Chapter 496: Dining Together

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation   Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Seeing Li Yiran’s forced show of strength, guilt swelled further within Huangfu Ruixiang. He quickly pledged, “Yiran, don’t worry. I guarantee nothing will change. Even taking a wife, I’ll still treat you even better.”

“Brother Ruixiang, 1 believe you’d never let me down.” Li Yiran gazed at him with dewy eyes, as though tears might spill at any second. That delicate countenance, exuding vulnerability, could capture any man’s sympathies.

Yet despite her words, icy indifference filled Li Yiran’s heart now. She realized passively awaiting some twist of fate was fruitless. By the time Huangfu Ruixiang truly wed, it would be far too late.

Facing such a pitiable Li Yiran, Huangfu Ruixiang naturally lacked defenses.

He vigorously nodded, vowing, “Yiran, trust me – no matter what, I won’t fail you!”

Watching this exchange, Ye Lengan sighed inwardly. Li Yiran’s skills were clearly formidable – in mere sentences she had successfully stirred Huangfu

Ruixiang’s guilt. Whether his avowals stemmed from momentary weakness or genuine intent remained uncertain.

But by Li Yiran’s ploys, perhaps she might still manage to marry Huangfu Ruixiang in the end after all!

Considering this, Ye Lengan shot an insolent glance toward Huangfu Ruiling. Catching Ye Leng’an’s defiant stare, Huangfu Ruiling arched a brow, then proclaimed bluntly, “Ruixiang, since matchmaking is already underway, I imagine a wedding date is not far off. After the family competition concludes, if you’ve found a fitting partner, start making ceremony arrangements.”

Hearing this, Ye Leng’an’s eyes blew wide. She skewered Huangfu Ruiling with a fierce glower, clearly signaling: “You cheating scoundrel!”

She hadn’t expected him to cheat so flagrantly. With months yet remaining post-competition, was he maneuvering for a premature end to their wager?

“Huh?” Huangfu Ruixiang was startled at Huangfu Ruilings sudden suggestion. Instinctively he demurred, “Isn’t that rather fast? And you aren’t even married yet, elder brother!”

“It’s not soon enough. Mother surely hopes to see you wed with haste,” Huangfu Ruiling breezily dismissed, not even glancing Huangfu Ruixiangs way. “Anyway, pay me no mind. You may marry first regardless. I’ve reason still to wait.’

His meaningful look toward Ye Lengan left little ambiguity.

Huangfu Ruixiang understood it all and, at the same time, felt somewhat surprised. He naturally grasped the meaning behind Huangfu Ruilings words. The marriage partner for Huangfu Ruiling was Ye Lengan, and considering Ye Leng’an’s age, it was certainly not suitable for immediate marriage. Therefore, Huangfu Ruiling couldn’t possibly get married in the short term.

He hadn’t expected that Huangfu Ruiling had already decided to marry Ye

Lengan. Initially, he thought it was impossible for Huangfu Ruiling to marry Ye Leng’an. After all, Ye Lengan was nothing more than an orphan without known parents, definitely not a suitable marriage candidate and certainly not a suitable matriarch for the Huangfu family.

Yet Huangfu Ruixiang also grasped that even if his elder brother now favored wedding Ye Lengan, none within the family would dare raise objections. Huangfu Ruiling firmly held the reins as rightful family head, having gathered full authority unto himself – arguably the most iron-willed leader in their history.

With none brave enough to defy his directives, that left matriarch selection solely Huangfu Ruiling’s prerogative.

Though Li Yiran kept composure outwardly, jealousy raged wildly within. She couldn’t believe Huangfu Ruiling already contemplated marrying Ye Lengan!

What defined the gulf between herself and Ye Lengan? Both were orphans. Yet she had been reared amidst the Huangfu, granted the finest upbringing.

Furthermore, her own brother had sacrificed himself for the family! Was she still inferior to Ye Lengan despite all that?

Why then did Ye Lengan stand qualified to be Huangfu Ruilings wife, while Li Yiran was relegated to a mere illicit affair?

Thinking of all this, fury ignited within Li Yiran’s heart – yet she did not show it, nor permit Huangfu Ruixiang glimpse anything amiss. Otherwise, her efforts to date would crumble completely.

Around the table, while each nurtured private thoughts, all except Li Yiran ate well regardless.

Truthfully her appetite had already fled partway through the meal. Now, having finished eating, her stomach distantly ached.

Originally Ye Lengan intended to treat Huangfu Ruiling, but with Huangfu Ruixiang and Li Yiran now imposed, she naturally could not. Ultimately the bill was settled by Huangfu Ruixiang – a middling expense for him.

Li Yiran politely excused herself to the bathroom.

Spying opportunity, Ye Lengan promptly tailed her out.

Watching Ye Leng’an’s departure, affection swam in Huangfu Ruilings eyes.

Clearly, she had gone to confront Li Yiran. Yet for all his conjectures, Huangfu Ruiling remained fully uncertain of Ye Leng’an’s exact aims.

Just now, he mentioned Huangfu Ruixiangs marriage, and Ye Lengan would definitely not accept defeat so easily. She would surely find a way to turn the situation around as soon as possible.

In the bathroom.

After using the restroom, Li Yiran came out and saw Ye Lengan waiting outside. She hesitated for a moment, then without even looking at Ye Lengan, she walked past her, intending to go back to the private room.

Ye Lengan clearly came to find her, but she felt that the other party’s approach at this time was just to mock her. Therefore, she genuinely had no intention of listening.

“Leaving just like that?” Ever unruffled, Ye Lengan spoke tonelessly. “l understand you can’t accept this. Nor watch Huangfu Ruixiang take another bride. Don’t you wish to marry Huangfu Ruixiang yourself? Because I happen to know of an excellent method that may help you…”

Li Yiran froze mid-step.

She kept telling herself that Ye Lengan must be deceiving her. There was no way she could have a solution, and it was even more unlikely that she would be so kind as to help her.

However, despite her rational thoughts, she couldn’t bring herself to take a step forward.. Because she was afraid that if what Ye Lengan said was true, she would miss out on a great opportunity!

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