The character Wang Jingxuan did not appear in the original work, as the Wang family was primarily depicted through Wang Zhitao.

Unlocking a new character piqued Lin Zhiyu’s curiosity. She observed him closely his disheveled hair framed a pair of amorous peach-blossom eyes, and his entire demeanor exuded a frivolous charm, embodying the classic image of a playboy. Leaning casually on the elder’s shoulder, he studied her with equal interest.

Recalling the scenes from her dream, Lin Zhiyu saw a glimmer of vitality in his eyes.

Since unknown characters could appear, perhaps the outcome could change as well.

Prompted by Wang Jingxuan, Wang Zhitao finally remembered his purpose for being there. Turning around, he guided Lu Yuchen forward and introduced him, “Jingxuan, this is Yuchen.”

“As I mentioned on the phone, he’s your grandmother’s savior.”

Facing Lu Yuchen, Wang Zhitao signaled for him to greet Wang Jingxuan. Lu Yuchen’s quick-witted response was impeccable as he calmly extended his right hand.

However, Wang Jingxuan paid him no mind, not even bothering to look at him directly. Lu Yuchen’s hand hung awkwardly mid-air, mirroring his own uncomfortable predicament.

Fortunately, Wang Zhitao stepped in to ease the tension. His rough, calloused palm enveloped Lu Yuchen’s hand tightly as the elder deliberately made excuses for his grandson, “He’s always like this carefree and aloof. Don’t take it to heart.”

“Not at all, it’s fine. Your son is exceptionally talented. I’ll need to work harder to earn his recognition,” Lu Yuchen swiftly accepted the olive branch extended to him.

“How long are they going to chat? Why is your friend so sluggish?” Lin Zhiyu propped her chin on her hand, looking bored as she tilted her head to glance at Shen Yanli. She couldn’t resist nudging him with her thigh.

Aside from finding Lu Yuchen’s awkwardness mildly amusing, the grand family reunion unfolding before her held no appeal.

When would they finally get to the point?

The girl’s listless expression was right before him she resembled a wilted flower, drained of energy, her usual radiance dimmed.

Shen Yanli allowed her impatient little gestures without hurry. He leisurely poured the half-cooled tea into the waste bowl, silently accommodating her unspoken urging.

Wang Jingxuan had been monitoring their interactions all along. He twitched his lips, watching the slowly pouring tea as if it were a countdown to his own fate.

What a master sitting there doing nothing but urging, urging, urging.

Shen Yanli seemed to read the resentment in his eyes and spoke unhurriedly, “Mr. Wang, haven’t you finished with the small talk yet?”

His words seemed directed at Wang Zhitao, or perhaps at the dawdling Wang Jingxuan.

Then, he gently squeezed the girl’s finger resting on her knee, signaling her to take over.

Prompted by this reminder, Wang Zhitao finally recalled the person he had neglected. “I almost forgot about you. I won’t waste words leave now, and I’ll spare you some dignity.”

A soft, feminine voice cut in unexpectedly, “I’m afraid that won’t be possible.” The young woman sat upright, casting a contemptuous gaze upon them.

“Little girl, this is no place for you to speak,” Wang Zhitao retorted. If he could be intimidated by a newcomer like her, all his years of experience would have been for nothing. “It seems you haven’t grasped the situation yet.”

“Oh really?” Lin Zhiyu smiled faintly, her eyebrows slightly raised. “It seems you’re the one who hasn’t quite grasped the situation yet.”

Shen Yanli leaned casually against the sofa, his arm draped loosely over the backrest behind Lin Zhiyu. Though he hadn’t uttered a word, his posture made it clear to everyone present that he was standing firmly behind her.

In response to Lin Zhiyu’s sarcasm, Wang Zhitao snorted coldly. “You’ve got quite the nerve for a young one.”

“Do you have what it takes to face the consequences of disrespecting me?” His voice carried a condescending pressure.

Shen Yanli unhurriedly tightened his arm around Lin Zhiyu’s shoulders and looked up at him. “Old Mr. Wang, I’m still here.”

He paused, glancing dismissively at the amused bystander beside Wang Zhitao, and continued leisurely, “Rather than that, Old Mr. Wang, perhaps you should ask your dear grandson who actually owns this mountain villa.”

“And what authority do you have to demand that I leave?”

Wang Zhitao’s expression shifted slightly as he caught the implication in Shen Yanli’s words.

He turned to verify, and the guilty party nervously rubbed his nose, confirming his suspicion. “Grandpa, I’m just the nominal legal representative.”

Wang Jingxuan now regretted his earlier bragging, realizing how his boasts had come back to haunt him.

Indeed, vanity never pays.

He stole a glance at Shen Yanli and, remembering the extravagant reward he’d been promised, felt his confidence return.

What was a scolding? He could handle it.

“You little rascal.” Wang Zhitao’s face darkened. He’d been making bold claims against the actual host all this time, and this was how his own grandson repaid him.

Gritting his teeth in anger, he raised his hand as if to strike but held back.

“Aw, Grandpa, that’s someone else’s family matter. Why are you getting involved?” Wang Jingxuan plastered on a cheeky grin, trying to appease him. “Let’s go home, okay? We should focus on our own family affairs.”

Wang Zhitao’s face remained stern. “I’ll deal with you, and I’ll deal with Lu Yuchen too.” Though embarrassed, he insisted on staying, determined to see this through.

He couldn’t let Lu Yuchen be mistreated by the Shen family without consequence.

Shen Yanli stood up, casting a calm glance at the silent Lu Yuchen nearby. “Old Mr. Wang, I’m curious what you’ve heard that makes you think our Shen family shows favoritism toward our own grandson?”

As he spoke, he reached out to help Lin Zhiyu up, enveloping her warm hand in his palm. With a slight tug, she was steady on her feet beside him.

“What you’ve heard is it the truth or a fabricated story designed to manipulate you, Old Mr. Wang…” Lin Zhiyu picked up where Shen Yanli left off, deliberately leaving her sentence unfinished to let Wang Zhitao ponder.

Don’t remain oblivious while being used as a pawn.

Wang Zhitao found their attempts to sow discord laughable. He knew Lu Yuchen better than anyone.

Lu Yuchen helped others without seeking credit, endured hardships without asking for aid, and humbly sought guidance while shielding his elders. Even when wronged, he bore it alone. If Wang Zhitao hadn’t pried the truth out of him, Lu Yuchen would have kept these things secret forever.

And yet, the very elders he protected so devotedly were now humiliating him right before his eyes.

“Save your dirty tricks. I know exactly what kind of person Xiao Lu is there’s no need for you to try driving a wedge between us.” The fury in Wang Zhitao’s heart burned hotter by the minute.

As the situation escalated, with family on one side and close friends on the other, Wang Jingxuan didn’t want an insignificant outsider to completely ruin the relationship between the two families. He quickly stepped in to defuse the tension: “Grandfather.”

“That guy is no pushover. With the Ji’an Project in his hands, the Shen family can hardly be said to have treated him poorly.”

Projects capable of securing hundreds of billions in investment are extremely rare. The Ji’an Project was one of the few large-scale, multi-sector initiatives in the past six months.

The fact that something the Wang family had tried every possible connection to obtain was actually in Lu Yuchen’s hands made Wang Zhitao’s face darken repeatedly. “Xiao Lu, is what Jingxuan said true?”

His eyes fixed intently on Lu Yuchen, whose hesitant expression already provided the answer.

“You said the Shen family treated you poorly, didn’t you? Yet you hold a project even their own son couldn’t get is this how the Shen family mistreats you?”

“I’ve been mentioning the Ji’an Project to you daily, yet you never breathed a word about it.”

Wang Zhitao was so agitated he couldn’t catch his breath, collapsing straight backward. Wang Jingxuan reacted swiftly, catching him to prevent his head from hitting the ground.

“Doctor! Get a doctor!”

The scene descended into chaos: curious onlookers outside, flustered security personnel, and an elderly man in urgent need of medical attention.

Fortunately, Shen Yanli had foreseen such possibilities and arranged for a medical team in advance. The crowd was dispersed, the elderly man was carried away on a stretcher for treatment, and order was restored methodically. The noisy room gradually quieted down.

Lin Zhiyu wrapped her arms around Shen Yanli’s arm, resting her head on his shoulder as she observed Lu Yuchen standing indifferently by the door.

The elderly man who had treated him like his own son had collapsed right before his eyes, yet he showed no concern. Was it because he knew this card was no longer useful to him, so he no longer cared?

Lin Zhiyu couldn’t help but feel a chill for Old Master Wang. Sensing her low spirits, Shen Yanli gently rubbed her shoulder in comfort.

The faint scent of cedar mixed with the air filled her nostrils with each breath, the familiar fragrance easing her sorrow.

“Are you okay?” A very soft voice came from above.

Lin Zhiyu nodded gently.

Shen Yanli understood the young woman was highly sensitive, and tragic atmospheres resonated deeply with her. He had originally brought her here to lift her spirits, but it had backfired, leaving her even more depressed.

“Shen Yanli, it’s so stuffy in here. I don’t want to watch anymore. Let’s go,” Lin Zhiyu said listlessly, no longer interested in whatever Lu Yuchen might do next.

“Alright,” he replied softly.

This minor incident didn’t affect the continuation of the banquet. The melodious sound of piano music drifted up from downstairs. The open terrace was empty, and Lin Zhiyu faced the evening breeze.

In the expansive view, her gloomy mood eased considerably. Her stray hairs were blown by the wind against her cheeks, and she reached up to tuck them behind her ear.

“Shen Yanli, look we really succeeded. It proves that outcomes can be changed too.”

“Did you see his defeated expression? He doesn’t seem all that impressive after all, not as formidable as I thought.”

“All that worry for nothing. Now we don’t have to be afraid anymore.”

Shen Yanli stood beside her, her disheveled strands gently brushing before his eyes. Her gaze was full of vitality; once the sadness passed, Lin Zhiyu had transformed back into the lively, whimsical girl.

Her vibrant energy flowed into his world with the evening breeze. The unlit terrace was illuminated by the bright moon high in the sky.

The girl’s smile widened even more as she turned to face him, bestowing upon him a solemn and certain reward.

It was different from the impulsive whims at the old mansion.

“Shen Yanli, let’s do this together.”

“Let’s change our fate together neither of us will die.”

“I promise.”

The solitary moon hanging high in the sky had earnestly and resolutely chosen him.

“Alright.”

💝 Support the Team

soowe05

✍️ Translator

💙 PayPal