Chapter 62: Longing
How could he hurt her like this…
Ye Tianlin frowned in displeasure, watching Hua Lin's dazed expression. His dark eyes flickered with cold indifference as he patiently waited to see how she would unleash her anger.
Meeting Ye Tianlin's cold gaze, Hua Lin's heart skipped a beat. Even so, she couldn't bring herself to hate him. If hatred were to be directed anywhere, it should be toward that despicable woman—Liang Xiaoluo.
Her loathing quickly shifted to the woman beneath Ye Tianlin. Her voice was sharp and relentless as she berated Liang Xiaoluo:
"Liang Xiaoluo! As Tianlin's fiancée, how can you stoop so low and follow him in such disgraceful behavior? How can you be so shameless? You're a complete embarrassment! A woman like you isn't worthy of being Tianlin's wife, much less stepping into the Ye family. You…"
Hua Lin's insults hammered Liang Xiaoluo's ears, each word cutting deeper than the last.
She's right. When did I become so wretched?
A bleak expression crossed Liang Xiaoluo's face.
Ye Tianlin noticed and barked coldly, "Have you said enough?"
"And you," he continued, glaring at Hua Lin, his tone icy. "Who are you to judge the women in my life? What makes you think you're any better?"
The disdain and contempt in his words were palpable, and Hua Lin was left speechless, unable to refute him.
He hates me. He truly despises me…
"Tianlin!" Hua Lin's voice trembled, tears glistening in her eyes. Her heart ached terribly.
"Sorry, but I'm busy with my woman. If you like, feel free to stay and watch," Ye Tianlin said with a cold smirk, his deep eyes glinting with defiance.
Liang Xiaoluo felt something strange about his words.
Had Hua Lin done something to betray him? Why did their interaction feel less like mother and son and more like quarreling lovers?
Ye Tianlin didn't notice the shift in Liang Xiaoluo's gaze. He was too preoccupied with figuring out how to provoke Hua Lin further.
The tension in the room escalated. Liang Xiaoluo was utterly powerless to resist, her protests swallowed by the oppressive atmosphere. Meanwhile, Hua Lin stood frozen like a statue, her expression shifting between shock and fury, though the hatred in her eyes remained steadfast.
When Ye Tianlin finally stood up, he didn't even glance at Hua Lin. He scooped up Liang Xiaoluo and headed upstairs.
"Tianlin, where are you going? Didn't Grandfather ask you to move back home?" Hua Lin called after him, her voice urgent yet weak.
Pausing, Ye Tianlin turned slightly, his tone sharp. "I don't need your reminders to fulfill my promises to Grandfather."
He would return, but only on his terms—with Liang Xiaoluo by his side.
With that, Ye Tianlin carried Liang Xiaoluo upstairs. He ordered her to freshen up and change into clean clothes. After doing the same himself, he escorted her back to the Ye family estate.
Hua Lin lingered in the villa, unable to leave. The earlier scene replayed in her mind, filling her with rage she had nowhere to vent.
After waiting for a long time, she finally saw Ye Tianlin and Liang Xiaoluo reappear. Watching their retreating figures, she silently got into her car and followed them at a deliberate pace.
Ye Tianlin let her trail behind without a word. If she insisted on inviting humiliation, he was more than willing to oblige.
After a while, they arrived at the Ye family home. The servants, arranged in neat rows, greeted Ye Tianlin's return with enthusiasm. He had been away for years, and Old Master Ye had been eagerly awaiting this moment, preparing a grand welcome.
"Young Master, welcome home!" The chorus of voices rang out as Ye Tianlin stepped out of the car.
Ignoring the commotion, Ye Tianlin graciously helped Liang Xiaoluo out of the car, firmly holding her hand.
Everyone understood the implication—she was to be the future second young mistress of the Ye family.
"Darling, is there anything you'd like to eat tonight? I'll have Steward Liu prepare it for you," Ye Tianlin said, deliberately showcasing their intimacy in front of everyone.
Liang Xiaoluo's forced smile felt stiff. To outsiders, she might seem like the picture of bliss, but only she knew the truth—Ye Tianlin was a wolf in sheep's clothing.
"Nothing," she replied tersely.
Ye Tianlin leaned closer, his voice a low, threatening whisper. "Even if there's nothing, you'd better eat something."
His veiled warning sent a shiver down Liang Xiaoluo's spine. She quickly softened her tone. "Whatever you decide, Tianlin."
Devil. Wicked, vile devil. Aside from threats, is there anything else you're capable of?
Satisfied, Ye Tianlin's lips curled into a faint smile. He planted a kiss on her forehead and murmured, "Good girl."
His gaze lingered on her with amusement, silently praising her compliance. Not bad, woman. You're getting better at playing along.
As their public display continued, the servants suddenly announced, "Madam is here!"
Hua Lin's car had arrived, pulling up right behind theirs. She got out and immediately followed them inside.
When they entered the dining room, it was already time for dinner. The atmosphere was lively.
Old Master Ye beamed as he spotted Ye Tianlin. "Tianlin, you've come back at last!" he exclaimed.
Liang Xiaoluo took a deep breath and glanced at the source of the voice. Beside Old Master Ye stood a stunning woman, her doll-like features and wide, innocent eyes radiating an air of elegance. Her presence was dazzling, intimidating anyone near her.
Who is this woman? Liang Xiaoluo wondered.
Ye Tianlin's expression shifted slightly. That old man… he's up to no good again. There was something oddly familiar about the woman.
The old man grinned and brought the woman forward, completely ignoring Liang Xiaoluo. It was as if only a select few were worthy of his attention in that moment, Hua Lin included.
The woman spoke, her voice soft and sweet. "Grandfather, is this my Brother Tianlin?"
"Yes, yes! This is your Brother Tianlin," Old Master Ye replied enthusiastically. "Tianlin, you wouldn't believe it. This is Gu Lingzi, the daughter of Uncle Gu. She stayed at our house for a few days as a child. Back then, she was a little chubby, but look at her now! Such a transformation—she's stunning!"
"Grandfather!" Gu Lingzi blushed, lowering her head shyly, exuding an innocent charm.
Ye Tianlin froze at the mention of her name, his face darkening. Gu Lingzi… This name brings back terrible memories.
Their eyes met briefly, and Ye Tianlin noticed the gleam of excitement in Gu Lingzi's gaze. His body stiffened involuntarily.