Volume One, Chapter Fifteen: Who Is Really Sick?

Under Yun Xueyan’s guidance, Chu Ming was introduced to some of the most affluent and influential figures of Donghai, yet none showed much interest in him. They offered perfunctory greetings before returning to their own conversations, even their attitude toward Yun Xueyan lacking the warmth of the past.

Clearly, the people of Donghai were now well aware of the Yun family’s predicament. With the Yun family beset by the united assault of several other major clans, their prospects for survival seemed bleak. In the eyes of these people, the Yun family was like a grasshopper after autumn—unable to jump for much longer—so there was no need to invest any effort in forging ties with them.

Yun Xueyan herself knew the situation well. Those who appeared close to the Yun family would, when trouble struck, flee faster than anyone else—tonight was proof enough. In ordinary times, with the Yun family’s status in Donghai, she would not even need to bring Chu Ming forward to greet others; a crowd would have gathered around her already.

But now, it was she who brought Chu Ming forward, and others only responded with indifference.

Chu Ming noticed Yun Xueyan’s slight dejection and was about to comfort her when four figures—two men and two women—approached them. Among them was Chen Mingyue, who had just quarreled with Chu Ming and Yun Xueyan at the auction house entrance. The man holding Chen Mingyue’s arm was Wang Qi, the eldest son of the Wang family, one of the four major clans. The other young man was Zhao Feng, heir to the Zhao family, also one of the four clans, accompanied by his female companion.

Wang Qi and his group came before Yun Xueyan and Chu Ming, and before the two could speak, Wang Qi said, “Xueyan, it’s only been a few days and you’ve already set your engagement—quite unbelievable.”

Yun Xueyan replied coldly, “Wang Qi, I’m not that familiar with you.”

Zhao Feng smiled and added, “President Yun is as aloof as ever, but I’m curious what kind of man could tame you.”

He glanced at Chu Ming, sizing him up, and said, “So this is President Yun’s fiancé? Looks can be deceiving. President Yun is known throughout Donghai as the Ice Goddess—who would have thought she’d succumb to you.”

With a trace of amusement, Zhao Feng continued, “Brother, care to share how you managed to melt such a towering iceberg as President Yun?”

Chu Ming cast a cool glance at Zhao Feng, saying, “What are you to me? Are we close?”

Zhao Feng froze, surprised by Chu Ming’s bluntness.

He grew slightly angry and retorted, “Kid, do you even know who I am? How dare you speak to me like that?”

Chu Ming paid no heed to Zhao Feng’s anger and replied leisurely, “What does your identity have to do with me? Are you thinking of starting a fight here?”

Zhao Feng’s fury grew, but he knew this auction was hosted by the Fu family, and it wasn’t the place to cause trouble—especially since the Zhao family was no match for the Fu family.

Wang Qi interjected, “Zhao, there’s no need to stoop to his level. He’s only latched onto Yun Xueyan, but at heart, he’s still a country bumpkin—not worth your anger.”

“In Donghai, everyone knows Yun Xueyan is ill and won’t live long. When the time comes, it’ll be up to you how you want to toy with him.”

Wang Qi spoke loudly, making no effort to conceal his words from Yun Xueyan and Chu Ming. Some nearby even overheard and instinctively stepped back, widening the distance between themselves and Yun Xueyan.

Yun Xueyan’s face flushed red. She wanted to retort, but what Wang Qi said was true—her cold poison was no secret, and many were aware of it.

Chu Ming noticed her distress and gently pulled her to his side. “What shame is there in mocking someone for being ill? Are you not the ones with the real sickness?”

Wang Qi’s expression changed, and he rebuked harshly, “What nonsense are you spouting? Yun Xueyan’s cold poison and her short lifespan are facts known to all. Who here doesn’t know?”

Zhao Feng chimed in, “That’s right. Everyone knows Yun Xueyan is doomed. Are you afraid you won’t be able to benefit from the Yun family once she’s gone?”

Chu Ming, seeing them react as if their tails had been stepped on, allowed a faint, mocking smile to curl on his lips.

Zhao Feng and Wang Qi, seeing Chu Ming’s smile, felt a chill run through them.

Wang Qi pressed on, “Kid, of all the people you could choose, you pick a dying woman. If I were you, I’d run before the wedding takes place.”

Chu Ming stared at Wang Qi for a long moment before finally speaking. “If I’m not mistaken, you wet the bed often, don’t you?”

Everyone nearby widened their eyes in shock, even Zhao Feng couldn’t help but stare at Wang Qi, disbelief written across his face.

Wang Qi, furious, snapped, “You brat! If you keep spouting nonsense, I’ll have someone break your filthy mouth!”

Chu Ming chuckled. “You know best whether it’s nonsense or not. I suspect incontinence has plagued you for a long time. Is it true that sometimes you can’t hold it in even when you sneeze?”

Wang Qi, hearing Chu Ming’s accurate words, trembled in anger, glaring at Chu Ming with murderous intent—as if his gaze alone could tear Chu Ming apart.

“Enough!” Wang Qi gritted his teeth. “For the Fu family’s sake, I won’t ruin the auction with unpleasantness. But if you keep slandering me, don’t blame me for what comes next.”

Chu Ming shrugged. “Slandering you? If you truly don’t have incontinence, dare you let everyone witness it?”

“People with incontinence can’t hold their urine. On an occasion as important as tonight’s, you surely wouldn’t be running to the restroom repeatedly. So I wager you’re wearing adult diapers. If you dare go to the restroom and let everyone see, I’ll do anything you ask.”

Wang Qi snapped, “Ridiculous! I, the eldest son of the Wang family, need to prove myself in such a way? What are you thinking?”

Wang Qi’s refusal only made those nearby more inclined to believe Chu Ming’s claim. If it weren’t true, why wouldn’t Wang Qi dare to prove it?

Wang Qi, seeing the odd looks around him, flushed scarlet.

Zhao Feng, as Wang Qi’s close friend, could not let him be ridiculed. He pointed at Chu Ming and said, “Kid, don’t think we won’t touch you here. If you don’t apologize to Young Master Wang, you won’t leave this place!”

Chu Ming gave a soft laugh. “What touching brotherhood you share. But your own illness is even worse—are you unaware?”

“Others want to be your brother, but you lust after them. Why do you ignore good women to chase after men?”