Chapter 818: Clarification
Chapter 818: Clarification
Observing this, Ye Yikun couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease. Throughout the years, he had been adept at discerning people’s thoughts from their expressions. Even Ye Hongxuan, who had been the head of the Ye family for so long, couldn’t maintain such composure under his pressure. Yet, here was Ye Leng’an, a mere teenager, facing his pressure with unwavering calmness. It was simply inconceivable.
“Who are you exactly?” Ye Yikun’s sharp gaze swept over Ye Leng’an’s figure. “Are you truly the offspring of Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu? Do you carry the bloodline of our Ye family?”
“I wish I weren’t,” Ye Leng’an replied with a faint smile. “Unfortunately, I cannot alter my lineage. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”
Had she known things would turn out like this, she would have kept her identity hidden and dealt with Ye Wanwan directly.
Upon hearing Ye Leng’an’s words, Ye Yikun struggled to contain his anger. “Very well. If you hold such disdain for the Ye family, why have you come here today?”
He hadn’t anticipated that Ye Leng’an’s visit wasn’t motivated by a desire to return to the Ye family. Witnessing Ye Leng’an’s disparagement of the Ye family only fueled his anger further.
“Old Master Ye, I believe you’re aware of the recent rumors circulating,” Ye Leng’an stated bluntly, revealing the purpose of her visit. “I suspect they originated from the Ye family. If so, shouldn’t the Ye family be the ones to clarify the situation?”
At Ye Leng’an’s words, a sharp gleam flickered in Ye Yikun’s eyes. “This isn’t mere gossip, and you know it.”
“Then you’re also aware that Ye Wanwan and I aren’t twins, correct?” Ye Leng’an remarked wryly. “If something so contrary to fact isn’t considered gossip, then what is?”
Ye Yikun regarded Ye Leng’an steadily. “And what, pray tell, do you expect the Ye family to do?”
“It’s quite simple,” Ye Leng’an replied with a smile. “The Ye family merely needs to refute the rumors, asserting that I have no affiliation with you. It shouldn’t be a difficult task for the Ye family.”
“That’s impossible,” Ye Yikun retorted instinctively. “Besides, you are indeed of the Ye family’s bloodline. That’s the truth.”
Due to Ye Leng’an, many families allied with the Huangfu family showed favor to the Ye family, resulting in substantial benefits for them. Since Ye Leng’an was indeed Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu’s daughter, the Ye family had accepted these benefits without reservation.
Clarifying these facts now would only embarrass them.
“Old Master Ye.” Ye Leng’an’s smile grew brighter, but the chill in her eyes deepened. “It’s best not to be too greedy. Let’s not dwell on the past, but we both know it’s impossible for me to return to the Ye family.”
“Ye Leng’an, you’re still young and haven’t considered many factors.” Ye Yikun observed, then sneered. “Although you’re currently infatuated with Huangfu Ruiling, who knows how long this so-called love will last? When that time comes, without any family support, you’ll have no choice but to be abandoned. However, a union between our families would hold far more significance. With a family backing you, you’ll have a stronger foothold in the Huangfu family. Love is fleeting. Consider the practicalities.”
“Heh, Old Master Ye, don’t act as if you’re concerned for me,” Ye Leng’an retorted. “You’ve said so much, but why haven’t you mentioned how much the Ye family stands to gain from this union? Do you desire the return of the Ye family’s bloodline, or do you seek an alliance with the Huangfu family?”
“I don’t deny that the Ye family will benefit.” Ye Yikun conceded.
As an experienced old fox, Ye Yikun’s anger gradually subsided. “However, this arrangement benefits us all, doesn’t it? Furthermore, I assure you that upon your return to the Ye family, you’ll enjoy absolute freedom.”
Previously, he had intended to temper Ye Leng’an’s character upon her return to the Ye family. But now, he had a change of heart.
Ye Leng’an harbored no sense of loyalty to the Ye family, nor did she harbor any affection for her parents, Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu. In such a case, if they wished for her to return and facilitate a marriage between the Ye and Huangfu families, they could only bind her with benefits.
The Ye family would serve as Ye Leng’an’s support, leveraging the power of the Huangfu family to continue advancing the Ye family’s interests.
However, in the future, the Ye family would not provide Ye Leng’an with any resources. After all, her heart wasn’t with the Ye family; it would be futile to invest in her.
He believed that such terms would be advantageous for both parties, and Ye Leng’an would likely agree to them.
Under Ye Yikun’s scrutiny, Ye Leng’an’s lips parted, and she rejected without hesitation, “I don’t think this idea is very good. I don’t wish to be associated with the Ye family, so it’s best for everyone to go their separate ways.”
“Ye Leng’an, don’t be so audacious,” Ye Yikun scoffed in anger. “Do you truly believe that your so-called love can tether Huangfu Ruiling for a lifetime?”
“That’s my concern. You needn’t worry about it,” Ye Leng’an responded calmly. “However, the matter concerning the Ye family must be resolved today. So, Old Master Ye, will you agree? Or will you not?”
Ye Yikun couldn’t decipher Ye Leng’an’s thoughts. He narrowed his eyes and replied slowly, “And what if I refuse?”