"Very well, since Mr. Tang Ao has spoken, Mr. Ye Chen, please proceed," Li Yifeng said.
Ye Chen scoffed, waved his sleeve dramatically, and shot Tang Ao a disdainful glance. "Tang Ao, throw everything you've got at me. If I, Ye Chen, take even a step back today, I'll admit defeat!"
With that, Ye Chen marched straight into the Li family estate.
Seeing Ye Chen enter, Tang Ao let out a long sigh of relief.
The plot... has been preserved!
No big issues here!
Li Yifeng, watching Ye Chen's arrogant demeanor, shook his head in disappointment.
Judging a noble person with a petty heart—Ye Chen had truly failed as a person.
In Li Yifeng's view, Tang Ao had been more than magnanimous, offering Ye Chen both a lesson and a dignified way out. Yet, instead of recognizing this, Ye Chen had chosen to misinterpret Tang Ao's intentions, proving that he was far from a gentleman.
A man with such a flawed character would never be allowed to practice martial arts in the Li family.
Li Mao, looking excited, stepped up and cheerfully addressed Tang Ao: "Brother-in-law, we meet again!"
Hearing Li Mao call him "brother-in-law," Zhou Qiao'er stiffened.
The rest of the Li family exchanged knowing glances. It was clear to everyone that Zhou Qiao'er had come with Tang Ao, and the gifts were presented under both their names.
Tang Ao, who wasn't particularly experienced in such matters, didn't think much of it. But to the older members of the Li family, this was a clear signal that Tang Ao and Zhou Qiao'er were a couple.
Typically, only married couples or couples in confirmed relationships would present gifts together at a banquet.
And now, with Li Mao calling him "brother-in-law," it only added fuel to the fire.
Li Yifeng watched Tang Ao closely, waiting to see how he would react.
One of the key conditions for Li Shiyun agreeing to return to the Li family to celebrate her 24th birthday was that Tang Ao must be allowed to come and go freely. Moreover, once at the Li family, Tang Ao would be treated as their most honored guest!
Everyone knew that Li Shiyun had special feelings for Tang Ao, but with Zhou Qiao'er clinging so closely to Tang Ao's side, no one dared to break the tension.
And now...
Zhou Qiao'er, full of curiosity, tugged at Tang Ao's hand. "Have you two met before?"
Before Tang Ao could answer, Li Mao stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Tang Ao for a bear hug.
After the hug, Li Mao glanced at Zhou Qiao'er and, in a relaxed tone, said, "So, this is the Zhou Qiao'er you mentioned to me, the one who's been chasing after you, huh, brother-in-law? She's truly beautiful. If I were in your shoes, I'm not sure I could resist!"
Tang Ao blinked for a moment, quickly piecing together what had happened since he arrived at the Li family estate... and then he smiled at Li Mao.
This kid gets it!
If he didn't clear things up now, the Li family might actually believe that he and Zhou Qiao'er were a couple!
Moreover...
Judging from the Li family's reaction, they already saw him as a hero of sorts!
But stealing the limelight from the host was a huge taboo!
He needed to secure his image as the villain, and he had to do it well.
With this in mind, Tang Ao hurriedly spoke up: "Whoa, that's not quite right! I, Tang Ao, have always been bold when it comes to love and hate. Sure, all women might look the same in the dark, but each one has her own flavor. And while I still love Lin Ruoxue the most in my heart, that doesn't mean I can't be attracted to other women—like your sister, Li Shiyun!"
"Tang Ao!!!"
Before Tang Ao's voice had fully settled, an excited shout echoed from behind him.
Tang Ao's heart sank. He slowly turned around, only to find himself suddenly embraced by a tearful, overjoyed Li Shiyun.
"I knew it! I knew my Tang Ao would never forget me. I knew you've always had feelings for me and that you never forgot about our engagement!"
Li Shiyun, now behaving like a delicate girl next door, clung tightly to Tang Ao, right in front of the entire Li family!
Tang Ao's earlier words had deeply moved her.
Even though he had expressed affection for both Lin Ruoxue and Li Shiyun, the fact that he said this in front of the entire Li family made Li Shiyun feel genuinely happy!
[Oh crap! When did Li Shiyun get here? How did she sneak up without a sound?]
[She's really bold! Hugging me in front of all these relatives... It's over. No way I can explain this away now, even if I jump into the Yellow River...]
[From now on, not only do I have the persona of a bootlicking villain, but I've also gained the title of a promiscuous scumbag.]
[But you know what? This works! Now the Li family will clearly see my villainous nature!]
Tang Ao's thoughts made Li Shiyun suddenly pause in realization.
So... it was all for the plot.
Li Shiyun felt a pang of disappointment but quickly came to her senses. Her uncles, aunts, brothers, and even her father, Li Gang, were likely all watching.
And here she was, already wrapped around Tang Ao!
Meanwhile, the Li family erupted:
"This... This is outrageous! Young people today... These young people are even wilder than we were back in the day!"
"Li Shiyun, you can't just throw yourself at him like that! What kind of charm has this man cast on you? First, there's Lin Ruoxue, then there's this Zhou Qiao'er by his side... You need to be more cautious!"
Li Mao frowned and barked at the family: "Everyone, quiet down! Young Master Tang and my sister, Li Shiyun, are a perfect match! They have a written agreement and a formal engagement!"
Tang Ao could feel Li Shiyun's body growing hotter in his arms, possibly from embarrassment or something else.
Zhou Qiao'er, meanwhile, was staring daggers at Tang Ao. Though she wore a smile that suggested she didn't mind, her actions told a different story...
Her right hand pinched a piece of flesh on Tang Ao's waist, the sharp pain shooting through him...
It really hurt!
[Zhou Qiao'er is jealous!]
[Why is she jealous? I don't get it. I've made it clear several times that I don't like her, that I only love Lin Ruoxue. Why is she still jealous?]
Zhou Qiao'er's grip tightened, and Tang Ao gasped, quickly pushing Li Shiyun out of his embrace. Only then did Zhou Qiao'er release him, leaning in to whisper sarcastically into his ear, "Did you enjoy that?"
Tang Ao shook his head frantically, like a rattled drum.
[How could I not? Even though she seems slender and toned without an ounce of extra weight, she feels incredible in my arms. Plus... even though they're about the same size, Li Shiyun's are clearly softer than Zhou Qiao'er's!]
Li Shiyun's face flushed deeply, almost burying her head into her chest in embarrassment.
Zhou Qiao'er shot Tang Ao a sideways glance, annoyed. She glanced at Li Shiyun, then at herself...
Was it because Li Shiyun exercised more that she was softer?
How could she lose to another woman in this?
At that moment, Li Yifeng cleared his throat, his expression stern as he looked at Tang Ao and Li Shiyun.
Tang Ao's heart leaped with joy:
[It looks like the head of the Li family is about to lay down the law!]
[Every family has its rules, just like every country has its laws. If I'm not mistaken, the Li family head is about to demand that Li Shiyun cut ties with me!]