that this big, reliable ally could be unreliable at times.

Yan Miao was a daughter of the Yan family. She caused this problem. Why aren’t her father and brother cleaning up after her? Did he have to do it himself? He did not bear the brunt of her temper and treat her like a goddess just so he can clean up after her messes!

Yuan looked back at Miao. She had gone crazy with anger, flipping the tables and throwing anything she can.

“What do you mean to take responsibility for my own actions and words? It’s all because you’ve been seduced by KongWen! It must be her who urged you and Father to not help me! You two actually listen to her! She’s just an outsider! I am the real daughter of the Yan family. How dare you do this to me! I hope you never ever regret doing this to me! I hate you! I hate you!” Miao roared over and over again.

Yuan looked away in disgust. The Yan family had only done this once. She was still a daughter of the Yan family. The old Mr Yan wouldn’t really ignore her. He must be calm. This woman cannot be abandoned yet.

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199. The Old Mr Yan’s Heart Goes Cold

“What should we do then?” Yan Cheng asked with a bitter smile. “I saw how Mu JingYuan responded. He doesn’t look like he’ll just let it go. Bai YiHan is his only soft spot. The man is upset if anyone even looks at YiHan longer than they should. After they’ve formalised their relationship, his possessive nature had only grown worse. Miao-Miao’s sentence might’ve only been half-finished but even I could think of what she was going to say next, let alone Mu JingYuan. I saw the man’s face go dark, so dark that it was like a thundercloud about to release its load. I can tell that he was truly furious.”

The old Mr Yan closed his eyes. “Keep talking.”

“There’s also Bai Yan,” said Yan Cheng. “I didn’t even realise when he had walked over. Rumours have been spreading lately of how Bai Yan also has a same-sex lover. He just hasn’t announced it yet. Last night, the two came together. It looks like they plan on publicising their relationship. Miao-Miao, ah, she only looks at the surface when it comes to judging other people. The moment she sees someone she doesn’t know, she stops being polite. She didn’t spare a moment to think about how anyone who’d be brought to the banquet by Bai Yan himself and stand shoulder-to-shoulder to that man could never be a simple person. Bai Yan’s face was already as dark as the bottom of a wok. I don’t know if it’s spurred on by her words but, right then and there, the man stated he would be marrying Jiang Hua. Oh, Jiang Hua is the lover.”

The old Mr Yan burst out laughing from rage. “Your sister is quite talented at pissing off other people. She specifically aims for their soft spots. Bai Yan might be young but he’s not bad at holding his temper. She actually could push him to the point where he’ll speak without filtering himself.”

“Actually,” Yan Cheng said after a pause for thought, “I think he might not be speaking without care. It seems to me that he’s serious. I observed their interactions with each other later on. They seem to be very close.”

“If they’re close, then their relationship is even more untouchable,” said the old Mr Yan. “Your sister’s words have offended everyone she cannot afford to offend. That is a skill. Does she not have any brains? All these years I’ve spent teaching her have all gone to waste. At least, Bai XueQing wasn’t there. Even if Mu JingYuan and Bai Yan were truly furious, they would still hold back a little out of respect for our family. If Bai XueQing heard your sister’s words, the best-case scenario is that she’ll beat your sister up in public. How could we end the night peacefully then? Even if the girl didn’t hear about it last night, she would know by today. Once she flies into a rage, how can Chen TianYang just stand aside?”

“Yes,” Cheng sighed. “I’ve thought about it too. By now, the situation in the Bai family home must be explosive. Not only did Miao-Miao’s one sentence insult Bai YiHan, but she also insulted the entire Bai family and the close friendship between the Bai and Mu families. Bai FuRen must be itching to act. Perhaps even the old Mr Bai knows about it. Aah! Miao-Miao is really bold.”

“What do you think about this?” asked the old Mr Yan.

Cheng cautiously glanced at his elderly father. He gritted his teeth in thought. “Actually, I think Miao-Miao…” he finally spoke. “I think her personality needs to experience life. She has spent the first half of her life without care or worry. She doesn’t hold back in her actions or words. She has offended everyone possible. She’s still young. Who would protect her once we’re both old and decrepit? He Yuan? We’ve seen through that man. He’s not reliable. When troubles arise, he hides away faster than anyone else would. Miao-Miao is the only one who thinks he’s a good man.”

Cheng spent a moment observing his father’s face. When the old Mr Yan showed no signs of anger, Cheng continued, “This time, the two men might be angry, but they didn’t flip out on the spot. This means they still care for the Yan family. Even if they were to target Miao-Miao, they wouldn’t go overboard. Why don’t we…not make a move first? It’s also good for Miao-Miao to learn a lesson. Miao-Miao was the one who started this. If we don’t make a move, that is a display of our stance in this. The Bai and Mu families would be even more lenient then. Once the time is right, I’ll humbly plead on her behalf. The Bai and Mu families’ anger would’ve simmered down then.”

Cheng glanced at the old Mr Yan once more. “I’m afraid Miao-Miao would be…furious.”

The old Mr Yan’s eyes opened as he darkly said, “We have come to the same conclusion. We don’t need you to go pleading just yet. Let’s see what happens first. YiHan is a good kid. He’s nice to an old coot like me. He visits me often and plays chess with me. This matter involved him after all. A word from him is more useful than a word from anyone else. When the time is right, I’ll test the waters and see what he thinks about this. From my understanding, he, the person mainly involved in this, isn’t as angry as Mu JingYuan. Once your sister suffers a little, I’ll talk to Little YiHan on her behalf. This matter would be over then. You’re right. In the end, it is the Yan family who is at fault.”

“You don’t need to be so cautious,” the old Mr Yan said with a smile and a sigh. “I’ve been thinking a lot lately about your sister. Ah-Cheng, we were wrong. Our first mistake is in spoiling her rotten to the point where she thinks the world revolves around her. You’re right. We’re both old men. Once we’re gone, with her personality… Ah…! I refused to let her marry He Yuan at the start but she insisted it must be him. She even went on a hunger strike. Our hearts softened and we said yes. That is our second mistake. I just don’t know what her life would be like without our protection. What’s hilarious is that she doesn’t even think about the future. She still thinks everyone envies her.”

“Father, don’t worry,” said Cheng. “I’ll tell my two sons to take good care of their aunt.”

“You don’t need to pacify me with that,” the old Mr Yan said. The anger was so great that he almost laughed at what he heard. “Do you think I don’t know what Hui and Yan think of Miao-Miao? It’s not their fault either. When has Miao-Miao ever acted like an aunt? She wants the respect of an elder but she doesn’t act like one. In other families, the elders compromise and give in to the younger generation. It is only our family where it’s the opposite. Ah, it’s my fault as well. When I was in charge, I doted on her too much. I kept thinking she was still young. By the time I wish to intervene, I am already powerless. Once she turned into an adult, she became very opinionated. She would pay no heed to my advice. I’m afraid she doesn’t think of me as a father anymore. Heh. All these years of love cannot compare to the slick tongue of He Yuan. That’s why my heart has gone cold through the years.”

“Miao-Miao has a somewhat cold and calculative personality,” Cheng hesitantly stated.

“Somewhat?” the old Mr Yan said, giving his son the side-eye. “She is extremely cold and calculative! The past few years have shown me everything. I’m rather disappointed. Nevertheless, she is still my daughter. As the saying goes, there are only ever cruel children, never cruel parents. No matter what, I have to take charge of her. However, her personality, as you’ve said, requires some training. She won’t listen to our advice, so she has to be taught a lesson. Only then will she remember this. At least, we’re still around for this. She won’t suffer too much. If she doesn’t change, by the time we’re gone… Hmph!”

When Cheng heard the phrase “cruel children”, his heart ached as he comfortingly stroked the older man on the chest. “You’re right, Father,” Cheng sighed. “But Miao-Miao would likely hate us for this.”

“Let her,” the old Mr Yan sighed, closing his eyes once more. “One day, she’ll understand. As she is now, we can do nothing even if she hates us to hell and back.”

Cheng nodded in agreement.

A few moments passed by. Then, the old Mr Yan’s eyes opened into slits. “Ah-Cheng, you’re getting older. As your father, I can’t comment too much on your relationship with your wife but I have some advice for you today.”

“Tell me,” Cheng solemnly said.

The old Mr Yan was satisfied with his son’s attitude. His eldest son was the most filial of his children and the one who took his words to heart the most. Hence, he was willing to speak more than usual.

“Ah-Cheng,” said the old Mr Yan, “I know you want a peaceful household but a family’s harmony cannot be accomplished through making your own wife suffer. Understand?”

Cheng felt his face go warm as he nodded and replied, “I’ll remember it, Father.”

The old Mr Yan nodded and continued, “You did very well yesterday. Your wife even said you were too harsh. I think you were too lenient. Hmph. Look at your sister. She’s always going around with her chin held up high and talking about how this or that is embarrassing. Look at yesterday. She might’ve deserved it but He Yuan is her man. Did he say anything then? Hmph. A man who can’t even protect his own wife is the true humiliation.”

Cheng who was similarly labelled as a “humiliation” couldn’t help nodding. “You’re right, Father. He didn’t say a single thing then. However, he finally comprehended what I was signalling to him and led Miao-Miao away.”

“He was itching to leave early,” said the old Mr Yan. “He’s even more calculative than we could be. Your sister only judge people by their looks! This man is nothing but a toy yet she cherishes him so! She even fought with me over him! Hmph!”

“Don’t be angry,” Cheng hurriedly comforted. “Miao-Miao will understand all that you’ve done for her.”

“Her?” the old Mr Yan huffed. “Tough chance!”

Kong Wen appeared from the kitchen with a cup of warm milk in hand. When she saw that the old Mr Yan’s face was looking better than before, albeit still unhappy, she let out a soft sigh of relief.

“Father,” she said with a smile, “come have some milk.”

“Did you add sugar to it?” Cheng asked, looking up.

Wen froze. “N-No,” she guiltily answered.

Cheng knew something was wrong from her reaction. “I know it’s because you love Father,” he sighed, “but he’s getting on in age. He can’t have too much sugar. It’s bad for his body.”

Wen let out an awkward chuckle and insisted, “I really didn’t put in much. Just a little. Milk doesn’t taste nice if there’s no sugar.”

“Let me taste it first,” Cheng said.

All Wen could do was walk forward to her husband. Cheng was about to take the cup of milk from her when the old Mr Yan swiftly snatched the cup out of his daughter-in-law’s hands.

“You’re an adult now,” the old Mr Yan said. “This is milk your wife warmed up for me. You, taste it? So rude!”

The old Mr Yan chugged the cup of milk and continued, a ring of milk around his lips, “If you want some, go warm another cup for yourself. Do you think we can’t afford to give you milk? Really.”

He then walked around his son to hand the cup back to Wen. “Bring it back to the kitchen to be washed. Milk is hard to wash once it’s dried up.”

Wen hurriedly accepted the cup. As she walked back to the kitchen, she shot a guilty glance at her husband.

Yan Cheng: …Do I look like I want to drink milk? You two are acting way too obvious, okay? Fine. Whatever. Wen would be careful anyway. She wouldn’t add too much sugar. It’s fine for him to have some sweetened milk occasionally.

Defeated, Cheng grabbed a napkin to wipe the milk moustache off of his father’s face. His feelings were conflicted as he replied, “Fine. As long as you’re careful, Father. It’s not that I must be the bad guy here. I’m just worried about your health.”

“I know of your love,” the old Mr Yan said with an awkward cough. “The cup of milk just now really wasn’t sweet. If you don’t believe me, you can try some for yourself.”

Yan Cheng: You’ve already finished everything… There’s no proof of it. How can I try anything? Is it really okay for you to be so blatantly shameless? Whatever. This isn’t the first time it’s happened anyway.

Translator’s Note:

Thanks to a reader’s comment. I’ve finally realised my Ko-fi button only appears on PCs. I’ve done a little reshuffling to the header menu. The not-temporary-but-should-be fix is done!

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198. I’ll Make Her Understand

Bai Yan had followed along. When he heard what Bai YiHan said, an irresistible urge made him pinch his little brother’s cheeks and say, “You’re so tolerant. But it’s good for you to have a big heart. Your mood wouldn’t be soured by this then. Leave the rest to us.”

Yan Yan’s eyes were lowered and focused on twining his fingers around Xu YouRan’s, acting as though he didn’t understand what Bai Yan meant by “the rest”.

Mu JingYuan smacked Bai Yan’s hand away as he grumbled, “You’re making his cheeks all red.” He gently massaged YiHan’s completely unmarked cheeks and shot Bai Yan a glare.

“JingYuan, I’m warning you,” Bai Yan angrily huffed, “that’s about enough out of you. I am his big brother. Could I have pinched him that hard? Last time, XueQing merely hugged him and your face went dark and gloomy. Can we not even touch our own little brother? Stop going overboard with this!”

“We’re already registered!” JingYuan self-righteously stated. “I am his lawful partner. I have the right to stop anyone from going near him or hurting him.”

Bai Yan glared back. “I am his brother! You think I’d ‘hurt’ him? Mu JingYuan, stop it with the lies!”

JingYuan pointed at YiHan’s perfect cheeks and glumly said, “You pinched his cheeks so hard that they were red. Is that not hurting him?” 

Bai Yan flew into a rage. “Don’t accuse me of a false crime! Do you think I wouldn’t know my strength? Also, how are they red?”

“Does it only counts as harm if you’ve pinched him so hard that the marks can still be seen the next morning?” JingYuan asked. “It’s been a few minutes. The marks are already gone.”

Bai Yan gaped at JingYuan. His finger quivered as it pointed at JingYuan. It took Bai Yan a few long minutes before he could speak.

“JingYuan, are you still the Mu JingYuan I knew?” asked Bai Yan. “You weren’t like this before. Why have you grown more immature as you age? You’ve started to act unreasonably!”

There was a barely noticeable blush on JingYuan’s face. He gave a loud harrumphed and kept quiet.

Yan Yan and YouRan were both focused on twining their fingers together as they listened to the family heads of two of the great families in the city argued. YouRan’s shoulders shook and trembled. Yan Yan, holding back his grin, patted his lover on the shoulder.

YiHan covered his face with his hands. Did his big brother think he wasn’t being immature by arguing so hard with JingYuan that his ears turned red? Did Bai Yan not see Jiang-ge turning his face away to laugh? Had Bai Yan not ruined his composed and mature image in Jiang-ge’s mind?

JingYuan shot YiHan a glance and harrumphed once more.

YiHan knew JingYuan better than most people. He knew that harrumph was directed at him. 

“What is it?” YiHan hurried turned to JingYuan and asked.

JingYuan did not speak.

YiHan tugged at JingYuan’s hands and craned his neck around to look into JingYuan’s eyes. “How have I upset you?” he asked.

“I know you’re on your brother’s side,” JingYuan finally said.

“Am I?” YiHan replied, surprised. “I didn’t speak a word at all.”

“You’re covered your face with your hands,” JingYuan solemnly said. “Were you not trying to help him hide the evidence?”

“I…really wasn’t. I didn’t mean it like that,” said YiHan. He raised his hands up in the air. “Trust me.”

Jiang Hua comfortingly patted Bai Yan, who looked like he was having chest pains, on the back. Yan turned to his lover and said, “Do you see that, Hua? And he gets upset at me when I say he’s jealousy incarnate. He’s even jealous of YiHan’s own brother!”

Bai Yan then turned to his little brother and said in a frustrated manner, “Why are you like this? Why are you still comforting him? You’re spoiling him rotten!”

JingYuan was in a good mood because of YiHan’s words. When he heard what Bai Yan said, his eyes squinted as he said to the other man, “Ah Yan, are you trying to make us  fight?”

“I’m not Big Brother anymore? Also, so what if I am?” Bai Yan scoffed. “Do you think I don’t know what you’re capable of? Even if I try and rile you up for the rest of our lives, would you even dare to lay a finger on my brother?”

“Brother,” YiHan sighed, “please stop making things worse as well.”

“I called you my brother because HanHan and I are married,” said JingYuan. “It’s best if I call you what he calls you. As for riling us up, why would I ever touch my HanHan? I’ll just fight the person trying to make us fight.”

“Can you not go on about ‘being registered’ all the time?” Bai Yan asked, exasperated. “Do you think I don’t know that?”

“It’s the truth,” JingYuan said, leaning back on the couch. “Why can’t I mention it?”

Bai Yan turned back to Jiang Hua and said, “Look at him. He acts like no one else can be registered. Let’s get our marriage certificate tomorrow.”

To that, JingYuan only replied with one word, “Heh.”

Something about JingYuan today rubbed Bai Yan the wrong way. Enraged to the point of being unable to sit still any longer, Bai Yan stood up, pulling Jiang Hua up with him, and said, “We’ll be engaged tomorrow and registered the day after! Just you wait!”

“Save the talk for when you can show me the red book with your certificate,” JingYuan said.

Bai Yan turned and stomped away.

“Are you happy now that you’ve pissed him off?” YiHan softly asked.

JingYuan looked at YiHan. He bit his lip and didn’t reply.

“Alright,” YiHan said, holding the older man’s hand. “I know you’re in a bad mood. Actually, I really don’t think much of it. We might not be respected by everyone but if we’re respected by our friends and family, those we respect, then it’s enough for me. One day, everyone will realise that all sincere feelings and love should be respected as long as it’s not morally wrong and if it doesn’t hurt the innocent. We might not be able to see it happen but I believe that day will come. Today is a day for our friends. Cheer up. Don’t be upset, please?”

JingYuan’s hand tightened around YiHan’s. “I’m sorry,” JingYuan said, turning to Yan Yan, “for making a mess of your engagement party.”

Yan Yan gave a bitter smile. “Just as YiHan said to YouRan, what happened today is none of your fault. It is someone from my family who decided to kick up a fuss. Who can do anything about that? I don’t even have any right to complain. I know that you’ve already held back for YouRan and me. Today, you didn’t turn hostile on the spot and even let my aunt walk out of the door with her head held high.”

“You are you; Yan Miao is Yan Miao,” said JingYuan. “I have always been able to separate my foes from my friends. She had the guts to attack YiHan. That’s a declaration of war. Wouldn’t I be a coward if I didn’t respond?”

“Believe me…she might think highly of herself but she’s not so crazy. She must not have meant to declare war against you. She just thinks that you should be lenient on her and pretend that you heard nothing.”

“However, I am not obliged to do so,” said JingYuan. I am not her father nor am I her brother. Even if I am, she targeted YiHan. That can never be forgiven.”

“What a pity she doesn’t understand that,” Yan Yan said with a shrug.

“I will make her understand,” JingYuan slowly stated.

YouRan looked at his calm lover: This man’s planning to teach your aunt a lesson yet you’re still stoking the flames. Is it really okay?

Yan Yan responded with a slight smile: Exceedingly so.

YouRan: …

Bai Yan walked over to the windows and gazed out at the outside scenery with squinted eyes. 

The Yan family’s old family home had a wonderful garden. During the summer, it’s bustling with life with flowers and flourishing plants everywhere. There was even a tree archway. It was currently winter. All life had wilted in the garden. The trees were all bare of leaves. The old Mr Yan didn’t like looking at such a bleak scene. To cheer his father up, Yan Cheng would have the servants hang up fake tree leaves in the winter. The ground was also sprinkled with fake flowers that looked very real. While the sight wasn’t as vibrant as it was in the summer, and even though the old Mr Yan knew that it was all faked, it made the old Mr Yan very happy. It was a symbol of his son’s love for him. That was enough to make up for all the faults this fake garden had.

As it was Yan Yan’s engagement party, the garden outside was lit up. The trees had also been freshly redecorated. The garden looked so lively.

Jiang Hua took a sip of his wine and softly commented, “Why are you acting like a kid today? Your face is all red from arguing with JingYuan.”

Bai Yan chuckled. “JingYuan’s not in a good mood today. I spoke with him to make him relax a little.”

Jiang Hua softly laughed. “He’s in a bad mood? I think you’re the same too.”

“You know me well,” Bai Yan said with a smile.

Jiang Hua turned to look out of the window as well. His eyes were dark and his voice was low as he said, “It’s not just because I know you but also because I feel the same. YiHan is the first person to call me brother, my first family member. We have what we have now because of him. I cannot allow anyone else to speak badly of him. Even if my social status is not comparable to the Third Miss of the Yan family. I will also give her some trouble.”

Bai Yan held tightly to Jiang Hua’s hand. “You know me well so how can I not know you? I know what you feel for YiHan. The room in our home that I can’t even sleep in says everything. Also, who said you can’t be compared to her? Don’t forget; you are the partner of the Bai family head. Jiang Hua, you have to be used to my existence. Get used to handing me some responsibilities. Don’t just charge ahead alone when anything happens.”

Jiang Hua turned to look back at him, his eyes squinted in a smile. “I know. It’s my bad.” He looked down in thought for a moment. “That room in our home… Whenever YiHan is free, he’ll stay over, so…”

“Do you think I’m Mu JingYuan, jealousy incarnate?” Bai Yan said, stuck between crying and laughing. “Would I be jealous of my own little brother? I know what YiHan means to you. I understand you.”

Jiang Hua looked up. His eyes shimmered with what seemed like tears but a blink later, it was as if the tears never existed. He gave Bai Yan a smile that encompassed the warmth that Bai Yan loved the most.

The day after the engagement party, after some thought, Yan Cheng told his father what happened with his sister. His heart jumped and raced as he watched his father’s face turn red, then white, then red again. He couldn’t help but grumble deep down about Yan Miao. That girl was over thirty now but she’s still so inconsiderate. Their father was an old man yet he had to worry over her.

However, the old Mr Yan was more resilient and calmer than his son expected. The elderly man was able to calm his breathing down but his face still looked pale.

“Father, how do you feel?” Kong Wen cautiously asked. She glanced at her husband. Should they call for the family doctor?

The old Mr Yan patted her on the hand she had around his arm and slowly said, “Don’t worry. I’ve yet to make myself collapse from anger.”

Kong Wen nodded, still worried. After a moment of contemplation, she said, “I’ll go get you a cup of warm milk.” She sneakily winked at the old Mr Yan. Realising it was a signal to him that she’d add sugar to the milk, the old Mr Yan nodded. His heart was conflicted. His daughter-in-law was trying to comfort him like he was a child.

“I’m sorry, Father,” Yan Cheng apologised. “I was there at the time but I couldn’t keep a hold of the situation and I couldn’t stop Miao-Miao.”

“That’s not your fault,” the old Mr Yan calmly said. “Yan Miao’s personality is not one you can keep a hold on. Since you can’t control her, how can you control the situation?”

Translator’s Note:

My sincere apologies for the delayed updates. I hadn’t realised how much time paperwork for a deceased person would take up. On the bright side, it’s December! Advent Calendar time. I’ll be updating a chapter a day with some double updates whenever I am able to. I had planned for this month to be full of double-update days but then Windows Backup failed me. I didn’t realise it doesn’t save the latest version of the file, even if you tell it to save everything. In fact, the file version it saved is from around a year ago. Until the mystery is unravelled when my laptop returns from ASUS (again), I’ll be going back to manual backups for my files.

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197. Why Won’t She Think of the Future

Jiang Hua’s mouth was left hanging as the words fled from his mind. Miao’s eyes went wide, as if she’d just seen a ghost. Still simmering, Yan Hui and Yan Yan nearly burst out laughing at Bai Yan’s words. A tiny chuckle escaped YiHan’s pursed lips. Even JingYuan who had a gloomy face on turned to look at Bai Yan.

“Brother, don’t be like that,” JingYuan said after a pause of serious consideration. “How can we be split in whether we’re married off or not? If I marry into the Bai family, wouldn’t we have united our two families then?”

“I said I’ll be married off into Jiang Hua’s family,” Bai Yan said, rolling his eyes. “I didn’t tell you to marry into the Bai family.”

“That won’t do,” said JingYuan. He paused before continuing, “Actually, it’d be fine if we unit our two families.” He then turned to YiHan. “HanHan, what do you think?”

YiHan didn’t think his lover would join in on fooling around. What was there to compare and compete with here?

“I don’t need you to marry into my family,” YiHan said, covering his face with his hands. “We’re fine just as we are now.”

“HanHan says no,” JingYuan said, looking back up at Bai Yan. “You’re not allowed to be married off either.”

“HanHan objects because he doesn’t think you’re worthy,” shot back Bai Yan.  “What does it have to do with my marriage?”

YiHan: …I don’t think JingYuan’s unworthy. Brother, how can you lie like that? Are you trying to pick a fight?

“Anyway, you can’t do it,” said JingYuan. “We’ll talk about this when we’re home.” My HanHan isn’t the lesser of anyone. Whatever everyone else has, he must have it too.

Miao was absolutely stunned. These two men were the heads of powerful families. A single twitch from them can change everything. How could they speak of such matters without care? Were they all so shameless?

JingYuan looked at Miao. Then, as if he could read her mind, he coldly stated, “Not everyone in this world is like you, Madam He. You think that dignity, face, is greater than anything else in the world. Furthermore, one’s pride and reputation doesn’t depend on who’s marrying who or who’s being married off. As long as one can be honest and respectable, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Conversely, those who are disloyal to their partners, selfish, cold and only ever speak in a barbed manner? They are the ones who should be ashamed.

“Madam He, no matter what happens in our marriages, we won’t be living in your home. Please don’t bother yourself about us. If you have the time, Madam He, you should take care of your own family first.”

Her family? What could be wrong with her family? Miao coldly sneered on the inside. Her husband loved her. Her children were good, smart kids. Everyone in the city admired and envied her. What did she have to worry about? Had the man run out of words to say?

When Cheng saw his sister opening her mouth to speak, he hurriedly piped up, “Mr Mu, Mr Bai, please pay no mind to her blabbering and be kind. My father and I spoiled her so much that she never thinks before she speaks. Please ignore her.”

Miao’s anger burned brighter upon hearing her brother speaking badly of her. However, she didn’t have the courage to say anything just then. All she could do was pinch He Yuan on the arm, hard. Hmph, this coward! These men were all fighting on behalf of their lovers. Only this man was hiding in the back, too afraid to speak at all!

He Yuan felt a stinging pain in his arm. It made him furious as well. This stupid woman was foolish enough to criticise the Little Master Bai right before Mu JingYuan and Bai YiHan. Her brother was being kind in calling her someone who doesn’t think before she speaks! Miao had started a disaster and now she’s venting her anger out on him! If she wasn’t a daughter of the main Yan family, he would’ve slapped her all the way out of the city! She wouldn’t have a chance to terrorise him then!

“You’re too polite,” JingYuan said with a faint smile. “Madam He must be in a bad mood and pushed her anger on my YiHan.”

Cheng drily smiled. “She wouldn’t have. Who in this city would dare to vent out their anger on YiHan? It won’t be just you two, Mr Mu and Mr Bai, who won’t allow it. My father wouldn’t either.” As he said so, he glanced at He Yuan.

When He Yuan saw the glance, he hurriedly tapped Miao on the arm and said to JingYuan and the rest, “Mr Mu, Little Master Bai, Mr Bai, our sincere apologies. Miao-Miao is feeling unwell today. Please forgive us. We’ll be heading back first.”

The first time He Yuan reached for Miao’s arm, Miao struggled out of the grip right away. She shot him a glare but gave into her husband’s pleading eyes. It would do her no good to stay anyway. Hence, when He Yuan grabbed her by the arm again, she didn’t struggle away. With her head held high, she decided to follow him out.

JingYuan’s thin lips pursed into a line. As his stare followed Yan Miao out, his eyes squinted.

Bai Yan turned to look at Yan Miao as the corner of his lips twitched up into something that vaguely resembled a smile.

Yan Cheng looked at the two men and sighed. His sister’s one move just so happened to kick the “reverse scale” of JingYuan and the Bai family. She didn’t just offend two men either. She started a chain reaction. From the looks of it, Mu JingYuan and the Bai family won’t be letting things go so easily. Even if he wanted to help her out, he was helpless. If only his sister listened to their father and kept her temper in check a little more, she wouldn’t have offended so many people in one go. It was fine if she offended other people. The Yan family can still make them stay back. Now, however, both of the families she offended were families who could stand on equal grounds with the Yan family. He still hadn’t counted in the Chen family, the Bai family’s ally through marriage.

Yan Cheng looked at Bai XueQing who was smiling beside the Young Master Chen. Once she knows of this, she would explode. Did no one remember what happened to Feng Qun at his father’s birthday banquet at the beginning of the year? This girl didn’t care who was right or wrong. She wanted to strangle Feng Qun to death on the spot!

The Young Master of the Chen family has been infatuated with Bai XueQing for years. Even if she committed a murder, all he would do was fight for the right to bury the body. When XueQing broke a fingernail, Chen TianYang broke three of Feng Qun’s bones. It was clear to all just how important Miss Bai was to him.

The Chen family was also going through a change of leadership. The current head of the Chen family was slowly handing down his power to his son. The young man now had nearly the same influence and power as the head of the Chen family. He won’t sit aside if Bai XueQing was upset.

Of the five great families in the city, Miao had offended three with just a simple sentence. This didn’t include his two sons who’d gone green with anger. A few days ago, his father told him they’d spoiled his little sister rotten. No matter what troubles she started, she always had the Yan family to help her cover them up. This might not be good as it fed her ego. The day that she stirred up some trouble the Yan family can’t help her with, all that she’d be faced with was death and destruction.

Thankfully, she merely spoke in an unpleasant manner this time. Even if Mu JingYuan and the Bai family wished to make her pay for her words, they wouldn’t hurt her to the core for the old Mr Yan’s sake. Cheng would take this as a chance to teach her a lesson and hope she could be more thoughtful in her actions and words in the future.

Yan Cheng glanced at his two sons’ frosty faces once more. On the inside, he let out a bitter chuckle. No matter how much he planned and acted for his sister’s sake, she never seemed to think about him at all. If she had even the smallest sliver of respect for him, her older brother, she would never have spoken that badly of his sons and sons-in-law. She’d most likely bear a grudge against his wife and sons for what happened today. Maybe even against him. It didn’t matter that he was helping her the whole time.

Ah, thank goodness his father was upstairs. He would be apoplectic with rage if he heard Miao’s words. Cheng didn’t know how to let the older man know of what had happened in his absence. Hopefully, his father’s body wouldn’t collapse from anger.

Cheng’s sister only cared about the present. She never once considered the future. When the father and brother who adored her had grown old, it’d be his sons who’d take over the Yan family. She had now made enemies of them. Her words were always filled with contempt and distaste whenever she spoke to, or of, Zhang Su and Xu YouRan. His sons’ faces would be overwhelmed with frowns at the mere mention of her calling the family. If it was possible, they would likely love to never see this aunt ever again. Right? It would be good news if they don’t start attacking her and her family after they took control of the Yan family. How can they ever be expected to cater to her wants? There was also Pei-Pei, the daughter of his younger brother. During Miao’s previous call, Pei-Pei was visiting. When the girl heard it was a call from Miao, her lips twisted so far to the side that they weren’t centred anymore. It was certain that the young girl wouldn’t be nice to her aunt in the future.

Not only that, but Cheng could also feel his brother distancing himself from their sister. True, Miao had never acted like an aunt. She would even steal the limelight away from Pei-Pei. The little girl had been pushed to the brink of tears from upset countless times since her birth. How could Pei-Pei’s mother not be upset with Miao for that? Cheng’s brother had a strong bond with his wife. Pei-Pei was his only daughter and the apple of his eye. Miao never cared for what her second brother had done for her and would always try and compete with him in everything. It was natural for their brother to distance himself from Miao. Frankly, it wasn’t as if Cheng hadn’t ever distanced himself from Miao over the past few years. No matter what kind of relationship it was, one cannot clap with only a hand.

Even if they were to ignore all the above, Miao’s brothers and father were all getting on in age while she was still young herself. The city’s future lay in the hands of the younger generation. All of the old folks in the five great families were letting go of their power. They were in a period of transitioning between different generations. How could Miao not feel any danger? Cheng and their father had given her explicit and implicit hints to be more careful. How could Miao go on brashly attacking Yan Hui and Yan Yan? She even thought their rebukes and hints were because they favoured the boys more than her. Did she think they would unconditionally make way for her forever just because she was their aunt? If not for Cheng and their brother, the two boys would’ve targeted her long ago!

If Cheng wasn’t afraid of that happening, he would’ve wanted to retire earlier. Every day, he’d be spending time in the gardens or raising a pet. He could spend more time with his father while the man was still healthy. Then, he could compensate his wife for all the years he’d ignored her wants due to his work. Unfortunately, his sister would never realise just how much he was sacrificing. It has been years. His love and passion started to die down.

The instant Miao left, the air was lighter. JingYuan and the others went through some polite niceties with Yan Cheng before finding a corner to chat with YouRan and Yan Yan.

“YiHan, I’m sorry,” said YouRan. “Because of me, you had to hear such unpleasantry aimed at you.”

Yan Yan guiltily wrapped an arm around his lover’s shoulders. He was so useless. Did his YouRan not also experience such unpleasant criticism?

“What does it have to do with you?” YiHan laughed. “Please stop taking on all of the blame?”

When YiHan noticed JingYuan’s upset expression, he gently nudged him with an arm and said, “Alright, you. What are you upset about still? We have our own lives. We can’t control what other people think. What do their opinions matter to us? You don’t need to be angry because of someone’s opinions. Anyway, I didn’t expect her to say anything nice in the first place. I am shocked that she’d just blurt it out though.”

Translator’s Note:

Only 1 update this week due to family plans taking over half the week. I’ll make up for it next week.

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196. Do You Have Something to Say About That?

“Forgive her, Mr Mu,” said Yan. “My aunt’s hearing has been going off lately. YouRan greeted her just now and she couldn’t hear him either.”

Miao could feel her lungs bursting with anger. Why was everyone against her? All she did was not respond to Bai YiHan. Was it something worth picking at? Bai YiHan was only the youngest son of the Bai family. He had no real power. Miao might be young but she was of the older generation. If everyone strictly adhered to hierarchy, that young man still had to call her “Aunt”! So what if she didn’t respond to his greeting? It was so bland and unemotional!

However, the person picking at her response right now wasn’t Bai YiHan. It was Mu JingYuan. What could she do? She could only swallow down the humiliation of having her hearing questioned by Yan. Just as everyone said, not a single hair on Bai YiHan may be touched. She hadn’t even touched the man’s hair yet! Look at them!

She just knew it. As the Little Master Bai, Bai YiHan could have anything he wanted. There was no way he’d willingly be the submissive and lie under some other man. This was why. If not for Bai YiHan’s relationship with Mu JingYuan, how could the Bai family have tied Mu JingYuan so firmly allied to them? The man obeyed every word of Bai YiHan. No one can make a mistake when it came to Bai YiHan. Everyone said the Little Master Bai was as doted as anyone could ever be but look at him. Was he really loved? His family has used him as a sacrificial offering. No wonder people have started saying that the Little Master Bai had calmed down this year, that he wasn’t as arrogant as before, that he had matured. Was this maturity? He’s clearly frightened into submission because he realised just how ugly this world could be. Didn’t these two men formalise their relationship this year too? On the surface, Bai YiHan looked grand and powerful but he was actually given to someone else by his family, wasn’t he?

That thought pacified Miao a little. She looked up and down at YiHan, pity and contempt in her eyes.

“Madam He, what are you thinking about…?” YiHan asked. What’s with that look?

Due to the air of superiority induced by her thoughts, Miao immediately blurted out, “I was thinking about how the great Little Master Bai cannot be put in the same category as our two male brides. Why suffer…”

Miao’s face turned. Knowing she had misspoken, Miao hurriedly stopped herself.

“…” YiHan only wanted to help YouRan out and lead him away from this circle of quarrels. They were all done greeting each other and the old Mr Yan was away now. There’s no meaning to staying here and arguing with Miao. What’s going on now? Why had the fire jumped to him? He was only asking because he found the gaze she was looking at him with to be weird.

JingYuan was already simmering at the way Miao was scanning YiHan up and down. When YiHan spoke up, he decided to keep silent. However, upon hearing what Miao said, his face darkened.

“I see it isn’t just Madam He’s hearing that’s deteriorating,” JingYuan said, voice so cold that one could hear ice crackling in it. “There’s likely something wrong with her sight and mind as well. If you’re feeling unwell, please make an appointment with the hospital as soon as possible. We wouldn’t want a minor illness blowing up into something major. That would be terrible, wouldn’t it?”

Miao was frightened at the sight of Mu JingYuan’s gloomy eyes. Her entire body was frozen. It had never occurred to her that this man could be so spiteful over nothing. It was only one wrong sentence. She even swallowed back half of it. Because of that, he poked and nit-picked at a lady with a murderous face the whole time. There wasn’t an ounce of gentlemanly behaviour in him at all! Furthermore, her words might’ve mentioned something that can’t be publicly discussed but they were the truth!

Miao did her best to maintain a pleasant expression as she forced out, “Thank you for your concern, Mr Mu. I’m fine.”

When Cheng heard Miao’s reply, the desire to cover his face with his hands swelled in him.  His sister has been spoiled rotten. YouRan was merely the lover of her nephew. She was the elder here and was still rebuked until she was rendered speechless. Bai YiHan was the apple of Mu JingYuan’s eye. Did it need to be spelt out for her on what not to do? Everyone knew that one must treat Bai YiHan with the utmost respect if they didn’t want to offend Mu JingYuan. They also can’t stare at Bai YiHan for Mu JingYuan was jealousy incarnated. It was common knowledge. How could Cheng’s sister look up and down at Bai YiHan in that way and still speak such… unkind words? The fact that Mu JingYuan didn’t flip out on the spot was the greatest mercy the Yan family could’ve ever asked for.

JingYuan wasn’t a mean-spirited or narrow-hearted man. The only thing that will trigger his anger was Bai YiHan. One step in the zone and there will be an explosion. The chances of setting the man off were 100% all the time, let alone the fact that Cheng’s sister wasn’t someone JingYuan would’ve liked. Even if it had been someone from the Bai family who spoke meanly to YiHan, JingYuan would still be upset. Did Miao not understand that the Yan family wasn’t the sole ruler of this city? Even if they were, there must be a limit to everything. Now that Cheng thought about it, how many people had Maio offended over the years? No one dared to speak up all because she had the Yan family suppressing those dissatisfied with her. There might’ve been a lot of people who greeted Miao when she arrived but none of them was truly friendly other than a few powerless suck-ups. Did she not realise?

He Yuan let out a silent sigh as well. His wife may be part of the upper echelon but she’s talented at offending other people. She was even more stubborn at never letting herself suffer an ounce when it came to arguments and debates. Look at what’s happened. It’s only the first meeting and she had offended Mu JingYuan. That man didn’t have a good impression of He Yuan and Miao in the first place. From the look on the young man’s face, he has blacklisted them both now.

While He Yuan himself was once beaten up by Mu JingYuan, he would be fine if he didn’t play any tricks. It wasn’t anything major anyway. However, the one Miao offended was Bai YiHan. That’s a completely different matter on another level.

Most of the Yan family was gathered there but someone had to take care of the guests. Hui and his husband had been mingling and chatting on the other side of the room. He only thought of getting closer to the group to find out what was going on when he noticed JingYuan walking over to the group. He didn’t expect to hear such words from his family the moment he decided to do so though. In an instant, Hui and Zhang Su’s faces turned as dark as a wok’s bottom.

Similarly, someone else’s face twisted and turned. It was Bai Yan who had been secretly inching over ever since he saw his younger brother walking over to the host family.

It was a celebration hosted by the Yan family. Naturally, the important and powerful members of the Bai family had to attend the event. Bai FuRen had formally retired from his post. That’s why it was Bai Yan and Jiang Hua who attended the celebration this time. As for Bai XueQing, she came with Chen TianYang this time. Even she was slowly shifting her focus away.

Ever since YiHan moved out, Bai Yan had also been spending most of his time at Jiang Hua’s place. That meant the two brothers couldn’t see each other often. Then, at this event,     he still had to socialise and mingle because he was now the man in charge of the Bai family. The two brothers couldn’t find the time to speak for long. Although Bai Yan couldn’t be by his brother’s side, his eyes snuck glances at YiHan every so often. As the young man’s older brother, he could guess YiHan’s intentions the instant YiHan began walking towards the stormy group that is the Yan family. Bai Yan had laughed and commented to Jiang Hua about how his younger brother would never change. YiHan would always do everything he could for a friend of his. It was fortunate YiHan’s current friends were all dependable or YiHan would suffer.

Bai Yan knew YiHan would never suffer with JingYuan around and it wouldn’t be good for the entire Bai family to swarm over every time YiHan made a move. Even so, Bai Yan couldn’t help but worry. All he could do was silently move closer to the group. His explanation to Jiang Hua was he had to understand what was going on.

Jiang Hua’s only response to the bro-con was a chuckle because he wanted to check in on the group too.

However, when they had just shifted close enough to hear the conversation, the first words they heard were Yan Miao’s. Bai Yan fumed so hard that his hair almost stood up straight. That woman thought the Bai family was selling off their son, their brother! While she didn’t finish her sentence, no one attending the event was a fool. Who could be blind to what she really wanted to say?

When she spoke of the “male brides” of the Yan family, her contempt was clear in her tone and her body language. Her words, explicitly and implicitly, called the “male brides” of the Yan family gold diggers, people who’d do anything and everything to be part of a rich family.

Of course, Bai Yan didn’t care what she thought of her own family. What’s important was that she dragged his little brother in!

Why suffer? Why suffer, what? Why suffer through marriage with another man? Did she think YiHan marriage with JingYuan was just a political marriage? Did she think Yan’s little brother was the Bai family’s sacrificial lamb? That’s just like how a dog that eats poop thinks everyone does so too! It pissed Bai Yan off so much!

Yan shot a glance at XueQing whose eyes kept drifting over as she stood beside Chen TianYang. Thank goodness only he heard what Yan Miao said. He could keep a grip on his anger, barely. If XueQing had heard it, the whole room would’ve exploded.

Bai Yan took a few deep breaths to stop himself from speaking untowardly as he chanted to himself: today’s a celebration for the Yan family. He had to be more considerate. Be more considerate and thoughtful. Hold it in. Hold it…

To Bai Yan, he’d spent ages in thought. To the outside world, only a few seconds have passed. He thought his facial expressions were under control by the time he walked over to the group. In fact, his face looked as bad as JingYuan’s. Of course, Jiang Hua wasn’t faring any better. Bai YiHan was someone he chose to be his younger brother. YiHan was the first family member in the world to call him brother. Jiang Hua’s different when it came to YiHan.

“Madam He,” Bai Yan said, stepping forward with a gloomy face, “I didn’t quite get what you said. Could you please explain to me what you mean by that?”

Yan Cheng could tell that his sister had misspoken. While he was furious at his sister, he had to help her out and smooth some tempers. He didn’t expect to be interrupted before he had a chance to speak. When he looked up at the speaker, his heart went cold. His sister had done it now. She offended YiHan while his older brother was within hearing range.

Bai Yan might’ve only just taken over as the head of the Bai family. However, he was the person in charge of the company now. Even Yan Miao felt herself falter at the sight of Bai Yan. After all, it’s fine that everyone knew of something like this, but it’d look bad on everyone if the words were spoken. If Bai Yan heard of them, there would be no face to speak of.

Miao knew she was in the wrong here. She was a daughter of the Yan family. She knew what could and couldn’t be spoken aloud. Her mind was merely so overwhelmed by rage that she spoke without thinking.

“Don’t mind me, Mr Bai,” Miao said with an awkward smile. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m feeling rather unwell today.”

Yan Hui and Yan Yan’s faces might be a frigid green shade right now but the one who had misspoken was from their family. The Bai and Mu family heads were here, and the hall was filled with guests. It’d be bad if they followed suit in kicking up a fuss. All they can do was wait until the party was over before they could settle this debt. Even so, they were so enraged that their gazes were as sharp as daggers.

“If Madam He is feeling unwell, you should see a doctor as soon as possible,” Jiang Hua said in a deep voice. “We wouldn’t want you to say anything else that might harm the relationship between our three families.”

Miao had always been a proud woman. Saying something so akin to an apology was the most she could do. When she heard what Jiang Hua said, her anger shot through the roof. How dare this man she’d never even heard of speak to her.

“Who are you? How dare you speak to me,” she coldly spat out.

Bai Yan spoke up before Jiang Hua could. “He is Jiang Hua, my lover. We plan on getting married at the same time as my little brother. I will be marrying him as his ‘male bride’. Do you have something to say about that, Madam He?”

Translator’s Note

My apologies for disappearing for so long. Death comes swiftly to us all and my mother passed away just a week after the last update. The funeral and most of the paperwork is done. All that’s left is to wait for the court so we can finish up the rest. 2-chapter updates will resume next week.

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195. A Messy Engagement Party 01

Miao’s voice wasn’t loud but Cheng was standing not far away from her. When he heard what Miao said, he remembered the decades of effort his wife had put into this family. She’d sacrificed so much for his years of leniency. Those words pricked into his skin as if every spoken sound was a needle. He couldn’t bear to hold himself back anymore.

“You said Yan didn’t greet you just now,” said Cheng as he turned to look at Miao, a cold look on his face. “But from the minute you stepped through those doors until now, have you greeted your sister-in-law yet?”

Miao was stunned. It had never occurred to her that her older brother, the man who had never spoken a harsh word to her, would act so cold to her all for an outsider. She was hurt.

“What do you mean by that?” said Miao. “I am the daughter of the Yan family. I’m your younger sister!”

His eyes slid close as he softly said, “You still remember you’re my younger sister? You don’t have an ounce of respect for your sister-in-law. Have you ever thought of how I felt? You are a daughter of the Yan family, yet you won’t do your utmost for our father. My wife wasn’t born into the Yan family but she does her best for our father. Shouldn’t you respect her? Shouldn’t you be thankful?”

“She married into the Yan family so she’s part of the Yan family. Isn’t it her duty to take care of our father?” Miao pig-headedly said.

Cheng thought his younger sister disliked his wife because of jealousy. After Kong Wen married him, Miao wasn’t the only person he and his father would think of. Cheng didn’t expect his sister to think of his wife as someone akin to a servant. Miao justified all of Wen’s sacrifices and efforts as part of “her duty”! Cheng was furious. His chest felt heavy. His breaths came out a little harsher than usual.

“So you do still remember she married into the Yan family,” Cheng said, staring into his sister’s eyes. “However, have you ever treated her like family? Wen waved it all away because you’re young, but you are now the mother of two kids. Have you still not matured?”

“I am your sister,” Miao roared. “You and I are family! You’d say that of me? Are you still my brother? Have you…” already fallen to her?

For the first time ever, Cheng interrupted her. “I am your older brother. I am fine with loving you, doting you and tolerate your selfishness. Your sister-in-law has no duty to do that! She married me because she loved me! She owes nothing to our family!”

Due to his anger, Cheng’s voice was raised. Kong Wen and the old Mr Yan had yet to walk so far away that they couldn’t hear what was being said. Wen couldn’t stop her eyes from going red with tears. It had been decades. Finally, the day had come. Her husband had spoken up and defended her from Miao’s barbs.

The old Mr Yan might be an old man but his hearing had yet to deteriorate. Naturally, he heard every word.

“Your man finally knows he should protect you,” he whispered to Wen, a smile dancing on his lips as he patted her on the hand. “Happy?”

Wen’s tears vanished at the old Mr Yan’s teasing. She nodded. Then, after a pause, she said, “Ah-Cheng was too harsh.”

“Not at all,” said the old Mr Yan. “He did well. Miao-Miao’s not a young girl anymore. She should grow up. No one would indulge her forever. Let her brother scold her. It’d only do her some good.”

Wen nodded. She then continued to help the old Mr Yan slowly up the stairs.

Miao had just been humiliated by the brother who loved her since she was born, and it was done in front of her husband and two of the younger generation she looked down on. She was so angry that her charming face was nearly twisted out of shape. It felt like her brother’s heart had been utterly bewitched by Kong Wen. The man didn’t care for her at all. If they kept talking, she’d suffer. The guests of the party were sensible enough not to walk closer due to the tense atmosphere around the host family, but Miao still felt her cheeks burning. Never once in her entire life had she been so wronged. She was still in public. Her pride meant she refused to let a single tear drop. She also didn’t want to give those two snickering kids a chance to laugh at her. That shameful male bride; he might be silently standing there but he’s actually laughing hard on the inside, isn’t he? She just didn’t know what her father and brother were poisoned with to have made them agreed to something so disgraceful!

Through teary eyes, she determinedly tilted her head up high and said to her brother, “I know you’ve not thought of me as family since my wedding day. All of you may not like what I’ve said but every word of mine is for the sake of the Yan family. You’ll regret it sooner or later if you don’t listen to me! The Yan family will turn into a laughingstock because of your foolishness! Since this family no longer welcomes me, why would I need to run all the way here just for some engagement party?”

Cheng was still furious at his sister’s immaturity, but his heart still ached at the sight of tears in the eyes of the girl he’d doted on for years. There was a huge age gap between them. He had kind of doted on his sister like one would dote on a daughter instead. That meant if she wanted the stars, he would never compromise with the moon. He too was responsible for her childish nature. In a fit of rage, he had spoken too harshly. She must’ve been feeling extremely hurt. Hence, Cheng said nothing.

However, Yan could not keep quiet at such an implicit attack. “It looks like you didn’t take a single one of Grandfather’s words to heart,” Yan coldly harrumphed. “YouRan and I are getting properly married. There’s nothing for anyone to laugh about. The real joke here is your lack of manners and propriety. You are a daughter of the Yan family. From childhood, you were taught by the best teachers. Look at you now. Shouting and screaming at your nephew’s engagement party. You are the one who’s giving the people an excuse to laugh and gossip about us.”

Yan didn’t wait for a reply. “Aunt, you said just now that someone in the room might be laughing at me right now. Ha. Marriage is akin to someone drinking a glass of water. Only the person would know if the water was cold or hot. I am the only one who’d know if I’m happy. It didn’t matter what other people say. I have found someone I love. As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, I will never waver. Not even if everyone points and lectures me for it. Why would I care about mockery that might not exist and belonged to people who don’t have the courage to tell me? I am the one who must live through my life. I don’t need to live my life based on what others think and I don’t need the blessings of everyone in the world. I further do not need to force myself to be as glorious as gold! Anyway…” Yan glanced at He Yuan who was doing his best impression of thin air. “Who can say for sure if it’s actual gold or mere mud?”

“You’re just a kid but your ego is huge,” Miao said with a smirk. “Is this how you should speak to your elders? Is that what you mean by ‘manners’?”

Yan squinted his eyes at her. “If you want to be respected as an elder, you must first act like an elder. Your words are sharp and biting. The moment you stepped through those doors, you began spitting out barbed words. You’ve caused a scene at my engagement party and you’re criticising me for my tone towards you? Every word you speak is an attack on my mother. Even the tone you speak is an attempt to insult YouRan. If I am still able to smile and welcome you, I wouldn’t be called well-mannered. I’d be called a doormat. I can still stand here and talk to you in a civil manner all because you are my elder.”

Miao clenched her teeth. She didn’t think this man, Xu YouRan, would be quite so capable despite his quiet demeanour. He was able to make a forever-silent kid speak so much for him. There wasn’t a single word from Yan that didn’t sting! As expected, whores who would do anything and everything to get into a rich family, even if they had to climb into another man’s bed, would never be simple people. She had underestimated him.

She was about to bark back in rage when a deep voice interrupted her, “I’m sorry. Did we come at the wrong time?”

Miao looked up. It was the tall and muscular Mu JingYuan who had approached with the Little Master Bai. Their hands were linked together.

The Yan family was having an internal fight. Anyone who would dare to step forward could never be some average joe. Miao could be as much of a bully as she wanted to be in her home, but she knew how powerful the Mu family was. Mu JingYuan was the head of the Mu family. Solely based on status, this man was someone who could fight toe-to-toe with her father. She had to back down. All she could do then was shut her mouth.

Cheng had been developing a headache from watching his taciturn son lambast his sister. When he saw JingYuan approaching them, he let out a sigh of relief.

“How could you be?” Cheng said with a smile. “Our entire family is ecstatic that you’re both here so early for my son’s engagement.”

“You don’t need to be so polite, Uncle Yan,” said JingYuan with a smile of his own. “The Yan and Mu families have always helped each other. YiHan is YouRan’s friend and he’s quite close to your youngest son. It’s expected of us to arrive early to help out.”

“Indeed,” Cheng laughed. “Every time YouRan came over, one out of three sentences he speaks would always be about YiHan.”

Cheng turned to his future son-in-law and said, “YouRan, YiHan’s here for you. We’re almost done with formalities today. You kids go play.”

YouRan responded with a nod and a hum before walking over to YiHan.

Only then did JingYuan turn to greet Yan Miao and her husband. “Mr He, Madam He. How have you been?”

“Mr He, Madam He,” YiHan followed suit with a smile.

He Yuan’s jaw ached at the sight of YiHan. He greeted the couple back awkwardly before going silent. He was adamant to play out his act of a dead dog to the bitter end.

Miao was extremely unhappy with her husband’s cowardice tonight. However, she knew she couldn’t demean her husband in public. She’ll take care of him when they went home later.

Throughout the night, Miao had been lectured and scolded. There wasn’t a single conversation she came out of as the better. She was already feeling hurt and upset but then came Mu JingYuan and Bai YiHan. Those two were also here to upset her. When they approached, the taller man pretended to not have seen her and kept talking to her brother. They might not have talked much but every word spoken made Xu YouRan seemed greater than ever. Mu JingYuan had a stable hold on the position of head of the Mu family at a young age. Would he have no sense? It was clear the couple came here as a show of power for Xu YouRan.

Mu JingYuan only remembered to greet her after he was done talking to her brother. It was obvious the man didn’t respect her at all. Also, what did they just call her? She may be married but most people still call her the Third Miss of the Yan family. That’s right. When people in high society spoke of the “Third Miss of the Yan family”, they didn’t mean Yan Pei. They meant her, Yan Miao! However, these two men had intentionally called her Madam He instead. They were reminding her of her status as a daughter who had been married out. Were they saying she was no longer a part of the Yan family?

If anyone had dared spoken like that to her, Miao would’ve taught them a lesson. However, the person in question was Mu JingYuan. All she dared to do was suppress the rage building up in her and force a smile on her face.

“How do you do, Mr Mu,” Miao greeted back.

“YiHan’s throat must’ve grown hoarse over the past few days,” JingYuan replied with an expressionless face. “Did you not hear him just now?”

Translator’s Note

Due to personal issues (mom’s medical treatments), I will be busy for the foreseeable future. Updates will be reduced to 1 chapter a week. I might try and get more chapters in when I find the time but it is unlikely.

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194. It Was Up to Him to Cherish His Own Wife

The old Mr Yan’s eyes lit up. He took a sip. The milk really was sweet. Afraid of his son’s nagging if the man found out he drank something sweet, the old Mr Yan hurriedly finished the glass of milk so the evidence would be destroyed.

“I was feeling a little hungry,” the old Mr Yan calmly said as he looked into his daughter-in-law’s eyes. “I’m fine with drinking milk. I can’t waste your efforts.”

Kong Wen accepted the empty glass with a smile.

Yan Miao disdainfully glanced at Kong Wen. This shallow woman who only knew how to make a big show of superficial gestures!

Wen ignored the look from Miao. She took a paper napkin and wiped away the milk residue from the corner of the old Mr Yan’s mouth. Her husband soon arrived with Yan and YouRan following behind him.

Frankly, Yan had noticed his aunt due to the loud commotion when she caused with her arrival. He was only too lazy to walk over to her. It was only when his father came looking for them did he pull YouRan along towards her.

“I know you don’t like her but she is your aunt after all,” said Cheng as they walked over. “She is your grandfather’s daughter. You have to give face or your grandfather will be upset. You don’t see each other often anyway. It’s only a few times a year. Can’t you leave her be?”

“Of course, I’m fine with seeing her,” said Yan. “I’m just afraid she’d say something nasty later.”

Cheng sighed. “She is your aunt. You are a man. Just be kinder to her.”

“The entire world is kind to her,” Yan said with a cold smirk. “Mother has let her have her way for years but nothing good ever came of it. On the contrary, my mother has been ridden roughshod over by her.”

Cheng sighed once more at the mention of his wife. “It’s my fault. If anyone else had dared to be so rude to your mother, I would never allow it. But your aunt…” He sighed again. “I don’t understand it. How did a cute, pretty little girl grow up to be meaner by the year?”

“Forget it,” said Yan. “My mom doesn’t blame you either. She knows it’s hard for you to be stuck in between them.”

Cheng nodded. “Your mother is doing it for my sake. I’ve failed her.”

“If she dares to say anything bad to YouRan later, you can’t fault me for turning the other cheek,” said Yan.

“You…”

Yan turned to look at his father as he solemnly said, “A man is responsible for protecting his own wife. Other people can’t help him.”

Cheng was stunned. He turned to look at his son’s stern gaze. He saw YouRan’s lips twitching upwards ever so slightly. Once more, he was pushed to reflect on his past actions.

He had thought that everything was fine if their home was at peace. Growing up, Miao was doted on by the three men in her life. They all knew she was inconsiderate. When she was a kid, they let it slide. She was still young. When she grew up, they thought that it was forgivable for her since she was a woman. However, as their family grew bigger and as they all grew older, Cheng realised that not everyone had a duty to be unconditionally tolerant of his younger sister. For example, his wife, his sons and his niece. Miao got married later. While he wasn’t satisfied with the man she chose, he still let out a little sigh of relief. After her wedding, Miao rarely visited. Every time she did so though, she would always be rude to his wife. Thinking that his sister rarely visited anyway, they could just deal with it for a few days. Cheng knew It was bad for his wife. That’s why he would do his utmost best to compensate and comfort his wife after his sister’s visits were over. Deep down, he knew that compensations were useless when it came to certain matters. His father even implicitly hinted at him to be more protective of Wen. But he can’t encourage his wife to fight with his sister. All he could do was tell his wife there was no need for her to be so accommodating to Miao. However, every time Wen would reply that it was fine. She knew he was stuck in a bad situation. It wasn’t that stressful on her either way and his father would look after her. Miao didn’t come over often anyway.

But today, it suddenly occurred to him that, deep down, Wen might be hoping he’d speak up and keep her from harm. Being protected by him was different to being protected by his father.

Cheng silently watched from afar as Wen wiped away the milk residue from his father’s mouth with a smile. He shouldn’t let her be bullied any longer. His son was right. It was up to him to cherish his wife.

As the conversation involved the Yan family’s elder generations, YouRan was unable to chime in on the topic. He had objections to Yan calling him his “wife” but decided to forgive the man as Yan meant it with kindness and the phrase’s purpose was to act as an implicit message. YouRan even felt moved by Yan’s words. As his eyes flashed upwards to look around him, he spotted YiHan standing not far away from them and smiling at him. Warmth filled his heart as he smiled back and nodded in acknowledgement

After a glass of sweetened milk, the old Mr Yan was in a much better mood. He gestured for YouRan to stand by his side as he said, “YouRan, you haven’t met Miao before, yes? She’s my youngest daughter. Just call her ‘Auntie’ like Yan does.”

YouRan nodded in greeting and said to Miao, “Auntie.”

Miao looked away, pretending as if she heard nothing. As for He Yuan, his eyes had been flashing around the room ever since the three men joined them. He silently stood there, glad that the old Mr Yan didn’t even introduce him.

Yan’s smile fell as he asked, “Auntie, are you hard of hearing?”

“Miao-Miao, YouRan greeted you,” the old Mr Yan darkly said.

Miao was left with no choice. She returned YouRan’s greeting with a harrumph.

Only then did the old Mr Yan continue, “The man standing over there is your uncle-in-law.”

YouRan’s eyes bore into He Yuan as he carefully enunciated, “Uncle.”

“H-Hello,” blurted the other man.

Yan’s hand clenched YouRan’s. The sensation of his thumb gently rubbed the back of YouRan’s hand made YouRan turn and smile at Yan.

When Miao saw that her father was adamant in shielding YouRan, the rage that had yet to simmer down was stoked to flames once more. “My nephew’s wife is certainly a looker,” she said with a cold smirk. “His figure does not pale in comparison to a woman’s. Yan has good eyes.”

The old Mr Yan’s face drooped as he warning asked, “Miao-Miao, is that something that should come out of an elder’s mouth?”

“Why don’t you ask Yan if he’d ever thought of me as his aunt first?” Miao huffed. “It’s been so long and he’d yet to greet me.”

The only description applicable to Yan’s expression right now was dark and gloomy. “Auntie, your hearing is going but has your eyesight deteriorated too?” Yan barked. “Can you not tell the difference between a man and a woman? Just who were you calling my wife? An elder should act like an elder. Otherwise, it’s not our fault if we don’t respect you.”

“You see that, Father?” Miao angrily said. “Look at how your dear grandson just spoke to me. Does he even have an ounce of respect for me? What am I to call him if not Yan’s wife? Is he the husband and Yan’s the wife?”

“You really can’t differentiate a man from a woman,” Yan stated. “We’re both men. Where did this ‘wife’ come from?”

“How can you bear to say that?” Miao scornfully said. “The right way is before you but you simply had to marry a male wife like certain people. Have you ever thought of your family’s reputation?”

In a bold departure from Yan’s usual reluctance to speak, Yan refused to back down. “In your opinion, what is the right way? YouRan and I are true to each other. No matter where we go, we could stand up straight without shame or fear. Marriage is for those who have found their partner for life. It is not a tool to improve one’s reputation! Furthermore, a family’s reputation has to be won through hard work. It can’t be forced through superficial, political marriages.”

“Without shame or fear?” Miao snorted. “How do you know that none of your guests is laughing at you right now? And to think you had the audacity to send out invitations…”

“Enough!” the old Mr Yan roared. “Miao, do you remember what today is? Do you remember who you are? You are a daughter of the Yan family. Was this how I raised you?”

Upon seeing his father going livid with rage, Cheng quickly handed the old Mr Yan a glass of water. “Don’t be angry, Father. Don’t agitate your body.”

Cheng then looked up and sternly told his sister, “Miao-Miao, our father has stated multiple times his approval of Yan’s marriage. Do you plan on sending the old man to the hospital at Yan’s engagement party?”

Miao was startled when she realised her father was truly angry this time. However, she wasn’t afraid of her oldest brother. She stepped closer to her father and began patting him in the back.

“As I thought, none of you love me anymore once I’m married off,” Yan petulantly murmured. “I was only telling you what I think.”

“I was the one who sent out the invitations,” said the old Mr Yan. “I was also the one who selected their wedding date. What else do you have to say?”

Miao can be as bold and brash as she wanted but she never dared to fight with her father for long. She shot a scathing glare at the calm Kong Wen before turning to look away. She didn’t reply to her father. That woman must be jumping with joy at seeing her father berate her. Hmph. As for Xu YouRan, she didn’t think he was anyone worth proper treatment from her.

Cheng was used to mediating and pacifying everyone. When he noticed the tense silence stretching out between his father and sister, he instinctively wanted to break the ice. But then, he saw the look in Miao’s eyes. The glare he saw angered him. He turned around and put an arm across his wife’s shoulders. He said nothing.

When Miao saw the brother who’d always acted as the mediator refusing to speak, the anger and sorrow in her grew even more. Her emotions were so intense that she had to stomp her foot. She was even more adamant not to speak first now.

“Dad, are you tired?” Kong Wen softly asked. “Let me help you upstairs for a little rest.”

Cheng could tell his son wasn’t willing to back down. Miao had never learned to compromise. If the two started bickering again, his elderly father might really be hospitalised.

“Yes, Dad. You’ve had a tiring evening,” Cheng hurriedly chimed in. “Head up and rest for a while. Are you hungry? I’ll have the kitchen send you some food.”

The old Mr Yan shot a look at his son. “By the time you remember me, I would’ve been starved to death. Xiao-Wen has thought of that already. I had some warm milk. Combined with a belly full of anger, I’m not hungry anymore.”

“It’s my bad,” Cheng smiled as he helped the old Mr Yan to his feet. “I’m not as diligent as Xiao-Wen. We’ll help you up the stairs.”

“I can’t blame you for that,” the old Mr Yan harrumphed. “You’re an unsophisticated man. How could you be as attentive as Xiao-Wen? You stay here. I can go on my own. I’m not so old that I need someone to help me up the stairs.”

“Father, I just so happen to have a little headache,” said Wen. “If I help you up the stairs, I can seize the chance to rest too.” She turned to her husband. “Ah-Cheng, tell the kitchen to prepare some warm congee for Father later. Tell them to use the rice I’ve been soaking.”

“I’ve got it,” Cheng replied with a nod. “Don’t worry.”

Wen then turned to walk towards the staircase with one of her arms being used as support for the old Mr Yan.

Miao watched as the warm, homely scene played out before. It was as if they were rejecting her, casting her out. Her father and brother loved her the most! Now, their kindness and love have turned to Kong Wen!

Miao wasn’t someone who can accept being upset. She couldn’t resist letting out a haughty huff and muttered, “It’s all so fake. Just revolting!”

Translator’s Note:

Helped the old Mr Yan to his feet: No, a line wasn’t skipped. There was no mention of the old Mr Yan sitting down during the scene. There was only this line.

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193. Yan Miao’s Arrival

JingYuan held YiHan by the hand and said to Qi MingYang, “Someone is waiting for us out there. Pardon us, Mr Qi.”

“Please, Mr Mu, Little Master Bai,” replied Qi MingYang.

Once back in the main hall, JingYuan grabbed a plate of fruits from the buffet table and led YiHan to a little couch tucked away in a corner.

“Did Qi MingYang bump into you by chance or was it intentional?” JingYuan asked as he fed a piece of honeydew to YiHan.

YiHan first munched on the fruit offered and swallowed it before responding, “He came looking for me. He said he wanted to be my friend.”

“He’s plotting something involving you,” JingYuan said through gritted teeth.

YiHan nearly spat out the piece of fruit in his mouth. “Really, you,” YiHan laughed as he patted JingYuan on the shoulder. “Do you think I’m made of cake? Stop thinking about such nonsense. You’re making me blush.”

“My instincts are never wrong,” JingYuan huffed in anger upon realizing YiHan wasn’t worried at all. “They’ve helped me avoid danger countless times! Qi MingYang is definitely plotting something. He’s getting close to you for no reason.”

When YiHan saw JingYuan was upset, he started pacifying his lover, “Alright. I know he’s plotting something, but he’s known for being spiteful and he was polite the entire time. I can’t scold him for having a smile, right? Furthermore, we are only guessing that he’s plotting something. It’s not worth it to offend someone so narrow-hearted.”

“Avoid being with him alone in the future,” JingYuan said. “Not only is he a spiteful man, but he’s also crazy. Don’t let yourself suffer.”

YiHan picked up a strawberry from the plate as he replied, “I know. Frankly, I haven’t been all that polite when I talk to him. I wonder if he bears a grudge against me now. I don’t want to add another name to my list of enemies for no good reason. Just look at Chu FangMing. That man has been driven near insane and he didn’t even personally offend Qi MingYang.”

“Some enemies can’t be avoided,” JingYuan said. “I’ll walk around them but they simply insist on targeting me. Qi MingYang isn’t a generous man. He’s incredibly tolerant when it comes to you. He must be plotting something.”

“I was able to avoid spitting out the honeydew just now but you nearly made me spit out my strawberry too,” YiHan said. He couldn’t decide if he should be laughing or crying. “Can’t you let me eat in peace?”

“Okay,” JingYuan hurriedly said as he patted his lover on the back. “Focus on your food.”

As JingYuan watched YiHan’s cheeks bulge up and down, munching through the plate of fruits, JingYuan’s gaze darkened as he began sinking deep into thought.

YiHan gulped down his food and laughed, “Why so serious? Come now. Everyone says a cooked duck can’t fly. I’m the duck you’ve already eaten. What’s there to worry about? Okay, open up.”

JingYuan’s mouth enveloped the apple slice offered as he reached out to ruffle YiHan’s hair.

“We’re in public,” YiHan said as he stopped JingYuan. “Behave.”

“We’re in a quiet spot,” JingYuan said as his hand turned to hold YiHan’s. “No one would be here anytime soon. They wouldn’t see anything. Do you want anything else?”

“I’m done,” YiHan said, shaking his head. “It’s nice to only have a few slices of fruit.” He looked around. “Aren’t the people over there looking for you?”

JingYuan glanced in the direction YiHan was looking. “Ignore them. Focus on your food.”

“Why don’t you go take a look?” suggested YiHan. “I’ll take a breather here. I’ve been on my feet for the whole evening.”

“There’s no need,” said JingYuan. “I’m not invisible. They’ll come if it’s necessary.”

“As long as you’re aware of your actions,” YiHan said, nodding. “Does Yan Miao not plan on coming at all? The party will be over soon. It’d be quite nice if she doesn’t come anyway. Everything would be so peaceful. We wouldn’t have to deal with emergencies.”

“She should be here soon,” JingYuan replied as he looked at the time.

Just as JingYuan said so, the couple could hear people loudly whispering near the front doors. YiHan craned his neck to identify the source of the commotion.

“Not bad,” said YiHan as he gave his lover a thumbs up. “Your prediction’s so accurate that you can set up a stall by the road.”

JingYuan chuckled. YiHan stood up and said, “Come, we must back YouRan up. We can’t let him be bullied around. He doesn’t have much experience in arguing with other people.”

JingYuan got to his feet. “At the very least, he’s no match for Yan Miao,” he agreed as he straightened YiHan’s shirt collar.

YiHan nodded. The two men then walked towards YouRan.

Dressed in a champagne-coloured, strapless gown, Yan Maio stood tall and proud like a queen who was patrolling her lands. The moment she stepped through the doors, she became the centre of attention. With her arm linked in He Yuan’s, she responded to every greeting given with an elegant nod.

“Dad,” she said with a smile as she stopped before the old Mr Yan.

“Mn,” the old Mr Yan responded. “Traffic?”

Yan Miao froze. “Yan’s engagement party is a major event for the Yan family,” she said rather unhappily. “Naturally, I have to be more prepared.”

Kong Wen, Yan Cheng’s wife, snorted in laughter but kept quiet.

Yan Miao had never experienced being slighted by her sister-in-law before. After all, she was the daughter of the Yan family. Kong Wen was only an outsider. How could that woman be compared to her? From the moment Kong Wen married into the family until now, Yan Miao had yet to come out of their interactions as the loser. Of course, Yan Miao wouldn’t be willing to act as if she heard nothing.

“What are you laughing at?” Yan Miao asked as she tilted her chin upwards.

“Nothing much,” Kong Wen calmly replied. “I merely think you look exceedingly pretty today.” From beside her, Yan Cheng soothingly patted his wife on the waist.

Yan Miao was about to speak when the old Mr Yan interrupted her, “Alright. Miao-Miao hasn’t met YouRan yet. Cheng, go call the couple over so they can greet their aunt.”

Yan Cheng responded in affirmation and walked towards Yan and YouRan.

Yan Miao shot a glance at Kong Wen before walking forward to link her arm in the old Mr Yan’s. “Dad, how have you been doing lately? I’ve missed you so much.”

Kong Wen looked away and said nothing.

No matter what happened, the old Mr Yan still cared for his daughter. He responded to Miao’s question with a pat on her hand.

It was only then did He Yuan walked forward. “Dad,” he greeted with a grin.

The old Mr Yan briefly glanced at the man and grunted in response.

The younger man was used to such treatment. He didn’t find it awkward at all. He then retreated to stand by his wife.

Yan Miao’s heart ached for her husband. She knew her father very much disliked her husband. Her father only allowed them to be married because she was too stubborn. It was way too hard to make her elderly father smile at her husband. Miao chewed on her lip in thought. Still, she didn’t have the courage to speak up.

Even so, her heart burned with rage. He Yuan was the head of the He family. He had looks. He had power. In the city, his social rank was only below the members of the Great Five. But her father just didn’t like him. The two had been married for years. Not once did the old Mr Yan smiled at He Yuan. However, when it came to her brother’s two sons constantly airing dirty laundry by getting married to men, her father didn’t get angry at all. Not only did the old Mr Yan accepted that guy named Zhang Su, but the old Mr Yan even praised Yan’s male bride. What right did they have? Was it because she was the old Mr Yan’s daughter? She has been married off for years now and she has been missing from this house since then. Was that why her father favoured his grandsons over her?

Yes, everyone says one was always closer to those with a generation gap between them. The elderly would forever love their grandchildren more. She had always been superior to her nephews and niece when they were younger, and she was absolutely more powerful and better. Even so, she had been married off for years. Now, she most likely couldn’t compare to her nephews and niece who’d been by her father’s side this whole time.

Dad, it’s just an engagement and the other person is…” Her mumble drifted off into silence as she bit down on her lip. “Why do we need to put in so much effort? Even I was humiliated. People keep asking me about them and I feel so embarrassed that I can’t even answer the questions. They’ve all grown up rotten, deciding to bring home a male bride. Have they ever thought about the Yan family’s dignity?”

“I remember telling you this,” the old Mr Yan said with squinted eyes, “These kids have clean and proper relationships. They’re formally registered as married couples and have formed their own families. What’s so humiliating about that?

“Hui had grown more mature after his marriage. Zhang Su is also a good kid. Those two are having a wonderful life. Yan’s the same too. While YouRan doesn’t like to talk, there’s not a single flaw in him I could pick on. He’s also loyal to Yan. He’s a good kid who focuses on life and doesn’t cause trouble. What could be so embarrassing when you have to talk about him? You’re still young. Why are you so much more conservative and stubborn than I am?”

Miao had just been admonished by her father before Kong Wen. That woman’s face showed nothing but Miao could still feel her face burning. She could feel the agitation and anger rushing in her veins. It was Yan Hui and the others who refused to follow the proper path. Why was she the conservative and stubborn one here? Her father has been taken in by her two shameful nephews!

Miao shot a harsh glare at Kong Wen. She just knew this woman wasn’t as gentle and kind as she appeared. Kong Wen was the best at being two-faced. On the surface, the woman gave in to her in everything. However, behind everyone’s back, she taught her two sons to work together and target their aunt! Her influence reached even Yan Pei. It’s why none of the younger generation cared for her! And now, her father – the man who loved her the most – has fallen to them!

Naturally, the old Mr Yan saw the glare. He was quite upset and dissatisfied about it. Ever since Kong Wen married his son, the woman had done her best in everything. There wasn’t a single thing in their home that was out of place. Kong Wen was respectful and caring to him and had always held back when it came to his daughter. She didn’t oppose her husband’s decision to stay behind and take care of an old man. On the contrary, the woman was in favour of Yan Cheng’s actions. All these years, she treated him as well as his blood-related son did. Kong Wen may look soft and weak but she was a strong woman on the inside. She’d taught her two sons well. There wasn’t a single fault the old Mr Yan could name. Every heart was made of flesh. It had been decades. The old Mr Yan had long since thought of her as his own daughter. He’d also spoken to his own daughter in private multiple times; Miao should be more respectful to her sister-in-law. It seemed like the girl never took his words to heart. Minutes have passed since Miao’s arrival and she had yet to properly greet her sister-in-law. He’d grown more and more disappointed in Miao.

A few moments later, a server walked up to them with a tray occupied by a single cup. Kong Wen took it and turned to the old Mr Yan.

“Father, you’re usually eating around this time but there’s nothing here that suits your tastes,” said Kong Wen. “So, I had the servants heat up a glass of milk. Drink it. I’ll have some better food cooked for you after the party’s over.”

“I’m not a kid anymore. Milk at my age?” the old Mr Yan protested. “I’ve also just eaten.”

“Age isn’t a factor when it comes to who can drink milk. Why can’t you have some?” said Kong Wen. “It’s good that you had food just now. If you haven’t had any food, I wouldn’t have dared to give you a warm glass of milk. Come, drink up while it’s hot.” She paused and leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “I’ve asked them to add in some sugar. Don’t tell Ah-Cheng.”

Translator’s Notes:

Plotting something: The author made a typo here so you might get something weird through MTL.

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192. I Only Want to Be Your Friend

JingYuan softly chuckled. “She dares to do so because she thinks too highly of herself. She thinks that no matter what she does, her family should always let her have her way.”

“Is she asking for the sun to only shine down on her? That’s so weird,” commented YiHan. “Right. Why do you know so much about her?”

JingYuan couldn’t resist tweaking YiHan’s nose as he replied, “If you understand your enemy and yourself, you can win all of your battles. If one wishes to be invincible, one needs to know their enemy. He Yuan is only a greedy coward with a silver tongue. Our true enemy is Yan Miao. She’s crueller than you can imagine her to be.”

YiHan nodded. “Mn, you’re right. Ever since I got together with you, my mind’s become worse.”

“Your mind’s not deteriorating,” JingYuan chuckled. “You’re just unwilling to use it. I’m happy you can be like this.”

YiHan’s eyes went wide. “Why are you happy?”

“This means you have complete faith in me,” JingYuan said as his smile deepened.

“Of course,” said YiHan, clearing his throat. “Who would I trust if not you? Well, um, I had too much juice. I’ll head to the bathrooms.”

“Okay,” JingYuan said, putting his glass down, “I’ll go with you.”

“It’s fine,” said YiHan. “It’s not like I haven’t been here before. Could I get lost going to the bathrooms? Wait here for me. I’ll be back soon.”

“I’ll go with you,” said JingYuan as he wrapped an arm around YiHan’s shoulders. “Let’s go.”

YiHan could do nothing but start his walk towards the bathrooms. He had only taken a few steps when a loud shout rang out.

“Mr Mu!”

The couple turned around to see a middle-aged man with a wineglass hurriedly walking over. The suited man quickly put his glass down and reached out with both hands to shake JingYuan’s hand.

“Mr Mu,” greeted the man, “it’s been a long time!”

“Mr Zhang,” JingYuan responded with a nod.

Mr Zhang then turned to shake YiHan’s hand. He smiled as he said, “You’ve grown more graceful and outstanding, Little Master Bai.”

“You’re exaggerating, Mr Zhang,” YiHan said with a polite smile.

“How could I be?” Mr Zhang guffawed. “I am speaking from the heart. When you and Mr Mu stand together, the sight is so divine that it makes one envious!”

“You’re too kind,” JingYuan said, a hint of a smile creeping up his face.

“No, no. I’m speaking the truth,” Mr Zhang hurriedly said. “Mr Mu, about the project regarding the Jade Water Gardens…”

YiHan stopped walking and listened to Mr Zhang, smile still present. When the other man finally stopped for a breath, YiHan patted JingYuan on the shoulder.

“You two talk first,” he said to JingYuan before turning to Mr Zhang and saying, “My apologies. Please pardon me.”

“It’s fine, Little Master Bai,” Mr Zhang hastily said.

JingYuan took a step in YiHan’s direction but was soon stopped by YiHan’s gaze.

“Wait here for me,” YiHan said.

JingYuan’s only option was to stop and watch as YiHan walked away. He then turned back to Mr Zhang and continued their conversation.

As YiHan was washing his hands at the sink after finishing up, the door to the bathrooms was pushed open. Instead of walking over to the urinals, the man then walked over to YiHan and stood behind him.

Flinging the water off his hands, YiHan looked up into the mirror. Behind him stood Qi MingYang. The other man was smiling at him through the mirror.

YiHan had to admit it. Qi MingYang was actually quite an attractive man. His eyebrows weren’t particularly bushy and they were slightly arched upwards. His eyes were similar to Qin Feng’s – a brilliant gaze hidden behind long and slender eyes. However, Qi MingYang’s eyes didn’t have that languid, sleepy quality Qin Feng’s eyes had. Beneath that high nose was a pair of pale lips as thin as the sharp edge of a knife. Such a face always exuded a strong and forceful aura, even if it was smiling.

The man was tall but still shorter than JingYuan. He didn’t have a big, sturdy bone structure. The dark, fitted suit he had accentuated his slim waist and long legs.

Through the mirror, YiHan could see how tall the other man was compared to himself. Qi MingYang was a head taller than him. If one were to ignore YiHan’s expression, the image in the mirror would appear quite romantic.

Frankly, YiHan had never seen Qi MingYang smile in such a way before. His opinion of the man was the same as JingYuan’s – the man was a double-edged sword. Lurking deep within the man was a maniac who would kill a thousand of his own men in order to kill eight hundred of his enemy’s men. People always say one’s appearance reveals one’s heart. That saying was most apt when applied to Qi MingYang. The man’s entire appearance was like an unsheathed blade. Even when the man smiled, his smiles would never reach his eyes. Combined with his sharp features, one always felt that every second spent with the man came with the risk of being cut.

But at this very moment, Qi MingYang was smiling so hard that his eyes were curved. His lips arched upwards in a natural manner. Warmth and joy shimmered in those eyes. Even the man’s foreboding eyebrows had gentled. The man appeared so much like the classic boy-next-door character.

Nevertheless, YiHan knew that the man’s crazy nature was still present. It didn’t matter what smile the man had on. Furthermore, what the other man felt or did was none of YiHan’s business.

YiHan flicked water off his hands again and slid around the other man to wipe his hands dry with a paper towel. As he increased the distance between them, he casually asked, “Mr Qi, why are you in the bathrooms if not to do your business?”

Only then did Qi MingYang speak, “I saw you heading in here. I came in just so I can speak with you.”

YiHan threw the wet paper towel into the bin and looked at the other man. “If there’s anything you wish to tell me, you didn’t need to come all the way here.” YiHan looked around the room. “I don’t think this is an ideal spot for a conversation. Is it? Anyway, I am only an unemployed man right now. Mr Qi, the weight of your entire family rests on your shoulders. You are an outstanding member of society. What can you talk about with a lazy, useless kid?”

“If you’re considered lazy and useless,” said the other man with a bitter smile, “wouldn’t the rest of this city be considered worse than trash? Looks like you’re very wary of me.” He raised his hands in a shrug. “I’m no lion or wolf. I only want to be your friend.”

“We both roam the same social circle,” YiHan politely said. “We’re always bumping into each other. Naturally, we’re all friends. What forced you to compare yourself to lions and wolves?”

Qi MingYang took a step towards YiHan. “You should know what I mean. Why try and go around in circles? Be blunter. I personally admire your personality and hope to become true friends with you. Just like…Qin Feng and Nan Shan.”

“Birds of a feather flock together,” YiHan said, smile still present. “I make friends for fun. Everyone hangs out together just to fool around. I’m not like you, Mr Qi. Your friends are all people in high places. It’d be a blow to your dignity to be friends with me. But I am honoured to be admired by you. Excuse me, JingYuan is still waiting for me. Please, Mr Qi, continue about your business. I’ll be off.”

YiHan took two steps towards the exit before turning around to face the man again. “Right,” he said in a low voice, “you mentioned Nan Shan just now. I still have to thank you. Thank you so much for keeping Xu YouRan’s identity as Nan Shan a secret. I, Bai YiHan, owe you one for this.”

“You don’t need to be so formal with me,” said the other man. “You two are true friends. I admire such friendships. Helping to keep such a minor matter a secret is nothing.” His eyes blinked in an innocent and mischievous manner as he continued, “I thought that since Nan Shan is so important to you, you wouldn’t want the world to know about this. I just didn’t want to step on your tail and make you hate me more.”

YiHan’s face dropped into a cold and blank stare as he forced out through his lips, “Thanks.”

The man burst out into a little chuckle. “Don’t worry, Little Master Bai,” the man warmly said. “I have no need to use this as blackmail. I might not be someone of great worth but I keep my word. Right here and now, I promise you. No matter what happens between us in the future, I will forever keep Nan Shan’s identity a secret. You can relax.”

YiHan nodded and turned to walk out of the bathroom. Just as he reached the door, he heard Qi MingYang call out from behind him.

“Little Master Bai!”

YiHan stopped. He didn’t turn around.

“I hope one day,” said the other man, “you wouldn’t call me ‘Mr Qi’ in the future and that you’ll permit me to call you by your name.”

YiHan’s head turned to look at the other man out of the corner of his eye. “You’re funny, Mr Qi. I call you Mr Qi because I respect you. Excuse me.”

 YiHan then pulled the door open and strode away. Not far away from the bathroom door, he bumped into JingYuan who had wandered over in search of him.

When JingYuan saw YiHan, a smile instinctively bloomed across his face as he walked over to hold YiHan’s hand. “You were in the bathrooms for so long that I thought you’d fallen into the toilets. I was rushing over to save you.”

“Relax,” said YiHan. There was also a smile on his face. “I’m a big boy. I won’t be flushed down.”

JingYuan pinched YiHan’s ear as he laughed, “Aah, you’re that unsanitary? You were actually thinking of taking a tour of the sewers?”

YiHan gave JingYuan a sidelong glance. “You’re the one who said I’d fall into the toilets. I’m the one who’s unsanitary now? I think you’re just trying to disgust me because you don’t want me to eat anything.”

“Okay, okay,” JingYuan softly chuckled. “It’s all my fault. My lord, please forgive me.”

YiHan held his head high as he said, “Alright. Since it’s your first time, I’ll let you go this time. Let’s head back.”

JingYuan nodded. He was about to lead YiHan back to the hall when his eyes went cold. His back straightened as the relaxed smile on his face vanished.

It was Qi MingYang walking out from the bathrooms. He had his signature smile on as he greeted, “What a coincidence, Mr Mu.”

“Mr Qi,” JingYuan said. “You’re in a good mood.”

The other man nodded. “I’m fine. I just so happened to bump into Little Master Bai. We had a little chat. It’s so wonderful talking to him. It makes one so happy.”

“YiHan has a good personality,” JingYuan said with a skin-deep smile. “He’s always so kind. He always avoids putting other people in a bad spot with his words. It might be a rare quality but I’m just a common man. I’m always worried he’d be bullied due to his kindness. After all, there are a lot of people in this world who are strangely illogical.”

“You’re right,” Qi MingYang said with a formal smile and a nod. “Little Master Bai is naturally great but I believe no one in the world could bear to make him unhappy.”

JingYuan looked back at the other man and slowly said, “Who knows? There’s no wrong with being wary. Right, Mr Qi?”

Qi MingYang’s smile didn’t falter as he said, “Of course.”

Translator Note:

 Qin Feng: Reminder, this is Qin An aka the gangster character.

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