Chapter 52: Living Like a Dog
Ye Tianlin cast a glance at Ye Lao before turning his attention to the man seated nearby. His eyes darkened slightly as he greeted, "Big Brother."
It was Ye Tianqing.
The news of Ye Tianlin introducing Liang Xiaoluo as his fiancée yesterday had spread worldwide. Upon hearing this, Ye Tianqing had rushed back overnight. Ye Lao had summoned him with the intent of stopping Ye Tianlin from marrying Liang Xiaoluo.
Ye Tianqing offered his younger brother little more than a curt nod, his expression devoid of warmth. "Grandfather has been waiting for you two. Let's start breakfast," he said calmly.
Surprisingly, Ye Tianlin, known for his rebellious nature, complied without resistance, his hand firmly holding Liang Xiaoluo's.
Ye Tianhao, meanwhile, waited eagerly for the drama to unfold.
As Liang Xiaoluo prepared to take her seat at the table, Ye Lao's cold voice rang out. "It's been a long time since our family has dined together. I don't want any outsiders interrupting."
Liang Xiaoluo froze. A jolt of shock coursed through her, leaving her unsure of what to do.
Ye Tianlin had expected Ye Lao's resistance. Before he could respond, Ye Tianqing interjected. "Grandfather, if this is Tianlin's choice, why oppose it? Didn't you always wish for him to find happiness?"
Ye Lao was caught off guard by Ye Tianqing's support. Even Ye Tianlin himself was surprised. His older brother, who usually treated him with disdain, seemed like a different person today.
"You're Xiaoluo, right?" Ye Tianqing asked, his tone unexpectedly gentle.
"Uh…" Liang Xiaoluo nodded, still processing the turn of events.
Ye Tianqing smiled. "Grandfather means no harm. Please, have a seat. From now on, we're all family. No need to be so formal."
"Uh…" Compared to Ye Tianlin and Ye Tianhao, Ye Tianqing seemed far more approachable to Liang Xiaoluo.
Ye Lao, however, was livid.
He had specifically called Ye Tianqing back because he knew his grandson's respect for his elder brother might sway him. But this… was not the result he had anticipated.
The tension at the table was palpable. Ye Tianqing engaged Liang Xiaoluo with polite inquiries, while Ye Lao found himself unable to enjoy a single bite of food. Even Ye Tianhao, who had been eagerly awaiting drama, was left wide-eyed in astonishment.
"Grandfather, how about setting Tianlin and Xiaoluo's wedding for the fifteenth of next month?" Ye Tianqing suggested casually.
It seemed as though he was more eager for the marriage than anyone else, raising suspicions about his motives.
"Tianqing, your brother doesn't seem to be in a rush to marry. Why are you?" Hualin couldn't hold back her disapproval any longer.
Ye Tianqing's demeanor shifted subtly, his voice cold as he retorted, "Mother, how can you be so sure Tianlin feels it's too soon?"
Hualin was left speechless.
"I don't agree!" Ye Lao finally erupted. "Tianlin, you've only known this girl for a few days. Do you even know her? How can you be sure she isn't after our family's wealth, seducing you into marriage and making you break your vows?"
Ye Tianlin was about to retort, but Liang Xiaoluo spoke up first. "Grandfather, whether you believe me or not, Tianlin and I are truly in love."
"Hmph. Do you think saying that will convince me?" Ye Lao scoffed.
Ye Tianlin smirked, matching Liang Xiaoluo's conviction. "Believe it or not, Grandfather, it's the truth. I'll marry her, no matter what."
Ye Lao was left speechless, his anger barely contained as Hualin tried to calm him down.
"Tianlin is an adult now," Ye Tianqing added, "He should be allowed to make his own decisions."
Struggling to suppress his fury, Ye Lao eventually composed himself. Watching Ye Tianlin and Liang Xiaoluo's display of affection, he shifted tactics. "Fine. If even your brother says so, I'll agree to this marriage—on one condition. Tianlin, you must move back home."
Ye Tianlin noticed the unyielding determination in his grandfather's expression and agreed without hesitation. "Very well. Have the servants prepare a room for me. Xiaoluo and I can move in today."
"What? You and her—" Ye Lao's voice rose in disbelief.
Ye Tianlin grinned. "Grandfather, anything else? If not, I'll take Xiaoluo out for a stroll."
Without waiting for a response, he took Liang Xiaoluo's hand and left, ignoring the stares from everyone in the room. Behind them, Ye Lao watched with a calculating gaze, a cunning glint in his eyes.
Outside the Ye family estate, Liang Xiaoluo grew colder, shrugging out of Ye Tianlin's grasp. "Where are we going now?" she asked, her tone detached.
The events at the Ye household replayed in her mind. She sensed Ye Tianlin's animosity toward the family—especially toward Hualin. The hatred was palpable.
She recalled her first impression of Hualin and how Ye Tianlin's hostility had been evident even then. The depth of his resentment toward his supposed mother puzzled her.
"Shopping," Ye Tianlin said, his tone shifting back to its usual playful edge. "We need to get your essentials."
"Fine," Liang Xiaoluo replied without resistance.
Their days together had taught her how to deal with him. She understood he saw her as nothing more than a pawn in his rebellion against his family.
Marriage or no marriage—it made no difference to her anymore. She only waited for the day he would tire of her, freeing her from the humiliation and oppression he inflicted.
"Smart girl," Ye Tianlin remarked with mock sternness. Her newfound compliance felt strangely unsettling to him.
"Isn't that what you wanted?" she replied calmly.
"Fair enough," he admitted, smirking. "But I'll need to give you a makeover today."
"I'm fine as I am," she retorted, shaking off his hand.
"No, you're my woman now. You'll do as I say," he said, his voice light but firm. Without waiting for her response, he smoothed a stray strand of hair from her face and took her hand again.
Outside, a fleet of luxury cars awaited them.
"Pick one," Ye Tianlin said casually. "Or should we take them all and switch every kilometer?"
His words, though lighthearted, carried an undertone aimed at the servants Hualin had sent to spy on him. He wanted to flaunt his affection for Liang Xiaoluo in front of them.
Holding her delicate hand, a sense of possessiveness surged within him. The thought of her pale skin marked by his touch filled him with pride.
He gestured to the lead car, a sleek black limousine, and guided her into the spacious backseat.
As the car pulled away, Ye Tianlin closed the partition, isolating them from the driver's view. Pulling Liang Xiaoluo onto his lap, he grinned mischievously.
"What are you doing? Let me go!" she protested, her cheeks burning red.
"Relax," he said, his grip firm on her waist. "You're practically my wife now. Why are you still shy?"
He took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her palm.
"Shameless!" she exclaimed, her face reddening further.
Ye Tianlin simply smiled.