Chapter 796: An Apology
Chapter 796: An Apology
Ye Leng’an’s simple words had already elevated this matter to the relationship between the two families. If he were to say something unwelcoming, it would be an admission in front of everyone that the Ye family and the Huangfu family had severed ties.
With the Ye family in decline and the Huangfu family flourishing, any news of discord between the two would undoubtedly harm the Ye family more than the Huangfu family.
“Wanwan,” Ye Yikun gritted his teeth and ordered, “You misspoke just now. Apologize to Master Huangfu and Miss Ye.”
Ye Wanwan wasn’t surprised by Ye Yikun’s decision. Gritting her teeth, she turned to Ye Leng’an and bowed, saying, “Miss Ye, I apologize for causing you distress. It was not intentional. I apologize to you and ask for your forgiveness. Please, be gracious and pardon my unintended offense.”
Murong Xingrui felt uncomfortable seeing his fiancée adopt such a humble stance. Nevertheless, his disdain for Ye Leng’an outweighed any discomfort. The awe he once felt at the sight of Ye Leng’an had vanished, replaced by antipathy.
If it hadn’t been for Ye Wanwan firmly grasping his hand to prevent any action, and considering this was primarily a matter concerning the Ye family that he should have refrained from intervening too much in, he would have already stepped in to defend Ye Wanwan.
Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu, witnessing Ye Wanwan’s distress, couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. Looking towards Ye Leng’an, their gazes involuntarily carried a hint of reproach.
Clearly, they all felt Ye Leng’an was making a mountain out of a molehill. It was a trivial matter blown out of proportion, an obvious slight against Wanwan.
Although Wanwan had occupied her seat, ultimately, it wasn’t her fault! Moreover, despite their earnest pleas, she refused to return to the Ye family. So why persist in targeting Wanwan like this?
As Ye Wanwan bent to apologize, a smug smile graced her lips, unnoticed by all.
Knowing Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu, her adoptive parents, all too well, she was confident that if she played the martyr, they would stand by her. Eventually, Ye Leng’an would only grow more distant from them. The ultimate victor would be her.
Thus, momentary grievance mattered little. The one who laughs last was the most formidable.
Ye Leng’an paid no heed to Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu’s censure. Fixing her gaze on Ye Wanwan, she parted her lips lightly, her words chilling, “I am petty, so I won’t be magnanimous, nor will I forgive you. Ye Wanwan, here’s some advice: don’t mess with me in the future. Otherwise, you’ll find out what I’m capable of. When the time comes, I fear you won’t be able to handle it.”
Under normal circumstances, one might choose to forgive, if only to appear magnanimous. However, who would have thought Ye Leng’an would act so recklessly, directly confronting Ye Wanwan?
Ye Wanwan clearly hadn’t expected such a response from Ye Leng’an. Nonetheless, at this point, she could only bow her head and humble herself, saying, “I’ll remember.”
Ye Leng’an nodded, looking satisfied.
Ye Wanwan was seething with anger.
At this moment, Ye Yikun’s expression soured.
What Ye Leng’an had done at his birthday banquet was a slap in the face. While it seemed directed at Ye Wanwan on the surface, it was also a challenge to him!
If not for Huangfu Ruiling’s watchful eye, he would have disciplined this troublemaker long ago.
The birthday banquet continued.
However, thanks to Ye Leng’an’s earlier outburst, although the festivities continued, they were overshadowed by a layer of gloom.
The banquet proceeded in a lively manner. Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an were seated close to the main table.
Despite his disdain for Ye Leng’an due to the previous conflict, Ye Yikun couldn’t disregard the Huangfu family’s status. Hence, he couldn’t seat Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an too remotely, lest it be seen as a direct challenge to the Huangfu family.
At that point, they would truly be unable to mend fences and might instead make enemies.
Although this was the Hidden World, many things here were akin to the mortal world.
For this occasion, the Ye family had opted for a traditional Chinese banquet style.
Once the festivities began, Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an acted as though nothing had occurred. They mingled with other guests, presenting their gifts to the Ye family before returning to their seats.
Subsequently, calm prevailed, as if the earlier conflicts had never transpired.
Similarly, Ye Leng’an’s demeanor towards the Ye family was distant, as if she were merely an ordinary guest attending the banquet.
Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu had hoped for an opportunity to speak with Ye Leng’an but found none. Moreover, they feared their actions might arouse suspicion.
Should Wanwan’s identity be exposed, how would she cope? Especially on a day like today, with Murong Xingrui present, there could be no room for error.
Wanwan had already suffered enough today. As parents, they couldn’t afford to show bias and neglect her situation.
After the banquet, Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an departed without delay, returning to the Huangfu family.
After a brief refreshment, they adjourned to the courtyard to enjoy some tea.
Accepting the teacup from Huangfu Ruiling, Ye Leng’an took a sip before speaking, “I took the opportunity to visit the Ye family today but found nothing unusual. However, I detected a faint scent of blood in Ye Wanwan’s courtyard.”
During the banquet, she had slipped away to investigate discreetly, evading the Ye family’s scrutiny.
“A scent of blood?” Huangfu Ruiling frowned. “Perhaps from Ye Wanwan’s previous injury?”
“I’m uncertain.” Ye Leng’an shook her head. “However, Ye Wanwan’s recovery seems peculiar. You witnessed it today – her cultivation is highly unstable. There’s definitely more to this than meets the eye.”