Volume One, Chapter Nine: The Yun Family's Speculation

With Lin Baohu no longer there to keep order, Yun Cheng, Yun Mingyi, and the others became brazen once more.

Yun Mingyi was the first to speak. “Father, isn’t it too hasty to let that little brat marry Xueyan when we haven’t even figured out his background?”

“Even though he’s from the Chu family, that family was wiped out a decade ago, and he was missing for ten whole years. To have Xueyan marry him now—I’m the first to object!”

Yun Cheng quickly chimed in, “Big Brother and Sister-in-law passed away early, and we’ve watched Xueyan grow up. What has this boy ever done to deserve her? Father, you must reconsider this. How can you risk Xueyan’s future happiness on nothing but Huanfu Duan’s word?”

Yun Tianding replied, displeased, “My mind is made up. Master Tiger has also agreed to be a witness. If any of you object, you’re welcome to take it up with him.”

“Father…” Yun Cheng protested, unwilling to let the matter drop.

Watching the faces of her family, Yun Xueyan felt a wave of sorrow wash over her.

She said, “Grandfather, I’m going to get ready to take over the North City Industrial Park project.”

“Go on, then. The North City Industrial Park is critical—leave everything to you,” Yun Tianding nodded slightly.

Without another word, Yun Xueyan left the family estate with Chu Ming in tow.

Inside the estate, Yun Mingyi, Yun Cheng, and the others continued to bicker endlessly.

As the room filled with debate, Yun Tianding’s youngest daughter, Yun Mingyue, who had been silent until then, suddenly spoke. “Second Brother, Big Sister, aren’t you curious what Master Tiger and that little brat Chu Ming talked about in private? Master Tiger first got rid of Xu Biao, then handed us the North City Industrial Park on a silver platter.”

Her words left everyone momentarily stunned.

After a few seconds, Yun Mingyi blinked, “What could Master Tiger possibly have discussed with him?”

Yun Mingyue pressed on, “We don’t know what they talked about, but what’s important is that he struck Xu Biao, and instead of punishing him, Master Tiger punished Xu Biao. Doesn’t that make you wonder about his relationship with Master Tiger? We’ve only ever seen Tiger Hall bullying others—when have you ever seen anyone dare to challenge Tiger Hall and get away with it?”

Yun Cheng mused, “Are you suggesting he has an unusual relationship with Master Tiger?”

Yun Chao interjected, “I’ve heard rumors that Master Tiger has long been dissatisfied with Xu Biao. If those rumors are true, maybe he just used this as an opportunity to get rid of Xu Biao—they might not have any special relationship at all.”

“If that’s the case, then it’s certainly possible,” Yun Cheng considered. “As for the North City Industrial Park project, maybe Master Tiger values our Yun family and only chose to cooperate with us out of respect for the old man.”

After a moment’s analysis, Yun Mingyi concluded, “Enough, there’s no point in speculating here. The best way is to find an opportunity to test things for ourselves. Then, whether or not he has a connection to Master Tiger will become clear.”

Yun Cheng nodded, “Elder Sister is right.”

Yun Tianding watched his children, exasperated that instead of thinking about how to help the family prosper, they were lost in scheming and intrigue. He was filled with bitter disappointment.

He snapped, “Enough! I’m still here—do any of you even see me as your father anymore?”

Yun Mingyi and Yun Cheng fell silent, looking toward Yun Tianding.

“No more of this. Go prepare to take over the North City Industrial Park project. Even though Xueyan is in charge, you must all do your part. The Industrial Park is crucial to our family; there mustn’t be any mistakes at any stage,” Yun Tianding scolded.

With that, Yun Cheng and Yun Mingyi had no choice but to leave, looking disgruntled.

Though they wanted to stop Yun Xueyan and Chu Ming’s marriage, it was clear that, for now, taking over the Industrial Park mattered far more. Without it, the Yun family could never withstand the combined assault of the three great families.

Elsewhere.

Yun Xueyan drove, her beautiful face expressionless, as if she kept the whole world at arm’s length.

Chu Ming sat in the passenger seat, silent as well, but his gaze lingered on Yun Xueyan.

She noticed his stare long ago. At a stoplight, she couldn’t help but say, “Why do you keep looking at me?”

Chu Ming grinned. “Is it so wrong to admire my own wife? I barely got a good look at you, from last night until now.”

At the mention of last night, Yun Xueyan’s frosty face flushed bright red.

Trying to compose herself, she said, “You’re not allowed to mention last night!”

Chu Ming laughed, “Our engagement was arranged by your grandfather himself. Or do you want to use me and then pretend nothing happened?”

“In any case, you’re not to bring up last night again!” Yun Xueyan replied, exasperated.

A mischievous smile crept onto Chu Ming’s lips. “But last night, you weren’t like this at all.”

Yun Xueyan, both angry and embarrassed, could only sputter, “You—”

“Alright, alright, I won’t mention it again. From now on, I won’t talk about it—I’ll just do it,” Chu Ming teased.

Hearing this, Yun Xueyan’s face turned an even deeper shade of red, her ears burning.

Perhaps sensing her embarrassment, her close friend Han Yuyao called just then.

Yun Xueyan shot Chu Ming an irritated look, then picked up her phone.

“Yuyou, what’s the matter?” she asked.

Han Yuyao cut right to the chase. “Yanyan, I heard your grandfather arranged a marriage for you? My god, is it true?”

“It’s true,” Yun Xueyan replied.

“This is…unbelievable. How could you agree to it?” Han Yuyao exclaimed.

Yun Xueyan paused for two seconds. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you about it when I get a chance.”

Han Yuyao said, “Now I’m even more curious—what kind of man could make you agree to marriage? No, you absolutely have to bring him to the reunion tonight!”

“Reunion?” Yun Xueyan echoed, puzzled.

“Yes! I told you about it last time, didn’t I? Don’t tell me you forgot?” Han Yuyao said.

“Uh, things have been so busy lately, I really did forget if you hadn’t reminded me,” Yun Xueyan admitted awkwardly.

“I know you’re super busy, managing such a big company at your age,” Han Yuyao said fondly. “But don’t forget this time. The gathering is at Dragon Garden by the lakeside—an exclusive private club. If it weren’t for Ma Bide pulling some strings, ordinary people wouldn’t even get in.”

“Alright, I got it. I’ll come by later,” Yun Xueyan promised. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now. There’s so much going on at the company, I have to get back to work.”

“Okay, but don’t overwork yourself. Take care of your health too,” Han Yuyao reminded her.

“I know,” Yun Xueyan replied.

Just as she was about to hang up, Han Yuyao added, “Oh, and don’t forget to bring your fiancé! If you don’t, I won’t forgive you!”

“Alright, alright, I’ll bring him. Satisfied?” Yun Xueyan said helplessly.