Yan Qianyi's back stiffened.
Mu Yunlie wrapped her entire body in his embrace from behind.
His face rubbed gently against the side of hers, cold as ice.
Yet, the breath he exhaled beside her ear was warm.
The intertwining sensations of cold and heat created an indescribable feeling…
A tingling numbness spread from her ear throughout her body.
Her legs felt weak, as if they would give out.
"You insolent girl! Did you hear what I said?!"
From the other end came the booming voice of Yan Laofuren.
"No matter how ugly a son-in-law, he must meet the in-laws! I'm giving you one hour—if you don't bring him back, then don't bother returning to the Yan family! Our family doesn't need a disobedient granddaughter like you!"
With that, Yan Laofuren abruptly hung up the call.
Sitting nearby, Han Yarong let out a subtle, mocking smile.
She knew that while Yan Qianyi might defy Yan Hong, she would never dare to disobey Yan Laofuren.
Because if Yan Laofuren ever disowned her, everything the Yan family had would be forever out of Yan Qianyi's reach.
Fanning the flames, Han Yarong added, "Mother, you really should talk some sense into Qianyi. That man has no records of his identity. He's probably involved in something shady and doesn't want anyone to know. If word of this gets out, the Yan family's reputation will be ruined."
Yan Laofuren closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Time had etched deep lines into her face.
Yet, it was still clear that in her youth, she had been a great beauty—a cold and untouchable one.
Her hands rested on her cane, her posture proud, her tone unhurried and commanding, "Don't worry, I'll make sure Qianyi divorces him. Besides, now that she's woken up, her engagement to Ah Yang should be reinstated."
Upon hearing this, Yan Hong and the others were visibly startled.
The most anxious of them all was Yan Ruoyi.
However, in front of the authoritative Yan Laofuren, she didn't dare speak and instead tugged at Han Yarong's sleeve.
Han Yarong shot a glance at Yan Hong, signaling him.
Understanding her cue, Yan Hong said, "Mother, Qu Yang is now Ruoyi's boyfriend. How can we restore his engagement to Qianyi? Switching fiancés like this—what will people think?"
Yan Laofuren's voice grew stern, "I told you from the start that I disapproved of them being together! I warned you—what if Qianyi woke up one day? They see each other constantly—it would be unbearably awkward! And now you realize how improper it is?"
"Mother, that's not fair. Back then, it was the two of them who knelt before you, begging for your blessing. You gave your consent, and only then did Ruoyi and Qu Yang begin dating."
"Fool!" Yan Laofuren struck the floor forcefully with her cane. "Are you accusing me of wrongdoing now?"
"No… that's not what I meant…"
Han Yarong quickly stepped in to smooth things over, "Mother, if anyone's to blame, it's the doctor. Back then, the doctor said there was no hope for Qianyi to ever wake up, which is why Ruoyi accepted Qu Yang's pursuit. Had we known Qianyi would recover, Ruoyi never would have agreed to be with him. After all, Qianyi is her elder sister, and Ruoyi would always defer to her in everything."
Yan Laofuren let out a cold, mocking laugh.
Suddenly, Yan Ruoyi knelt beside her, tears welling up.
"Grandmother, please don't tear me and Ah Yang apart. We truly love each other. Even if Qianyi divorces that man, she can't be with Ah Yang anymore. Father has already arranged her marriage with the Mu family. You know the Mu family, Grandmother—Qianyi will enjoy endless wealth and luxury there, far more than she could ever have with Ah Yang."
At the mention of the Mu family, Yan Laofuren's fury surged even higher.
She shot to her feet, raising her cane, and jabbed it directly at Yan Hong's chest.
(End of Chapter)