Chapter 150: Friend or Foe
Her father's downfall, her stepmother's injury, and her sister's degradation into a hostess—all because of him. Ye Tianlin had issued an order of annihilation, leaving her family no room for survival. And now, he was blissfully creating a new life with Gu Lingzi, as if none of this mattered.
A bitter smile curled on Liang Xiaoluo's lips. That smile soon faded, replaced by a flash of resolve. Her steps quickened as she strode toward the lively crowd ahead.
Behind her, Xiluo trailed closely. He kept her within his sight, knowing only then could he ensure her safety.
Amid the bustling commotion, no one seemed to notice Liang Xiaoluo and Xiluo's arrival. Everyone was preoccupied with the wedding photoshoot of Ye Tianlin and Gu Lingzi.
Until one maid's glance caught sight of her. The tray in her hands fell to the ground with a loud crash.
"Liang Xiaoluo?" the maid stammered, unable to suppress her surprise.
Her exclamation broke through the festive air, drawing all eyes toward Xiaoluo. The crowd collectively froze, their faces first registering shock, then transforming into fear, as though she were a plague they dared not approach.
Even Ye Tianlin hadn't anticipated her appearance. His dark eyes flickered with surprise as they lingered on her thin, pale figure. It had been days since he last saw her. She looked so fragile—why was her face so ashen?
A surge of instinct made him want to run to her, to hold her in front of everyone. But as his gaze caught Xiluo tightly holding Xiaoluo's hand, the warmth in his eyes iced over in an instant.
He averted his gaze, his expression hardening as anger flickered in his chest. His lips curved into a sardonic smile, the weariness in his face deepening. So, while he longed for her, she had already cast him aside.
The fire of his rage surged, and his hand subconsciously tightened around Gu Lingzi's shoulder.
"Ah!" Lingzi winced, the pain spreading through her shoulder, but it was her inner panic that truly consumed her. The sight of Liang Xiaoluo shook her composure. Her usual confidence crumbled as fear overwhelmed her.
Gu Lingzi's parents quickly sensed the tension. "Liang Xiaoluo!" Mrs. Gu snapped, her voice sharp. "What are you doing here? I thought Tianlin had made it clear—you're not welcome. This is not your place."
Turning to the head butler, Mrs. Gu ordered, "Why is she here? How could you let someone like her in? Get her out of here immediately!"
The butler, Lin, wiped his sweating brow nervously. He hurried over, apologizing profusely. He had always thought Liang Xiaoluo was a decent person, but her arrival now spelled trouble. "Miss Liang, I'm sorry, but I'll have to—"
"She's my guest," a calm yet firm voice interjected. It was Yan Ruoxi, who had remained silent until now. Stepping forward, she positioned herself protectively in front of Xiaoluo.
The sudden support stunned Xiaoluo. Ruoxi's presence no longer brought her the comfort it once did. After all, when trust is broken, the damage leaves behind irreparable cracks. The bond between them could never return to what it had been.
Mrs. Gu's face darkened. "Miss Yan," she demanded, "what is the meaning of this?"
Ruoxi's gaze turned icy. "Meaning? I think you know better than anyone else." Her tone was sharp, filled with unspoken accusations. Do I really need to spell out all the harm you've caused Xiaoluo?
Mr. and Mrs. Gu turned livid. Gu Lingzi clung to her pitiful facade, her voice trembling as she interjected, "Sister-in-law, I know you've always disliked me. I understand there's been some misunderstandings, but how can you hurt my parents because of it?"
Ruoxi's eyes narrowed. "Misunderstandings? Maybe for others, but not for you. I believe what I see, Gu Lingzi." Her frosty glare cut through Lingzi's façade, leaving her unable to respond. Lingzi's fists clenched in silent rage as she glanced toward Ye Tianlin, hoping for his intervention.
Tianlin felt her unspoken plea but remained indifferent. His focus shifted elsewhere, his face an impenetrable mask. Lingzi's chest tightened—was he going to abandon her in front of everyone?
Seizing the moment, Ruoxi stood taller. "Xiaoluo was right to come here. She has every right to question the man who destroyed her family," she said firmly.
Before Lingzi could retaliate, Ye Tianlin's sharp voice rang out, cutting through the tension. "Sister-in-law, as long as you're part of the Yan family, I won't question your actions. But if that ever changes, will your 'friends' still have a place here?"
Ruoxi froze. Tianlin's words struck her like a blow, his insinuation clear. Her gaze darted to her husband, Ye Tianqing, but he avoided her eyes.
Her resolve faltered. The strength she'd shown just moments ago dissipated, leaving her defeated.
Lingzi's confidence soared once again. She cast a smug glance at Xiaoluo and Ruoxi, her lips curling into a victorious smile. But her relief was short-lived.
Ye Tianqing's voice broke through, steady and commanding. "As long as Ruoxi is my wife, she remains part of this family. And her friends will always be welcome here." His piercing gaze swept across the crowd, silencing any murmurs.
Lingzi's face turned ghostly pale. The triumph she had savored vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
Even Tianlin's lips curled into a faint smile, amused by the unfolding drama. Yet his detachment from the situation only deepened Lingzi's despair. He had no intention of defending her beyond what was absolutely necessary.
Lingzi bit her lip, swallowing her frustration. She would remember this moment, and she swore she'd settle this debt.
"Come on, Tianlin," she said sweetly, attempting to divert attention. "Let's finish our photoshoot. There's no need to waste time on irrelevant people."
Tianlin didn't argue, but his lack of enthusiasm was evident.
Meanwhile, Xiaoluo clenched her fists, her heart pounding as she watched Tianlin prepare to walk away. Xiluo's encouraging voice pulled her back to the present. "This is your chance. Don't let it slip away."
Xiaoluo drew a deep breath and stepped forward, blocking Tianlin's path. Lingzi scowled. "Liang Xiaoluo, I've tolerated you enough. Don't push your luck!"
But Xiaoluo ignored her. Her eyes locked on Tianlin, filled with anger and pain. "Why?" she demanded, her voice hoarse.
Tianlin smirked coldly. "Why? Why I left you? Why I'm marrying someone else? Or why I don't care that you've found another man?"
Xiaoluo flinched. His words cut deep, reopening wounds she had tried so hard to bury. But she forced herself to stand tall.
"Why did you destroy my family?" she asked, her voice trembling. "What did they do to deserve this? You've already taken everything from me. Was that not enough?"
Tianlin's expression darkened. "I warned you not to test my patience," he replied icily. "Everything that's happened is a result of your defiance."
"Stop lying!" Xiaoluo shouted, her tears spilling over. "You ruined us! You destroyed my father's job, had my stepmother beaten, and forced my sister into… into that life. You've turned my family into nothing. Why, Ye Tianlin? Why?!"
Tianlin stared at her, momentarily stunned. Her accusations echoed in his mind, and for a brief moment, his composure slipped. His gaze darted to Lingzi, who stood frozen, her guilt written across her face.
Understanding dawned on him. His lips curled into a dangerous smile. So it was her.
Yet, instead of confronting Lingzi, he turned back to Xiaoluo. "Blame yourself, Xiaoluo," he said softly. "You were the one who crossed the line."
Xiaoluo's fury boiled over. "I'll kill you, Ye Tianlin!" she screamed, lunging at him with all her strength.
Tianlin caught her wrist effortlessly, his grip like iron. "Kill me?" he sneered. "Do you really think you're capable?"