Chapter 48: Refusal
As Su Xin's desperate screams faded into the distance, Ye Tianlin's gaze remained fixed on Hua Lin. Their eyes met briefly, and Hua Lin quickly averted hers, avoiding his piercing stare.
Ye Tianlin smirked coldly. Hua Lin, your days of manipulating me are over. Someday, I'll drive you out of the Ye family and ensure you live a life worse than death.
In the tense silence, Lin Meiling broke in, her tone ingratiating. "Well, now that the drama is over, shouldn't we sit down with our future son-in-law and discuss their wedding plans, Old Liang?"
Her opportunistic suggestion was met with a flurry of reactions. While Liang Xiaoluo stiffened in disbelief, Liang Hui looked both confused and hesitant.
Ye Tianlin, however, stepped in smoothly. "Of course. Let's find a quiet place to talk."
He led them to a private lounge, leaving behind the noisy crowd. As they walked away, Liang Xiaoluo couldn't help but steal one last glance at Nan Shaojie. His expression was unreadable, but her heart ached all the same. Why does it always come to this? she thought bitterly.
Inside the lounge, Ye Tianlin barely had time to settle into his seat when Ye Lao erupted.
"I refuse!" he barked, his tone shaking with fury. "This marriage will not happen!"
The declaration shocked everyone. Lin Meiling and Liang Hui exchanged uneasy glances, while Liang Xiaoluo felt an inexplicable sense of relief.
Ye Lao's anger, however, was squarely directed at Ye Tianlin. "What nonsense is this? Our family doesn't need some low-class girl tarnishing its reputation!"
"Grandfather!" Ye Tianlin countered, his voice sharp and commanding. "Xiaoluo and I are truly in love. Your approval—or lack thereof—will not change that."
Liang Xiaoluo's patience snapped. "Cut the act already!" she hissed, but Ye Tianlin tightened his grip on her hand, silencing her.
With calculated sincerity, he turned to Ye Lao. "Grandfather, Xiaoluo is the woman I've chosen. If you care about my happiness, you'll support us."
Ye Lao's face turned an alarming shade of red. "Support? This nonsense? I will not bless this sham of a union!"
Ye Tianlin met his grandfather's glare head-on. "Then don't. But that won't stop me from marrying her."
Before Ye Lao could unleash another tirade, Liang Xiaoluo tried to intervene. "Mr. Ye, please don't misunderstand. If this causes too much trouble, I—"
Ye Tianlin interrupted smoothly. "Xiaoluo, you've already given me your most precious gift—your trust. I can't let you go."
Liang Xiaoluo's eyes widened. This man is utterly shameless.
The argument dragged on, but Ye Tianlin remained unyielding. Frustrated, Ye Lao finally stormed out, muttering about ungrateful grandsons. Ye Tianlin seized the opportunity to usher Liang Hui and his family out.
"Let me take you all home," he offered politely, though his true intentions lay elsewhere.
As they reached Liang Hui's residence, Liang Xiaoluo seized her chance. "Tianlin, I'd like to stay with my family for a few days. It's been so long since I've been home."
"No," Ye Tianlin responded curtly, though his tone softened as he noticed Liang Hui's expectant gaze. "Fine," he relented after a pause. "But only for tonight. I'll personally pick you up tomorrow."
Liang Xiaoluo nodded, her heart racing with the possibilities that one night of freedom might offer.
As the Ye family car drove off, Liang Xiaoluo turned to head inside. But before she could reach the door, a strong hand grabbed her arm and pulled her into a dark alley.
"Who—" she started, panicked.
"It's me," a familiar voice whispered.
Her heart skipped a beat. "Shaojie?"
Nan Shaojie stepped out of the shadows, his expression a mixture of relief and sorrow. "Xiaoluo… are you alright?"
She averted her gaze, the events of the evening replaying in her mind. "I'm fine," she lied, her voice trembling.
"We need to talk," he said, his voice gentle but firm.
"No," she replied, shaking her head. "There's nothing to say."
"Xiaoluo—" he began, but she cut him off.
"You have your life, and I have mine now," she said, her voice growing stronger. "I'm engaged, Shaojie. Let's not make this more complicated."
She stepped around him, her heart heavy, but he blocked her path again.
"You don't love him," Nan Shaojie said softly. "Why are you doing this?"
Tears stung her eyes. "It doesn't matter."
Before he could press further, Nan Shaojie noticed something in the shadows—several figures watching them intently.
His demeanor changed instantly. "Go," he said quietly, his eyes never leaving the strangers.
"What?" she asked, confused.
"Go inside. Now." His tone brooked no argument.
Liang Xiaoluo hesitated, but the urgency in his voice spurred her into action. As she disappeared into the house, Nan Shaojie remained, his eyes narrowing at the shadowy figures lurking nearby.
The night was far from over.