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Chapter 812: Chance Encounter

What was even more surprising was seeing the two of them holding hands, with Li Yiran seemingly trying to please Zhongyu Liuying throughout. Despite Li Yiran’s efforts, their relationship appeared quite amiable, almost resembling that of a mother and daughter.

Upon noticing them, Zhongyu Liuying and Li Yiran were momentarily stunned. Clearly, they hadn’t anticipated encountering Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an here.

Zhongyu Liuying’s expression flickered for a moment upon seeing them, but she quickly regained composure and uttered in a somewhat indifferent tone, “You’re here for a meal too?”

Her demeanor wasn’t particularly warm; in fact, it bordered on coldness. Their interaction didn’t quite resemble that of a mother and son; it was merely slightly better than that of strangers.

“Yes.” Huangfu Ruiling nodded, offering no further response.

His demeanor was much colder compared to Zhongyu Liuying’s.

Observing Huangfu Ruiling’s attitude, Zhongyu Liuying’s expression soured. She was at a loss on how to approach Huangfu Ruiling, not just her son but also the head of the Huangfu family. Moreover, their mother-son relationship was marred by irreconcilable conflicts. She had once hoped time would heal all wounds, yet some things remained unforgettable.

Even without considering past events, it seemed she and Huangfu Ruiling had never been close.

A strange atmosphere hung among the four. While such tension might be expected between strangers, their close relationship only exacerbated the discomfort.

Finally, Ye Leng’an broke the silence. “Shall we proceed with lunch?”

Upon hearing Ye Leng’an’s suggestion, Huangfu Ruiling merely nodded at Zhongyu Liuying before embracing Ye Leng’an’s shoulder and heading straight to the reserved private room, without exchanging more than a few words.

Zhongyu Liuying, who had initially seemed somewhat aloof, instantly became discontented upon witnessing Huangfu Ruiling’s actions. Yet, this time, her dissatisfaction wasn’t directed at him. She dared not harbor any grievances toward Huangfu Ruiling now, as her other son’s future lay entirely in his hands.

Her target of dissatisfaction was Ye Leng’an.

Ye Leng’an’s lack of tact was truly baffling. As her daughter-in-law, she had never attempted to reconcile their differences with Huangfu Ruiling. Even on occasions like today, she didn’t extend an invitation to her prospective mother-in-law for a meal.

Indeed, someone from a humble background lacked refinement.

If Ye Leng’an were aware of Zhongyu Liuying’s thoughts, she would surely have one response: Zhongyu Liuying had been overly indulged and failed to recognize the reality.

On the other side, Li Yiran, noticing Zhongyu Liuying’s displeasure, reluctantly spoke up, “Mom, shall we dine elsewhere?”

Perhaps due to dissatisfaction with Zhong Yating, and to incite a conflict between Zhong Yating and Li Yiran, Zhongyu Liuying deliberately elevated Li Yiran’s status by permitting her to address her as “mom.”

Of course, this didn’t imply that she favored Li Yiran over Zhong Yating. Neither Li Yiran nor Zhong Yating were her preferred daughters-in-law candidates. She merely sought to instigate a rivalry between them, hoping they would both suffer in the process. Ultimately, Huangfu Ruixiang might benefit.

Li Yiran, aware of Zhongyu Liuying’s intentions, remained unfazed. Given her precarious situation, she too sought to improve her status urgently.

While Zhong Yating could accompany Huangfu Ruixiang to the Hidden World, Li Yiran was relegated to the mortal world. Even with her son by her side, she was at a disadvantage. Clinging to Zhongyu Liuying’s favor was her best recourse.

“We’re staying here for our meal. Why leave?” Zhongyu Liuying glared at Li Yiran. “We’ve done nothing wrong, so why should we avoid them? Besides, I’m his mother, and that’s an unchangeable fact.”

Seeing Zhongyu Liuying’s displeasure, Li Yiran dared not say more, lest she draw her ire.

Soon, Zhongyu Liuying and Li Yiran joined them in the reserved private room. However, the atmosphere remained stiflingly silent between them.

In such an atmosphere, Li Yiran felt her stomach knotting with discomfort.

Yet, she had no choice but to endure, aware of her insignificant position in Zhongyu Liuying’s eyes

Her only recourse was to remain silent and finish the meal with Zhongyu Liuying.

In contrast, the atmosphere in the adjacent private room was entirely different. Although Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an conversed without laughter, their exchange was mutually responsive. They ate and talked comfortably.

Huangfu Ruiling occasionally showed consideration for Ye Leng’an, appearing remarkably attentive.

As a result, the atmosphere in their private room felt warm, tinged with a hint of affection

After savoring a tempura, Ye Leng’an spoke slowly, “I never imagined we’d encounter your mother and Li Yiran here! They seemed to get along quite well. Is your mother considering Li Yiran as her daughter-in-law?”

Huangfu Ruiling shook his head lightly. “She’s merely a pawn in her game. One willing to be used, the other willing to use.”

Ye Leng’an nodded in understanding. “By the way, how’s Huangfu Ruixiang faring lately?”

“The Grand Elder’s reports indicate Huangfu Ruixiang has been putting in considerable effort,” Huangfu Ruiling remarked lightly. “However, his talent is limited. Despite his diligence, significant change is unlikely.”

“True,” Ye Leng’an concurred. “Moreover, he wasted too much time previously. Without your pressure, he might never have started striving! Indeed, pressure breeds motivation.”

Yet, in matters of cultivation, no amount of motivation or effort could compensate for lackluster talent.