Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“Qi Chengzhi brought Song Yu to meet the family. And because of that, there was a confrontation with his dad. Even I got kicked out of the house by Xia Wenna because they didn"t want outsiders eavesdropping,” Yu Keyao cried. Her bubbling anger compelled her to spill the beans on the drama that happened in the Qi house.

“Song Yu must have known that we were on a matchmaking session at Dynasty that day and decided to interrupt. I should"ve known there was something going on between them.” Hackles raised, Yu Keyao looked as if she wanted to claw at the walls while picturing Song Yu"s face as the target.

“She"s vile, that girl. First, she gets engaged with the younger brother and now she dates the elder brother. Does she have no shame?” the pitch of her voice climbed steadily.

“Hold your horses,” Liang Lihua placated her. “Did you see the Qi family"s reaction to this news?”

“Well, they objected of course!” Yu Keyao rambled on, “If word got out, they would be the laughing stock of high society. One woman with both brothers. If the Qi family had any sense, they will never agree to the relations.h.i.+p—even commonfolk would disapprove of such practice. From being the wife of one son to the other, imagine the tension and stress it will bring to the family if they got married.”

“Then, doesn"t that work in your favor? The family will never accept her. They just need some time to separate Qi Chengzhi from Song Yu. Just be patient. Xia Wenna personally picked you. Clearly, she sees you as a match for her son. Without the family"s approval, Song Yu will never amount to much. If she continues to stay by Qi Chengzhi"s side, she"ll only be losing her dignity with nothing to be gained.”

“Now, we"ll just watch from the sidelines. The witch has been served on a platter for the Qi family. While this is a minor roadblock for you, the same can"t be said for the Qi family. They will not let Song Yu win this,” Liang Lihua surmised. Who knew that even after her family"s financial downfall, Song Yu was still the center point of drama and scandal.

“Ugh! But I don"t get it, why her? Looks-wise, we"re equal but I"m younger than her and I come from a much better family. So why does Qi Chengzhi like her and not me?” Yu Keyao said with resentment. “Qi Chengzhi doesn"t even bat an eyelash at me. He probably rushed off to bring Song Yu over because he saw me in the house. The whole time they were holding hands and being all lovey-dovey.”

“She"s worth nothing. All she has is her pretentious moral high ground and fake values. Disgusting, that"s what she is,” Yu Keyao said in a shrill tone. The sight of Qi Chengzhi protectively holding Song Yu"s hand made her quake with anger.

Liang Lihua patted her hand and turned to Yu Zidong, “After the bankruptcy, we cut ties with them to avoid negative a.s.sociations. Did you follow up on where they moved to?”

“No. We weren"t on speaking terms so I figured there was no point.”

“Go look into it.” Liang Lihua"s attention turned back to Yu Keyao, “Let"s not be hasty and go straight to the Song family. If the Qi family found out, they would think bad of us. Only when the situation turns dire will we pay them a visit.”

Yu Zidong nodded, “Well, that didn"t take too long. Song Yu is now in charge of the design for Qilin"s hotel project. It"s quite a huge deal.”

“As long as Song Yu doesn"t marry Qi Chengzhi. If she does gain the Qi family"s wealth and power, the Song family might decide to take revenge on us for abandoning them during the bankruptcy.” Liang Lihua chewed on her lip, “I don"t want to see her snide, victorious face. Once Keyao marries into the Qi family, they"ll have no other avenues.”

A heavy breath was exhaled by Yu Zidong as he said, “We need to stop them on all fronts. Keyao"s marriage to Qi Chengzhi will bring us many privileges and deny the Song family of any. We led the decision to kick Yu Qianyin out of the family. If she wanted revenge, we will most definitely be the number one target.”

Liang Lihua gently rubbed Yu Keyao"s arm to rea.s.sure her, “Don"t worry. Dad and mom will take care of this. With our family background and finances, a downtrodden girl like Song Yu is no compet.i.tion.”

Yu Keyao clenched her jaw and said, “I will not lose to Song Yu.”

On Monday, Song Yu expected Ruan Danchen to be the first person to pester her about her Valentine"s celebration. However, as she placed her bag down, the new architect in their firm ran over to her desk.

“Song Yu, I saw your WeChat Moments. Was that your Valentine"s gift from your boyfriend?”

Song Yu sat down and looked appraisingly at Yang Yunshu. Although a smile graced her face, Song Yu did not feel the sincerity behind it. In fact, Yang Yunshu"s question sounded a bit probing.

She had learned to read people during business dealings. Yang Yunshu"s facade did not fool her.

Song Yu gave her a polite smile and nodded. She proceeded to switch on her computer, acting as if she was going to start work. Despite her efforts, Yang Yunshu stayed at her desk, “So many flowers was in such a big greenhouse. Your boyfriend must be quite rich. What does he work as?”

“Just an ordinary white-collar worker. He"s in a related field as us,” Song Yu replied apathetically.

“Oh? He must be pretty high up.” Yang Yunshu leaned over her monitor and lowered her head, “How did you meet him? Is he local? You probably meet a lot of bosses when you"re talking business. Was that how you two met? Last Friday you received that giant bouquet of blue roses. Seems like you have a lot of suitors. Anyone suitable that you can introduce to me?”

“I"m new around here, so I don"t really have many clients. Maybe you can bring me along when you"re dining with some clients?” the woman suggested giddily. “That way I can meet some potential suitors.”

Song Yu peered at her questioningly, “Don"t you have a boyfriend?”

“Ah. He"s just a potential suitor. He hails from beyond the city with a monthly income of ten thousand yuan. You can"t even afford a toilet in B city with that kind of pay. His family background is average at best. Plus, my family is also not local. If my boyfriend has a similar financial status as me, how will he support my expenses here?”

“I figured in our line of work, we get to meet those high-ranking managers and directors. Who knows, I might meet a suitable partner,” Yang Yunshu said and chuckled as if they were best friends chatting about their personal lives. “Do you know any bachelors with good criteria?”

Truth be told, Song Yu did know a bunch of eligible bachelors. Those men in the 8×8=64 group were some of the most eligible bachelors in the city.

The real question was, ‘Was Yang Yunshu up to par?"

“My usual clients that have their own businesses are mostly in their fifties, with sons and daughters, and some even have grandchildren. If they took a liking to you, you"d be their mistress at most. They won"t abandon their families for a mistress so you"ll just be a fling for them. You"re okay with that?” Song Yu challenged.

“Moreover, their children would never allow a mistress to b.u.t.t into matters such as the family inheritance. How long would you last as a mistress? Do you think you"ll get a house? A car? That"s just a fantasy. When you"re old, you"ll have nothing to your name then.”

“Most of the young bachelors here are non-locals toiling for the future. With the current property prices, even local bachelors wouldn"t be able to afford a house. Instead of prioritizing money, why not just be with someone you love and work hard together. You want to find a rich husband, you think his family isn"t looking for a daughter-in-law of high standards as well? ”

A shadow pa.s.sed Yang Yunshu"s face, “Song Yu if you don"t want to help me, just say it. You don"t have to justify yourself. I have a good job and a good face, why can"t I find a good husband? Do you think only you can find a good suitor? Just because I"m asking you for help, that doesn"t give you the right to look down on me.”

The woman huffed angrily and eyed the ring on Song Yu"s finger. “Your boyfriend is probably not that rich anyway, judging from that shoddy excuse of a ring.”

With those parting words, Yang Yunshu stomped back to her own desk.

Song Yu feared no reprisal, hence the words were spoken in all honesty. Qi Chengzhi"s blasé att.i.tude had rubbed off on her and she no longer felt the need to navigate each conversation with utmost caution. She could shed the pretenses and vain formalities that were unnoticed by her until today.

If there was something she did not like, she would just say it out loud.

Perhaps she had placed emphasis on the wrong things while advising Yang Yunshu, which made her uncomfortable so she ended up accusing her of being arrogant.

If she was a person worthy of a recommendation, Song Yu would not hesitate to help her.

However, her blind ambition for money was a clear warning sign.

“What"s with her today?” Song Yu whispered into Ruan Danchen"s ear.

Ruan Danchen shook her head, “Triggered by your WeChat Moments. She was in a good mood on the morning of Valentine"s Day until you got that bouquet of flowers. Then, at night, with that huge greenhouse filled with flowers. Let"s just say she"s not the type who knows how to be happy for others. A cla.s.sic green-eyed monster, so just ignore her.”

Ruan Danchen side-eyed Song Yu, “That Valentine"s WeChat Moment, was it posted by Qi Chengzhi?”

The post seemed a tad too showy for Song Yu. It resembled that other post she made when Song Yu was in Hong Kong. Through logical deduction, Ruan Danchen guessed that such a move could only come from Qi Chengzhi.

Seeing Song Yu speechless and red in the face confirmed her theory. Ruan Danchen clicked her tongue and said, “Can you convince him to keep a low profile? You might just offend everyone in the company with all this public display of affection.”

‘Luckily I managed to hold him back yesterday."

When Song Yu got off work, a call from Qi Chengzhi informed her that he was waiting for her across the office street.

Now, Song Yu did not bother to hide their relations.h.i.+p. The news had already spread like fire on her social media, so what was the point of hiding.

She got into the car. Qi Chengzhi did not drive off towards the direction of Viewpark Residence, which prompted Song Yu to ask, “Where are we going?”

“Today is Wei Ziwei"s son"s hundredth-day banquet. It"s a private occasion with only their family, so they called a few of us close friends for dinner at the Red Roof Club,” Qi Chengzhi answered. “The two Wei family children and Youxuan will be there, along with my other bachelor friends.”

The last time when they had breakfast at Dynasty, Song Yu had just started her relations.h.i.+p with Qi Chengzhi. She was still awkward about the situation and thus, did not chat much with Wei Ran.

As the host and hostess of the event, Wei Ziwei and Wei Ran were already at Red Roof Club, and they had booked the usual room. Qi Chengzhi mentioned that the room was specially reserved for Yan Beicheng and his friends. Every gathering they had in Red Roof Club was held in this room.

At this gathering, there were two men that she had never personally meet before, Wei Ziqian and Han Zhuoli. Another two of their friends could not make it due to work and sent presents ahead.

When Song Yu arrived with Qi Chengzhi, little Muran was collecting red packets for her baby brother. Muran held a sizeable stack of them in her small hands. The red packets appeared to be thin but Song Yu speculated that a check laid in each one.

These men were generous with their wealth and would give gift money that would not fit in the flimsy red packet if presented in cash.

Qi Youxuan eagerly trailed behind little Muran. His eyes gleamed as he watched the bountiful red packets in Muran"s hands. “How much money? How much? Let me count!”

Muran gave him a judgmental look before handing the neatly-stacked pile of red packets to her mother.

The slight made Qi Youxuan huff and run to his father. His meaty hands tugged at Qi Chenglin"s arms forcefully, “Dad, when it"s my birthday next month, can we invite all the uncles for my party too?”

Qi Chenglin stayed silent.

Qi Chenglin"s silence forced Qi Youxuan to take matters into his own hands. He turned around and announced to the whole room, “To all the uncles in this room, next month is my birthday and you"re all invited to my party!”

“Your son is quite the money-grubber. Whom does he take after?” Wei Ziqian said while munching on sunflower seeds.

The presence of children today prevented the adults from breaking out the cigarettes. Hence, some junk food was prepared to stave off the addiction.

Qi Chenglin chuckled lightly and pulled his son to his side on the couch. “I, myself, am curious as to whom he takes after.”

Qi Youxuan only stayed on the couch for a moment. When Song Yu walked in, he shouted animatedly, “Auntie!”

He wiggled down the couch to go to her but was held back by his dad. Qi Chenglin pulled his son into his lap and made him sit still. Did Qi Youxuan not see that his eldest uncle was not in the mood to deal with him?

Unable to escape his dad"s grasp, Qi Youxuan took out a lollipop from his pocket and unwrapped it with his chubby fingers. The sound attracted Han Zhuoli.

“Little one, do you have another lollipop?” The ban on smoking was making him eat way too much junk food for his comfort. He figured a lollipop would keep his mouth occupied with a lower calorific sacrifice.

“This is the only one. My dad doesn"t let me have more than one.” Those big, innocent eyes darted between Han Zhuoli and the lollipop in hand. His mind made up, Qi Youxuan was willing to die protecting the lollipop from this uncle.

From across the room, Qi Chengzhi"s eyesight swept past his young nephew. He tugged on Song Yu"s hand and led her further away from Qi Youxuan. He did not need his nephew interfering in his relations.h.i.+p with Song Yu.

Song Yu had met his friends on multiple occasions. While not on familiar terms, she looked to be more at ease now. Only Han Zhuoli and Wei Ziqian were unfamiliar to her.

Song Yu did not partic.i.p.ate much in the WeChat group. She felt a bit out of place as she was not a close friend of these people and did not want to put her foot in her mouth.

Even now in this gathering, she found herself struggling to engage in conversation with these people and remained politely cautious.

In the end, Han Zhuoli and Wei Ziqian introduced themselves first. The combined effort of the two men—calling her ‘lil sis Xiao Yu" and asking about her—made Song Yu less nervous despite her reddening cheeks.

However, when she saw that Wei Ran was free, she excused herself from Qi Chengzhi and his friends.

A baby stroller stood off to the side of the room, cradling a baby boy who was just waking up to the noise of the crowd. Perhaps sensing the lack of attention, the baby opened his mouth and let out a loud cry.

Wei Ziwei rushed to the stroller and picked up his son. The baby had gained about a pound since his birth, thanks to his mother"s nutritious breast milk.

Wei Ziwei took every opportunity to let his wife rest since childbirth. These small things such as rocking his son to sleep were handled by him.

“Look at Ziwei, he"s practically a professional nanny.” Wei Ziqian turned to Qi Chengzhi and grinned slyly, eyebrows dancing, “When is it your turn?”

“I heard your family was not happy about this?” Han Zhuoli mumbled with a lollipop in his mouth. An overpriced lollipop that cost him fifty yuan. “And Song Yu"s family will probably not agree as well. The path you two chose is one of many obstacles. Might as well make it a shotgun wedding so no one can object.”

Han Zhuoli took the lollipop out and smacked his lips. “Aren"t your grandparents extremely partial towards their great-grandchildren? Especially Grandma Qi. Youxuan is spoiled rotten by her. If Song Yu had a child, your grandma would never let the kid grow up as a b.a.s.t.a.r.d child. One word and you two will be off to the altar, regardless of what your parents say.”

“Your solution is only fixing the symptom but not the cause and it"s unfair for Song Yu,” Qi Chengzhi said. His grandmother"s protection would only last so long.

If his family did not truly accept her, there would be countless ‘accidents" and ‘coincidences" to make her feel unwelcomed. Even Qi Chengzhi could not block every bullet.

Wei Ziqian let out a huff of disapproval. He reckoned the ends would justify the means but Qi Chengzhi"s overprotectiveness over Song Yu was in the way of their happy ending.

Qi Chengzhi ignored his friend. His soft gaze fell upon Song Yu, who was talking with Wei Ran.

Song Yu felt pinp.r.i.c.ks on her neck and looked up instinctively. Their eyes locked on to each other across the room.

His warm gaze made Song Yu blush and she took out her phone to text him. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

The reply came instantaneously, “Nothing much. You"re a bit far off and I couldn"t resist staring.”

His words made her heart jump with joy and her blood rushed through her veins.

“Stop staring. Later they"ll tease.” Song Yu texted back but to no avail, Han Zhuoli and Wei Ziqian were already smirking at the two of them.

Qi Chengzhi smiled and relented, turning his gaze away from Song Yu.

The room was now filled with people. Little Muran needed to pee but the ensuite toilet was occupied. Seeing Wei Ran stand, Song Yu quickly volunteered to follow the mother and daughter to the outdoor toilet. After being the b.u.t.t of Han Zhuoli and Wei Ziqian"s joke, she needed to cool off her embarra.s.sment.

Song Yu stayed at the hand was.h.i.+ng area as Wei Ran took Muran into one of the toilet cubicles. She washed her hands and stared into her reflection. There was nothing amiss.