Chapter 14 Meeting the Parents
When Xie Ling walked out of the fitting room, she was met by Lian Yi, whose bright eyes were looking her up and down.
He, who had been relatively calm, suddenly felt a little uncomfortable. He lowered his eyes to avoid Lian Yi's gaze, put his hands in his pockets, and walked towards where she was.
Feeling refreshed after Lian Yi's words, Xu Qingyao's gaze towards Xie Ling now lacked the hostility and criticism she had shown earlier.
But she still let out a barely perceptible hum and said awkwardly in a low voice, "Lian Yi, you have such good taste. Even the clothes you pick out look so good together."
Lian Yi smiled and said, "It also depends on who is wearing it."
It has to be said that a man who can become a true gold digger in the future, even if he is still young now, already has that kind of aura.
She felt a little regretful; if it weren't for the occasion tonight, she would have loved to pick out a refined, academic-style outfit for Xie Ling, paired with gold-rimmed glasses.
After all, by the time he returns home with honors and patents, she will have long since forgotten about him.
It would be virtually impossible to force and control Xie Ling like this again.
Xie Ling pursed her lips and remained silent, letting the woman scrutinize her at will.
"Alright, let's go eat!"
Lian Yi was now wide awake and eagerly awaited the show to begin.
The three traveled together, each with their own thoughts and intentions.
Xu Qingyao was still feeling down because of Lian Yi's obvious praise and defense of Xie Ling.
Xie Ling walked behind the two women with a calm expression until the antique, elegant, and grand Wangjiang Tower came into view. Suddenly, a bad premonition arose in his heart.
"What are you daydreaming about? Keep up!" Xu Qingyao was particularly focused on him, her main target, and found fault with everything he did.
At this point, there's no point in dwelling on it anymore.
Xie Ling ignored her ambiguous tone and followed Lian Yi's unwavering steps, walking behind her all the way to the VIP-only elevator.
The parents of both families dined in a VIP private room on the top floor of Wangjiang Tower, one of only three such rooms on the floor.
You can enjoy the magnificent river view from different angles. After nightfall, the lights are dazzling. Standing on the 26th floor and looking down, you will always feel a thrilling sense of overlooking all living beings.
The manager, who had been notified in advance, waited at the elevator entrance with his men. When the elevator doors opened, he bowed slightly with a polite smile, greeted the three of them, and then led the way while greeting Lian Yi in a familiar, low voice.
Lian Yi raised her hand and waved to him, then led Xie Ling and Xu Qingyao through the reception room toward the tea room.
It wasn't time for them to sit down for a meal yet; they were probably all in the tea room drinking tea and chatting.
Turning the corner, you can see a red-haired boy leaning against the wall playing on his phone with a sour face outside the bamboo-patterned door of the tea room.
"Oh, so Young Master Gu got kicked out?"
Lian Yi never knew the meaning of politeness when speaking to him. "What's wrong? Are you uncomfortable when you see something elegant? You're standing guard here."
Gu Yiyu paused in his swiping of his phone screen. Surprisingly, he didn't snap back at this moment. Instead, he raised his slightly sharp eyebrows, glanced at Lian Yi, and then lowered them again.
But then he looked at her again.
"Why did you bring him here?" Gu Yiyu frowned.
"Just changed classes, brought my new deskmate over for a meal to get acquainted, is there a problem?" Lian Yi walked up to him, glanced at him, and realized that something was really off.
Gu Yiyu responded with an "oh," feeling somewhat strange, but still lowered his eyes and ignored them.
Lian Yi had no intention of standing guard outside with him, so she reached out and turned the doorknob, then pushed the door open and went straight in.
The conversation in the tea room stopped as the door was pushed open.
The man sitting at the tea-making station was in his forties. He had a refined and scholarly appearance and seemed very easygoing. He casually rolled up his sleeves and smiled when he saw that the person who came was Lian Yi.
"It's Lianyi! Uncle hasn't seen you in a while. Your Aunt Zhao has been talking about you all the time, asking Gu Yiyu to bring you home for a meal sometime."
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man sitting opposite him turned around. His face, which exuded an air of authority without anger, remained expressionless. He nodded to Lian Yi, "You're here. Aren't you going to greet them?"
"Uncle Gu," Lian Yi greeted them, "Dad."
He then walked over to the sofa and sat down, smiling at the two ladies on the sofa.
"Mom, Aunt Zhao, it's been a long time! You both look even more elegant now!"
Aunt Zhao has the image of a decisive and capable businesswoman, and the woman sitting next to her is no less so. They sit on the sofa with proper and elegant posture and exquisite makeup.
She doesn't seem like the boss's woman; rather, she seems like the kind of woman who would stab the boss in the back and then take his place.
But when they saw Lian Yi, their expressions softened considerably.
Aunt Zhao got up and sat on the armrest of Lian Yi's sofa. She took Lian Yi's hand and scolded her, "You child, if your parents hadn't been eating with us today, it would have been difficult for me to see you, wouldn't it?"
"Aunt Zhao, look at what you're saying." Lian Yi was always the best at being charming in front of her elders. Her round eyes curved into a smile, making her look sweet and obedient. "As long as you have time, just give the order, and I'll fly over here even if I have to."
Aunt Zhao couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle at what she said. She looked at Lian's mother, who smiled helplessly.
The atmosphere in the tea room instantly became harmonious.
Mr. Gu poured a cup of tea for Mr. Lian across from him, shook his head and sighed, "If you ask me, it's better to have a daughter. Look at my son, he's good for nothing and only knows how to annoy me. Sigh!"
"My son is just good at acting cute in front of adults." The father didn't pick up his teacup, his expression indifferent.
Father Gu chuckled and said, "I think Lian Yi is very well-behaved. It would be wonderful if she could be our daughter."
"It depends on what the child thinks." Only then did a smile appear on the father's face. He picked up his teacup. "However, I've watched Yiyu grow up. Young people are always a bit impetuous, which is a good thing."
"In the end, this child is still quite good."
"Oh dear, it's almost time. Lianyi just got out of school, right?" Aunt Zhao glanced at the time and patted Lianyi's hand with concern. "You have a lot of studying to do at this time, you must be very tired. Shall we go eat?"
"Okay, Auntie." Lian Yi smiled. "I've been waiting for you to say that."
"Shameless," Mother Lian said with a shake of her head and a smile.
The group of people outside had already been led into the restaurant by the waiter and were now resting on a sofa.
Normally, Gu Yiyu would have said something sarcastic to Xie Ling. In his opinion, anyone who could get along with Lian Yi was either forced into it or was a bunch of snakes and rats.
One day she was a poor student, and the next she's wearing trendy brands and being taken to a private dinner party.
Gu Yiyu absolutely refused to believe that Xie Ling was forced into it.
But thinking about what he had overheard in the tea room, he fell silent, which was unusual for him. He didn't even realize that he hadn't greeted Xu Qingyao, whom he had been paying more attention to lately.
The silence continued until Lian Yi stood between the two ladies, looking affectionate and obedient, while two middle-aged men walked behind them, one refined and proper, the other dignified and imposing.
The group walked over in a harmonious and friendly manner.
Seeing this, Gu Yiyu shifted his sitting position uncomfortably and covered it up with a light cough.
When they saw Xu Qingyao, they weren't surprised. Even her father and mother knew her. In recent years, she had suddenly appeared often by Lian Yi's side, seemingly the daughter of one of the family's servants.
They treated Lian Yi as just a playmate and didn't care at all, even though their monthly financial statements showed how much money Lian Yi had spent on her.
This small amount of money isn't a big deal to buy a playmate, and even her mother glanced at it and ignored it.
But Xie Ling, this unfamiliar young man, had an extraordinary air about him. The four adults racked their brains trying to remember whose son he was, but they couldn't recall him.
Lian's mother gently stroked Lian Yi's hair and looked at Xie Ling, "And who is this?"
When Gu Yiyu came earlier, he didn't see this boy. Was he brought by Lian Yi?
"Mom, I've switched shifts."
Lian Yi's voice was soft and gentle. "He is my new deskmate. He has excellent grades and even won a gold medal in a competition. I wanted to ask him for advice on study methods, so I brought him along for dinner."
She turned her head to look at the other side, "Aunt Zhao, you don't mind, do you?"
"Silly child, your classmate is also Yiyu's classmate. We're all classmates, so what's wrong with having a meal together?" Aunt Zhao smiled flawlessly and patted her shoulder reproachfully.
Behind him, even his father's usually expressionless face seemed to darken.
Aunt Zhao seemed oblivious to the sudden change in atmosphere. With a smile on her face, she pulled Lian Yi towards the dining table, saying, "Come on, Lian Yi, sit here."
He then waved to Gu Yiyu, who was sitting motionless on the sofa.
"Yiyu, come here quickly! You two classmates, come here too!"
“You young people have common topics and definitely don’t want to sit with us adults. Yiyu, you can sit next to Lianyi. You two have known each other since you were little, so you can talk to each other.”
She smiled and glanced at Lian's mother beside her, "Isn't that right?"
Mother Lian smiled faintly, "You've always been the best at making arrangements."
After Lian Yi sat down, Gu Yiyu was gently but forcefully pressed down by his mother to sit next to her.
Xie Ling stood behind without moving. Xu Qingyao glanced at him and was about to sit in the empty seat on Lian Yi's left when suddenly, a fair hand reached out and rested on the back of the chair.
"Come sit over there." Lian Yi's lips curled slightly as she turned her head and raised her chin towards Xie Ling. "Classmate Xie, sit down."
The people sitting around the large dining table paused in their work.
Gu Yiyu looked at her, frowned impatiently, and lowered his voice, saying, "Lian Yi, what kind of trouble are you trying to pull now?"
This is one of the reasons why he dislikes Lian Yi.
From childhood to adulthood, she has been extremely spoiled and domineering, often acting and speaking without regard for the occasion. Yet, she has a way of making adults smile with her words. Do they really not know her reputation or are they pretending not to know it?
Finally, I'll add, "Look how well-behaved Lianyi's little girl is!"
It's so annoying; he has no idea how many scapegoats he's been forced to take the blame for.
Thinking about the suggestive words he had just heard in the tea room, Gu Yiyu felt even more irritated.
Aunt Zhao said in a low voice, "Yiyu, how dare you talk to Lianyi like that? You're all classmates. What's wrong with who sits where? This classmate, please sit down."
She smiled kindly at Xie Ling.
Lian Yi raised an eyebrow at him and tilted her head to indicate, "Sit down."
Xie Ling pursed her lips, lowered her eyes, and sat down.
"Wangjianglou's Cantonese cuisine is quite good; the ingredients are all air-freighted in daily." Lian Yi smiled as she waited for him to sit down beside her, "You're too thin; you need to eat more to nourish your body."
"..."
The people at the table remained expressionless, only exchanging glances.
Mr. Gu glanced at Mrs. Gu across from him, then smiled at Mr. Lian, who was expressionless.
While the waiters filed in to serve the dishes, Gu's mother smiled and said, "You really have changed a lot as you grow up. Lianyi is becoming more and more caring."
Mother Lian sat upright, her hands clasped lightly on her lower abdomen, and said modestly, "Her? She just thinks it's fun to act like a little adult. How could she possibly take care of anyone? She's quite independent, though. These past few years, her father and I have been flying around everywhere, busy as can be..."
"That's enough."
Gu's mother looked at Lian Yi with an approving smile. When she met Lian Yi's clear, smiling eyes, she paused and said, "Girls should mature early. Look at my daughter, she's always running around playing. Who can control her?"
At this moment, Gu's father suddenly spoke up, "When Yiyu was little, he always followed Lianyi around. I think Lianyi can control him."
He seemed to suddenly become interested and said to Lian's father with a smile, "Old Lian, how about our two families become in-laws?"
"Clang, clang, clang..."
Originally, Gu Yiyu was bored as he listened to their blatant commercial praise of Lian Yi. He held the bowl and turned it around with a bored expression, admiring the patterns on the bowl. He found it more interesting to look at the patterns on the bowl than to listen to their nonsense.
Upon hearing Gu's father utter those words, he loosened his grip, and the white porcelain bowl shattered on the table and rolled to the ground.
The quality is quite good; it spun around for a while with a clattering sound before finally falling upside down on the ground without breaking.
Gu Yiyu looked completely bewildered and stood up abruptly. "Dad, what are you saying?!"
Lian Yi smiled, glanced at him, and then looked away. Xie Ling didn't react at all, but Xu Qingyao, who was next to him, quietly clenched the tablecloth under the table.
"sit down!"
Mr. Gu's smile faded slightly, and his eyes darkened. "You're an adult now, yet you still can't keep your composure in front of your uncles and aunts."
"No..." Gu Yiyu's mind was in turmoil. He vaguely sensed that his parents and Lian Yi's parents had this in mind.
But he didn't expect it to come so quickly.
Although Lian Decheng's face was expressionless, his eyes softened. He raised his hand to quell the tension, saying, "It's good that young people are impatient; that's what gives them drive. Gu Ming, you're just too controlling of your child."
“I watched Yiyu grow up. If I were to entrust Lianyi to him, I’m not afraid you’ll laugh at me, but I’m completely at ease.”
The smile on Gu's father's face grew wider, as if his earlier reprimand of Gu Yiyu had never happened, and no one paid attention to Gu Yiyu, who stood there with a look of confusion and shock.
"What's so funny? I'm overjoyed. My old man adores Lian Yi. If he knew he'd have a granddaughter-in-law like her, he'd be much less likely to scold me when I go back to see him for the New Year."
The two ladies did not join their conversation, but instead chatted quietly with smiles on their faces, occasionally glancing at Lian Yi and Gu Yiyu.
"Did you see that?"
As Xie Ling was observing this scene with a cold eye, she suddenly heard Lian Yi's soft whisper as she leaned closer.
A slightly warm breeze tickled his ear and brushed against his neck along with the sound. He subconsciously moved aside and looked at Lian Yi with a puzzled expression.
"Do you know how long it's been since I last saw my parents?" Lian Yi ignored his aloof reaction and said to him in a low voice, "It's been three months, and I've had to get used to days like this since I can remember."
"But when I saw my parents again after so long, they didn't care about me at all."
"They chatted and laughed, and just like that, they decided my future with another person."
Lian Yi looked up at him, her clear amber pupils lingering for a few seconds, reflecting Xie Ling's cold face. She said directly, "I'm a little sad, Xie Ling."
"..."
What does this have to do with him?
Xie Ling did not deny that this was the thought that popped into her mind for a moment.
But looking at Lian Yi's somewhat fragile expression, it was like a cat he had when he was a child, thinking no one was home, so it lay on the windowsill staring blankly out the window. Its fluffy and cute profile made him feel that loneliness and desolation.
Xie Ling suddenly realized that Lian Yi wasn't actually as bad as she had thought.
Her actions these past two days have indeed made him feel extremely resistant.
But without her help, her father's illness would never have been like this, where he could simply wait for the surgery without worrying about the overwhelming costs that would have crushed the family.
The things she did, the words she said, and her smug smile after successfully mocking or playing pranks flashed through my mind.
It's like a quirky child who craves attention and care but stubbornly refuses to let others discover their feelings.
Xie Ling paused, her voice lowered and slightly hoarse, her tone hesitant, as if she were unaccustomed to comforting people, clumsy and powerless.
"Don't be sad."
At this moment, Gu Yiyu, as if just coming to his senses, suddenly nudged Lian Yi, "Say something!"
He couldn't imagine himself being tied to Lian Yi. The fact that both sets of parents dared to make this clear in this setting meant that they had already discussed it beforehand.
The strategic cooperation that may have started as a result has been negotiated in several rounds.
Gu Yiyu knew better than anyone that even though the two sets of parents in front of him seemed kind and friendly, and would occasionally cast approving and smiling glances at him and Lian Yi, it was all for naught.
But when it came time for the two groups to collaborate, his and her opinions became the most insignificant trifles.
"Are you sure you want me to say it?" Lian Yi was interrupted halfway through her performance, clicked her tongue impatiently, and looked up at him.
Gu Yiyu frowned and retorted, "Otherwise what? Or do you really want to marry me?"
He resisted the feeling of being arranged, so he looked down at Lian Yi seriously and said, word by word, what he thought would provoke Lian Yi to stand on the same side as him.
"Lian Yi, I know very well what kind of person you are. I can never be with you in this lifetime."
"They may praise you without being blind, but I could never be attracted to an arrogant woman who bullies others. Do you dare tell my parents about what you've done?"
As he spoke, it was as if he had found the perfect reason to resist: "Do they know that the daughter-in-law they praise to the skies is a spoiled brat even worse than their son?"
Although he spoke in a low voice, the four parents sitting opposite him stopped talking and looked at him.
The others could easily sense the awkwardness and subtly cold atmosphere between them.
But does it matter?
Gu's mother smiled and said, "The children have their own things to say, so let's not interfere."
"...Let's arrange their engagement first. This is Old Lian's turn. Don't laugh at me, a good daughter-in-law must be arranged first!" Father Gu raised his wine glass, his smile becoming more hearty.
Gu Yiyu saw that even after saying all this, Lian Yi was still quietly watching him.
Despite feeling inexplicably flustered, the current situation caused his already rebellious nature to rebound even more strongly.
He decided to go directly to his parents. After all, he had disobeyed them quite a few times over the years, so he was willing to go back and get a beating. In short, he would never agree to such an outrageous thing as getting engaged to Lian Yi.
Forcing himself to ignore those clear, bright eyes, Gu Yiyu took a deep breath.
"Uncle Gu, Aunt Zhao."
Lian Yi smiled, raised her glass, and stood up.
The four parents, chatting and laughing in a harmonious atmosphere, all had smiles on their faces and turned their attention to the young couple standing together.
They're such a perfect match, so well-suited.
Just like the strategic cooperation that their two groups are about to embark on, it's a perfect match.
"What's wrong, Lianyi?" Aunt Zhao's eyes were warm and caring, and her well-maintained face was radiant with a polite smile.
Lian Yi glanced at Gu Yiyu beside her, met his gaze, and smiled slightly.
This guy's words were certainly unpleasant to hear, but it was indeed her turn to perform.
This exchange of glances brought a wave of satisfaction to the four parents.
So Gu's father chuckled indulgently and teased, "Lianyi, if you have anything to say, don't be shy. If you have any complaints about Gu Yiyu, just tell Uncle Gu, and Uncle will teach this kid a lesson for you."
"No, no."
Lian Yi looked obedient and said, "Gu Yiyu has a simple and straightforward personality, and I have no problem with him at all."
Good-natured laughter followed.
Gu Yiyu looked at her in confusion, his eyes filled with undisguised shock.
He couldn't help but have an outrageous thought: Could it be that Lian Yi was actually not opposed to their engagement?
It shouldn't be like this...
She often mocked him, and in her eyes, he was like a stupid dog. Gu Yiyu immediately dismissed this idea.
Lian Yi paused, then sighed, "Uncle and Aunt, you really gave me a huge surprise. Why didn't my parents tell me?"
That's right.
Before the other person could speak, she tilted her head slightly, looking troubled.
"Xie Ling is not only my new deskmate, but also... my boyfriend."
Lian Yi blinked, her slightly rounded eyes looking intently at the middle-aged men whose smiles had become somewhat stiff, and said, "My last-minute decision to switch classes was also for his sake..."
As she said this, Lian Yi glanced down at Xie Ling, who was looking up at her. Xie Ling, who was usually expressionless, showed a hint of surprise on her face, and her eyes were filled with astonishment.
Lian Yi smiled, looking every bit the part of someone confidently and yet somewhat shy as she spoke to her parents about her private matters.
In the silent, spacious restaurant, she continued speaking, disregarding the plight of everyone else.
"But I can feel your love for me, Uncle and Aunt. If I just refuse what you've been hoping for, it will not only hurt your feelings, but I don't think my parents would agree either."
Upon hearing this, the expressions of both Lian's parents and Gu's parents, which had been gradually fading, warmed up considerably.
"so……"
Lian Yi's voice was clear and crisp as she smiled at them. "I'm willing to get engaged to Gu Yiyu, but I don't want to break up with him either. Anyway, there are still a few years before we get married, so why not get engaged first? My relationship with Xie Ling might break up eventually."
"If all else fails, I believe he'd be willing to compromise for my sake."
Lian Yi glanced at her father's ashen face and sighed inwardly at how even the richest man in Yunhai could be so impatient. But she still looked down at Xie Ling and said affectionately, "Darling, I'm sorry to have wronged you."
"Creak..."
The sickening sound of a fork tearing through the tablecloth and leaving a scratch on the tabletop rang out.
When Xu Qingyao saw that everyone's eyes were on her, her face paled and she lowered her head weakly.
Just then, Lian Decheng slammed his hand on the table and shouted, "Nonsense!"
"dad."
Lian Yi frowned in displeasure, then gently patted Xie Ling's shoulder soothingly, saying with concern, "You scared him."
Sure enough, the warm touch under my hand instantly became tense and stiff.
Xie Ling had considered what bad intentions Lian Yi might have in inviting him to dinner tonight.
But he never imagined that something like this would happen.
Xie Ling frowned, wanting to explain. He was willing to endure any teasing from Lian Yi, but this was no longer something he could do recklessly.
"Listen to what you're saying! Huh? You have no manners at all! If your Uncle Gu and Aunt Zhao saw this, they'd think I have no manners at home! No matter how much trouble you caused before, your mother and I always spoiled you. Did we spoil you so much that you became lawless?!"
When Lian Decheng first went into business, he built his current career with his courage and determination. He has always been a man of his word.
All the self-cultivation I've cultivated over the years has been shattered by Lian Yi's words.
He didn't care what Gu Qingqiu thought; what mattered was that the engagement arrangements discussed by the two families couldn't be disrupted.
Upon hearing this outburst, Xie Ling clearly felt the hand that had been gently stroking his shoulder suddenly grip hard. He saw Lian Yi looking down into his eyes.
Her slightly round eyes, which were always smiling, were now looking at me with an expressionless expression.
Is it really true that there are no emotions?
Xie Ling closed his eyes, and for a moment, he didn't even know what he wanted to do.
"Dad, don't be angry." Lian Yi let out a breath that only she and Xie Ling could hear, and when she looked up again, her smile was sweet.
"Anyway, we're rich, so what's wrong with supporting one more person? Besides, Gu Yiyu clearly doesn't like me. I'm just going to switch to a 'we're doing our own thing' mode sooner rather than later."
She smiled and said earnestly, "I really hope to bring about a marriage between our two families, which is why I'm being so frank with you, Uncle and Aunt. You won't blame me, will you?"
Open your heart and soul...
For a moment, Gu Qingqiu couldn't help but feel a sense of relief when she looked at her son again. This kid was rebellious as he always was.
There has never been a time when we were so open and honest with each other.
Gu Yiyu was dumbfounded. He felt a dull unease as he saw Lian Yi protecting Xie Ling.
He had never been treated so kindly since he was a child. Or rather, whenever Lian Yi gave him a friendly smile, she was full of malice and had already planned how to trick him.
Moreover… Gu Yiyu opened his mouth, wanting to explain that even if he didn’t like Lian Yi, he would never do something like each of them going their own way.
Until Lian Yi suddenly turned her head and glanced at him.
"Useless trash, shut up."
Sure enough, she was faking it all! Enraged, Gu Yiyu ignored being called a good-for-nothing, turned his face away, and refused to say another word.
After Lian Yi finished her speech, which disregarded the well-being of everyone present, she sat down contentedly, seemingly oblivious to the oppressive and awkward undercurrents at the table, and picked up her chopsticks to eat.
Under Lian Decheng's watchful gaze, who was twitching between the eyebrows, he placed a piece of ginseng chicken on Xie Ling's plate.
"You're too thin." Lian Yi looked at his chest and abdomen with heartache. "Eat more and get some nutrition."
"..."
Fortunately, both sets of parents were worldly and experienced people who seemed to have never experienced what had just happened.
The two men chatted about current events over drinks, offering little commentary, while the women discussed their predictions for recent business developments and mentioned a foreign orchestra that had recently gained immense popularity, with tickets for their concerts being extremely difficult to obtain. They said they definitely wanted to arrange to go and listen to their performance sometime.
As for the engagement, there's no rush.
After the meal, it seemed that no one except Lian Yi could taste the flavor.
"Lian Yi, how did you come up with those words just now?"
In the quiet corridor, the atmosphere among the group was no longer as harmonious as before. Several young people trailed behind at a distance. Gu Yiyu felt that he had temporarily escaped the crisis of being assigned a fate, and without learning his lesson, he went up to Lian Yi and asked her a question.
"think?"
Lian Yi glanced at him with a strange expression, as if she couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Gu Yiyu, if your fiancé is you, those words just now would come out of your mouth without you even thinking. You don't really think you're the only one who opposes this marriage, do you?"
She laughed mockingly, "The thought of marrying a brainless and incompetent rich kid like you, whose only reassurance is that he doesn't start a business but squanders his wealth, makes me feel worse than if I killed him."
"For example."
Lian Yi looked at his darkening face and smiled. "I have the courage to tell them in front of them that Xie Ling is my boyfriend, while you are just a pathetic wretch who secretly likes someone but doesn't dare to express your feelings, and in the end, you watch that person go abroad to study."
"You don't really think that just because you don't want to accept it, you can be compared to me, do you?"
"When will you learn to use your brain when you speak, instead of daring to talk back to your parents just because you're their only son?"
Lian Yi admitted that she held grudges, and what the kid had just said was indeed part of her plan.
But it is indeed unpleasant to hear.
Xie Ling glanced at the furious Gu Yiyu, his expression remaining calm and indifferent. He felt that Lian Yi's words were not wrong.
The manager of Wangjianglou escorted the two big shots, their equally important wives, and several young masters and ladies all the way to the gate. The driver had been waiting quietly by the car for some time.
"That's all for now, Mr. Lian. Let's get together again next time." Gu Qingqiu's smile was flawless, and even though he smelled of alcohol, he still looked very refined.
Lian Decheng nodded expressionlessly, "It's settled then. I'll treat next time, so please don't refuse, Mr. Gu."
"Haha! No way!"
"..."
"Yiyu, aren't you getting in the car?" Gu's mother, holding onto the car door, suddenly turned to look at her son, whose face was full of awkwardness.
Lian Decheng looked at his wife, and Lian's mother, understanding his meaning, called out to Lian Yi, "It's time to go home."
"Mom and Dad, you should go back first." Lian Yi gave them a sweet smile.
"What are you going to do now?" Whether it was because the sky was dark or the lighting in Wangjiang Tower was not good, Lian Decheng's face was gloomy.
Lian's mother pursed her delicate red lips, her smile not very obvious, but her voice was still gentle, "Lian Yi, don't make your father angry. It's late, let's talk about it when we get home."
"Let Xu Qingyao go back with you first," Lian Yi said with a smile. "Xie Ling came here with me specially, but he's not familiar with this area, so I'll see him off."
Even the usually elegant and composed mother showed a hint of anger.
Fortunately, the Gu family's car was quite sensible and drove away first.
Lian Decheng, mindful of the busy entrance, glanced at Xu Qingyao and said in a deep voice, "Lian Yi drank too much tonight, why don't you go and help her into the car?"
Xu Qingyao was stunned for a moment, but her feet seemed to be nailed to the ground and she didn't move.
"Don't make things difficult for her, Dad." Lian Yi waved her hand dismissively, unconcerned about her parents' angry faces. "You know what I'm going to do, and no one can stop me. That's it. I'll be home later."
"If you dare to leave, I'll cancel all your cards right now. You won't be able to use a single penny of the family's money, and you won't be able to borrow anything from the family!"
Lian Decheng was completely enraged and shouted at his daughter who had turned around.
"It would be best if you left me a card, otherwise I won't have money for a taxi home."
His response was Lian Yi's unwavering departure, pulling Xie Ling away, and her indifferent words that faded into the wind.
All that was left was his mother, who helplessly patted his violently heaving chest, and Xu Qingyao, who was at a loss for how to react to all of this.
-
The streets are bustling and lively at night, with couples walking hand in hand, families strolling and playing, and friends traveling together.
One person after another makes up this bustling scene.
Xie Ling remained walking behind Lian Yi.
Looking at that seemingly relaxed and carefree figure, he suddenly realized that ever since he started getting to know Lian Yi, she always liked to walk ahead of everyone else.
Just like her personality, she is assertive, domineering, and doesn't care whether others can keep up with her pace.
What kind of person is she exactly?
Xie Ling lowered his eyes. Contrary to most people's opinions of her, he had always had a very good impression of Lian Yi.
He trusts his own judgment more than others' subjective descriptions.
Admittedly, Lian Yi's assertive attitude and ambiguous words trampled on his self-esteem, but the truth is that on that night at Qinghe Club, it was she who came to his rescue and helped that girl avoid being violated.
She was also the one who solved the only difficulty for her father's surgery.
Her various behaviors are simply the result of the influence of her family, which has made her the way she can only obtain what she thinks is happiness through incorrect but effective means.
Thinking of Lian Yi's father's behavior just now, and the fact that the adults at the dinner table didn't care about Lian Yi and Gu Yiyu's wishes at all, they naturally decided to decide the future of the two of them.
"..."
Xie Ling glanced at the surroundings, which had become quiet at some point. While his mind was filled with a bunch of thoughts, Lian Yi led him to a small park where there were hardly any people.
There seemed to be a person lying on a bench not far away, who looked like a homeless person.
“Lian Yi…” Xie Ling frowned slightly. Places like this with little lighting and no surveillance are very dangerous at night.
But as soon as he called out her name, he saw the relatively petite figure in front of him suddenly sit down on the bench he was passing by, cover her face with her hands, lower her head, and shrug her shoulders slightly.
"you……"
Xie Ling paused, hesitated for a moment, then walked over and stood in front of her.
The icy look that had always graced the boy's cool and aloof eyes gradually melted away without him even noticing.
He opened his mouth, looking somewhat clumsy, and listening to the faint sobs, this boy, who had almost never comforted anyone before, finally slowly squatted down and whispered, "You did nothing wrong."
Perhaps the method was wrong, or perhaps the words were too harsh.
But there is nothing wrong with rebelling for one's own sake.
"Xie Ling, can you hug me?" The voice, muffled and squeezed out from between her fingers, was softer than Lian Yi had ever been in front of him.
Xie Ling was slightly taken aback, and even instinctively leaned back slightly.
He knew he shouldn't be making such assumptions, but he still looked at the girl, who was huddled up on the bench, with a hint of suspicion.
"Never mind, you must hate me too," she said sullenly.
also……
Xie Ling pursed her lips. Perhaps when people are at night, their emotions are more likely to overwhelm their rationality, or perhaps there are various other reasons.
He lowered his eyes slightly, concealing the change in his expression, knelt on one knee, and reached out to gently embrace the girl.
"Don't be sad, everyone can have... um..."
He chose to embrace her from a distance, and before he could finish his words of comfort, the girl in his arms quietly reached her hand to his lower back and then pulled him forcefully.
"Lian Yi...you..."
Xie Ling was so flustered that her speech became disordered, and the boy tilted his head back and turned to one side.
"Go on, I'll just give you a hug." Lian Yi sighed, her eyes crinkling in his arms, though her voice still carried a faint hint of a sob.
Boys' high school, oh, young, passionate youth!
It's a pity it's not winter; this body temperature is strangely hot. It would be really hot to hug her in the middle of summer.
Xie Ling couldn't bring himself to say it. He clenched his hand, which was inexplicably damp, but ultimately didn't push the person away.
"...When you have something, you inevitably lose something...Lianyi, your hand..." The boy's cool voice seemed to be tinged with embarrassment and annoyance.
"Oh, the metal ornaments on this belt are digging into me. I'm just moving it. It wasn't on purpose."
"..."
"Go on, I feel comforted."
Xie Ling paused, then let out a soft breath, "Actually, I envy you a lot, not because of your family background, but because you seem so proud and able to do whatever you want..."
The next second, the boy's voice was no longer calm and collected, but filled with anger and embarrassment.
"This dress has no ornaments on the chest!"
"puff."
Lian Yi finally couldn't hold back any longer. She let go of his hand, and sure enough, Xie Ling quickly got up and took a few steps back as if he couldn't avoid it.
Her cheeks flushed from laughing, and tears almost welled up in her eyes.
He leaned back lazily against the bench, admiring the annoyed expression on the boy's handsome face.
Lian Yi's voice was tinged with laughter, "Xie Ling, how can you be so easily fooled?"
"I have such rich parents, guess what I'm going to lose?"
"Compared to families who toil away all day for just a little money, only to be crushed by that little bit of money in the end, do you really think I care about not receiving my parents' love?"
She watched as the anger on Xie Ling's face gradually subsided, replaced by a cold demeanor.
"They love me so much, I can't even remember how many pieces of jewelry I own. Even Xu Qingyao wears designer shoes when she's weeding. Why do you think I should be sad?"
She's a fake heiress; a fake is a fake, and it will never become real.
Perhaps she had some unrealistic expectations, but ultimately she couldn't resist the influence of the plot. She could feel that their love was ultimately separated by an inexplicable distance.
Perhaps their sincere feelings belong only to the real heiress.
Just like Xie Ling, just like Gu Yiyu, and everything she has now.
Lian Yi blinked, tilted her head to look at him, then her eyes slightly rounded and curved into a puzzled "hmm".
"Okay, I understand."
Xie Ling felt her heart, which had been beating erratically, calm down. Her expression was indifferent, and her tone was icy. "I was naive and presumptuous."
He lowered his gaze slightly. "If there's nothing else, I'll be going now."
Without waiting for Lian Yi's consent, the boy turned and left.
After walking only a few steps, he suddenly said in a low voice, "I am indeed not familiar with this area, but I know very well how to read bus routes."
"..."
Lian Yi watched him walk away, his tall figure gradually swallowed by the night, and finally disappeared from sight.
Her slightly rounded eyes were still half-curled, but the corners of her mouth no longer turned up.
He simply stretched and thought to himself with great emotion—
Ah, another day of successfully playing the villainous supporting character.
Lian Yi closed her eyes and thought about the outline of the upcoming plot. Suddenly, she thought of something. Her father would definitely not just talk about stopping her from using the card. He would also order his subordinates not to listen to any of her orders.
I haven't booked my flight to Feihe City yet!
Since she couldn't get reimbursed and never carried cash, it meant that Xiaohao had to pay for the expense. Lianyi couldn't help but clutch her chest; she was truly heartbroken and felt a pang of pain.
Even a small mosquito bite is still meat. If Xiaoxiao saves every penny, this 1,000 or 2,000 yuan is enough for more than a month's living expenses!
Suddenly, Lian Yi keenly sensed someone approaching her.
The footsteps were light, but the sound of breathing was not easily ignored in this quiet little park.
She frowned, but then relaxed a lot when she realized there were no security cameras around.
Whoever it is, if they happen to be in her bad mood, don't blame her for using the fighting skills she shared with her alternate account on him.
Lian Yi adjusted her breathing, quietly changed to a posture suitable for exerting force, and suddenly opened her eyes the moment the other person approached.
Why did you come back?
She was somewhat surprised. She rolled up the metal wire she had pulled from the bracelet, took the bracelet off, and casually stuffed it into her pocket. Her expressionless face quickly turned into a smiling one.
"Don't you know the way? Or do you feel like you haven't been hugged enough?"
For a fleeting moment, Xie Ling regretted her decision to return in the end.
He turned his face away, his expression cold. "It's not safe here. No matter what you think, I can't irresponsibly leave you here alone."
"oh--"
This time, Lian Yi didn't tease him anymore. She obediently stood up, walked past him, and went outside.
Xie Ling paused slightly, her gaze falling on a figure on a bench not far away who seemed to have not moved, but the slippers under the bench had somehow become scattered here and there.
He glanced at Lian Yi's back, who seemed carefree and nonchalant, but ultimately said nothing. He strode off to catch up with her, who had already walked quite a distance away.
'Hey, this kid's not getting it.'
Lian Yi put her hands behind her back, frowning as she pondered in her heart.
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