Lu Hanling was contemplating how to help the little sweetheart move on from that past failed relationship and start a beautiful new one (like dating me, for example). Plus, Lu Hanling wasn’t flirting with Li Hui as much as he is now, so he didn’t notice the subtle shifts in Li Hui’s mood.
Li Yao, meanwhile, was lost in his own thoughts, scheming about how to exact revenge on the woman who had deceived his younger brother, behaved so shamelessly, and flirted with everyone in sight—someone he considered utterly brainless. He wanted to tear her apart to vent his brother’s anger. Even though his brother might not approve of such actions, as an elder brother, Li Yao couldn’t just stand by and let someone hurt his sibling without consequences. Thus, he too failed to notice Li Hui’s momentary discomfort.
Chu Yan did catch Li Hui’s brief unease but didn’t dwell on it, assuming it was just embarrassment over having his past misadventures exposed.
Xu Yi’an, however, thoughtfully stroked his chin, finding the unfolding situation increasingly amusing. Smirking, he decided to enjoy the show. After all, as the saying goes—the best way to get over a failed relationship is to start a new, better one.
Of course, while he was happy to watch the drama, Xu Yi’an had known Li Hui since childhood and considered him a brother. Though they were all adults now and he didn’t want to meddle in others’ affairs, that didn’t mean he’d stand idly by if Lu Hanling broke Li Hui’s heart. If that happened, he’d make sure Lu Hanling regretted it!
Even if he couldn’t confront Lu Hanling openly, he was confident he could make things difficult for him in ways no one would ever trace back to him.
The group chatted casually, passing the time in what seemed like idle conversation, but unbeknownst to them, Li Hui and Lu Hanling’s rapport and chemistry were rapidly deepening.
It started when Li Yao, as an elder brother, casually asked about Li Hui’s work. Li Hui answered earnestly, sharing his personal insights into the role he was currently playing. Lu Hanling, being a former renowned actor and now a celebrated director, naturally had impeccable acting skills. The moment Li Hui finished speaking, Lu Hanling seamlessly chimed in with his own insights—ones that were so profound Li Hui couldn’t help but be impressed.
This was like stumbling upon a treasure trove of knowledge. Li Hui had always aspired to be an outstanding actor, much like Lu Hanling had been in his prime. Now that such a golden opportunity was right in front of him, he wasn’t about to let it slip away.
Soon, the two were engrossed in conversation, their discussion growing more animated and engaging by the minute. As scions of wealthy and influential families, they shared similar upbringings, tastes, and sensibilities, which only fueled their rapport. Before long, they were so absorbed in each other’s company that the other three were all but forgotten.
Chu Yan and Xu Yi’an didn’t mind—after all, they were in the throes of their honeymoon phase (though who knew how long that would last). Being with their significant others, they never ran out of things to talk about or found themselves bored. Soon, they were wrapped up in their own little world, radiating so much romantic energy that outsiders couldn’t help but feel like intruders.
That left Li Yao as the sole victim of this lovefest, forced to endure the suffocating sweetness while fuming internally.
Glancing between his brother, who was gazing at Lu Hanling with admiration, and the inseparable duo of Xu Yi’an and Chu Yan, Li Yao felt his irritation spike. There was nothing worse than being unable to vent his frustration.
Finally, unable to tolerate the saccharine atmosphere any longer, Li Yao decided to check on Qin Ze’s situation. He couldn’t stay here any longer!
If it weren’t for his wife being close to the bride’s family and thus stuck in the banquet hall due to Han Siyu’s antics, he wouldn’t have been left alone to suffer through this romantic onslaught.
Now, Li Yao resolved to find his wife.
Given his status and the time he’d already spent mingling outside, the Qin family wouldn’t make a fuss about his brief absence.
After bidding farewell to the other four, Li Yao headed to the banquet hall. He assumed that, given the Qin and Han families’ influence, the earlier commotion would have been resolved by now. To his shock, however, he arrived just in time to witness a fresh wave of drama!
In his frustration, Li Yao had overestimated how much time had passed. In reality, it hadn’t been long at all—though the Qin and Han families had indeed made progress in handling the situation. His arrival now wouldn’t disrupt anything.
Entering the hall, Li Yao spotted his wife discreetly avoiding the spotlight. After exchanging a few words and indulging in some affectionate banter, Han Siyu’s shrill voice suddenly pierced the air:
“Han Feng! You spineless, lying, heartless scumbag!”
Li Yao froze, exchanging bewildered glances with his equally confused wife.
What was happening? Hadn’t the situation been resolved? Wasn’t the troublemaker about to be kicked out? Weren’t things supposed to be calming down? So why was everything exploding again?!
At the center of the chaos, Han Feng—Han Ningyao’s father—was momentarily stunned before weakly retorting, “You delusional woman! Spouting nonsense like that—how could I ever be such a despicable man? Slander me with a better story next time! Apologize now, or I’ll make sure you regret your words!”
Though he spoke with righteous indignation, Han Feng’s mind was racing. Had he actually been involved with this woman? When? How?
Han Feng had always been a womanizer, particularly drawn to voluptuous, sensual women—unlike his elegant, refined, but slender wife. Over time, his philandering had grown increasingly reckless. Yet, he’d always been careful to maintain a respectable facade. Even if everyone knew the truth, the illusion had to be preserved at all costs.
There was no way he’d admit to Han Siyu’s accusations now.
Han Feng’s wife was well aware of his infidelities but chose to turn a blind eye. Theirs was a marriage of convenience, after all. As long as he maintained her dignity as the Han family’s matriarch and avoided scandalous entanglements, she didn’t interfere.
Now, hearing Han Siyu’s outburst, she subtly signaled Han Feng to resolve the matter quickly—this was not something to be aired in public.
Han Ningyao and Qin Ze, who had just been dealing with Han Siyu’s earlier theatrics, were equally stunned by this sudden twist.
Wait—hadn’t this woman been obsessing over Qin Ze moments ago, spinning wild tales about their supposed intimacy? Now that she was being kicked out, she was dragging Han Feng into the mess?
Honestly, Qin Ze couldn’t fathom her thought process. Why would she expose her past with Han Feng in front of everyone—especially when she’d been trying to cozy up to him? It made no sense!
He was engaged to Han Ningyao now. Even if he disliked Han Feng, he’d never risk scandal by getting involved with one of Han Feng’s former flames.
Han Siyu, meanwhile, was reeling from Han Feng’s harsh words. The man who had once doted on her in her past life was now snarling at her with contempt. The contrast between his past tenderness and present hostility was too much for her frayed nerves.
As Han Feng continued berating her, Han Siyu’s self-control snapped.
“Han Feng! How dare you call me a liar! If you hadn’t seduced my mother, she never would’ve cheated on her husband and had me! You’re the reason my parents divorced!”
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