The Ye family's main residence is somewhat similar to a European castle, but it also has the antique charm of Chinese-style decoration.

It is a unique manor that combines Chinese and Western styles.

Although the two families have been friends for generations, this was Ji Fuling's first time visiting the Ye family.

After getting out of the car, she helped Mr. Ji into the house first.

Ji Xinqi and the others followed behind.

At this moment, in the hall, Old Master Ye, Ye Liang, sat upright in the center of the sofa.

Ye Nanqing and Ye Yunhong sat on separate single sofas on either side.

Ye Kangnian was bedridden and unable to attend the family banquet. As for his wife, Li Fangshu, who was also Ye Yunhong's mother, she had not yet appeared for some unknown reason.

In addition, the elders of the Ye family and some younger members of the collateral branches were also present.

As soon as Ji Fuling entered the hall, she saw Ye Nanqing, who was wearing a dark blue suit and sitting in a relaxed yet noble and elegant posture.

This man has such a strong presence that it's hard to ignore him.

Compared to him, everyone else present seemed dull and insignificant.

When Ye Nanqing saw Ji Fuling, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, as if he hadn't expected her to come.

Just as the two locked eyes, Ye Yunhong suddenly stood up from the sofa and stared at Ji Fuling in astonishment.

"Ji Fuling?! Weren't you dead? How could you..."

As soon as she said this, Ji Fuling instantly became the focus of everyone's attention.

People started whispering among themselves, talking about what happened to Ji Fuling back then.

Ji Xinqi stood at the back, a sinister smile flashing across her face. She couldn't wait for the people present to talk about more of Ji Fuling's scandals and embarrass her as much as possible.

Unfortunately, the scene that Ji Xinqi had hoped for did not occur.

Ji Fuling acted as if nothing had happened, not even glancing at Ye Yunhong, but simply smiling and greeting Grandpa Ye, "Hello, Grandpa Ye."

"Alright, alright, quickly help your grandpa sit down. Old Ji's legs aren't good, so don't let him stand for too long."

As he spoke, Old Master Ye turned and glared at Ye Yunhong, then said in a deep voice, "If you can't speak properly, then shut up. Nobody thinks you're mute!"

Ye Yunhong's expression changed, not because he was being scolded, but because he was still in shock.

He could hardly believe that the stunningly beautiful woman in front of him was actually his ex-fiancée whom he had publicly dumped five years ago.

Not only did she not die, but she also gained a cool and aloof aura that she had never had before, which unconsciously attracted people.

Back then, his marriage to Ji Fuling was arranged privately by the two old men. He originally thought that Ji Fuling was a simple and naive woman who was easy to fool, and she was also favored by the old man Ji. Marrying her would be a good deal, as he could have some fun with her and also get help from the Ji family.

Looking back now, I was so foolish. Ji Fuling was a great beauty; he should have just tried her out first, and then dumped her when he got tired of her!

Seeing Ye Yunhong staring intently at Ji Fuling, Ji Xinqi was furious.

Turning her head again, she saw that even Ye Nanqing, who was out of reach, had his gaze fixed on Ji Fuling, his eyes clearly filled with tenderness.

Ji Xinqi was so angry that her face turned green, and she cursed the vixen in her heart.

After the two families exchanged pleasantries for a while, Old Master Ye said very openly, "We older folks talking about things must be boring for you young people. It's not mealtime yet, so you can go for a stroll in the courtyard outside and come back later."

Upon hearing the old man's words, the younger generation present seemed to be liberated and all got up and walked out.

Grandpa Ji gently patted Ji Fuling's hand and said in a gentle voice, "The scenery in the Ye family courtyard is quite nice. Why don't you go out for a walk so you don't get too bored?"

Ji Fuling nodded before leaving with the others.

As soon as she came out of the house, Ji Xinqi stopped Ye Yunhong, grabbed his hand, and said in a sweet, coquettish voice, "Yunhong, believe me, I really didn't do anything wrong to you. What happened at the birthday banquet was someone deliberately trying to frame me. Please don't break off our engagement, okay?"

"Aren't you annoying? I've already told you I won't marry you, can't you understand human language?!"

Ye Yunhong shook off Ji Xinqi's hand, his face full of impatience.

He never liked Ji Xinqi in the first place. It was Ji Xinqi who relentlessly pursued him, seduced him into bed, and then deliberately publicized the affair, making it known to both families. He was forced into the engagement.

How could he tolerate that bitch daring to humiliate him in front of everyone?!

"Yun Hong..."

"Get out of my way!"

Ji Xinqi tried to persist, but Ye Yunhong pushed her away.

Seeing this scene of "dogs fighting," Ji Fuling prepared to walk around it with a blank expression.

But when Ye Yunhong turned around and saw her, he immediately shook off Ji Xinqi and ran over to stop her.

"Fuling, why didn't you tell me you were coming back? I always thought you..."

"Excuse me, who are you?"

Ji Fuling interrupted Ye Yunhong coldly, her expression indifferent.

Ye Yunhong's expression froze, and he almost revealed his true colors and cursed.

But looking at Ji Fuling's radiant appearance, he held back and pretended to be magnanimous, saying, "Fuling, don't be petty. You were the one who wronged me first, which is why I broke off the engagement. But I was just angry at the time. Actually, I still have feelings for you. As long as you are willing to come back, I can get back together with you."

Ji Fuling felt nauseous and, too lazy to waste words with Ye Yunhong, turned around and walked in the other direction.

Ye Yunhong persisted, chasing after her and grabbing her arm. "Fuling, I genuinely want to have a good talk with you."

"let go!"

Ji Fuling suppressed the urge to attack, coldly uttering two words from her red lips.

After all, this is the Ye family, and it's not appropriate to beat up Old Master Ye's grandson under his nose.

"Poria cocos..."

Just as Ye Yunhong was about to say something, he grabbed Ji Fuling's hand, only to have it suddenly slapped away by another large hand that came from the side.

With a "smack," Ye Yunhong winced in pain, and a large red patch instantly appeared on the back of his hand.

"Which blind bastard is this?!"

Just as Ye Yunhong was about to explode, he looked up and saw Ye Nanqing's cold and indifferent face, and his arrogance immediately diminished. "Uncle..."

"Stay away from her, or you'll face the consequences."

After saying this in a deep voice, Ye Nanqing took Ji Fuling's hand and led her towards the Nine-Bend Bridge not far away.

Ji Fuling glanced down at her hand being held by Ye Nanqing, then looked up at his perfectly sculpted profile, blinked, and said, "Uncle, you're holding it too hard. Can you be a little gentler? It hurts a bit."

Ye Nanqing suddenly stopped and turned his head to give her a deep look.

Does this woman even know what she's saying?

Sensing that Ye Nanqing's gaze was somewhat intriguing, Ji Fuling asked, puzzled, "What's wrong?"

Ye Nanqing did not answer her question. He originally held her hand, but instead clasped her slender fingers together.

Then, he parted his thin lips slightly, "How about this? This way it won't hurt anymore, right?"

Ji Fuling: "..."

Who would want to hold hands with him?

She tried to shake herself off a few times, but the man held her even tighter.