Chapter 57
But Tian Lijun’s actions were indeed a bit paranoid, since Xu Ke had said he would let it go and wouldn’t cause him any trouble; it was all just a figment of his imagination.
Meanwhile, at the restaurant, Mrs. Yang waited anxiously for her son to return. Although the guests attending the ceremony didn’t say anything to her directly, they had started whispering among themselves. Even phone calls to her son went unanswered, leaving Mrs. Yang as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
“Xiaohui’s mom, why hasn’t the child returned yet? The auspicious hour is almost over. Could something have happened?” a guest asked.
“Nothing should’ve happened; he’s probably just stuck in traffic. He’ll be back soon. Please, go back to your seat, have a drink, and nibble on some snacks while you wait. I’m truly sorry.” Mrs. Yang reassured the guest, but she became increasingly anxious inside.
Just as Mrs. Yang was about to rush out in desperation, the sound of car horns echoed at the restaurant’s entrance. Dozens of Lamborghinis lined up like a long dragon, parked at the entrance, drawing curious stares and causing guests to run outside to see. The two men Mrs. Yang had been worried about emerged from the cars with laughter, as Yang Hui held his bride’s hand, looking satisfied and proud.
“Who would’ve thought Xiaohui was this impressive, renting dozens of Lamborghinis? That must’ve cost a fortune; how extravagant!”
“This is what a college graduate can do, you see? Learn from your Uncle Xiaohui; you could achieve this one day,” a parent admonished their child, pointing to Yang Hui who stepped out of the car. Unaware of the discussions about him inside the restaurant, Yang Hui led his bride toward his mother.
Before he could steady himself, his mother smacked him on the shoulder, “You little scoundrel, not answering your phone! Are you trying to kill me with worry?”
“Mom, the car was too noisy, I didn’t hear it. I didn’t mean to, please forgive me this time,” Yang Hui pleaded pitifully, rubbing his shoulder where his mom had hit him, without mentioning anything about what had happened at the Tian Family.
“You’re such a grown man still acting like a child. What if your wife sees this, what will she think of you?” Mrs. Yang glared at Yang Hui. She had met Tian Xiajuan before and liked her at first sight. Now that this child was about to become a part of their Yang family, Mrs. Yang couldn’t help but grow increasingly fond of her, smiling until the corners of her eyes crinkled.
“Now that you’ve entered our Yang family’s door today, you are part of our family. If Yang Hui ever bullies you, tell me, and I’ll stand up for you, okay?” Mrs. Yang said to Tian Xiajuan, holding her hand and smiling.
Tian Xiajuan laughed and shook Mrs. Yang’s hand, “Thank you, mom. If he dares to bully me, I’ll have mom stand up for me.”
“Yes, mom will stand up for you.” After saying this, Mrs. Yang led Tian Xiajuan by the hand to introduce her to their relatives at each table.
The wedding banquet became lively with the main characters’ arrival, though none of this had anything to do with Xu Ke.
After a few drinks, when no one was paying attention, he slipped out of the restaurant, leaving the festivities behind.
By the time Xu Ke walked out of the restaurant, the sun had already set, leaving only a hint of afterglow in the sky. His figure gradually disappeared down the street, backlit by the last traces of sunlight. By the time Yang Hui realized Xu Ke was gone, he had already returned to his rented apartment, preparing dinner for Lin Mengyao as if nothing had happened.
Time passed swiftly, and before long, the development zone project had neared completion, and Lin Mengyao’s lease was about to expire.
She moved back with Xu Ke. Tired and laden with luggage, they returned to the Lin household just in time for dinner.
“Oh, if it isn’t our household’s busiest person? I thought you’d never come back. What’s made you show up suddenly? Finally remembered you have a family?” Li Lihua mocked, “Some people just don’t know their place, ignoring a pile of work, running around outside every day. Did you work on the construction site with Mengyao? Did you even know how exhausting it is for me to come home to clean after finishing work? But no, you took off for over half a month. If you don’t want to live, get far away from me. Why come back at all?”
Li Lihua slapped her chopsticks on the table and cursed loudly. While Xu Ke was absent, she had been responsible for everything inside and outside the house, worn out yet constantly criticized by the father and daughter. Now finally seeing the culprit appear, she couldn’t possibly let go without a good scolding.
Just as Li Lihua was in full rant, Lin Mengyao yawned quietly with her head lowered, feeling tired.
Xu Ke immediately noticed Lin Mengyao’s subtle action. The insults he normally endured became intolerable at that moment, and he said impatiently, “Can’t you just shut up and eat?” Interrupting Li Lihua coldly, Xu Ke forcibly took the luggage from Lin Mengyao’s hands and said, “Go take a shower first. I’ll tidy up the room for you to rest in a bit.”
The room fell silent due to Xu Ke’s sudden defiance. His words to Lin Mengyao, tender and clear, stood out. Watching this side of Xu Ke, Lin Mengchen couldn’t help but think of the cold, icy man she had met over two months ago. She had done a lot of work to investigate but found nothing. If it weren’t for Tian Long being punished by his uncle, she would have thought everything was just a dream.
Who exactly was that person? Where was he now? Lin Mengchen thought mindlessly as she poked at her rice with her chopsticks.
Li Lihua was taken aback by being shouted at by Xu Ke. It took several seconds before she reacted, seething with fury, “How dare you shout at me! Do you know who I am? I’m Lin Mengyao’s mother. I gave you food and a place to live. If you’re ungrateful, fine, but daring to yell at me? I see you’re not just worthless, but a thankless wretch, heartless scum.”
“The one who provides for me is Mengyao. What does it have to do with you?” Xu Ke, standing on the stairs, looked down at Li Lihua. At that moment, Li Lihua even saw the noble aura unique to an illustrious family emanating from him. As she became flustered, Xu Ke entered the room and closed the door, shutting out all outside noise.
Unfortunately, no one at the dinner table agreed with her. Lin Mengchen kept her head down, lost in thought, and Lin Shichang also kept silent with his head lowered. Seeing no one paid her any mind, Li Lihua quieted down as well.