Forbidden Fruit [Full Text] - 27

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Chapter 374 Sparks of Collision

In the ward, the light shield around Ouyang Xin'er grew stronger and stronger. Ye Tianya sat motionless on the edge of the bed. Su Ling and He Tingxiu stared wide-eyed in surprise. Ye Tianya didn't move. They knew that the light shield was caused by what Ye Tianya was doing. The two were daughters-in-law of the Ouyang family. As members of a martial arts family, they also knew some things about martial arts. They thought that Ye Tianya was using some kind of internal energy cultivation method to treat Ouyang Xin'er, so they were curious and wanted to see for themselves.

Just as the two were about to push open the door to see what was going on, Xingye's still slightly choked voice came from behind: "Aunties, my brother is treating Sister Xin'er, please don't disturb him!"

"Uh—"

Su Ling and He Tingxiu were so surprised and curious that they didn't notice that Xingye and Nangong Qian'er had already stopped crying. Although Xingye didn't blame them for peeking, the two of them couldn't help but feel uncomfortable and hurriedly turned around. Su Ling composed herself and smiled, "We won't disturb him, Miss Xingye, and this is..." Su Ling and He Tingxiu both looked at Nangong Qian'er.

Before Xingye could introduce them, Nangong Qian'er stepped forward and choked out, "Auntie, my name is Nangong Qian'er!"

"Qian'er? You're Nangong's daughter?" Su Ling exclaimed in surprise, "My God, it's been over ten years! Qian'er has grown so much! Qian'er is the same age as our Xin'er..."

Mentioning Ouyang Xin'er, Su Ling glanced at the ward door and sighed deeply, "What a tragedy! It's all because of us... Xin'er..."

Thinking of her daughter's current state, and influenced by Xingye and Nangong Qian'er's sobs, Su Ling couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with grief. Watching her daughter grow thinner day by day, Su Ling had suggested more than once that someone contact Ye Tianya, but Ouyang Zhenhua was still bothered by his words, "I won't let Ye Tianya and our daughter be together unless I die," and he was too proud to let anyone take the initiative to find Ye Tianya to see their daughter.

Su Ling knew that Ouyang Zhenhua was anxious watching his daughter grow thinner and thinner, suppressing her longing and heartache. However, his pride as a man prevented him from putting aside his ego. It wasn't

until Ouyang Xin'er fell seriously ill, and due to the long-term torment of her emotional distress, her health deteriorated and her immunity weakened, that Ouyang Zhenhua truly became worried. First, her lymphatic system suffered necrosis, and her immune index approached zero. Then, her liver function declined, toxins couldn't be eliminated from her body, and the immense mental stress led to mild schizophrenia. All these symptoms piled up and spiraled out of control, causing Ouyang Xin'er to become increasingly thin and near death. Only then did Ouyang Zhenhua truly panic.

However, no matter how tense he was, he still refused to lower his pride. Su Ling argued with Ouyang Zhenhua about this more than once, but she couldn't sway his stubbornness. In desperation, Su Ling had no choice but to ask Ouyang Qianshu, who was on a mission in S City, to find a way to leak Ouyang Xin'er's situation to Ye Tianya in front of him. She knew that once Ye Tianya knew about Xin'er's situation, he would definitely not stand idly by. She was initially worried that Ye Tianya's arrival would lead to another argument with her prideful husband, so she deliberately gave the order to Ouyang Qianshu in front of Ouyang Zhenhua. Unexpectedly, Ouyang Zhenhua remained silent. Once Su Ling heard this, she knew he was truly regretful, and only then did she feel at ease letting Ye Tianya come to save Ouyang Xin'er...

Su Ling blamed herself, and Nangong Qian'er wanted to comfort her, but then she thought that they should blame themselves anyway. Xin'er's current state was partly their fault. Just then, a nurse walked by at the corner of the corridor. Xingye glanced nervously at the faint light shining from the window of the ward. She knew that the light was Ye Tianya saving Ouyang Xin'er inside. Because she was heartbroken for Ouyang Xin'er, she couldn't stop Su and He, but she couldn't let the nurse come and see, otherwise it would cause trouble for Ye Tianya. Xingye hurriedly pointed to the light shining through the glass door and said to Su Ling, "Auntie, try to stop the nurse from coming over..."

Su Ling also realized what was going on. Even they, as members of martial arts families, found Ye Tianya's strange treatment method somewhat incomprehensible, let alone an ordinary person. Su Ling glanced at the bowl in her hand in a moment of urgency and immediately went to the nurse, stopping her, saying, "Nurse, this bird's nest is a bit cold. Could you please heat it up for me? My daughter is asleep, and she'll have something to eat when she wakes up."

The nurses in the special care room were almost impeccably attentive. They responded and left with the bird's nest, and Xingye finally breathed a sigh of relief. Looking back into the ward, the radiant light surrounding Ouyang Xin'er had gradually faded until it disappeared. Xingye noticed Ye Tianya sway as the aura around Ouyang Xin'er faded. Her heart tightened, and without thinking, she rushed in, anxiously supporting Ye Tianya, asking, "Brother, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing, I'll be fine after a rest!" Ye Tianya took a deep breath, glanced back at the sleeping Ouyang Xin'er's now-rosy face, and forced a relieved smile before sitting cross-legged to meditate and recover.

Xingye and Nangong Qian'er, who had followed her in, also noticed the change in Ouyang Xin'er's complexion. They exchanged a relieved look and carefully stood in front of Ye Tianya to protect him.

Su Ling and He Tingxiu entered the ward after Xingye and Nangong Qian'er. Their eyes were immediately drawn to Ouyang Xin'er's rosy complexion. Both showed expressions of surprise and delight, carefully checking Ouyang Xin'er's condition. After a complicated look at Ye Tianya meditating on the floor, they prepared to quietly leave. But just as they retreated to the door, it was opened from the outside. When Su Ling and He Tingxiu saw that it was Ouyang Zhenhua, they nervously reached out to stop him from entering.

Xingye also noticed Ouyang Zhenhua and immediately became alert, staring intently at him at the door, but made no attempt to greet him. He bore the greatest responsibility for Ouyang Xin'er's current condition, and Xingye had no good feelings towards him. Ouyang

Zhenhua showed no surprise at the presence of Xingye, Nangong Qian'er, or Ye Tianya sitting cross-legged on the floor in the ward. He wasn't even surprised by Xingye's dissatisfaction and wariness towards him, clearly as if he had known they would come. He pushed aside his two wives who were blocking his way and said, "Let me see my daughter!"

Seeing that he was calm, Su Ling and He Tingxiu were slightly relieved and let him in. When Ouyang Zhenhua saw that Ouyang Xin'er's complexion had improved and become rosy, his face lit up with joy. Nangong Qian'er spoke up at the opportune moment, "Uncle Ouyang, the captain just treated Sister Xin'er. With the captain here, Sister Xin'er will recover soon, so don't worry."

Su Ling hurriedly said to Ouyang Zhenhua, "She is Yani and Nangong Qing's daughter, named Qian'er."

Ouyang Zhenhua was taken aback; Nangong Qian'er's appearance was unexpected. He looked up from Ouyang Xin'er's face and asked Nangong Qian'er, "Qian'er, how is your grandfather?"

Nangong Qian'er nodded and said, "Grandpa is fine, but he's too busy. Thank you for your concern."

Ouyang Zhenhua nodded but didn't say anything more. His gaze swept over Xingye's wary face and stopped on Ye Tianya, who was sitting cross-legged on the ground looking exhausted. His expression was complicated, but he didn't say anything. He sighed heavily, left the ward without a word, and his actions made Su Ling and He Tingxiu exchange bewildered glances.

Tang Wan couldn't follow Ye Tianya, and she felt a little uncomfortable. Reluctantly, she went back to the company with Tang Shaoyan. Since she used to work in industrial investment at Xueya Shuangye, her strengths were in overall analysis and planning. Moreover, she had been sent to Bingtian Electronics in B City as the second-in-command. Therefore, Tang Shaoyan assigned her to the newly established position of Minister of Engineering Management. She was an employee dispatched from headquarters, and before her work ability was demonstrated, she was acceptable no matter what position she was assigned to. On her first day, Tang Wan was tired from the journey from S City. She just reported her arrival and asked Tang Shaoyan for the car and house keys to go to Tang Shaoyan's place to rest.

As she walked towards the elevator, all she saw was a bustling scene of activity. The HR manager of the Lincheng branch, who was showing her around, explained, "These days, all projects related to the stadium construction have been fully launched. The workload is heavy, and everyone is quite busy. There might be some pressure, but you'll get used to it."

Tang Wan smiled easily and said, "Pressure? Hehe, it's okay. Pressure is what drives us! Our Tianya Real Estate employees aren't afraid of anything except a lack of pressure!"

The HR manager chuckled, "Minister Tang is a veteran employee of Tianya Group, so of course she knows more about the company than we do. We look forward to your guidance in the future."

Seeing the elevator arrive, Tang Wan turned to the HR manager and smiled, "Minister Xiao, please don't be so polite. I'm new here and would appreciate your help. The elevator's here, please wait a moment, I'll be at work early tomorrow morning."

Tang Wan then turned to walk towards the elevator, but unexpectedly, someone rushed out and bumped into her. Tang Wan had just turned and hadn't regained her balance, and being in high heels, the impact caused both of them to lose their balance. With a scream from Tang Wan, they both fell to the ground.

The person who came out of the elevator reacted quickly, catching Tang Wan as they fell, turning around forcefully, and cushioning her fall onto him. Tang Wan landed on top of him.

After the two made intimate contact with the ground, Tang Wan, who had just screamed, didn't feel any pain before she came to her senses and realized her situation. She had been held down on the ground by a man. She struggled to get up with the help of the personnel manager and said with dissatisfaction, "How could you..."

However, after uttering three words, she swallowed the next four words, "So reckless." The dissatisfaction and anger on her face instantly turned into concern, and

her tone changed 18 degrees as she asked anxiously, "...How are you?" What was originally a reproachful "How could you be so reckless?" was changed midway into a concerned "How are you?" The reason was simple: the young man lying on the ground was too handsome, so handsome it was almost unbelievable, with a striking and resolute face like a celebrity…
Chapter 375 President's Temper

At this moment, Minister Xiao, who was standing nearby, reached out to help the young man up and said kindly, “Team Leader Zhu, are you alright?”

Needless to say, this incredibly handsome man was Ding Junfeng, who was using the alias Zhu Xingyuan. Although his back was aching slightly after he got up, he still shook his head and said, “I'm fine. I'm so sorry, Miss. I was notified by the HR department that I had something to do, and I was also busy with work outside, so I was in a bit of a rush. I hope you weren't hurt?”

“Ah—uh—, I'm fine. I was up there. I didn't fall. Are you really alright?” Tang Wan felt her heartbeat become uncontrollable for the first time.

Ding Junfeng didn't pay much attention to Tang Wan's nervousness. Few young women weren't nervous when meeting him; he was used to it and didn't find it strange. He shook his head to indicate he was fine. The HR manager then smiled and introduced her: "Xiao Zhu, let me introduce you. This is Ms. Tang Wan, sent from headquarters. From now on, she's the head of the Engineering Management Department at our Lincheng branch. You'll be colleagues from now on."

Ding Junfeng politely introduced himself to Tang Wan, said some initial pleasantries, apologized again for his earlier rudeness, and then said to the HR manager: "Manager Xiao, I received a call from HR… I wonder what it's about?"

The HR manager smiled and patted Ding Junfeng's shoulder, saying, "Xiao Zhu, of course it's good news! " "Get ready to treat everyone!"

The man surnamed Xiao laughed, then continued, "Minister Tang brought the headquarters' opinion. Our branch is setting up a special project team to handle the Xingye Hotel project, with Deputy Manager Luo Yang as the team leader. Minister Luo has transferred the head of the business department to the project team, leaving the position vacant. Our HR department has decided to appoint you as the business department head. We called you here to hear your opinion." Although he said it was a decision made after discussion, Tang Wan had only been there a short time. They hadn't really done any research. Ding Junfeng's promotion was a foregone conclusion; it was just that there hadn't been a suitable position for him before. Tang Wan's decision from headquarters, removing the business department head, meant there was no need for discussion; the HR head dared to make the decision so decisively.

Ding Junfeng showed a suitable expression of joy upon hearing this and said, "Really? Thank you, Minister Xiao."

Minister Xiao chuckled and said, "Why thank me? It's because you, Xiao Zhu, have the ability. Your performance speaks for itself; your promotion is only natural. If you want to thank someone, thank Minister Tang for bringing us this good news."

Ding Junfeng then sincerely thanked Tang Wan. Tang Wan was still unsettled and didn't dare linger. She quickly made a joke, asking Ding Junfeng to treat her, before getting into the elevator and going downstairs. After the elevator doors closed, she clenched her fists and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. However, she couldn't help but recall the feeling of being pulled to the ground by his embrace...

Tang Wan, as expected of a former elite of Xueya Shuangye, although she had been moved, wouldn't be infatuated. When she stepped out of the elevator, she had forced herself to calm down, but in the lobby, she saw several Tianya Real Estate employees arranging a banner that read, "Warmly welcome the President to inspect our work!"

Calming down, Tang Wan smiled bitterly to herself. The banner issue must have been assigned by the public relations department to the announcement planning department. Although Tang Wan didn't know exactly whose idea it was, if it went ahead, the person who came up with it would definitely be in trouble. For her cousin's sake, she had to get involved. So, she composed herself, her emotions still shaken by Ding Junfeng, and walked over to the young employees preparing the banner, asking, "You're from the announcement planning department, right? Who came up with this idea?"

The two young employees looked up at Tang Wan, their gazes sweeping over the department head badge on her name tag before they immediately stood up respectfully and replied, "Vice Minister Yao from the public relations department asked us to do it. We heard the president is coming and asked us to prepare for his arrival."

Tang Wan said, both amused and annoyed, "Don't bother. Put it away. The president might be happier if you did something else."

"But this…" the employees hesitated. After all, it was an order from above. Although the person in front of them was a department head, she seemed to be new; they hadn't even met her yet. How could they listen to her?

Seeing the two employees hesitate, Tang Wan couldn't help but get a little angry and said, "I told you to put it away, so put it away. Do you want to get Manager Tang criticized by the president?"

Originally, this was a matter for whoever wanted to manage it, and it wasn't Tang Wan's place to interfere. If it weren't for the fact that this matter concerned her cousin's impression with Ye Tianya, she wouldn't have bothered with it. She had worked with Ye Tianya and knew a little about his temperament. Ye Tianya didn't like pomp and circumstance, and he disliked showing off. Even on the day he took office as the president of Tianya Group, he just had a few drinks with a few old colleagues and that was it. The most important point was that Ye Tianya didn't notify the branch office through official channels when he came to Lincheng. So far, only she and Tang Shaoyan had seen Ye Tianya come to Lincheng in a reasonable way. Putting aside the sources of rumors, it should be the two sisters who knew that Ye Tianya came to Lincheng. If this banner were hung up, Ye Tianya would definitely think that the person who instructed this formality was her cousin, Tang Shaoyan. That's why she had to stop it.

Just then, a man in a suit emerged from the elevator in the lobby, carrying a folder. Seeing two employees standing up to chat up a beautiful woman, he felt a surge of displeasure. Ever since Zhu Xingyuan was sent from headquarters, all the beautiful women in the Lincheng branch had focused their attention on him, a small team leader, while he, a young and handsome man, received no attention. He had even overheard rumors upstairs that Zhu Xingyuan had been promoted to business manager, which only fueled his resentment. Now, seeing these junior employees daring to flirt right under his nose, he sternly said from afar, "You two, hurry up! What are you standing there for?"

"Deputy Manager Yao, this..." the junior employee glanced again at Tang Wan's name tag and continued, "This Manager Tang told us to stop..."

"Minister Tang?" The man in the suit approached and asked with a puzzled look, "Minister Tang? And you are...?"

Tang Wan knew that the formal introduction would be at tomorrow's morning meeting, so it was perfectly normal that these people didn't recognize her. She immediately introduced herself, "Hello, Deputy Minister Yao. I'm from the Engineering Management Department. I just came down from headquarters and will only start work tomorrow. I just happened to run into this matter here, so I kindly reminded you. I hope I haven't interfered with Minister Yao's authority."

When Tang Wan turned around, the man in the suit finally saw her face clearly, and his face immediately lit up with a smile. "So it's Minister Tang. It's a pleasure to meet you. My surname is Yao. If there's anything inappropriate in my work, please give me your guidance, Minister Tang."

Tang Wan felt disgusted by the smile of the suit-wearing man who had just been so arrogant. She inexplicably compared his smile to that of Zhu Xingyuan, whom she had just encountered, and her disgust intensified. Pointing to the untidy banner on the ground, she said, "I wouldn't presume to offer advice, but... was this banner Minister Yao's idea?" The

young man surnamed Yao smiled and said, "Yes, there's been a rumor in the company that the president is coming. Minister Cui is away on business, and I felt our branch should leave a good impression on the president, so I came up with this idea."

"Just now, Minister Tang said... hanging this up will cause Manager Tang to be criticized by the president..." a junior employee finally interjected, defending himself.

"Oh? Why would Minister Tang think that? Shouldn't we just do something? Won't the president be unhappy?" Yao asked, puzzled.

Tang Wan didn't know why she felt so disgusted with the man in front of her. She said impatiently, "Make the president happy? Heh, Minister Yao is right. But who said the president would come to the company?"

"This...this...better safe than sorry, what if the president really does come?" The man surnamed Yao hesitated before continuing.
Tang Wan suddenly felt an urge to curse, but she wasn't this man's direct superior, so she secretly decided to call Tang Shaoyan later and have her stop him herself. She couldn't scold the man surnamed Yao, so she could only suppress her anger and said with a cold laugh, "Minister Yao is right, better safe than sorry. Well then, you prepare yourself. Maybe the president really will come one day. But as colleagues, I think it's necessary for me to remind Vice Minister Yao that our president doesn't like these formalities. Sometimes saving effort might be a good thing. I won't bother you any longer, goodbye." Tang Wan was annoyed and too lazy to argue with him. She turned and left.

The man surnamed Yao had originally wanted to invite Tang Wan to lunch, but hearing the cold laugh in her words, he immediately felt disgusted again. Seeing Tang Wan act like a senior, giving her advice and then turning away, he became even angrier. After Tang Wan disappeared through the door, he immediately snorted and muttered, "From headquarters? Does being from headquarters make you so great? Does being from headquarters mean you know everything about the president? You act like you're someone important to the president. If you really knew the president that well, you wouldn't have been sent down to Lincheng."

After muttering, he looked at the two employees who were still standing there without moving and, as if he had found a scapegoat, shouted, "What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and do your work! She's from the engineering management department, what does she have to do with our public relations department?"

The two employees resigned themselves to their bad luck and hurriedly lowered their heads to continue working...

After Tang Wan left the office building, she took out her phone and dialed Tang Shaoyan's number, but Tang Shaoyan's secretary said that Tang Shaoyan had gone to the HR department for a meeting. She immediately guessed that it was because of Zhu Xingyuan's matter and had no choice but to hang up the phone, planning to remind Tang Shaoyan after she got off work that evening. However, she never expected that her decision would give Ye Tianya a huge scapegoat.

Upstairs, after Ding Junfeng finished his promotion procedures at the Human Resources Department and saw off Manager Tang Shaoyan, he smiled and asked Minister Xiao of the Human Resources Department, "Minister Xiao, did headquarters send anyone else down this time?"

He originally wanted to ask if Ye Tianya had arrived, but he couldn't ask directly, so he had to ask in a different way.
Chapter 376 Network of Relationships

The HR Minister smiled and shook his head, saying, "Only Minister Tang came down this time. She's Manager Tang's cousin, that's why she was sent here. Don't worry, Xiao Zhu, even if headquarters sends someone down, no one can shake your prestige in the company. Your performance is the best proof. You're so young to have reached the position of minister, you have a bright future ahead of you. When you get to the upper management, don't forget your old colleagues."

Ding Junfeng laughed heartily, "Minister Xiao is just joking. Getting into the upper management isn't that easy. But I will certainly strive to improve myself. If that day ever comes, I certainly won't forget Minister Xiao's kindness in helping me out today." Ding Junfeng was once the general manager of Changfeng, so he naturally spoke these polite words without hesitation. Originally, this promotion was a company decision, but he said it was because of Minister Xiao's 'helping out', which made Minister Xiao laugh heartily. He patted Ding Junfeng's shoulder and said with a smile, "Then, brother, I will..." "I'm just sticking close to Brother Zhu. It's true that Little Zhu is capable, but sometimes you have to manage relationships carefully. Let me remind you again, this Minister Tang is not only Manager Tang's cousin, but her younger sister is the president's personal secretary. Secretaries may not have much power, but sometimes their influence is significant. You understand that, right? Your business department and engineering management department might have some conflicts in the future. Be compliant, and even if you don't get along with her, don't cause any unpleasantness, understand?"

Ding Junfeng secretly chuckled to himself, seeing that Xiao had risen to the position of minister and was now on equal footing with him, the former 'Little Zhu' had instantly become 'Little Brother,' and he himself had become 'Big Brother.' But having been in the business world for so long, he couldn't resist such a good opportunity to build a relationship. He immediately said gratefully, "Thank you for the reminder, Big Brother. I will remember your kindness. Tonight at seven o'clock, Lixiang Garden, it's my treat. Big Brother, you must do me the honor of attending."

"Hehe, good, good, congratulations on your promotion, brother! You should treat us to a meal. Now is the perfect time! I'll be there on time." Minister Xiao replied cheerfully. People always feel safer when they wear a mask. Who would guess what they're plotting behind those masks?

Walking out of the personnel department, Ding Junfeng twirled the promotion letter personally signed by Tang Shaoyan in his hand, a slight smile playing on his lips. He glanced at the engineering management department office not far away, lowered his head as if lost in thought, and only after a while did he look up again and hurriedly leave.

※※※※※

Su Ling and He Tingxiu followed Ouyang Zhenhua out of the ward. Ouyang Zhenhua turned back to look at the ward, his expression strange. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, hesitated for a moment, and then whispered, "Mom and Dad are back. They'll be at the airport soon. I need to go pick them up..."

Their in-laws had been traveling abroad for over a year. Hearing that they were coming back, Su Ling and Su Tingxiu both showed worried expressions. They didn't know their in-laws' attitude towards Ouyang Xin'er and Ye Tianya's relationship. They couldn't help but worry that if their in-laws also strongly opposed Ouyang Xin'er and Ye Tianya being together, Ye Tianya would probably fight tooth and nail to take Ouyang Xin'er away this time, and if a fight broke out, they wouldn't know what to do.

"What should we do? What if Dad also opposes them..." He Tingxiu said anxiously to Su Ling immediately after Ouyang Zhenhua left.

Su Ling gestured for her to be quiet, glanced at the ward door, and whispered, "Don't be nervous. It might be a good thing that Mom and Dad are suddenly back. Mom is heartbroken for Xin'er, and Dad's views are a bit older. Our stubborn guy made some very harsh statements back then, and now he can't bring himself to back down. Maybe Dad's coming and he can make the decision, giving him a chance to back down. If Dad also objects, then it's up to Ye Tianya. We can't control that much then. I just hope Xin'er won't get into any more trouble."

He Tingxiu said somewhat nervously, "I hope Dad won't be too stubborn, otherwise..."

The electronic clock in the hospital corridor showed twelve o'clock. He Tingxiu went to the door and peeked inside. Ouyang Xin'er was still fast asleep, Ye Tianya was still meditating, and Xingye and Nangong Qian'er were sitting on either side of the bed watching Ouyang Xin'er. One was gently tidying her disheveled hair, and the other was straightening her blanket. This scene made He Tingxiu turn around and look at Su Ling. Once upon a time, when she was sick, Su Ling had taken care of her in the same way.

"What's wrong? Your eyes look so strange?" Su Ling noticed the emotion in He Tingxiu's eyes and couldn't help but ask.

He Tingxiu glanced into the ward, gesturing for Su Ling to look. Su Ling leaned over and looked, then their eyes met, and they both smiled knowingly. After smiling, Su Ling took He Tingxiu's hand and said with a relieved smile, "Let's go, Tingxiu, it's lunchtime. Let's go get some lunch for these three children. It looks like they'll wait until Xin'er wakes up before leaving."

The sisters, who had been friends for decades, seemed to be transported back to the pure and innocent days of their youth as they held hands. They secretly resolved that even if their entire families objected, they would ensure Xin'er got what she wanted. Only they could truly understand the feelings between Xin'er and the other women around Ye Tianya.

When the two women brought lunch to the three in the ward, Ye Tianya was already up, sitting quietly beside Ouyang Xin'er's bed, staring blankly at her face. Xingye and Nangong Qian'er also sat quietly beside him. On the table was the bird's nest soup that Su Ling had asked the nurse to heat up, but it looked cold again.

Faced with the sumptuous lunch brought by Su Ling and He Tingxiu, the three of them had no appetite. They ate a little and then put down their chopsticks. Seeing Ye Tianya put down his chopsticks, Su Ling couldn't help but ask, "Ye... I think I should still call you Xiao Ye. How is Xin'er doing now? When do you think she'll wake up?"

Ye Tianya glanced at the still-sleeping Ouyang Xin'er before saying with some dissatisfaction, "She has problems with her liver and lymphatic system, and she's also a bit mentally unstable. What exactly did you do to her..."

Although Su Ling was shocked that Ye Tianya had described Ouyang Xin'er's condition so accurately in such a short time, she could also hear the anger in Ye Tianya's tone, and even more so, his obvious restraint. She quickly shook her head and said, "We... we didn't do anything to her. Ever since you left last time, Xin'er has become a completely different person. She stopped crying and making a fuss, and her attitude towards us suddenly became as polite as if she were a guest. But... she's been getting thinner and thinner every day... and finally she fell ill and became like the one you just saw. She's been hospitalized for more than ten days without any improvement. The doctor said she's completely despondent." "Without the will to live, the medicine is useless..."

Su Ling said, lowering her head and sighing, "I know she's blaming us. Don't blame us for being so heartless in stopping you two from being together. At this point, I'll be honest. Back then, it was because we couldn't believe you. You have Xingye, Qian'er, and those two Bing Shuang and Bing Xue we've never met. We couldn't believe that a man who already has so many women could give our Xin'er any happiness. Parents all over the world love their children. We also hope that Xin'er can truly be happy. Xiao Ye, can you understand?"

Ye Tianya nodded and said, "I understand. Xin'er's brother is right. I haven't done enough. I can't shirk responsibility for Xin'er's situation today. Xiao Ye, Qian'er, and I can't change anything. Although I can't give them everything, please believe me. I can love any of them with my life. I can give Xin'er happiness. I beg you not to make things difficult for Xin'er anymore. She can't take it anymore. Please let me take her away!" Ye Tianya's voice trembled as he spoke. Ouyang Xin'er's appearance made his heart ache. Last time, he couldn't bring himself to admit his mistake, causing immense suffering for Ouyang Xin'er. This time, he absolutely wouldn't allow himself to repeat the same error. For Ouyang Xin'er's sake, he was even willing to kneel and beg the Ouyang family.

Hearing Ye Tianya's direct confession, Xingye and Nangong Qian'er's eyes revealed tenderness and unwavering faith.

Su Ling sighed and said, "No one wanted things to turn out like this. As Xin'er's mother, my pain is no less than yours. Perhaps my initial thought was a mistake. Xin'er chose her own path. Your Aunt He and I had nothing to say about you taking Xin'er away, but... Xin'er's father..." Su Ling paused, then said, "Xiao Ye, we want to hear your plans."

Ye Tianya understood the implication in Su Ling's words. He knew she was afraid that Ouyang Zhenhua still disagreed, and whether Ye Tianya might take extreme measures. Ye Tianya glanced back at Ouyang Xin'er, then turned back and said firmly, "No matter what, I will not let Xin'er suffer any more torment or harm."

Su Ling and He Tingxiu exchanged confused glances. Ye Tianya's words were ambiguous; did he mean he would take Ouyang Xin'er away no matter what? If Ouyang Zhenhua didn't agree, wouldn't he resort to extreme measures, which would also harm Ouyang Xin'er?

Su Ling was slightly confused, but then she understood everything. From the pleading tone Ye Tianya used when speaking to her, she quickly guessed his meaning. She breathed a long sigh of relief. Ye Tianya's willingness to lower himself and humble himself made her believe even more in his true love for Ouyang Xin'er, and as a mother, she felt much more at ease.

Ouyang Manor:

"Smash—" Ouyang Tuofei smashed the teacup and tea on the ground, shattering it into pieces. He and his wife had just returned home from Sydney, and only after asking his beloved granddaughter did he learn about Ouyang Xin'er's affair with Ye Tianya. However, when he heard that Ye Tianya had come and gone freely at Qiushui Manor, and that no one at Qiushui Manor could stop him, the old man immediately turned pale with anger. He sold a teacup and pointed at Ouyang Zhenhua, angrily saying, "You useless thing! You've ruined the reputation of my Ouyang family! I'm so angry! I'm so angry! Who is this Ye Tianya? This old man is going to meet him..."
Chapter 377 Dream and Reality Indistinguishable

When Ouyang Tuofei went to the hospital to 'meet' Ye Tianya, Ouyang Xin'er was still asleep. Originally, Ouyang Tuofei was full of thoughts of causing trouble for Ye Tianya, but when he saw Ouyang Xin'er on the bed, who was just skin and bones, he immediately forgot about Ye Tianya. The old lady rushed over... Heartbroken, Ouyang Tuofei went to Ouyang Xin'er's bedside, tears streaming down his face. His face turned ashen with anger. He turned to Ouyang Zhenhua, who had accompanied him, and Su Ling and He Tingxiu, who had been waiting at the hospital, and snorted, "You three, come out here!"

The old man turned to leave angrily, but stopped at the door and turned back, coldly asking Ye Tianya, "You're Ye Tianya?"

Since Ye Tianya had decided to endure anything for Xin'er, he nodded respectfully and said, "Yes, this junior is!"

The old man snorted and said, "You stay here. I'd like to meet this young hero who stormed my Qiushui Manor as if it were his own backyard!"

Ye Tianya, Xingye Nangong Qian'er, Su Ling, He Tingxiu, and the others felt a sinking feeling in their hearts. Ouyang Tuofei's immediate criticism of Ye Tianya's solo intrusion into Qiushui Manor suggested he was prejudiced against him. Su Ling hurriedly said nervously, "Dad, it's not what you think..."

"Shut up! We've only been gone for less than a year, and you've already left Xin'er like this! Humph, if you don't give me a clear reason, I'll teach you a lesson!" The old woman said angrily as she stormed out. Before leaving, He Tingxiu glanced back at the old lady, who was hunched over the bed, heartbroken over Ouyang Xin'er. She gave Nangong Qian'er a wink, and Nangong Qian'er immediately understood. She went over and helped the old lady up, saying, "Grandma Tong, don't be sad. Xin'er will be alright. The captain just treated her, and she'll be fully recovered soon."

The old lady, heartbroken, murmured "My poor Xin'er" through tears. She looked up at Nangong Qian'er with a puzzled expression, took the tissue she offered, and wiped her tears while asking, "Girl, who are you...?"

Nangong Qian'er replied obediently, "Grandma Tong, my name is Nangong Qian'er. I heard Grandpa say that you, Grandma, gave me this name. Do you remember Qian'er?"

"Qian'er? Nangong's granddaughter? Poor child, how could Grandma not remember you? What... what have you all done? Xin'er... they are so cruel, torturing my beloved granddaughter like this!" The old woman sobbed uncontrollably, heartbroken for her granddaughter. Ye Tianya felt deeply guilty about Ouyang Xin'er's condition. He stepped forward and said to the old lady, "Junior Ye Tianya greets you, Grandma. I am also responsible for Xin'er's current state. You may punish me as you wish, I will have no complaints."

The old woman then looked up at Ye Tianya and said, "What... what's the use of punishing you? My poor granddaughter..."

The old woman's gaze moved from Ye Tianya's face to Xingye's and asked gently, "Are you Xingye?"

Xingye nodded gently and said, "Yes, Grandma, I am Xingye."

A glint flashed in the old lady's eyes, and she suddenly pointed at Ye Tianya and said, "If I asked you to leave him and make him marry only our Xin'er, would you be willing?"

"That's impossible!" Before Xingye could speak, Ye Tianya stood up firmly, his tone changing from respectful to serious. For Ouyang Xin'er, he could be humble and lower his stance, but that didn't mean he would do so at the cost of hurting Xingye. If the Ouyang family really made such a demand, Ye Tianya would no longer be 'respectful'.

Xingye quickly reached out and pulled Ye Tianya back, signaling him not to act impulsively. She firmly told the old lady, "If this makes Grandma willing for us to take Sister Xin'er away, I'm willing to grant Sister Xin'er's wish and let her become my brother's rightful wife. But asking me to leave my brother... I can't do that. My request isn't much. Once Sister Xin'er wakes up, I will ask her to let me stay by my brother's side!"

Xingye's words were clear. If a distinction had to be made between the legitimate and illegitimate wives, and if Ye Tianya could only marry one wife, she was willing to give up the position that the world had already accepted as hers. However, she also firmly stated that she would not leave Ye Tianya, even without any title.

“Xiao Ye—” Xing Ye’s willingness to compromise moved Ye Tianya to tears, and he was about to object when Xing Ye stopped him with a look and shook her head, signaling him to be quiet.

The old lady gave Xing Ye a meaningful look, then asked, “Even if you can grant Xin’er’s wish, what about Qian’er? Qian’er is like my granddaughter. If you grant Xin’er’s wish, can you grant Qian’er’s? What are you really thinking?”

Nangong Qian’er hurriedly shook her head and said, “Grandma Tong, Qian’er doesn’t want anything. Qian’er just wants to stay with Sister Xin’er by Captain’s side—” As Nangong Qian’er spoke, she looked at Ye Tianya with tender eyes, and the determination in her eyes warmed Ye Tianya’s heart like the spring sun, making him feel both ashamed and moved.

The old lady shook her head and sighed, but stared at Xing Ye, waiting for her to answer what she really thought.

Xingye smiled slightly, sat down on the edge of the hospital bed, and calmly took Ouyang Xin'er's hand, saying, "I haven't thought about anything, and I don't intend to think about it too much. I only know that Sister Xin'er is very good to me, like a real sister. I only know that when Sister Xin'er is with us, she is happy, and we are happy too. Life is only a few decades long, isn't it all about finding happiness?"

The old lady's face showed a surprised expression, then she stood up and said, "Aren't you afraid you'll regret it later?"

Xingye shook her head and said, "Sister Xin'er won't let me regret it, just like she won't regret choosing my brother!"

The old lady sighed again and walked out without saying a word. Ye Tianya, moved, took Nangong Qian'er and Xingye's hands and said emotionally, "Xiaoye, Qian'er, thank you—"

Xingye shook her head without speaking. She didn't need many words to express herself; Ye Tianya understood. The girl shook her head and said, "Captain, don't say anything more. As long as I can be by your side, Qian'er doesn't want anything..."

Ye Tianya was moved when he suddenly felt Ouyang Xin'er's eyelashes flutter

. Overjoyed, he exclaimed, "Xin'er is awake!" It had been a long time since she had slept so comfortably. Ouyang Xin'er woke up slowly, not even wanting to open her eyes. For her, it didn't matter whether her eyes were open or closed, since she wouldn't see the person she wanted to see anyway. She had always considered her return to her parents' side as a betrayal of Ye Tianya. The person she wanted to see might never forgive her. Although she dreamed every day of Ye Tianya blaming her with heartache, refusing to forgive her, and even ignoring her, she still longed to dream of him again every day, even if it meant being heartbroken again in her dreams, because only in dreams could she see the person she longed for.

However, this time, she didn't have that dream she had every day. She didn't dream of Ye Tianya blaming her in her dreams. This filled her with panic, a fear that she might never have that dream again. Panic mingled with despair, and she didn't want to open her eyes again after waking.

But just then, she heard a voice she had longed for for almost a year—Ye Tianya's voice, Ye Tianya's joyful cry of "Xin'er is awake!"

It was a dream! Ouyang Xin'er's first thought was that she was dreaming again. Even though she thought it was a dream, she didn't want to give up hope. She opened her eyes, saw the person sitting beside her, and then closed them again. A dream was still a dream; she was afraid that if she kept her eyes open, she would see the figure disappear and then despair again.

"Xin'er—" A choked voice rang out again. Ouyang Xin'er abruptly opened her eyes again, but they were blurred with tears. Her tear ducts, which hadn't produced tears for a long time, seemed to release all the tears that had been stored up for so long, blurring her vision so she couldn't see the person in front of her.

"Captain—, is that you? Captain?" A weak Ouyang Xin'er struggled to sit up, tears blurring her vision. She frantically flailed her withered hand in the air, and Ye Tianya quickly offered her his hand.

Grabbing something, Ouyang Xin'er pleaded weakly and anxiously, "Captain, don't go! Xin'er was wrong, Xin'er regrets it so much! Forgive Xin'er, Xin'er will go with you! Captain, please don't leave Xin'er..."

Ouyang Xin'er's sudden agitation startled Ye Tianya. She had mild schizophrenia, and if she became too agitated and lost control, her condition might worsen. Ye Tianya quickly pulled Ouyang Xin'er into his arms, holding her tightly, his heart aching. "Xin'er, I'm here. I won't go. I'll stay with you..."

"Captain, I'm sorry, Xin'er should have gone with you, I'm so sorry..." Ouyang Xin'er sobbed in Ye Tianya's arms.

"No, it's me who should apologize, Xin'er. Captain shouldn't have forced you to make a choice. Captain put you in a difficult position. Please forgive me, okay? From now on, we'll never be apart again. Captain will always be with you..."

"Really? We'll never be apart again, never!" Ouyang Xin'er's voice was half-drunk and half-awake as she continued dreamily. She let out a long sigh and whispered in Ye Tianya's arms, "Oh, it's been so long since I've had such a good dream. Captain, Xin'er knows she's about to die. Captain used this dream to send Xin'er off, right? With this dream, Xin'er is satisfied. I really hope I never wake up..."

Nangong Qian'er and Xingye almost burst into tears again, quickly covering their mouths and looking at Ye Tianya with teary eyes. Holding Ouyang Xin'er in his arms, Ye Tianya was extremely anxious about her delirious behavior. Ouyang Xin'er was on the verge of a mental breakdown. He quickly reached out and covered her forehead. The white light shone again. While channeling his life force into Ouyang Xin'er to stabilize her emotions, Ye Tianya guided her, saying, "Xin'er, this isn't a dream. Wake up! It's me, it's the captain. You're not dreaming, this is real." At this

critical moment, Ouyang Tuofei, Ouyang Zhenhua, and the others opened the door and entered. Seeing Ouyang Xin'er's condition, they all tensed up. They all knew about Ouyang Xin'er's condition and knew that if things weren't handled properly, she would suffer a mental breakdown and live forever in a dream, believing everything to be a dream. From a normal person's perspective, that would be considered madness. The entire Ouyang family panicked, rushing to the bedside and frantically calling out, "Xin'er, Xin'er, wake up! Xin'er, this isn't a dream…!"

In the chaos, Ouyang Zhenhua uttered something that left everyone speechless…
Chapter 378 Ouyang Tuofei and

Ouyang Zhenhua In his panic, he couldn't care less about anything else. In his nervousness, he blurted out, "Xin'er, wake up! Daddy won't object to you anymore. Daddy has called Ye Tianya back for you. It's real, not a dream..."

Silence...

A brief two-second silence followed. Everyone looked at Ouyang Zhenhua in surprise. Ouyang Zhenhua himself was stunned for at least two seconds, especially Su Ling and He Tingxiu. After hearing Ouyang Zhenhua's words, they showed joy. However, their joy only lasted for two seconds of surprise before they were both worried about Ouyang Xin'er again.

Ouyang Zhenhua's voice seemed to have a good effect; Ouyang Xin'er opened her eyes again, nervously looking up at Ye Tianya. Then, seemingly unable to believe it was real, she reached out her withered hand to touch Ye Tianya's face, trying to feel if he was truly there. Ye Tianya, heartbroken, covered Ouyang Xin'er's bony hand that was touching his cheek with his own. Although he tried to hold back, his voice was still choked with sobs as he said, "Xin'er, it's me, it's me, I'm here, this isn't a dream..."

"Captain..." Ouyang Xin'er finally confirmed that the person in front of her wasn't in a dream, but real, and that none of this was a dream. She burst into tears again, throwing herself into Ye Tianya's arms, her sobs making everyone's hearts ache. However, seeing that she had finally escaped the danger of a mental breakdown, everyone breathed a long sigh of relief.

The old lady couldn't help but shed many tears, but because Ouyang Xin'er wouldn't let go of Ye Tianya's arms, she didn't have the chance to hold her granddaughter and feel heartache. She could only stand by, tears streaming down her face, and say, "Xin'er, it's alright. Grandma is here. Grandma will take care of everything for you. Don't cry. Your crying hurts Grandma's heart so much."

Only then did Ouyang Xin'er realize that besides Ye Tianya, her grandparents were also there. She and the elderly couple embraced and cried together again. After everyone had shed enough tears, Ouyang Xin'er, who was already extremely weak, suddenly relaxed because of Ye Tianya's appearance. She cried herself to sleep again.

Ouyang Tuofei sighed, his gaze sweeping over Ye Tianya and the other two. He paused for a moment when he saw Xingye, who was weeping beside him, before turning to Nangong Qian'er and saying kindly, "Qian'er, don't cry anymore. Xin'er will be alright. How is your grandfather?"

Nangong Qian'er slowly stopped crying, respectfully choking back tears, and said, "My grandfather is very well. Thank you for your concern, Grandpa Ouyang. When Qian'er came this time, Grandpa said that it had been many years since he had a drink with Ouyang Tuofei, and he missed him."

Ouyang Tuofei said with some emotion, "Yes, many years. It was when you were born, wasn't it? Ah, it's been twenty years since we last met."

Only then did Ouyang Tuofei's gaze return to Ye Tianya, his eyes sharpening. His face turned serious as he said, "Ye Tianya, I've just learned the gist of your affair with my granddaughter. Although you caused a scene at Qiushui Manor last time because you were heartbroken for Xin'er, Qiushui Manor isn't a place where you can come and go as you please. I'll settle this score with you slowly. As for Xin'er, although our Ouyang family isn't great, we're still a century-old family. My granddaughter, Ouyang Tuofei's granddaughter, cannot be wronged. For my precious granddaughter's sake, don't blame me for making things difficult for you. Here's the deal: as long as you prove to me that you have the ability to protect Xin'er and give her happiness, I'll make the decision and let you take her away!"

Ouyang Tuofei's words brought joy to Su Ling and He Tingxiu, while Xingye and Nangong Qian'er also looked at Ye Tianya with delight. Although Ouyang Tuofei insisted that Ye Tianya prove his strength before agreeing to let him take Ouyang Xin'er away, at least Ouyang Tuofei had relented, and at least Ye Tianya had a chance to take Ouyang Xin'er away.

“Thank you, senior. But how can I prove it?” Ye Tianya asked, puzzled.

Ouyang Tuofei replied, “Let’s talk about it after Xin’er recovers.” Then he suddenly asked, “Tell me, what was that white light under your palm on Xin’er’s forehead just now?”

Ye Tianya was taken aback, only then realizing that he had used light therapy in front of them in his haste. He cursed himself for being foolish. Since Ouyang Tuofei had asked, he had no choice but to continue lying, “That was the manifestation of the Chaos Technique I practiced…”

“Such a martial art exists in the world?” Ouyang Tuofei lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment before looking up and saying, “I’ve heard that your skill is very miraculous, that you’ve pulled Qian’er and Xingye back from the brink of death. Just now, I heard Xin’er’s mother say that you already know the specifics of Xin’er’s condition. Are you confident in treating Xin’er’s illness?”

“No problem. As long as senior cooperates, I can cure Xin’er’s illness.” Ye Tianya answered confidently. By cooperation, Ye Tianya meant, of course, not to make things difficult for Ouyang Xin’er anymore.

Ouyang Tuofei nodded and said, "Alright, Xin'er's illness is now in your hands." He then looked at his wife, who was still grieving beside the bed, and said, "My dear wife, Xin'er will be alright. Stop crying so much; it's bad luck."

The elderly are often a little superstitious, and upon hearing Ouyang Tuofei's words, the old lady immediately forced herself to stop crying.

Ouyang Tuofei helped his wife away. Ouyang Zhenhua glanced at Ye Tianya, hesitated, and then turned and left without saying a word.

※□※□※□※□※□※

After dragging her tired body home, Tang Shaoyan found Tang Wan fast asleep in the guest room. Without disturbing her, she took a shower to wash away her fatigue before going to Tang Wan's bedside and calling out, "Wan'er, little sleepyhead, still sleeping? Get up, let's go out for dinner!"

"Sister...you're back! Can't we not go out to eat? Is there any food at home? How about Wan'er shows off her cooking skills?" Tang Wan sat up, not worried about revealing too much in front of Tang Shaoyan, and stretched lazily as she spoke.

Tang Shaoyan, looking at Tang Wan's fair skin peeking out from under her pajamas, teased her, "There's food in the fridge, but I'm afraid the meals might not be good enough for our beautiful, smooth-skinned lady." As she spoke, Tang Shaoyan mischievously reached into Tang Wan's private area. Tang Wan screamed and dragged Tang Shaoyan onto the bed as well. Tang Shaoyan, having just showered and still wearing only a bathrobe, found the two beauties in their pajamas immediately engaged in a passionate lovemaking session on the bed. They continued until both were disheveled and panting, finally stopping, lying on either side of the bed, catching their breath.

"By the way, Wan'er, it's been a while since I talked to Xiao Qin on the phone. How's that girl doing lately?" Tang Shaoyan suddenly asked.

Tang Wan laughed and said, "Her? She's so shy, blushing at everything you say, yet she's such a hopeless romantic. If Ye Tianya compliments her or shows her any concern, she'll be overjoyed for most of the night. All she talks about is 'President' this and 'President' that. It's a pity that Ye Tianya is so upright and serious in the office, like a monster. Poor little sister of ours, I've tried to persuade her several times, but it's no use. Looks like she'll fall for him sooner or later."

"How come she also..." Tang Shaoyan didn't know what to say, but suddenly stopped, saying, "I'll call and try to persuade her another day." Tang Shaoyan seemed to be intentionally avoiding something, changing the subject, "Wan'er, your waistline seems to have shrunk quite a bit. How did you lose weight?" Tang Shaoyan rolled over and wrapped her arms around Tang Wan's waist, asking with a smile.

"Exercise, of course. But what's the point of having a good figure?" Tang Wan's mood suddenly dropped, and she sighed softly.

Tang Shaoyan sighed inwardly, unable to avoid the topic despite her efforts. She quickly comforted her, "Alright, Wan'er, let bygones be bygones. Some things... can't be forced. You're just too stubborn. I hope Xiao Qin won't make the same mistake. Sigh, you're not a child anymore. You should know how many college romances actually last. He not only got married, but he also cheated on you with his secretary after he went to work in B City. You saw his true colors with your own eyes, didn't you? Forget it. You can't live in the past forever, can you? You're not young anymore. Let it go and start a new life."

Tang Wan took a deep breath and forced a smile, "Don't worry, sister. I decided to let go of those things when I came back from B City. Hehe, sister, don't talk about me. You're two years older than me. Don't just have this perfect body of yours for your own enjoyment. You're almost thirty, why aren't you finding a man to marry? What are you being picky about?" Tang Wan playfully touched Tang Shaoyan's body in retaliation. Tang Shaoyan quickly grabbed her hand and said, "Don't move, I'm tired. Didn't you say you were going to show off your cooking skills? Get up and go make dinner. Oh, right, there's a live fish in the pond. I bought it last night but didn't cook it. You can have it too."

"Yes, ma'am! Just wait and see, I'll make you a delicious meal and fatten you up." Tang Wan said, then sprang up, slipped on her slippers, and scurried out the door. Tang Shaoyan was left behind, letting out a soft sigh.

She was too busy at the company today. To pick up Tang Wan from the airport, she got up early in the morning. After returning to the company, she was busy with Ding Junfeng's promotion and Luo Yang's project team and staff recruitment. She was really too tired. She didn't want to move when she lay in bed and drifted off to sleep. She only woke up when she heard Tang Wan scream from the kitchen. She jumped out of bed and ran to the kitchen without even putting on her slippers. When she got there, she found Tang Wan sitting on the floor clutching her calf. The bright red blood flowing from between her fingers was very conspicuous.

Tang Shaoyan was startled and quickly squatted down to help Tang Wan up, asking anxiously, "Wan'er, what happened? Where are you hurt?"

Tang Wan looked palely at the blood seeping from her finger, then at a still-wriggling fish on the ground, saying, "I didn't hold the fish properly when I caught it, and it jumped out and fell to the ground... I stepped on it when I caught it... I slipped... and when I fell, the cleaver on the cutting board knocked down and cut my foot, sister, it hurts so much—"

"Wan'er, don't move, let me see." Tang Shaoyan removed Tang Wan's hand, and blood immediately gushed out from her calf like a fountain. Tang Shaoyan was extremely anxious; judging from the wound, it was very deep. She didn't have time to think much, and after having Tang Wan hold it herself, she found some gauze and quickly bandaged it to stop the bleeding as much as possible. She changed her clothes and carried her to the nearest Ren'ai Hospital...
Chapter 379 The Boss's Secret

Ouyang Xin'er clung tightly to Ye Tianya's hand even in her sleep, which made Su Ling and He Tingxiu feel both heartbroken and helpless.

However, when they returned to the ward in the morning, they found Xingye and Nangong Qian'er asleep on the cot next to them, while Ye Tianya remained in the same position, sitting quietly with Ouyang Xin'er holding his hand. The two exchanged a glance, but instead of going inside, they quietly turned to buy breakfast for the three of them.

A short while after they left, Ouyang Xin'er slowly woke up. The first thing she did upon opening her eyes was to check if Ye Tianya's hand, which she was tightly holding, was still there. When she saw that not only was his hand still there, but Ye Tianya was also looking at her tenderly, a look of relief appeared in her eyes. However, her eyes involuntarily welled up with tears again, and she choked out, "Captain—" "

Alright, don't cry, don't cry. Your grandfather has promised me that as long as you recover, I will take you away. From now on, we will never be separated again, okay?" Ye Tianya smiled gently, reaching out to lightly wipe away the tears that rolled down Ouyang Xin'er's cheeks.

"I'm sorry, last time..." Ouyang Xin'er choked up, about to beg Ye Tianya for forgiveness again, but Ye Tianya quickly pressed her lips gently and said, "Xin'er, don't say it. You did nothing wrong. It was the captain's fault. The captain didn't give you any extra choices back then. It was the captain's fault. Let's not talk about the past anymore, okay? Don't torture yourself anymore. It will hurt the captain's heart."

"Mmm!" Ouyang Xin'er nodded heavily, struggling to sit up. Ye Tianya quickly reached out to help her up, but she threw herself into Ye Tianya's arms, looking up at his white hair and sobbing, "Captain, your hair... is it because of Xin'er that you don't dye it black? Did Xin'er hurt your feelings?"

Ye Tianya smiled and kissed Ouyang Xin'er's forehead, saying, "Alright, silly girl, don't think nonsense. You know the captain's hair was originally white. The captain is just too busy and too lazy to dye it. Don't think about anything now. Get well soon so the captain can take you away, understand?"

Ye Tianya's kiss on her forehead reminded Ouyang Xin'er, and she immediately touched her face a few times, her expression changing drastically. She turned her head away... She buried her face in Ye Tianya's arms and said, "Captain, don't look! Xin'er must look really ugly right now..."

Although Ye Tianya felt a pang of pain in his heart, his mood improved somewhat. He smiled and gently lifted Ouyang Xin'er's chin, looking at her tenderly. He said, "As long as this face belongs to Xin'er, no matter what it looks like, I will cherish it like a treasure. However, if Xin'er wants the captain to see a beautiful face, she mustn't think about anything else. Just focus on getting better and recover soon."

Being stared at so intently by Ye Tianya, Ouyang Xin'er's pale face turned bright red, but she happily buried her head back in Ye Tianya's arms and said, "Xin'er will listen to the captain."

A round of applause rang out from the side. The two were whispering sweet nothings and didn't notice that Nangong Qian'er and Xingye were already... Upon waking, Nangong Qian'er smiled and said from beside her, "Oh, how touching! Sister Xin'er, now that you have your sweetheart, you've lost your best friend! Qian'er came all this way to see you, but you're only thinking about your sweetheart and didn't even greet your little sister!"

Last night, Ouyang Xin'er had only cried in Ye Tianya and her grandmother's arms before falling asleep. Only now did she notice Nangong Qian'er and Xingye beside her. Nangong Qian'er's teasing made her a little embarrassed as she greeted them. Just then, Su Ling and He Tingxiu returned from outside with breakfast. Seeing Ouyang Xin'er awake, He Tingxiu happily said, "Xin'er, are you hungry? What do you want to eat? Your second aunt will make you..."

Ouyang Xin'er habitually replied, "Mom, Second Aunt, good morning! I'm..." "I don't want to eat anything, thank you, Second Aunt."

This greeting was a very "polite" habit that Ouyang Xin'er had developed since Ye Tianya left Qiushui Manor. Ironically, this very habit felt strange to everyone. When Ouyang Xin'er greeted her like this, Su Ling and He Tingxiu's expressions changed. Su Ling said somewhat uneasily, "Xin'er, we've found your captain. Are you still angry with your mother?"

Ouyang Xin'er paused, then quickly replied, "Xin'er isn't angry with her mother. Thank you for making things right for me and the captain, thank you!"

Su Ling sighed inwardly. A broken egg is hard to mend. Even if the shell could be put back together, the crack would remain, and Ouyang Xin'er would have a knot in her heart that would likely never heal. She could only hope to repair the bond between mother and daughter as much as possible.

He Tingxiu, afraid that being too direct would make the conversation awkward, quickly smiled and said, "Alright, alright, let's eat breakfast first. The weather is nice today, the air is fresh outside, let's go out for some fresh air after we eat."

Because

of the hasty treatment at the emergency room that evening, the doctor told Tang Wan to come back the next morning for a dressing change. Supported by Tang Shaoyan and using crutches, Tang Wan walked out of the operating room, smiling bitterly, "I'm so useless, I can't even catch a fish. Sister, why am I so unlucky? Today is my first day back at work and I have to take a day off. You can't deduct my bonus, I got injured while making dinner for you, it has to be considered a work injury."

Since the doctor said there were no broken bones, Tang Shaoyan wasn't so worried anymore. While helping her through the hospital garden to the parking lot, she said, "Alright, alright, you little money-grubber, it's my fault, okay? I'll take you home and then go to work. You, stay home and rest, don't wander around. The doctor said the wound will heal soon."

"Oh well, my poor, perfect leg is going to have a scar... Ugh—" Tang Wan was sighing about her leg when she suddenly stopped and looked towards the garden in surprise. She saw a familiar figure—Ye Tianya. Although Ye Tianya's white outfit wasn't particularly noticeable among the white coats in the hospital, his white hair was striking and unusual. She saw that Ye Tianya was pushing a wheelchair, but because his back was to them, neither of them could see who he was pushing.

"Why is the president here?" Tang Shaoyan also saw Ye Tianya and couldn't help but mutter to herself.

Just then, Ye Tianya pushed the wheelchair to the edge of the lawn and stopped. He went around to the front, squatted down, and spoke gently to the patient in the wheelchair with a smile. The Tang sisters immediately recognized the long hair on the person in the wheelchair—it was clearly a woman.

"A woman? Who could it be?" Tang Wan couldn't help but ask curiously. She immediately turned to Tang Shaoyan and said, "Sister, your boss is here, and there's a patient. Shouldn't you go over and say hello?"

Tang Shaoyan rolled her eyes at Tang Wan and said, "Just say you're curious and want to see for yourself. Don't make up excuses. Come on, I'll help you go over and see, so your curiosity won't be left unsatisfied."

Seeing Ye Tianya smile gently at the girl in the wheelchair, then take her hand and say something, and then even lean in and let her kiss him on the cheek, Tang Shaoyan, who was almost beside Ye Tianya, hesitated. Supporting the astonished Tang Wan, she quickly turned to leave. Tang Shaoyan knew that as a subordinate, the less she knew about the president's private life, the better, so she decided to leave quietly. However, before they could even turn around, a surprised voice came from behind: "Manager Tang, Sister Tang Wan, what are you doing here? Sister Tang Wan, what happened to your leg?"

Before Tang Shaoyan could even turn around, she felt a pang of bitterness. The voice behind her was Xingye's; it seemed there was no escaping it now. She had no choice but to turn back, only to find Xingye and Nangong Qian'er both there. Xingye was holding a bowl of dark, probably black sesame porridge, and beside them were two elegantly dressed women. Tang Shaoyan quickly smiled and said, "So it's Miss Xingye and Miss Nangong, hello!"

Xingye looked at Tang Wan's cane with concern and asked again, "Sister Tang Wan, what happened? Are you hurt?"

Feeling Xingye's genuine concern, Tang Wan felt a surge of gratitude and replied with a smile, "It's nothing, just a small scratch. I accidentally cut myself last night."

Nangong Qian'er also asked with concern, "Is it serious? Sister Tang Wan, are you alright?"

Tang Wan thought to herself, how come all the girls around Ye Tianya are so kind-hearted? However, Tang Wan became even more curious. At first, she thought that the girl in the wheelchair might be Xingye, but now that Xingye and Nangong Qian'er were here, who was the girl in the wheelchair? Full of curiosity, Tang Wan replied to Nangong Qian'er, "Thank you for your concern, Miss Nangong. I'm fine, just a small scratch. By the way, what are you doing here? Is your friend sick?" As Tang Wan spoke, she couldn't help but glance back at Ye Tianya's group.

Xingye smiled and said, "Yes, we've come to visit a friend. Oh, my apologies. Let me introduce you. These two are Aunt Su and Aunt He, the mother and... aunt of our sick sister." Xingye hesitated for a moment before using the title 'aunt' when introducing He Tingxiu. After that, she introduced Tang Shaoyan to Su Ling and He Tingxiu, saying, "This is Miss Tang, the manager of Tianya Real Estate's Lincheng branch, and her cousin."

Tang Shaoyan had worked in the business world and in public relations, so she had a unique eye for people. She paid special attention to Su Ling and He Tingxiu, knowing that these two were definitely not ordinary women. Although she was curious about their identities, she didn't dare to show it. After exchanging polite greetings, they both walked towards Ye Tianya. Since Xingye had noticed her, Tang Shaoyan had no choice but to go and greet Ye Tianya as well, so she reluctantly followed.
Chapter 380 Diary of Despair

However, when the Tang sisters saw the sickly, thin girl in the wheelchair, they were both shocked. It was clear the girl was an absolute beauty, but they didn't know what illness had caused her to become so thin. Even the two unrelated women felt a pang of heartache.

"Manager Tang? Tang Wan, what are you doing here… Tang Wan, what happened to your leg?" Ye Tianya, like Xingye, asked with surprise and concern upon seeing Tang Wan and the other woman.

Tang Wan, her eyes darting curiously over Ouyang Xin'er, replied to Ye Tianya without looking away, "It's nothing, just a small cut from a knife. Mr. Ye, who is she...?"

"She's my..." Ye Tianya was about to introduce her when Tang Shaoyan chuckled, interrupting her. She smiled at Ouyang Xin'er and said, "You must be a friend of our president, right? It's a pleasure to meet you. I wish you a speedy recovery!" After saying this, Tang Shaoyan pinched Tang Wan, who was still curious and about to ask something, and then, without giving her a chance to speak, said to Ye Tianya, "Mr. Ye, we have a lot of things to do at the company, so we won't bother you any longer."

Ye Tianya inwardly praised Tang Shaoyan. He hadn't originally planned to hide anything and directly say that Ouyang Xin'er was his girlfriend, but Tang Shaoyan seemed to have seen or guessed something, deliberately interrupting him to stop asking. Clearly, she didn't want to embarrass him, something Ye Tianya could easily discern. So she nodded and said, "Tang Wan, you don't need to go to work since you're injured. Just take good care of yourself and you can go back to work when you're healed. Manager Tang, you should be able to arrange something for her, right?"

"No problem, no problem. We'll be going now. Goodbye, President Ye..." Tang Shaoyan said, helping Tang Wan leave. Although Tang Wan's curiosity wasn't satisfied, she had an injured foot and was being supported by Tang Shaoyan, so she couldn't stay. Just as they were about to leave the hospital garden, Tang Wan couldn't help but turn back curiously. She happened to see Ye Tianya take the bowl from Xingye's hand and gently feed the girl in the wheelchair spoonful by spoonful...

"Sister, why did you interrupt? Why didn't you let Ye Tianya continue the introduction?" Tang Wan asked, dissatisfied.

After helping her into the car, Tang Shaoyan said irritably, "So what if he introduced her? What you're curious about is whether that girl is his girlfriend or lover, right? So what? What's it to you? How can you curb your curiosity even a little? Knowing some things won't do you any good; it'll only bring trouble. You... sigh, you gossip, can't you calm down and think about it? Unless... you don't actually like him, do you?" Tang Shaoyan suddenly realized something and asked in surprise.

Tang Wan chuckled and said, "Like him? Sister, what are you talking about? I'm at least seven or eight years older than him. I'm worried about Xiao Qin. That girl is completely infatuated with Ye Tianya. When she got home, she described him as one of a kind. Besides, I don't really believe the descriptions of him in the newspapers. I wanted to see if such a romantic guy really exists in this world. But now it seems he's not a good person either. He was being ambiguous with Nangong Qian'er in front of Xingye, and now there's another one... Men are all the same, none of them are good. They're always looking for something better, and it seems Ye Tianya is even more impressive, eating both at the same time. Humph!" "Hmph, go back and tell Xiaoqin, let her see Ye Tianya's true colors, and stop her infatuation."

Tang Shaoyan breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It's good to persuade Xiaoqin, to help her calm down sooner. But I remind you, pretend you didn't see what you saw today, don't spread it around..."

Tang Wan watched her cousin Tang Shaoyan's car leave from the window before leaning on her crutches to return to the bedside. Thanks to the medication, the pain in her foot had lessened. She lay on her back on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, just staring, her eyes devoid of any light. After an unknown amount of time, she finally sat up again, limped to the table by the window, opened the laptop on the table, and began her diary entry for the day:

"The pain in my leg has subsided, but my heart aches terribly, a despairing pain. He got married; he broke his promise and got married. Even so, I wanted to believe he was still a man of feeling, that he would be devoted to his wife. But he's cheating on me with his secretary. I'm almost completely desperate. I've started to believe that all men are the same, none of them are good. But then, at that very moment, Ye Tianya and Xingye's love gave me hope again. At least he made me believe that there are still devoted men in the world. My sister asked me if I've fallen for him. Do I?" No, it's not liking, it's respect. Respect for his dedication and single-mindedness in love. He gave me hope again, made me believe that since there's a devoted Ye Tianya, there must be a second, a third. He made me believe that one day I too can meet someone like Xingye. As a woman, at least this gave me the courage and hope to pursue or wait for that second one. Xiaoqin admires him, and although I firmly believe that Ye Tianya only loves Xingye and advise her not to be delusional, I can still understand her admiration because Ye Tianya is indeed worthy of admiration. Last time I saw Nangong Qian'er at the airport, I panicked. Although I don't like him, he's the only reason I believe I still have hope. I was nervous about the relationship between Ye Tianya and Nangong Qian'er. My sister thought I was just curious, that I had fallen for him. No, my sister doesn't know. I was nervous, but I was afraid of despairing again.

"God, you really know how to play tricks on people. Why did you arrange it this way? Why did you have to hurt me? And why did you have to send me to that particular hospital? Why did you have to make me see... It turns out Ye Tianya is the same, unable to escape that circle either. I hate you so much, damn Ye Tianya! Why don't you love Xingye alone? Since you're going to disappoint me like this today, why did you give me hope in the first place? Who can I trust now? Am I destined to be a man's plaything for the rest of my life? Or am I destined to be alone forever? Why did I have to be a woman? Why?..."

The pain, despair, and struggle in her heart caused Tang Wan's fists to clench tighter and tighter. Looking up at the pale blue sky outside the window, she suddenly felt that the clear sky was full of irony and mockery. Tang Wan's face twisted and became ferocious...

"Dad, I heard from Third Brother that Xin'er is critically ill. I need to go to Lincheng to see her..."

Sima Ruyan entered Sima Hong's study at the Sima family home and said directly. The only one in the Sima family who opposes Sima Ruyan and Ye Tianya is Sima Hong. Although Sima Hong feels his daughter is disappointing, he thinks she is much more sensible than Ouyang Xin'er. Although she insists on returning to Ye Tianya, she has never made a scene like Ouyang Xin'er, nor has she run away from home like that girl from the Murong family. Moreover, she has never turned against him. However, what troubles her is that now everyone in the family, from the oldest to the youngest, is on her side. He doesn't know how his daughter has managed to persuade them. For example, her third son, Sima Jian, tells Sima Ruyan everything, even about Ouyang Xin'er's critical illness.

Sima Hong had already begun to waver when Ye Tianya announced his appointment as president of Tianya Group. Of course, it wasn't because Ye Tianya was wealthy and powerful that he wanted to befriend him; rather, Ye Tianya's sudden high profile reminded him of Old Han's words. He feared that pushing Ye Tianya too far might lead him to do something crazy. He mentally calculated whether his Sima family's strength could contend with Ye Tianya's current power, but all he could come to was a negative. However, despite

this wavering, the agreement with Ouyang Zhenhua couldn't be broken. Ouyang Xin'er was critically ill because of Ye Tianya, and Ouyang Zhenhua hadn't yet given any indication of relenting. It wasn't Sima Hong's turn to relent yet. Moreover, the fact that Ye Tianya hadn't even come to the Sima family's residence for so long had been a source of displeasure for Sima Hong. He couldn't simply hand over his daughter to Ye Tianya without even a word. Sima Ruyan suggested visiting Ouyang Xin'er, and Sima Hong's heart skipped a beat. Perhaps this opportunity to go to the Ouyang family would offer a turning point, preventing things from escalating further.

"You're just using visiting Ouyang Xin'er as an excuse to run off and meet Ye Tianya, aren't you?" Sima Hong said angrily, his face darkening.

"Dad—I heard from Third Brother that Xin'er is dying. We're best friends, won't you even let me see her? You can't put your daughter in such an unjust position, can you? If you don't trust me, can you send someone with me?"

"Send someone? Who in this family isn't on your side now?"

"You? If you don't trust me, come with me." Sima Ruyan said smugly. Now, he was the only stubborn one in the family. If anyone was to keep an eye on her and prevent her from seeing Ye Tianya, it would only be her father.

Sima Hong said with dissatisfaction, "Hmph, fine, I'll go with you, so you won't accuse me of trying to frame you. But don't even think about doing anything funny. I've said it before, I can't agree to you being with Ye Tianya, so just give up on that idea..."

"Fine, Dad, since you can't bear to part with your daughter, I'll stay home with you for the rest of my life. Anyway, I won't marry anyone but the captain." Sima Ruyan said firmly and turned to leave the study. She had reiterated these words more than once, and she knew that her father would immediately say, 'Marry? How can you marry? Ye Tianya will eventually marry Xingye...', so she turned and left immediately after speaking, not wanting to argue with her father any further.

Emerging from the study, Sima Ruyan smiled smugly, muttering, "You probably never dreamed that Third Brother had secretly told me that the captain is already by Lin Chengxin's side."

The smug Sima Ruyan never imagined that after she left, Sima Hong sighed, "What exactly is the Ouyang family planning? Leaving Ye Tianya in the hospital? Are they planning to give up? I hope I'm not left alone to fight a desperate battle. It's good that Xin'er went with me. That brat, she's playing mind games with me." He had also forgotten that the prideful Ouyang Zhenhua would never tell him about the relenting...

Chapter 381 Repayment and Clearing Debts

MC spends thirteen million to buy Ye from Yin Chao The 'garbled' program that Tianya gave him was subject to an additional condition from Yin Chao: after obtaining Tianya's 'garbled' program, MC's financial system would be used as the next-generation upgrade product in its collaboration with Chaoyue. To obtain the code they had spent considerable manpower, resources, and time trying to solve, MC had no choice but to agree to Yin Chao's conditions. MC also attempted to obtain the compilation software from Yin Chao's computer, but Yin Chao refused to relinquish it, leaving them with no choice but to give up. However, after the 'garbled' program and compilation software

incidents, the manager sent by MC to negotiate with Yin Chao no longer dared to show even the slightest arrogance; instead, he was extremely respectful to Yin Chao. With the new product launched, Chaoyue Technology, in collaboration with MC, once again seized a large portion of the domestic market, achieving unprecedented success. As the general manager of Chaoyue, Yin Chao finally felt relieved after the new product's release.

However, once he had some free time, Yin Chao immediately realized he shouldn't have been idle. Because now he had time to think about things he didn't want to think about. Ever since that day he and Ye Tianya went to the Huaxia school gate to see He Sisi, he had poured all his time into work, not allowing himself even a minute's free time to think about that matter. But now, with all this free time, he suddenly and inexplicably had the urge to go to the school one last time.

Picking up his coat from the back of his office chair, Yin Chao stood at the door and said weakly to his secretary, "Secretary Hua, cancel all the appointments this afternoon. Don't call me unless it's important."

"Yes, Mr. Yin!" the secretary replied, standing up. Then, she asked anxiously, "Mr. Yin, what's wrong? The celebration banquet tonight…"

Yin Chao shook his head and smiled, "I'm fine. I won't go to the celebration banquet tonight. You all go and have fun. All expenses will be reimbursed by the finance department." With that, he slung his coat over his shoulder and left, much to the secretary's surprise.

The gates of Huaxia University still stand majestically. How many times had he stood beneath these gates, wearing his school badge, his heart surging with excitement? But now, standing beneath them, Yin Chao felt an indescribable bitterness. Perhaps the deepest memory this campus held for him was of that couple walking arm in arm at the school gate that day. Yin Chao shook his head with a self-deprecating smile and sighed.

"Young man, are you envious of those students who enter and leave Huaxia University? Do you regret not studying harder in high school? But don't be discouraged. Although entering Huaxia University is half the battle won, not entering doesn't preclude success. Take Ye Tianya, for example; he got in but then dropped out. Didn't he still succeed? Life is full of ups and downs. So what if you didn't get into Huaxia University? How many students does Huaxia admit each year? Countless people fail to get in. Young people, you have to look at everything from a lifelong perspective." "Things have changed. Even this small matter has over a hundred decimal places; it's completely negligible. You're still young; hard work will lead to success. If I were a few decades younger, I wouldn't be sweeping the streets like a monk ringing the bell every day..." An uncle in a sanitation worker's uniform looked Yin Chao up and down for a while, kindly offering his comfort. When he said "over a hundred decimal places; completely negligible," he thought to himself, "I just learned that from a college student passing by, and now it's actually coming in handy. I'm a genius! If only I were a few decades younger..."

Yin Chao, who was feeling sentimental, immediately broke out in a large bead of sweat, which made a "plop" sound as it fell to the ground. He sighed inwardly, realizing that the old man's reputation truly resonated across all levels of society; even sanitation workers knew him. However, the old man's words, "You have to consider everything from a lifelong perspective," made Yin...

Yin Chao's heart skipped a beat. He smiled politely at the uncle and said, "Uncle, you're right. Thank you. That's exactly what I was thinking. Well then... I'll go drop out of school." With that, he took out the Huaxia school badge from his pocket and hung it around his neck. As the uncle stared in disbelief, he strode towards the gate.

After the sanitation worker's commotion, Yin Chao felt much more relaxed. He went back to his dormitory and took a walk around. None of his roommates were there. He left a note and then went to the gymnasium, the teaching building, the laboratory building, and other places. Although Yin Chao was unwilling to admit that the main reason he came back this time was because of He Sisi, every time he went to a place, he would unconsciously recall the places he had spent with He Sisi, which stone bench they had sat on, which lawn they had lain on. Yin Chao didn't want to think about it, but he couldn't help thinking about it.

At the Red Maple Lake on campus, the place they used to frequent most, and on that lawn, Yin Chao found his favorite spot and lay down, lazily squinting at the sun overhead. He remembered how He Sisi used to lie beside him, picking up fallen fiery red maple leaves and covering his eyes, playfully singing, "Sleep, sleep, my dear baby..." Then, as he drifted off to sleep, she would gently nudge his ear with her hair, and they would playfully wrestle...

Yin Chao closed his eyes tightly, telling himself, "Think about it again, just one more time, and I'll forget it forever!"

But as soon as he closed his eyes, a familiar voice rang out above him: "Yin Chao..."

Yin Chao suddenly opened his eyes. Against the backdrop of the sun, he saw that familiar dark figure, long hair hanging down, looking down at him. Although the strong sunlight obscured her face, Yin Chao recognized her immediately—it was He Sisi.

Yin Chao slowly sat up, a self-deprecating smile on his face. "Should I not have taken up this spot?"

"Yin Chao..." He Sisi looked at Yin Chao apologetically, took two steps forward, and sat down next to him in the seat she had once occupied. Turning her head, she said, "Yin Chao, I'm sorry..."

Seeing He Sisi sitting beside him, Yin Chao suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable. He stood up and forced a smile. "No need to apologize. You're free, aren't you? You have the right to pursue your own happiness. Since you chose to leave, it's naturally because I gave you a reason to leave. Enough said. I'm just taking a break from my busy schedule to relax at school... I have to go."

Yin Chao turned and left. He didn't want to face He Sisi; he couldn't bear the heart-wrenching pain.

"Yin Chao—" He Sisi called out to Yin Chao from behind, then continued, "He and I... have broken up!"

Yin Chao paused but didn't turn around, still smiling in that relaxed tone, "Really? That's a pity, but it's good too. I know you like to pursue romance and novelty, I think you'll find the right one sooner or later. I should wish you well, hehe, goodbye, take care!"

Yin Chao was smiling, but anyone could hear the bitterness in his laughter.

He Sisi didn't let him leave so easily. She grabbed Yin Chao from behind and hugged him tightly, her voice trembling with tears, "Yin Chao, please give me another chance, okay? I know you still love me

, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't have come here, wouldn't be lying here..."

As He Sisi hugged him from behind, a fierce internal struggle raged within Yin Chao. He desperately wanted to turn back and give He Sisi another chance, but in the end, he pried her hands off his waist from the front. Still not turning around, he took a deep breath and calmly said, "You're wrong. I thought I knew what love was, but I still can't understand it. So, whether I love you or not, I don't know anymore. But I know I'm not right for you because I'm too career-oriented and can't give you much time or romance. I came here because I've decided never to come back to school again. I want to leave some of the memories that originally belonged here in this campus. I'm sorry..."

"No!" He Sisi hugged Yin Chao from behind again, crying, "It's not like that, you're lying to yourself, Yin Chao, please forgive me just this once, okay? I won't be willful anymore, I promise I won't be willful anymore, please, I came to this place that belongs to just the two of us because I missed you..."

This time, Yin Chao didn't pull He Sisi's hand away, but calmly said, "We're not children anymore, we're both capable of taking responsibility for our choices and decisions. Some things... there's no turning back. Even if a broken egg is put back together, the crack will always remain, do you understand?"

He Sisi let go of his hand. Yin Chao didn't turn around to look at her expression, nor did he dare to. Although he couldn't let go either, he had to. Although he was usually optimistic and unserious, he knew he didn't have the heart to forgive the crack in the broken egg.

"This is ten million, the money you lent to my brother's company to get through the crisis. My brother asked me... to return it to you." After letting go of his hand, He Sisi walked around to the front of Yin Chao and handed him a check. He also saw her tear-streaked face.

Although that face pained Yin Chao, he held back, forcing a relaxed smile as he accepted the check, saying, "I almost forgot, haha, money's a good thing, so I won't be polite." Yin Chao took the check and fled as if running away, afraid he wouldn't be able to resist touching that tearful face again. Accepting the check was a way of settling everything, letting everyone be more carefree.

But he couldn't escape. It wasn't He Sisi who blocked him, but the reporters waiting outside the Asian Financial Forum venue, taking advantage of the lull before the delegates emerged, were wandering the campus. Their eyes were far sharper than the sanitation worker's at the gate; they spotted this legendary figure immediately and cornered him at the intersection. Getting some juicy gossip before the forum delegates appeared wasn't bad either. The first reporter spotted him, but before he could even get an interview, the second reporter noticed, then the third, the fourth… and suddenly a whole bunch of them surrounded him.

Yin Chao was in a bad mood and was about to leave when the first reporter's question made him stop. The reporter asked why Ye Tianya had disappeared after attending the opening ceremony of the Asian Financial Forum—was he too disdainful to attend, or was the forum too high-level for him to participate in? Yin Chao was already in a bad mood, and hearing this question immediately made him furious…
Chapter 382 The Heartless Bar

Yin Chao was already in a bad mood, and the reporter dared to ask if Ye Tianya's absence was due to his inability to attend such a high-level forum; he was instantly enraged.

However, he vented his anger in a gentler way. He smiled slightly and calmly said, "As far as I know, the reason why Ye Tianya, the president of Tianya Group, was absent from the financial forum was that a friend of his was critically ill, forcing him to leave S City in a hurry. As for your statement that you disdain to participate, I think you are a novice. If you had more knowledge and had learned about the background of this forum before asking this question, you would have found how naive this question is. I think no one can resist the invitation of this forum. As for not daring to participate... I think that's because you don't know Ye Tianya. So, reporter, it's best to have some knowledge preparation before asking questions." Yin Chao was in a bad mood, and his answer to the reporter was full of barbs, using the most obvious veiled criticism that the reporter was ignorant. The reporter blushed at his answer.

The other reporters were also surprised by Yin Chao's blunt response. They knew that some reporters were also known as "cultural hooligans," and offending them could have unpredictable consequences—they could ruin a person's reputation. Yet Yin Chao seemed completely unfazed, openly and blatantly insulting the reporters for their ignorance. The reporters exchanged bewildered glances, almost simultaneously thinking that Yin Chao had gotten himself into trouble. However, they also secretly thought that the reporter who initially asked the question deserved it; asking such a question made him worthy of Yin Chao's insults.

While the reporters were exchanging bewildered glances, Yin Chao seized the opportunity to turn and leave. A few of them reacted first and chased after him, asking, "Mr. Yin, your Beyond Technology's software, developed in collaboration with MC, has achieved such great success. Will you be venturing into other software fields?"

"Mr. Yin, are you back at school to attend classes? You're already a multi-millionaire, have you ever thought about dropping out to focus on your career?"

"Mr. Yin, it's rumored that Mr. Ye of Tianya Group owns 40% of Chaoyue Technology's shares, is that true?"

He Sisi watched Yin Chao surrounded by reporters from afar, her tears of regret flowing silently inside. In the past, at times like this, she could have been proud of his success, proud of his glory, and proudly stood under the same halo as him, saying, 'He's my boyfriend.' But now? Now, his success and glory are no longer relevant to her. Only now does she realize that the flowers and applause the team captain received every time he stepped off the field seem so insignificant to Yin Chao. She realizes that the romance she pursued after giving up on Yin Chao was just a small birthday cake prepared for her in the little restaurant above the school cafeteria, plus a five-yuan rose that occasionally appeared out of nowhere…

Leaving school, Yin Chao couldn't leave those memories behind on campus; instead, the pain became even more excruciating. But his reason told him that crying would be pathetic. He held back, driving aimlessly through the streets. He didn't want to go home, didn't want his mother to see him like this, but he couldn't think of anywhere to go. He could only drive around. "

Heartless," a bar name appeared in Yin Chao's field of vision. When Yin Chao saw this name, he couldn't help but admire the bar owner's business strategy. Who drinks heavily? Probably those who drown their sorrows in alcohol. Who is most likely to drown their sorrows in alcohol? The word "love" is the most hurtful, and those who are heartbroken are the ones who need alcohol the most, meaning they're the ones who drown their sorrows. And for these people, the word that resonates most deeply at this time is "heartless." Although Yin Chao saw through the bar owner's scheme, he still stopped his car. When he saw this bar called "Heartless," he, who had been feeling lost, finally found a place that could accommodate him.

Perhaps it was still early, the bar was empty, with no customers. The only person in the entire bar was a woman, a beautiful woman, sitting on a high stool behind the bar, reading a book. Her long, black hair cascaded down her face, obscuring her features but not her serene elegance. When Yin Chao entered the bar and saw the woman reading, he felt a slight, inexplicable tremor. The woman seemed to be one with the entire bar; her casual sitting posture appeared so natural and harmonious, unconsciously calming Yin Chao's restless heart.

The woman noticed Yin Chao standing at the door admiring her. She put down her book, stood up from the bar stool, placed the book on the bar counter, and smiled naturally at Yin Chao, saying, "Welcome! What would you like to drink?"

Yin Chao approached, sat down on the bar stool opposite the woman, and curiously glanced at her. Her dark black attire matched the bar's decor and his own black hair. The woman showed no aversion to Yin Chao's gaze, but smiled at him again, saying, "What would you like to drink?"

Yin Chao looked away, not even glancing behind the bar, and got off the bar stool, sitting in a corner opposite the bar before saying, "I wonder if you could help me better understand the name of this bar?" The woman began to look at Yin

Chao with curiosity, then turned and took a bottle of red wine from the bar, but instead of paying for it, she took two glasses and placed them at the foot of the table where Yin Chao was sitting. She sat down opposite him, uncorked the bottle with a pop, and elegantly poured two glasses. Just as she reached for one of the glasses, Yin Chao stopped her, saying, "Miss, is this glass... included?"

The woman paused, then chuckled, took the other glass, and handed it to Yin Chao, saying, "This one isn't included!"

Yin Chao then released his grip on the glass, took the wine from the woman, and the woman raised the glass he had just released, saying, "Wishing you a deeper understanding."

Yin Chao smiled, clinked glasses with her, and then tilted his head back, downing the small glass of red liquid.

"What did you feel?" the woman asked Yin Chao suddenly after elegantly finishing her own drink.

Yin Chao didn't answer, but instead closed his eyes tightly and leaned back in his chair. The woman's eyes flashed with even greater curiosity, but she remained silent, sitting opposite him and quietly watching him, her curiosity growing stronger.

The woman had never seen Yin Chao before; she was certain it was his first time in this bar. She was certain that 99% of first-timers in this bar were heartbroken. Judging from the way Yin Chao had downed his drink earlier, she was certain he was one of those 99%. Her curiosity stemmed from the fact that Yin Chao was different from the other 98%. When he entered, he didn't wear a sorrowful expression like the others, nor did he immediately ask for a drink. Instead, he stood at the door looking at her; she sensed he was looking at her. What intrigued her even more

was that people who came here before, after drinking her cocktail called 'Heartbreak,' would either beat their chests in despair, wail and pour out their stories, or immediately order large amounts of strong liquor and chug it down. But this young man, after drinking it, not only didn't answer her question, but leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. All she could see was the pain and struggle on his face...

She knew he had tasted the flavor of her wine, the true flavor of the wine.

The woman stood up gently, picked up her wine glass and the bottle of red wine, walked to the door, closed it, hung a "Temporarily Closed" sign outside, and returned to her original seat, still in the same posture, quietly reading her book…

※○※○※○※

The Public Relations Manager, surnamed Jiang, personally took the documents to Ye Tianya, but Tang Qin told him Ye Tianya wasn't there. He had no choice but to take the documents to Li Lanyu: "Assistant Li, these are the majors, classes, dormitories, and contact information of the four Chinese university students that President Ye arranged for us to host after they moved into Huaxia University. President Ye said he wants to arrange a meeting with them… Please arrange President Ye's schedule and let me know."

"Oh, let me see!" Li Lanyu put down her work and took the documents, saying, "President Ye is busy lately. Oh, by the way, when is their military training? Has the colleague in charge of this asked?"

Manager Jiang nodded, "Yes, they have. Their military training starts the day after tomorrow, so if we want to see them before training, we only have tomorrow."

"The day after tomorrow? Never mind then. I have your contact information; I'll arrange it. Thank you for your hard work, Manager Jiang." Li Lanyu put down her folder, stood up, and said with a smile. Perhaps influenced by Ye Tianya, even as the president's assistant, ranking below three presidents and above thousands of employees, she still maintained respect for her staff. Standing up to see people off had become a habit.

Manager Jiang, of course, sensed the meaning behind Li Lanyu's gesture and was secretly moved. The respect he received at Tianya Group was something he had never experienced in any other company before. As he was leaving, he suddenly remembered something and turned back with a smile, "Assistant Li, our public relations department has a gathering tonight. Are you interested?"

Li Lanyu shook her head in refusal, thinking to herself, "This public relations manager is really a matchmaker, always trying to set people up." She knew his invitation was naturally for the young men in his public relations department; those guys had certainly made their eyes on her. Thinking of this, Li Lanyu inexplicably thought of Tang Qin, the young woman at the company headquarters... Among the employees, she and Tang Qin received the most flowers. Firstly, Lin Siyin was beautiful yet held a high position, making her unattainable for ordinary employees. Those who dared to aspire to high positions were mostly married, so Lin Siyin was quite relaxed. Besides Lin Siyin, the two of them were considered the most beautiful, making them the targets of everyone's attention. However, she noticed that Tang Qin hadn't agreed to date any of the male colleagues who pursued her, which made Li Lanyu wary. When rejecting Manager Jiang, she smiled and said, "I'm sorry, I have plans tonight. Manager Jiang, why don't you check if the president's secretary, Miss Tang, is free tonight?"
Chapter 383: Like Smoke Arrives

Manager Jiang immediately understood that Li Lanyu had guessed his intentions after hearing Li Lanyu's words. Feeling a little embarrassed, he quickly nodded and left. Li Lanyu looked at the information of the four new Chinese students on the table, sighed, and muttered to herself, "Damn it, why aren't you coming back? You're heartless. With Ouyang Xin'er and the others with you, you've forgotten all about us?" The thought of Ye

Tianya going to Lincheng to pick up Ouyang Xin'er made Li Lanyu's heart ache. She knew Ye Tianya; no matter what method he used, he would definitely bring Ouyang Xin'er back. Another person would be on the other side of the world, and with Ouyang Xin'er, Sima Ruyan and Murong Piaoxue's return was probably imminent…

Loneliness always fuels wild thoughts. Li Lanyu sat blankly in her office, doing nothing, her mind a jumbled mess. Suddenly, she jolted awake, quickly banishing all the chaotic thoughts. She dared not think any further, afraid that if those thoughts took root, she would be unable to resist leaving Ye Tianya. But little did she know, once a thought takes hold, it's not something that can be solved by simply 'banning it out of her head.' As she left the office after work, she saw Tang Qin carefully packing her things to leave. Li Lanyu couldn't help but smile and ask, "Xiao Qin, are you going to the public relations department's event tonight?" "

When Tang Qin heard Li Lanyu's question, she quickly and earnestly replied, "No... I'm not going. I have something to do tonight."

"Something to do? A date? Xiao Qin is so pretty and innocent, you must have a lot of boys pursuing you, right? Do you have someone you like?" Women always trust their intuition, and Li Lanyu, with her own little thoughts playing tricks on her

, couldn't help but probe again. The shy Tang Qin immediately blushed and shook her head shyly, saying, "No, no, Assistant Li, please don't tease me." Seeing Tang Qin's shy appearance, Li Lanyu couldn't bear to probe any further, and besides, she was afraid that if she continued, Tang Qin would discover her intentions. Her vigilance, however, rose above the yellow line. In her heart, she cursed Ye Tianya countless times, 'Heartless bastard.'

Ye Tianya sneezed violently, even waking Ouyang Xin'er, who was resting in bed.

"Captain, you have a cold?" "Ouyang Xin'er asked nervously.

"No..., someone must be scolding me, hehe, Xin'er, did I disturb you?" Ye Tianya asked apologetically.

Ouyang Xin'er sat up and gently shook her head, saying, "Xin'er has slept all day. Even if I want to gain weight, I can't keep sleeping. What if Xin'er grows up to be as big as a bucket?"

Ye Tianya smiled, turned and gently lay down next to her, reaching out to hug her waist, which was so thin that it was probably easy to wrap one's arms around it, and said softly, "If my Xin'er grows up to be as big as a bucket, I'll just sleep hugging a bucket." Ouyang

Xin'er felt a mixture of shyness and sweetness, a feeling she found captivating. Compared to Sima Ruyan's rationality, Ouyang Xin'er was a girl with a yearning for love and considerable sensitivity, making her easily moved. Ye Tianya's simple words had filled her with a honeyed sweetness, making Ye Tianya both love and pity her.

Someone approached the door; the footsteps sounded hurried. Ye Tianya quietly told Ouyang Xin'er that someone was coming, then released her and stood up, staring at the doorway, waiting for the person to approach.

The door was gently pushed open, and Sima Ruyan's pretty face, flushed from her haste, appeared in the doorway. Ye Tianya froze, then overjoyed. She called out "Ruyan" and went to greet the person at the door.

Sima Ruyan stood panting at the door, her eyes fixed on Ye Tianya's face. Watching him approach, seeing the surprise, excitement, and tenderness in his eyes, Sima Ruyan longed to immediately throw herself into his arms and enjoy the long-lost warmth. But she didn't. She waited for Ye Tianya, waited for him to come to her, waited for him to eagerly pull her into his arms. When she truly felt the warmth of her man's embrace, she felt as if she were experiencing again the feeling of being held and falling asleep in his arms during the near-death experience in the desert during the training camp—that sense of security that she would remember for a lifetime.

"Ruyan...I..." Ye Tianya was excited and wanted to say a few words, but before he could speak, a resolute middle-aged man emerged from behind Sima Ruyan at the door. He was carrying a fruit basket, frowning and looking at the two embracing, and coughed twice.

Ye Tianya quickly released Sima Ruyan and warily looked at the coughing middle-aged man. The man possessed a powerful aura, at least comparable to Ouyang Zhenhua.

Hearing the cough, Sima Ruyan also quickly broke free from Ye Tianya's embrace, blushing as she glanced back at the middle-aged man before looking at Ye Tianya and saying, "It's my father." Ye

Tianya's heart skipped a beat. Sima Ruyan was here, and Sima Hong had even come along. What was Sima Hong up to? Did neither he nor Sima Ruyan know he was here? Or…

As Ye Tianya was wondering, he caught a smug smile in Sima Ruyan's eyes and immediately understood. She must know he was here, but Sima Hong didn't, so she used this excuse to visit Ouyang Xin'er and thus meet him. In that case, her third brother, Sima Jian, must have already sided with her. While Ye Tianya

was guessing, he was also thinking about how to face Sima Hong. After releasing Sima Ruyan, he forced a smile and said to Sima Hong, "Uncle, hello."

Sima Hong stared coldly at Ye Tianya and asked in surprise, "Ye Tianya? What are you doing here?" For some reason, Ye

Tianya sensed that Sima Hong's surprise seemed a little off. He couldn't quite put his finger on it. Since Sima Hong was Sima Ruyan's father, even though he opposed their relationship, Ye Tianya couldn't put Sima Ruyan in a difficult position. Lowering his head and adopting a more respectful posture, he said, "Xin'er is seriously ill, so I've come to see her. I was planning to visit her uncle after she recovers… I didn't expect to see you here."

Sima Hong glared at Sima Ruyan before turning to Ye Tianya with a stern face, saying, "Visit me? I can't accept that. I don't seem to have much of a relationship with you, President Ye. Excuse me, my daughter and I are also here to see our critically ill niece, Xin'er. Please make way, President Ye." “

Dad—” Sima Ruyan called out nervously when she saw her father speaking coldly to Ye Tianya.

Sima Hong glared at Sima Ruyan again and snorted, “Shut up! What kind of behavior is this, hugging and cuddling? People who don’t know better will think the Sima family has a corrupt reputation and that you’re a good-for-nothing. It’s been almost a year, and she hasn’t even come to see you once. What’s your hurry?”

Although Sima Hong was yelling at Sima Ruyan, anyone could tell he was talking to Ye Tianya. Ye Tianya felt secretly ashamed, but then he heard Sima Ruyan quickly defend him, “Dad, I told the captain not to go, because I was afraid of your cold words…”

“Enough!” Sima Hong interrupted Sima Ruyan, glanced back at the ashamed Ye Tianya, and then said coldly to Sima Ruyan, “Weren’t you going to see your good sister? What are you standing there for?”

Ouyang Xin'er had already sat up in bed. Hearing Sima Hong and Ye Tianya's conversation, she felt a surge of anxiety, worried that Ye Tianya and Sima Hong might have a falling out. Only then did she speak up, saying, "Uncle Sima, thank you for coming to see Xin'er. Please, please don't make things difficult for the captain and Sister Ruyan." Sima

Hong and Sima Ruyan then looked past Ye Tianya's shoulder and into the room. When they saw Ouyang Xin'er's condition, even Sima Ruyan, who always acted as the eldest among the four women and remained calm in the face of danger, couldn't hold back. She cried out "Xin'er!" and rushed to Ouyang Xin'er's bedside, grabbing Ouyang Xin'er's withered hand and sobbing, "Xin'er, how could this happen? How much suffering have you endured?" When Sima

Hong saw Ouyang Xin'er like this, almost reflexively, he looked at his daughter, seemingly wondering what would happen if his daughter were like that. He stared blankly at Ouyang Xin'er, his expression clearly one of shock.

Ouyang Xin'er, on the other hand, smiled and comforted Sima Ruyan, saying, "Sister Ruyan, I'm fine. I thought I'd never see you again. With the captain here, he can heal me, so I'm not worried about anything. Don't cry, I'm perfectly fine, aren't I?"

The doorway darkened again, and Su Ling, He Tingxiu, and Xingye and Nangong Qian'er, who had gone out to buy things for Ouyang Xin'er, returned together. Upon seeing Sima Hong and Sima Ruyan, Su Ling and He Tingxiu couldn't help but exchange a glance, their eyes filled with doubt. They certainly didn't believe the Sima father and daughter were here solely to visit Ouyang Xin'er; it seemed they were also there for Ye Tianya. However, out of politeness, since they were visiting a patient, Su Ling and He Tingxiu, as the hosts, had to receive them courteously.

Xingye and Nangong Qian'er offered Sima Ruyan further words of comfort, while Ye Tianya stood by, seemingly superfluous. He suppressed his excitement at seeing Sima Ruyan, and calmly pondered the situation. Sima Ruyan had used her cunning to come to his side, naturally hoping he would use this opportunity to keep her and get Sima Hong to agree to their relationship. Moreover, from Sima Hong's tone just now, it was clear that he was more dissatisfied with Su Ling's failure to inform the Sima family than with his coming to see Sima Ruyan. Ye Tianya was both excited and apprehensive. He secretly resolved to seize this opportunity to persuade Sima Hong to let Sima Ruyan stay by his side and never let her leave again.

However, he didn't know what Su Ling and He Tingxiu were up to. After the Sima father and daughter had finished watching over Ouyang Xin'er, they immediately tried to politely invite the two of them to Qiushui Manor. Ye Tianya quickly stepped forward to stop Sima Hong and propose it, but He Tingxiu hurriedly pulled Ye Tianya back, saying, "Little Ye, why don't you come to the manor with us today? Xin'er's grandfather wants to talk to you about something." Ye

Tianya's heart skipped a beat. Had the test Sima Tuofei had mentioned come to pass? His

classmates went out for a weekend gathering, and Thirteen didn't want to spoil the fun for everyone. He just hadn't expected to be gone for two nights and a day, only returning today. He apologized for the lack of updates these past two days and asked for everyone's understanding.
Chapter 384 Departure in Sorrow

"What? The Sima family is here too? Sima Hong really knows how to pick his timing!" When Ouyang Tuofei heard He Tingxiu say that Sima Hong and his daughter had arrived, he couldn't help but lower his head and ponder. After a long while, he looked up and said, "You should settle them in first. Tell Ye Tianya that I will tell him the specific test tomorrow morning. I need to talk to Sima Hong first."

After He Tingxiu left in a hurry, Ouyang Tuofei muttered to himself, "Sima Hong can't possibly not know that Ye Tianya is in Lincheng. Is he bringing Sima Ruyan here now to save face? Or..." The old man thought for a moment and suddenly stood up. He decided to sound out Sima Hong's intentions. Since he had agreed to let Ye Tianya take Ouyang Xin'er away, he would naturally stand on his granddaughter's side and try to reduce the number of women around Ye Tianya. It would be best if Sima Ruyan could not return to Ye Tianya's side.

This was Ye Tianya's second time entering Qiushui Manor, but his state of mind was quite different. This time, he came with hope. As long as he passed Ouyang Tuofei's test, he could take Ouyang Xin'er away, and Sima Ruyan's sudden appearance was a complete surprise. He even sensed that Sima Hong was also inclined to relent, so his chances of keeping Sima Ruyan were high. He

Tingxiu's arrangement of accommodations for everyone seemed to have a hidden meaning, placing Ye Tianya, his two companions, and Sima Ruyan in two of the most distant pavilions in the entire manor. Although Ye Tianya was dissatisfied, he didn't think too much about it; even the most distant pavilions were a piece of cake for him.

Although Sima Ruyan also wanted to be with Ye Tianya, this was Qiushui Manor, not some distant place. Moreover, her father was in the same pavilion as her, in the room next door, so she didn't dare to do anything for the time being. She could only stand at the window and look at the pavilion where Ye Tianya and his companions were staying.

Ouyang Xin'er's haggard and frail image lingered in her mind, like a needle stuck in her heart. The usually rational Sima Ruyan couldn't fathom the extent of Ouyang Xin'er's love for Ye Tianya; she couldn't fathom what kind of longing could torment someone like that. Sima Ruyan unconsciously compared her own love and longing for Ye Tianya to Ouyang Xin'er's, and suddenly realized with shock how insignificant her love for Ye Tianya was compared to Ouyang Xin'er's. This filled her with unbearable shame. She couldn't help but question herself: to what extent did she like Ye Tianya? Could it even be considered love? If she loved Ye Tianya, then what about Ouyang Xin'er? How could her feelings for Ye Tianya be described? Was it also love? Or, if Ouyang Xin'er's feelings for Ye Tianya were love, what about hers? Was it even love at all?

Ashamedness spread through Sima Ruyan's heart. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that compared to Ouyang Xin'er, her feelings for Ye Tianya were not even worthy of being called love.

Lost in thought, Sima Ruyan was startled awake by a knock on the door. Opening it, she found it was her father.

Sima Hong entered and saw the somewhat distraught Ouyang Xin'er. He sighed and said, "Ruyan, don't blame Dad for stopping you from seeing Ye Tianya. I'm doing all this for your own good. Although I believe Ye Tianya likes you, I can't guarantee that the other women around him are genuinely kind to you. I don't want my precious daughter to suffer."

Sima Ruyan nodded and said, "Dad, I know, but I... I really..."

Sima Hong shook his head and sighed, "Ah, never mind. Dad is getting old. Since you insist on this, rather than letting you blame me later, I'd rather let you go. I won't say anything more. You're a sensible child; you should be able to make decisions for your own future. As long as Ye Tianya mentions it to me tomorrow..."

"Really? Dad, you're not lying to me?" Sima Ruyan asked happily.

Sima Hong sighed, "Look at you, sigh, girls are so outgoing. Dad has agreed to your request, but... Ye Tianya has to offer a corresponding dowry. Since you've decided to be with him, you can't end up with nothing. I heard that Tianya Group is going to build Starry Night Hotels all over the country. As long as he puts one of the hotels under your name, Dad will let you go. Otherwise... I absolutely won't agree. This is my biggest concession. I don't want my daughter to get nothing!"

"But... Dad, this won't work!" Sima Ruyan shook her head immediately.

Sima Hong's face turned cold, and he snorted, "Fine, if you're too embarrassed to bring it up, I, as your father, will. If Ye Tianya isn't even willing to pay this much, humph, no way. I mean what I say. Think about it yourself." After saying this, Sima Hong slammed the door and left. He was furious at his daughter's lack of self-respect.

After Sima Hong left, Sima Ruyan slumped onto the bed, staring helplessly out the window. She knew that as long as Ye Tianya proposed to her father, he would definitely ask Ye Tianya for the hotel. She knew Ye Tianya; if it was within his power, he would do it without hesitation for her, and the hotel would inevitably be transferred to her name. But what would that be? A transaction? A sale? Or simply 'love'? Sima Ruyan had just been contemplating how insignificant her love for Ye Tianya was compared to Ouyang Xin'er's love for him. If she were to ask Ye Tianya for benefits, her already pitifully small 'love' would vanish completely.

The rational Sima Ruyan considered many things. The women at Haijiao Tianya were not just one or two; if she asked for a hotel, what about the other women? Conflicts would inevitably arise after an imbalance was created. Even if the other women didn't say anything on the surface, how could she maintain her position at Haijiao Tianya?

"Father, you're indirectly forcing your daughter to let go!" Sima Ruyan cried out in her heart.

Let go?!

When this word flashed through her mind, Sima Ruyan's heart suddenly trembled, and a terrible idea instantly formed in her mind. That was to choose to leave, to choose to let go. That way, she wouldn't have to consider that her love seemed insignificant compared to others, nor would she have to consider the conflicts that her father's harsh demands on Ye Tianya would cause in the ends of the earth. Although she deeply loved Ye Tianya, although her love seemed insignificant compared to Ouyang Xin'er's love, it was everything to her. She could have stayed by Ye Tianya's side without any desires, just to accompany him with her little bit of 'love,' but her father's insistence made her so conflicted...

Sima Ruyan walked back to the window, looking at the opposite pavilion. After a long period of cloudiness, her wise eyes suddenly became clear. She made her decision.

The night was deep, and Qiushui Manor was quiet. Xingye and Nangong Qian'er were already asleep when Ye Tianya returned to his room. He was about to turn off the light and go to find Sima Ruyan across the street when he was surprised to find her already sitting on the edge of his bed. Overjoyed, Ye Tianya closed the door and eagerly pulled his beloved into his arms once again.

"Ruyan..." Ye Tianya whispered, holding Sima Ruyan close, but she pressed her slender fingers to his lips, gently shaking her head and softly saying, "Don't say anything. I know everything. Now... give it to me!" Sima Ruyan wrapped her arms around Ye Tianya's neck, her hot, soft lips sealing his words.

Sima Ruyan's initiative made Ye Tianya stiffen. He initially thought it was because they had been separated for so long. Already feeling apologetic towards her, Ye Tianya remained silent, picked her up, turned her around, and placed her on the bed. With a flick of his wrist, the power switch clicked, plunging the room into darkness.

The breathing in the darkness made the air in the room restless, and the darkness couldn't contain the ambiance of their passion. Ye Tianya unconsciously began using their dual cultivation technique again, but Sima Ruyan stopped him, saying shyly and gently, "Can we not practice today? Yan'er is safe today."

Ye Tianya's heart burned with desire. He transformed all his remorse into compensation for Sima Ruyan, fulfilling her every request.

However, Sima Ruyan's madness terrified Ye Tianya. Each breakdown was followed by her defiant comeback. Ye Tianya sensed she was venting something, but assumed she was releasing nearly a year's worth of longing…

The night deepened, and finally, silence fell. Sima Ruyan, limp as a heap of mud, drenched in sweat, clung to Ye Tianya. Ye Tianya, filled with love and tenderness, gently stroked her smooth skin and kissed her still-breathing lips. Sima Ruyan still wouldn't let Ye Tianya speak, holding him tightly, so tightly that Ye Tianya felt suffocated, as if she wanted to merge herself into his body.

The night deepened. Because they were staying at Qiushui Villa, Sima Ruyan had to leave to return to her room. Before leaving, she gave Ye Tianya a deep kiss, still without saying a word, and departed silently. Although Ye Tianya found Sima Ruyan's unusual behavior strange, he still attributed it to her releasing her long-awaited longing. Coupled with Sima Ruyan's insatiable demands and fussing over the course of the night, he couldn't help but feel exhausted, so he didn't think much of it and fell into a deep sleep.

However, the next morning, before Ye Tianya had even gotten out of bed, He Tingxiu had someone wake him up and hurriedly invited him to the living room.

Sima Hong and the Ouyang family were present, but Sima Ruyan was nowhere to be seen. Just as he was wondering about this, Sima Hong handed Ye Tianya an envelope, saying, "Ye Tianya, Ruyan left overnight. This is for me. Quickly check where Ruyan went."

Hearing that Sima Ruyan had left overnight, Ye Tianya froze, suddenly feeling a chill in his hands and feet. Last night's passionate embrace hadn't just been an expression of longing; it was also a harbinger of separation. Ye Tianya mechanically took the envelope, on which were five delicate characters: "To be opened by Ye Tianya."

Seeing these five delicate characters, Ye Tianya finally came to his senses and understood the true meaning of "Ruyan left overnight." He eagerly opened the envelope, only to be met with the same delicate handwriting...
Chapter 385 Accepting the Test

Sima Ruyan left, leaving behind a short letter. When Ye Tianya finished reading the letter, he collapsed into the chair behind him without any regard for his image. Sima Hong was even more anxious than Ye Tianya. Although his daughter's departure had achieved his initial goal of separating her from Ye Tianya, why would she leave? He had already promised to let her be with Ye Tianya, so why did she leave? He anxiously looked at Ye Tianya and asked, "What exactly happened? What did Ruyan say? Where did she go?"

Ye Tianya helplessly handed the letter to Sima Hong. Everyone's eyes were focused on the paper. Sima Hong anxiously took the letter, which contained only a few sentences: "Ruyan is leaving. Seeing Xin'er, Ruyan realized that the love she had always held so firmly was so insignificant. What right does Ruyan have to ask for anything or demand anything?" Don't come looking for me. If one day I still can't let go, I will come looking for you. Love Xin'er well; she's more worthy of your love and devotion than Ru Yan. Goodbye, my eternal love.

Ye Tianya didn't understand the words "demand" and "demand," but Sima Hong did. His heart was filled with mixed emotions. He knew that the real reason Sima Ru Yan chose to leave was because he had insisted on demanding a hotel from Ye Tianya. He felt both ashamed and anxious. He didn't know if Sima Ru Yan's departure was just to get away from Ye Tianya, or if she wasn't even going home. He hurriedly said goodbye to the Ouyang family. As he left, seeing Ye Tianya slumped in a chair, looking utterly dejected, he said apologetically, "President Ye... there are some things we all understand. Ruyan has always been rational; her decision was definitely not impulsive. So... I hope you take care of yourself. Goodbye."

Ye Tianya hadn't yet recovered from the pain of Sima Ruyan's departure. He mechanically nodded and stood up, but after Sima Hongdu walked out the door, he suddenly snapped out of it and called him back, saying, "Uncle, if you see Ruyan, tell her that Tianya knows she can't give me everything, so she respects her decision." "Please don't let her wander outside to avoid me. Tianya will always wait for the day she changes her mind and comes back."

Sima Hong turned around and gave Ye Tianya a strange look. After hesitating for a moment, he nodded and said, "If I can see her, I will definitely pass on your words to her."

Back in the room, Ye Tianya looked at the empty bedside table. He felt a pang of regret. Just a few hours ago, he had noticed Sima Ruyan's unusual behavior, which was usually so rational and composed, but he had never considered the possibility that she would leave. Sima Ruyan's reason for leaving was simply that she felt she didn't love him enough. Was it a reason or an excuse? Ye Tianya didn't want to think about it. At this moment, his mind was filled only with the image of Sima Ruyan.

After Xingye and Nangong Qian'er woke up and learned about Sima Ruyan's departure, they were heartbroken and held Ye Tianya's hand tightly, hoping to comfort him. He Tingxiu appeared at the door again, and seeing Ye Tianya sitting on the bed with his head down, looking lost and dejected, she asked with some pity, "Little Ye, Xin'er's grandfather asked if you still want her..."

"Yes!" Ye Tianya suddenly raised his head and said firmly, "I must pass this test!" He couldn't lose Ouyang Xin'er again, and he couldn't let Sima Ruyan leave again.

Ouyang Tuofei's test was very direct. Besides Sima Ruyan, Ye Tianya should have eight other women around him, including Ouyang Xin'er and Murong Piaoxue. Ouyang Tuofei arranged eight maids for him. Ouyang Tuofei had his clansmen set up a strange formation to trap Ye Tianya in it. As long as he could protect the safety of the eight maids and escape from this trap, it would mean that he had the ability to protect his women.

Seeing the massive formation of the Ouyang family, Xingye stepped forward and looked at the Ouyang family disciples setting up the array with dissatisfaction, saying, "Senior Ouyang, this is unfair! Even Qian'er, Piaoxue, and I are capable of protecting ourselves, let alone Bing Shuang and Bingxue. They could handle most of the people present on their own. Aren't you deliberately making things difficult for my brother by arranging this?"

Ouyang Tuofei calmly replied to Xingye, "Is that so? Then consider it me making things difficult for him. If he can't even protect his own woman and relies on her for self-defense, how can I entrust Xin'er to him?"

Xingye wanted to speak again, but Ye Tianya stopped her, saying, "Xiaoye, you and Qian'er wait over there. I'll try to break through this array by myself." After saying that, Ye Tianya looked at Ouyang Tuofei and said, "Senior, shouldn't this array be missing two people? You and Uncle Ouyang are also going to enter the array, right?"

Ouyang Tuofei was taken aback, secretly alarmed. The formation wasn't even fully formed yet, and Ye Tianya had already discerned that it was missing two people. He must be a seasoned expert in formations. However, Ouyang Tuofei realized that while the basic structure of the formation was easy to identify, it didn't mean Ye Tianya understood its variations. Moreover, seeing that even with the eight maids standing together, a large group of people still needed Ye Tianya's protection, Ouyang Tuofei felt reassured. With so many people to protect, plus himself and his son Ouyang Zhenhua needing to enter the formation, Ye Tianya trying to escape was simply a pipe dream. He had to force him to reveal his true abilities today. But thinking of the many members of his Ouyang family facing Ye Tianya alone, his face flushed, yet he stubbornly said, "That's right, Xin'er's father and I will also enter the formation. For Xin'er's future, we can't worry about anything else."

Ye Tianya looked at the circular formation with a serious expression. It was a composite formation with an inner Seven Kill formation and an outer Eight Trigram formation. The Seven Kill formation focused on inward expansion, but what about the outer Eight Trigram formation? Ye Tianya knew that the changes within the formation couldn't be discerned until it was activated. He possessed spatial teleportation abilities, so escaping would be no problem. However, when he saw that even Ouyang Zhenxing, the chairman of the Qiushui Group, was inside the formation, he couldn't help but feel puzzled. Ouyang Tuofei's conditions for him were already harsh enough; was such a large-scale operation necessary? Was it revenge for his solo incursion into Qiushui Manor? But such revenge wasn't honorable.

Ye Tianya quickly guessed Ouyang Tuofei's purpose: to force him to reveal his true strength and abilities.

Thinking of this, Ye Tianya's expression grew even more serious. Entering and exiting the formation alone shouldn't be a problem; he was even confident he could handle Ouyang Tuofei and his son. The real issue was protecting the seven girls and leading them out of the encirclement—a feat impossible without a miracle. But he had no choice but to accept the task, otherwise, taking Xin'er away might truly be hopeless. He secretly resolved that even if it meant revealing his true colors, he would get through this ordeal and take Ouyang Xin'er away. However, he didn't intend to reveal his true abilities unless absolutely necessary.

Ye Tianya gave Xingye and Nangong Qian'er a reassuring look before stepping into the formation. Ouyang Tuofei and Ouyang Zhenhua immediately filled the gaps in the formation, plugging the openings.

Ye Tianya walked to where the seven girls were standing. Seeing the nervous expressions on the eight somewhat apprehensive girls' faces, he smiled and comforted them, "Don't be nervous, trust me, everything will be alright."

The seven maids unconsciously relaxed when they saw Ye Tianya's smile. Ouyang Tuofei then spoke up, "Ye Tianya, are you ready?"

Ye Tianya's face hardened; his previously solemn expression suddenly calmed, and he nodded calmly, "Senior, let's begin!"

Ouyang Tuofei shouted, "Change formation!" The Inner Seven Killings Formation immediately began to rotate, and Ye Tianya instantly felt immense pressure bearing down on him. Almost simultaneously, the Outer Eight Trigrams Formation and the Inner Seven Killings Formation rotated in opposite directions, increasing the pressure further. The eight girls within the formation, feeling the immense pressure, turned deathly pale and instinctively moved closer to Ye Tianya.

Ye Tianya remained still, observing the shifting formations between the inner and outer layers of the ever-shrinking array. He quickly realized that all his escape routes were blocked. Even his possible escape using his miraculous flying lightness skill was anticipated by the changing formations. If he moved upwards, the people in the Outer Eight Trigrams Formation would immediately use the power of the Inner Seven Killings Formation to leap into the air and block him. He could easily escape faster than everyone else, but with the eight girls, it would be impossible.

Ye Tianya was secretly furious; Sima Tuofei had truly gone too far, leaving him no way out.

The Seven Killings Formation was constantly shrinking. The only thing Ye Tianya did during this process was to stand in the middle of the eight girls. To the untrained eye, this action seemed somewhat comical; it looked as if he wasn't protecting the girls but rather seeking their protection. However, just as the Seven Killings Formation was closing in and launching its attack, Ye Tianya moved.

He roared, "Chaos of Heaven and Earth!" A powerful aura erupted from Ye Tianya, radiating outwards. The eight girls around him screamed and were involuntarily lifted off the ground, quickly falling flat in mid-air, their feet pointing outwards towards the incoming beams of the Seven Killings Formation, their heads facing inwards towards Ye Tianya, who stood upright with his eyes closed like a statue. This change drew gasps of amazement from everyone watching. Ye Tianya had clearly used his aura to lift the eight girls, a feat even Ouyang Tuofei himself doubted he could accomplish. Su Ling and the others tensed; the eight girls lying flat in the air brought them closer to the Seven Kill Formation's attack. It seemed the Seven Kill Formation was about to injure them; if even one was injured, Ye Tianya would lose.

Just as Ouyang Zhenxing, the main force of the Seven Kill Formation, launched an attack on one of the girls, Ye Tianya's eyes snapped open, and he roared again, "Open Heaven and Earth!" The disc formed by the eight girls lying in the air suddenly began to spin. While lifting them with his aura, Ye Tianya also guided their feet into a flying kick shape. This rotation, like a circular saw, formed a circle, forcing the approaching Seven Kill Formation back a circle.

Chapter 386 Utilitarian Transaction

Ouyang Tuofei hadn't expected Ye Tianya's strength to be so formidable. Not only could he lift eight people, but he could also make them spin. He was certain he couldn't do that himself. However, he noticed that Ye Tianya was struggling to support the spinning figure, so he immediately gave the order to continue the siege. The Seven Kill Formation, along with the Eight Trigrams Formation behind it, continued to surround them.

Ye Tianya knew that protecting all eight girls from injury simultaneously was crucial; standing alone on the outer perimeter and attacking would only lead to exhaustion. The only solution was to use the "Chaos of Heaven and Earth" technique to encompass all eight within his aura. However, he also knew that maintaining this for long was impossible. The formation repeatedly tightened, only to be repeatedly kicked back by Ye Tianya as he spun around the eight girls. Due to the outer Bagua formation, Ye Tianya struggled left and right but couldn't break through. He himself was exhausted. He realized that Ouyang Tuofei was intentionally trying to wear him down. While struggling to find a way to escape, he suddenly caught sight of the members of the outer Bagua formation preparing to take to the air. A thought struck him, and a risky plan came to him.

Since Ouyang Tuofei's outer formation was to prevent him from escaping from above, he might as well put himself in a do-or-die situation.

Ye Tianya rose from the ground, soaring vertically upwards. The eight girls, drawn by his powerful aura, followed suit. Ye Tianya deliberately slowed his ascent, feigning exhaustion. Seeing this, Ouyang Tuofei immediately activated his interception formation. He, Ouyang Zhenhua, Ouyang Zhenxing, and another middle-aged man simultaneously took to the air. To intercept Ye Tianya, the four ascended rapidly, quickly creating a small gap between themselves and the people standing below. Ye Tianya, having ascended slowly, was perfectly aligned with this gap. Seizing the opportunity, Ye Tianya roared again, unleashing a powerful aura mid-air. This sent the eight girls flying outwards through the gap between Ouyang Tuofei and his companions and the people in the formation below. Amidst the girls' screams, they were all freed from the formation's encirclement, landing safely without injury. Ye Tianya had secretly used wind magic while sending them away, but everyone interpreted it as a clever manipulation of his internal energy.

Sending away eight people and launching them forward so quickly that those below the formation couldn't stop them in time had exhausted almost all of Ye Tianya's strength. Ye Tianya no longer had the strength to break through the encirclement and fell back into the Seven Kill Formation. The four members of the Ouyang family above, seeing that Ye Tianya had used a trick to lure them up and then send the eight women away, were surprised and also felt greatly humiliated. They pounced down on him, all four of their palm strikes concentrated on Ye Tianya alone. Ye Tianya's white hair was blown about by the force of the palm strikes from above, and dust swirled in all directions. Having just landed exhausted, Ye Tianya felt as if Mount Tai was pressing down on him, and the pressure from all sides was overwhelming. Even with his extraordinary skills, Ye Tianya felt somewhat overwhelmed by such immense pressure without using magic.

The palm strike from above was already upon him, and the pressure from all around remained undiminished. Ye Tianya, who had just landed, hurriedly took a breath, raised his hands above his head, and began to spin around in place. In this way, the force pressing down on his head was like water falling from a great height, and Ye Tianya, spinning, was like an umbrella that had been opened and was spinning at high speed, with all the water falling from it being flung around by the spinning umbrella. In this way, the force of the four strikes from Ouyang Tuofei and the others was all flung by Ye Tianya onto the people forming the Seven Kill Formation around him, immediately reducing the pressure from all around by half.

Ouyang Tuofei, in mid-air, immediately noticed the problem and exclaimed in surprise, "The Small Shift of Heaven and Earth?"

Just as he was regaining his senses, Ouyang Tuofei suddenly saw a change in Ye Tianya's palms raised above his head. The palms, originally pointing to either side, began to move in one direction. He immediately guessed Ye Tianya's intention: Ye Tianya, having just seen off the eight girls, was too weak to retaliate, so he used the Small Shift to transfer their power to others. At that time, when his old strength was exhausted and new strength hadn't yet arisen, he could only distribute his power evenly in all directions to avoid creating a unidirectional recoil. Now, with his changed technique, it was clear that new strength had arisen, allowing him to withstand the recoil of transferring power in one direction. In this way, Ye Tianya intended to transfer the power of the four of them to a specific point in the Seven Kill Formation, creating a breach in the formation.

Ouyang Tuofei knew very well that although the disciples below were all the best in the Ouyang family, they could not withstand the combined force of the four most powerful members of the Ouyang family. Ye Tianya's move, Qiankun Xiao Nuoyi, combined the power of the four of them, a power that even a peerless master might not be able to unleash. As a result, the formation would definitely be broken, creating an opening for Ye Tianya to escape. Ouyang Tuofei could see through Ye Tianya's move, and the four people in the air were all his direct descendants, so there was no reason why they couldn't see through it. The four of them withdrew their hands almost simultaneously, and the assistants tacitly clapped their hands together to use the force to propel themselves out of the Seven Kill Formation.

With the four figures in the air withdrawing their grip, Ye Tianya had no leverage, and the pressure of the Seven Kill Formation immediately returned. At this moment, Ye Tianya spun around and leaped into the air, attempting to escape the formation's encirclement. However, as he rose, others inside the Eight Trigrams Formation outside the Seven Kill Formation also took to the air. Their purpose was simple: to prevent Ye Tianya from escaping the formation's encirclement, ensuring he would fall back into it no matter how high he rose.

However, Ye Tianya's speed and height of ascent greatly surprised those who had risen with him. He hadn't been rising quickly initially, and those around him had used his momentum to intercept him. But after they took to the air, Ye Tianya inexplicably accelerated upwards without any leverage, leaving those who had attempted to block him stunned and unable to gather their breath, plummeting straight down. Even if they hadn't fallen, they wouldn't have been able to stop Ye Tianya anyway.

Ye Tianya rose straight up, breaking free from the interception of the rising figures. The formation on the ground immediately expanded its encirclement, preparing to trap him upon landing. However, Ye Tianya surprised everyone. While in mid-air, he not only inexplicably accelerated but also suddenly changed direction, effortlessly leaping onto the roof of the pavilion. The Seven Kill Formation in the courtyard continued to expand its encirclement, but it couldn't quite reach the pavilion. Ouyang Tuofei helplessly raised his hand to dispel the formation, somewhat dejectedly saying to Ye Tianya, who was standing on the pavilion, "You succeeded, come down!"

Ye Tianya rolled down, but couldn't help panting heavily. He dared not use his magic too aggressively, secretly applying several wind-elemental auxiliary spells, all in mid-air. If he were too close to Ouyang Tuofei and the others, they would definitely feel the strange power brought by the wind-elemental auxiliary spells. Therefore, he had expended a lot of effort in this battle, and his panting was not feigned.

As soon as Ye Tianya landed, Xingye asked anxiously, "Brother, are you alright?"

Ye Tianya gently shook his head and calmly said to Ouyang Tuofei, "Senior Ouyang, you flatter me!"

Ouyang Tuofei said irritably, "You've passed the test, are you still going to call me Senior Ouyang?"

Ye Tianya was stunned. If not senior, then what should he call him? He didn't react for a moment, but Su Ling happily said from the side, "Little Ye, our Ouyang family patriarch always keeps his word. Since you've passed the test, you should call him Grandpa like Xin'er!"

Ye Tianya then realized, and happily exchanged glances with Xingye and Nangong Qian'er, unable to help but say excitedly, "Ouyang... no, Grandpa, please accept my bow!"

Ye Tianya was about to bow down when Ouyang Tuofei reached out and stopped him, saying, "Alright, don't try to bewitch me. Listen carefully, Ye..." "Tianya, your successful breakout today, though largely due to trickery and deceit, doesn't mean the Ouyang family has been defeated. If you ever dare to mistreat Xin'er or cause her any injustice, I'll risk my life to lead hundreds of Ouyang family members, armed with weapons, to bombard your Tianya."

Ye Tianya knew Ouyang Tuofei was obsessed with saving face, so he didn't press the issue and humbly said, "Grandpa, it was your kindness in helping Tianya and Xin'er today that I will always remember your favor." "As for Xin'er... please rest assured, Tianya will absolutely not let her suffer any injustice."

Ouyang Tuofei nodded in satisfaction and said, "Alright, from now on we're family. I know your situation, and my Ouyang family isn't old-fashioned. We won't insist on any grand wedding procession or anything like that, but the formalities can't be abandoned. You at least have to go through the motions, and the betrothal gifts should be something, right?" Ye Tianya

was actually quite grateful to Ouyang Tuofei. If it weren't for him taking charge of this matter, he really didn't know how Ouyang Zhenhua would have tried to stop him and Ouyang Xin'er when he couldn't bring himself to do it. Ouyang Tuofei's request was completely reasonable, so he nodded and said, "Of course, of course. As for the betrothal gifts, Grandpa Ouyang, just name your name, and as long as it's within Tianya's power, I'll do it without hesitation."

Ye Tianya suddenly felt that the title "Grandpa" was a bit awkward, and he almost called him "Senior" instead. In the end, he added his surname before "Grandpa," which sounded much more natural.

Ouyang Tuofei didn't mind Ye Tianya's form of address. He knew Ye Tianya needed to distinguish him from Nangong Qian'er's grandfather. Hearing Ye Tianya ask him to speak, Ouyang Tuofei hesitated for a moment before saying, "Now that we're practically family, I won't stand on ceremony. Your first Starry Night Hotel in Lincheng is about to start construction, right? Is the manpower at your Tianya Real Estate Lincheng branch sufficient?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Tianya immediately guessed Ouyang Tuofei's intention. He inwardly cursed Ouyang Tuofei for being too mercenary. Asking for a large dowry or expensive gifts would be reasonable, but he was asking for business. Clearly, he was using Ouyang Xin'er as a bargaining chip…

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