Chapter 35 The Wind Rises

The old man was clearly extremely satisfied with Ling Wei.

Upon learning that her mentor was an expert in agronomy, he, who came from a rural background, became very talkative and chatted with her for a long time.

The old man did most of the talking, while Ling Wei listened quietly, occasionally typing a few words in response on her phone with focused eyes.

Watching this scene, Yu Ya-zhi couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "So she's a mute..." Her voice wasn't loud, but it was enough for Yu Xing-ye next to her to hear.

Yu Xingye's icy gaze instantly pierced her, startling her into shutting her mouth.

At the dinner table, You Xingye took meticulous care of Ling Wei, and the old man also frequently urged her to eat more.

All sorts of gazes fell upon her—inquiring, scrutinizing, and critical—but Ling Wei remained composed and unhurried throughout.

During the meal, the old man brought up Ling Wei's education and work again, praising her highly: "This girl Weiwei is capable! She does scientific research and contributes to the country! Just like her grandmother back then, she is a woman who is not inferior to men!" His tone was full of pride.

These words stung Yu Yazhi's ears. She pouted and muttered under her breath, "My son is amazing too, you know..."

After dinner, the old man and You Xingye were called into the study to discuss matters, leaving only Ling Wei and a few "elders" in the living room.

Yu Ya-chi couldn't contain herself any longer and spoke first, her tone revealing a clear scrutiny and sense of superiority, as if offering guidance:

“Oh dear, Miss Ling,” she deliberately dragged out her words, “that you can’t speak… that’s going to be a big problem in the future.”

She adopted the earnest tone of someone with experience, saying, "When a child is learning to speak, the most important thing is for the mother's voice to guide them, to constantly murmur and respond. That's the right way! If you can't speak, won't the child learn slowly? You'll be at a great disadvantage from the start in terms of upbringing! For a family like ours, the upbringing of our children is of paramount importance, and we can't be careless in the slightest."

As soon as she finished speaking, You Hongzhi, who was standing next to her, seemed to have found an opportunity to demonstrate his elder's authority, and replied in a tone that was lecturing:

“Yazhi is right! What’s the use of a woman reading so many books? Even if you read books to the heavens, it’s no match for being dutiful. Managing the household well, that’s what matters…”

"Enough!"

You Jingxuan had walked over at some point and stood diagonally behind the sofa where Ling Wei was sitting, like the most solid support.

"I had no idea that the You family had feudal remnants."

His gaze swept over Yu Ya-chi and Yu Hung-chi, a mocking smile playing on his lips:

"Aunt, Second Uncle, before you worry about others, why don't you look at yourselves first?"

"For example, Auntie, your son who gambled away two houses in Australia?"

You Jingxuan leaned forward slightly, exuding a powerful sense of pressure: "Miss Ling has risen to a core position in a national-level laboratory through her own abilities, and the projects she has worked on have benefited millions of people."

He straightened up, his gaze disdainful: "Compared to you, our You family is far superior. Who are you to be making such comments?"

Yu Ya-chi's face flushed red and then paled as she was rebuked, and she retorted angrily, "Yu Jing-xuan! You're siding with outsiders! We're family! You're helping an outsider to put down your own family?!"

"Who said she's an outsider?!" The study door was suddenly pushed open, and You Xingye walked out with an angry expression, just in time to hear the last sentence.

He strode over to Ling Wei, shielding her behind him, and said bluntly to You Yazhi, "Weiwei marrying me is a disservice to her! After all, she has to deal with a bunch of awful relatives like you! I'd rather not have you as relatives at all!"

"You! You little brat!" You Hongzhi slammed his fist on the table in anger.

"What's all the noise about!" The old man's authoritative voice rang out as he walked out of his study, carrying an antique and heavy sandalwood jewelry box.

He didn't even glance at the two clowns, but walked straight to Ling Wei and handed her the box: "Girl, take this. This was left by Grandma Hoshino. She loved collecting these things when she was alive. She said she would give them to children who are destined to receive them."

The moment the box was opened, even the worldly-wise Yu Ya-chih and Yu Hung-chih gasped in shock.

Inside are complete sets of dazzling diamond jewelry, as well as warm and translucent jade bracelets and pendants, each piece a masterpiece.

The old man has guarded it like the apple of his eye all these years, not letting anyone touch it, not even his own daughter.

Yu Ya-chi's eyes reddened, and she cried out, "Dad! How...how can you give this to an outsider?! I'm your own daughter!" She was practically going crazy.

You Hongzhi also became anxious: "Dad! I'm your son! This family heirloom should be..."

"Outsider?" the old man interrupted coldly, his eyes sharp. "Weiwei is my adopted granddaughter-in-law! These things are for her as a person, not for the status of the young mistress of the You family! I can give them to whomever I want!"

You Zirui, standing to the side, glanced between the jewelry box in Ling Wei's hand and You Jingxuan, and then spoke seemingly casually:

"Grandpa is right. Since it's Grandma's gift to the destined person, then it's all up to Grandpa to decide. But what if my older brother marries his sister-in-law and she finds out? Will she have any thoughts about it...?" Her words were tinged with innocent curiosity.

“If I get married, I’ll just buy a new one.” You Jingxuan’s lips curled up, his tone sarcastic: “After all, I’m not that short-sighted, clinging to the sentiments of elders giving to others.”

The old man looked at his noisy eldest daughter and second son with utter disgust. He waved his hand and said, "Alright! You've taken your things, eaten your food, said everything you should and shouldn't have said. Aren't you leaving? Are you waiting for me to take your cane and escort you away?"

No matter how unwilling Yu Ya-chih and Yu Hung-chih were, they dared not act presumptuously in front of the furious old man. They could only leave with their families, their faces ashen.

Just before leaving, You Zirui, the illegitimate son who had been observing her, paused slightly, turned around and gave Ling Wei a deep look. His eyes were complex and unpredictable, with a hint of amusement and inquiry.

The annoying relatives are finally gone, and the living room is quiet again.

Grandpa You seemed to be in a good mood and invited them to stay for dinner.

Ling Wei looked at the heavy jewelry box, quietly tugged at You Xingye's sleeve, and gestured in sign language, "It's too precious, I can't accept it."

Without a word, You Xingye shoved the box into her arms: "No way! It's from Grandpa, take it! Besides," he smiled slyly, passing the buck, "my brother agreed too, if you want a refund, go find him."

Ling Wei felt helpless and went to the garden for some fresh air.

The moonlight was hazy, and the shadows of the flowers swayed in the breeze, but I bumped into a familiar, tall figure under the eaves.

It is Youjingxuan.

He leaned against a pillar, a lit cigarette between his fingers.

The moonlight outlined his deep profile, his jawline taut, his brows slightly furrowed, as if troubled by something.

Seeing her standing there, he simply turned slightly to the side, the rising smoke blurring his expression.

The overall silhouette exudes a mature yet decadent sexiness, making it particularly striking in the night.