Yè Rúxuě's grades were truly too poor. She didn't expect to find a job based on her academic performance in the future, nor could she become a mere beautiful decoration.
Yè Rúxuě's expression changed slightly upon hearing this. She shot Fèng Liánxī a fierce glare, suppressing her inner dissatisfaction.
"Brother Mòshēn, I've thought about it. I'm not familiar with other schools, and I'm not used to being alone. Can I go to school with Liánxī? I need her to take care of me."
As soon as Yè Rúxuě spoke, Fèng Liánxī's heart lurched. She abruptly looked up at Yè Mòshēn, hoping he would refuse.
Meeting his gaze, which was fixed on her, she suddenly lowered her head, her eyes dimming. How could he possibly refuse Yè Rúxuě's request?
"What do you say?" Yè Mòshēn asked, his dark eyes clouded, staring at Fèng Liánxī.
Yè Rúxuě lowered her head slightly, her fingernails digging into her flesh.
"The school I attend is not an aristocratic one. I don't know if Miss Ye can adapt."
She had been accepted into a renowned university with strong faculty and profound academic strength, a place dedicated to cultivating talent.
A pampered young lady, accustomed to the sheltered environment of an elite school since childhood, would likely be unable to endure it there.
Yè Mòshēn's expression softened slightly, his gaze flickering.
Worried that Yè Mòshēn might actually be swayed by Fèng Liánxī, Yè Rúxuě quickly spoke up.
"Liánxī, if I go to school with you, it won't disturb you and Líng Tiānqí. Please let me go."
As soon as she said this, Fèng Liánxī clearly felt the gaze fixed on her turn icy.
"Rúxuě, you will go to school with Fèng Liánxī." His tone towards Yè Rúxuě softened slightly. Then, he turned his indifferent gaze to Fèng Liánxī and spoke sternly.
"You are to go to school to study and to look after Rúxuě. Don't think about other things." The loaded words made Fèng Liánxī's pretty face turn crimson, as if she had been completely stripped bare in front of everyone.
"Do you understand?" Yè Mòshēn didn't let her off the hook easily, increasing his tone and questioning her.
Fèng Liánxī gritted her teeth and replied obediently, "Yes, I understand."
Suddenly, words spoken by Líng Tiānqí came to mind.
"There's no such thing as repaying kindness by being a servant in this society, nor can one be tormented for atonement."
Such words flashed through her mind and were then discarded. She would leave, but not now.
In the shopping mall, Líng Tiānqí held Fèng Liánxī's hand, his face beaming with a bright smile.
"Actually, I was thinking of buying it for you after you got to school, so you wouldn't have to move it such a long way. But then I thought, you probably wouldn't be able to wait that long, so it's better if we buy them sooner."
Fèng Liánxī listened with a smile as Líng Tiānqí chattered on incessantly. She felt just like a mother bringing her daughter to shop next door.
"Liánxī, how about this pillow... What are you looking at?" Líng Tiānqí turned around and discovered she was daydreaming. He playfully feigned annoyance and came over to rub her cheek.
"Hehe, look at that person. Doesn't she look like you just now?" Fèng Liánxī let out a crisp laugh and, begging for mercy, revealed where her gaze was fixed.
Líng Tiānqí saw that she was pointing at a middle-aged woman with her daughter. He was confused for a moment, then suddenly had an epiphany and understood.
"Alright, you're laughing at me for being long-winded."
"You are, aren't you."
"And you're still saying it."
Líng Tiānqí playfully chased Fèng Liánxī, playfully swatting at her. The two young figures chased each other happily through the mall, drawing envious glances from many.
Líng Tiānqí was very attentive. The smart boy understood Fèng Liánxī's awkward position in the Yè family and guessed that no one would prepare anything for her at school.
He took Fèng Liánxī on a wild shopping spree, buying many things he had heard about from others. He personally picked out and bought each item.
When they returned home, Fèng Liánxī suddenly realized she had too many things, which felt a bit inappropriate.
"I'll help you carry them in. You can't carry them all yourself." Without waiting for her to speak, Líng Tiānqí got out of the car and started unloading the items.
As they approached the entrance to the Yè family residence, a Yè family servant stopped them.
"Excuse me, this is a private residence. Please leave."
Líng Tiānqí was taken aback. Fèng Liánxī tried to help, saying, "He's helping me carry things."
The servant glanced scornfully at Fèng Liánxī and asked dismissively, "Is this your home?"
Fèng Liánxī's face instantly flushed with shame. She was so angry and vexed that she couldn't speak.
Líng Tiānqí put down the items. He knew Fèng Liánxī wasn't treated well in the Yè family, but he hadn't expected it to be so humiliating.
He felt tempted to confront Yè Mòshēn, but seeing Fèng Liánxī's distressed and embarrassed state, his heart softened.
"I'll come find you in a few days. We'll go somewhere fun, okay?" He gently and cleverly steered away from the immediate awkwardness.
Fèng Liánxī was immensely grateful to him and nodded quickly in agreement.
After Líng Tiānqí left, Fèng Liánxī, like a diligent little bee, carried everything back to her room by herself, making multiple trips.
When Yè Mòshēn came downstairs, he saw exactly this scene.
"What is this?" he asked coolly, pointing to various daily necessities displayed on the floor at his feet.
Fèng Liánxī's face turned red, and she quickly cleared a path so he could pass.
"Aren't you going to school? A boy was with her earlier buying these." The servant who had taunted Fèng Liánxī at the door quickly answered, giving Fèng Liánxī a contemptuous look.
"A boy?" Yè Mòshēn murmured, his gaze like a knife shooting at Fèng Liánxī, looking her up and down strictly and coldly.
It made one feel inexplicably awkward.
"Girl, be more self-respecting." These simple six words summarized his meaning just now. A few short laughs were heard from the surroundings, then quickly disappeared.
Fèng Liánxī's face turned red with anger. She wanted to explain, but Yè Mòshēn gave her no opportunity.
"I didn't expect you to be quite resourceful!" Yè Rúxuě was jealous of Líng Tiānqí's concern for her. On one hand, she was gloating over the bad impression Fèng Liánxī had made in front of Yè Mòshēn, causing her expression to contort slightly.
Fèng Liánxī remained silent, head bowed.
Yè Rúxuě also found it uninteresting and quietly followed Yè Mòshēn upstairs.
Looking at the items on the floor that had made her so happy just moments ago, she now felt only immense embarrassment. She gritted her teeth, ignored the odd glances from those around her, and carried them back to her room.
If the Yè family wouldn't help her prepare, she would have to rely on these for the next four years. She had no right to be picky.
Lín Lěi was waiting to report, and seeing Yè Mòshēn enter with a gloomy expression, he immediately fell silent.
"Speak," he said, his voice low and carrying immense pressure. The air instantly froze.
"The daily necessities you ordered last time have been purchased. Should they be sent here or delivered to the school upon commencement?" Lín Lěi asked cautiously.
Yè Mòshēn narrowed his eyes and glanced at Lín Lěi. The ice in his eyes made Lín Lěi's back chill.
"Throw one set away." Lín Lěi was shocked by the four words spat out like ice shards. Outside the door, Yè Rúxuě, who was eavesdropping, ground her teeth in hatred.
She didn't even know that Yè Mòshēn had also prepared school supplies for Fèng Liánxī. Instantly, she felt that all the gratitude she had felt for Yè Mòshēn's concern for her was for naught.
The more she thought about it, the more her hatred for Fèng Liánxī intensified, wishing she would disappear from this world immediately.
University life was completely different from Fèng Liánxī's previous life. She didn't have to work every day, nor did she have to endure torment daily under the label of a sinner atoning for her mistakes.
With the psychological pressure gone, Fèng Liánxī became radiant.
"There's a party tonight. Will you come with me?" After arriving at school, Yè Rúxuě was busy settling into the dormitory, and Fèng Liánxī had more free time. Their interactions increased.
This was the time for sweet affection.
"Okay," Fèng Liánxī agreed without even asking.
"Then I'll take you shopping to dress you up beautifully, so everyone will envy me for having such a good girlfriend." Líng Tiānqí said this with the proud expression of a child showing off a prized possession.
Fèng Liánxī couldn't help but laugh, but also felt a sense of doubt.
"Is the party very formal? Do I need to buy new clothes?" She was a little nervous and insecure.
Lacking money, after starting university, Yè Mòshēn had given her a small allowance, which was enough for daily expenses, but not enough to buy a nice outfit.
Líng Tiānqí's friends were likely from the same social circle as him. Would she embarrass him?
For a moment, her expression wasn't very good.
Sensing her worry and uncertainty, Líng Tiānqí smiled.
"It's okay. My Liánxī is so beautiful, clothes are just adornments. Even without luxurious attire, you're like a fairy."
Fèng Liánxī smiled shyly.
"Thick-skinned."
"Where is my skin thick? Touch it. It's not thick at all, okay?" Líng Tiānqí leaned in, letting her touch his face. Fèng Liánxī resisted with laughter.
They chased each other, freely expressing their sweet love.
As they rounded a corner, Fèng Liánxī, who was in the lead, suddenly stopped. The smile vanished from her face.
"What..." Líng Tiānqí also quieted down upon seeing the two people in front of them.
"Sir." Fèng Liánxī bowed her head respectfully.
"En." Yè Mòshēn frowned slightly. The brilliant smile she had just had flashed before his eyes, and his gaze deepened.
"What a coincidence, Brother Mòshēn. You're worried I won't eat well at school and specifically brought me out to eat. Would you like to join us?" Yè Rúxuě hadn't expected to run into Fèng Liánxī while dining with Yè Mòshēn. A hint of disgust flickered in her eyes, but her words were sweet.
"No, we're going shopping. We won't bother you." Líng Tiānqí, who had no liking for Yè Mòshēn and Yè Rúxuě, refused directly.
Chapter 47: Is This a Banquet Hosted by Your Family?
"Girls shouldn't go out alone with men." Yè Mòshēn said coldly, looking at Líng Tiānqí holding Fèng Liánxī's hand.
Yè Rúxuě chuckled lightly, "Brother Mòshēn, they are boyfriend and girlfriend. You... shouldn't interfere."
Fèng Liánxī's face flushed. This was the second time he had accused her of lacking self-respect. She lowered her head slightly.
"Liánxī is my girlfriend, and I will naturally take good care of her. Mr. Ye doesn't need to worry," Líng Tiānqí said, glancing at Yè Rúxuě. "If Mr. Ye truly has the leisure, I believe Miss Ye would be very happy for you to 'manage' her." He implied, 'Instead of her constantly looking for trouble.'
"Líng Tiānqí." Yè Rúxuě's heart jumped. She worried he might say something he shouldn't in front of Yè Mòshēn.
"Or is it that you're unwilling?" Líng Tiānqí preempted her question.
Facing Yè Mòshēn's probing gaze, Yè Rúxuě could only smile awkwardly. "How could I? Of course, I listen to Brother Mòshēn."
As she spoke, she wrapped her arms around his arm and nestled against him.
"Brother Mòshēn, let's go eat. You must be hungry, right?"
Yè Mòshēn acted as if he hadn't heard. His eyes, as dark as the night, were fixed on Fèng Liánxī, chillingly intense as if trying to see through her.
Fèng Liánxī became even more awkward. She didn't understand Yè Mòshēn's intentions.
Líng Tiānqí was almost unable to suppress his anger and was about to speak when Fèng Liánxī quietly tugged his sleeve, stopping him.
This small gesture was noticed by Yè Mòshēn. A strange flicker appeared in his eyes, and he turned and left without a word.
"What a moody guy," Líng Tiānqí spat after Yè Mòshēn left.
"Don't say that." Fèng Liánxī nervously fiddled with her pants, vaguely feeling a gaze constantly on her from behind.
She just wanted to leave quickly.
Getting into their luxury car, listening to Yè Rúxuě chatter incessantly about where they were going to eat, he happened to see Fèng Liánxī getting into a sports car out of the corner of his eye.
His jaw suddenly tightened, his lips pressed together, and a dark, ominous anger emanated from him.
"Brother Mòshēn, what's wrong?" Yè Rúxuě asked with a naive smile, an ominous premonition growing stronger within her, as if something was beyond her expectations.
"Nothing," he replied faintly, remaining silent the whole time.
In the crowded banquet hall, Fèng Liánxī, arm in arm with Líng Tiānqí, walked in, restraining her curiosity to avoid looking around.
"Tiānqí, you're back?"
"Tiānqí, your dad was just looking for you. It's your family's banquet, and you're only showing up now." Someone they met on the way greeted Líng Tiānqí familiarly. One of them glanced meaningfully at Fèng Liánxī and smiled.
"I'll go find my dad later." Líng Tiānqí sensed that Fèng Liánxī's expression had changed and replied casually.
"Tiānqí, this... this is your family's banquet?" Fèng Liánxī asked, her face paling slightly and trembling.
Líng Tiānqí quickly held her hand, as if to comfort her.
"Yes. Don't be angry yet. I didn't tell you before because I was afraid you wouldn't want to come." Líng Tiānqí looked nervously at her reaction, afraid she would get angry and leave.
Fèng Liánxī was a little angry and had considered leaving directly, but seeing his pitiful expression, she softened.
"You can't do this next time, or I'll really be angry." She said with a light laugh, suppressing her inner anxiety.
Elated at her forgiveness, Líng Tiānqí nodded enthusiastically.
"You don't need to be nervous. My parents will definitely like you. They're very easy to talk to." The naive Líng Tiānqí excitedly pulled Fèng Liánxī to find his parents.
Fèng Liánxī was not as optimistic. Having lived under someone else's roof since childhood, she was more sensitive and could discern some clues from the eyes of those around her.
However, she held a sliver of hope. Perhaps things would really go as smoothly as Líng Tiānqí said?
"Dad, Mom, I've brought someone for you to meet..." Líng Tiānqí excitedly brought Fèng Liánxī before a middle-aged couple and began to introduce them with a smile.
"Tiānqí, you're being too much. What kind of day is it, and you're only arriving now?" Líng Gù scolded with a stern face.
Xǔ Jìngyí, standing beside him, pulled Líng Tiānqí aside and said a few words in a low voice.
"Just now, because of you, your father was mocked a few times, and he's still angry. Speak nicely." After saying this, she pushed Líng Tiānqí back towards Líng Gù.
Xǔ Jìngyí took Fèng Liánxī's hand and said politely, "You must be Tiānqí's classmate. He's told me about you. Have fun here today. Those over there are all young people like you. Go and mingle."
Líng Tiānqí, who was being pulled by Líng Gù to greet the elders, glanced back and saw Xǔ Jìngyí ushering Fèng Liánxī away, so he felt reassured.
Fèng Liánxī was politely led by Xǔ Jìngyí to a corner of the banquet hall. Here, there were many young men and women dressed elegantly. Seeing a beautiful girl suddenly appear, their eyes immediately lit up.
No one knew Fèng Liánxī's identity, but since Xǔ Jìngyí had personally brought her, she couldn't be of ordinary background.
Everyone greeted each other with restraint and politeness, and Fèng Liánxī didn't feel awkward or out of place.
Then, a woman entered. She wore a light yellow mini-dress, had a delicate and cute appearance, and a sweet smile that instantly made people feel fond of her.
Her arrival caused a subtle shift in the atmosphere.
"Hello, my name is Huáng Xīnyǔ." Fèng Liánxī couldn't help but wonder if it was her imagination, but she felt that the woman named Huáng Xīnyǔ seemed to recognize her.
"Hello, I'm Fèng Liánxī."
"I know you. You're Tiānqí's classmate. Welcome to the banquet, have fun." Huáng Xīnyǔ spoke a few polite words and then left.
This is strange. Didn't Huáng Xīnyǔ's attitude seem a bit odd? Was she treating them as hostesses?
As hostesses, they couldn't disappear from everyone's sight for too long.
Soon, Líng Gù appeared with Líng Tiānqí.
Líng Tiānqí's eyes scanned the surroundings, and he quickly found Fèng Liánxī. He flashed her a brilliant smile.
"Dad, Mom, I've brought someone to meet you. Come over here." Líng Tiānqí excitedly said to Líng Gù and Xǔ Jìngyí. "She's a bit timid, so be kind to her later, don't scare her."
Líng Tiānqí was completely immersed in love, like a boy devoid of logic.
If he could see his parents' expressions at this moment, he wouldn't be happy.
"Wait a moment, I still have something to say. You're truly spoiled, not considering the bigger picture at all." Líng Gù and Xǔ Jìngyí exchanged a look and stopped Líng Tiānqí from continuing.
Líng Tiānqí awkwardly scratched his head. His eagerness to introduce his beloved to his parents had made him lose his composure.
Xǔ Jìngyí, smiling, stood with Huáng Xīnyǔ to the side. Just as Líng Gù announced on stage that he had good news to share, she went up to the stage.
"Today, I've invited everyone here primarily to announce some joyous news and share the happiness," Líng Gù said, taking Líng Tiānqí's and Huáng Xīnyǔ's hands.
"Today is the engagement ceremony for our son and Xīnyǔ. The announcement is a bit sudden, please forgive us," Líng Gù said with a beaming smile, but his grip on Líng Tiānqí's hand was surprisingly strong, preventing him from losing control on stage.
Those with inside information had already heard and were now applauding in unison, praising the couple as a perfect match.
Only Fèng Liánxī, in the corner, and Líng Tiānqí on stage seemed struck by lightning, unable to recover for a long time.
Seeing Líng Tiānqí clearly stunned on stage, Fèng Liánxī couldn't help but give a wry smile.
As expected, her presence was not accepted. Xǔ Jìngyí's actions just now now made sense.
As soon as Líng Tiānqí regained his senses, he quickly looked towards Fèng Liánxī, hoping to explain immediately. He happened to catch the bitter smile on her lips, and his heart felt as if it were being cut.
He shook off his hand and was about to leave, but Líng Gù, who was prepared, held him firmly.
Líng Gù's expression remained unchanged as he lowered his voice and ordered, "You are not to be willful. We'll talk after the banquet. You're not going to abandon your family for a woman, are you?"
After speaking, Líng Gù looked up, his gaze piercing like steel needles targeting Líng Tiānqí. Líng Tiānqí took a deep breath, noticing that some people below were already paying attention to them. He forced a smile.
Endure it. It will be over after the banquet. He vowed to get a reasonable explanation from his parents.
Unfortunately, this banquet seemed to drag on.
After announcing the news, Líng Gù, with Líng Tiānqí and Huáng Xīnyǔ, accepted everyone's blessings and thanked them.
Witnessing her boyfriend become someone else's fiancé, perhaps there was no one more pathetic in this world than her.
Fèng Liánxī felt incomparably distressed. All she wanted now was to leave as soon as possible. If she couldn't leave, she hoped to remain as low-key as possible, unnoticed.
"Many of Tiānqí's classmates are here today. Let's go say hello." Huáng Xīnyǔ said thoughtfully.
Numerous elders in the Líng family praised Huáng Xīnyǔ for being sensible and a good girl.
"Thank you all for coming to my engagement ceremony with Tiānqí today. Please enjoy yourselves."