Xia Qingyue was so shocked that she couldn't find the words to say. Her delicate hands were pressed tightly over her mouth, her long eyelashes fluttering. Her alluring peach-blossom eyes were filled with shock and an incredible sense of happiness.
After a long while, she finally came back to her senses and asked, "This... is this really for me?"
"It is yours."
Ye Chen nodded and said, "Three days from now will mark the day we met... Wait for me for these three days. I will definitely marry you properly and give you and Little Ningning the status you deserve."
"Okay!"
Xia Qingyue held back her tears of joy and smiled brilliantly.
Three days!
As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of Xia Lingwei and Jiang Feichi turned deathly pale.
Three days later was their wedding day too!
Seeing the display Ye Chen had put on, they were terrified that their own wedding would be completely overshadowed by Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue’s!
"That bitch, she must have done this on purpose to embarrass me!" Xia Lingwei gritted her teeth.
"Weiwei, don't be afraid... This guy is just relying on having a disciple. I don't believe Shi Tianqi can keep helping him," Jiang Feichi said, fuming with rage as he suppressed his fury.
"Hmm?"
Hearing this, Shi Tianqi’s gaze turned cold.
Who were these two pieces of trash to dare discuss his teacher and teacher’s wife?
He was just about to make a move when he heard Ye Chen say indifferently, "Tianqi, stand down. Don't cause trouble."
Causing a scene now would only make things difficult for Xia Qingyue.
If not for his consideration of Xia Qingyue's feelings, Ye Chen would have already acted before Shi Tianqi even arrived!
"Yes!"
Shi Tianqi hurriedly bowed and said, "This disciple was thoughtless. I hope Teacher and the teacher's wife will forgive me."
Ye Chen nodded slightly and said nothing more.
Xia Qingyue, however, was filled with questions. "???"... How did this Ye Chen manage to take Shi Tianqi as his disciple? Ye Chen was clearly ten or twenty years younger than him!
And those other disciples from before—they didn't seem like ordinary people either!!
Before Xia Qingyue could speak, a loud voice suddenly rang out: "Betrothal gifts have arrived... The Jiang Family of Jinling City has come to present gifts to the pearl of the Xia Family!"
As the voice faded, a middle-aged man with a lecherous appearance walked to the entrance of the Xia Family home, looking arrogant. "Why hasn't anyone come to receive the gifts yet? Our Jiang Family has prepared 660,000 in cash and gold and silver jewelry worth hundreds of thousands..."
The Xia family members were silent. "..."
At this moment, everyone was conflicted, not knowing what kind of expression to make!
If not for Ye Chen’s betrothal gifts, the Jiang Family’s 660,000 in cash and the jewelry worth hundreds of thousands would have been highly enviable!
But, compared to Ye Chen’s 8.8 million in cash, his jewelry worth over ten million, and the imperial green jade, the Jiang Family’s gifts paled in comparison!!
There was a far superior treasure right in front of them!!
While everyone sighed internally, the lecherous middle-aged man looked confused and demanded angrily, "What are you all standing there for? I’m here on behalf of the Jiang Family to deliver..."
"Second Uncle!!"
Before he could finish, Jiang Feichi hurriedly pulled the man aside with a sheepish look and laughed awkwardly. "Just have the gifts brought in; there’s no need to read the list..."
"Why not?" the middle-aged man asked, looking puzzled.
Why?
What else could it be!?
Because we’ve been completely outclassed by someone else!!
Jiang Feichi felt like dying. He gave the man a look and quickly said, "Let's not talk about that now... The gifts have been delivered. Weiwei, three days from now, I will definitely come to bring you home! Our new home will be at Green Water Villa!"
Green Water Villa was the newest residential development in Jinling City, and it was the most high-end villa district in the entire city—bar none.
The project spanned hundreds of acres, backed by mountains and surrounded by water. It was located in the new district of Jinling City, and once you stepped out of the villa area, you were in the bustling city!
One could say that in terms of location, grade, and greenery, Green Water Villa was the premier district in Jinling, with the cheapest villa starting at ten million.
Not to mention the prime locations—the "Kings of the Hill"—within the development.
"Green Water Villa..."
Xia Lingwei finally felt she had regained some face and said excitedly, "Thank you, darling! Hmph... Xia Qingyue, where is your new home going to be?"
"I..."
Xia Qingyue was stunned. She shook her head gently and said, "I don't have a new home... I—I’m renting a place."
"Pfft!"
"Hahaha!"
"It seems your man isn't up to much, he has nothing... The car was borrowed, and the betrothal gifts were borrowed too!"
Xia Lingwei felt she had finally won and laughed until she was shaking. "Favors run out eventually. Three days from now, let's see what you have to compare with me!"
At this point, Xia Qingyue’s mother, Zhang Lan, finally couldn't help but ask, "...Ye Chen, do you really not have a house?"
Xia Qingyue’s parents hadn't spoken up until now because they wanted to see what Ye Chen was capable of.
If he truly had a car, a house, and good connections—even if he couldn't compare to Jiang Feichi—it would still be a good home for Xia Qingyue!
Now, hearing Xia Lingwei bring up the issue of the house, Zhang Lan and her husband couldn't hold back any longer.
"A house? I believe I own a villa... though I haven't been there yet." Ye Chen scratched his head lightly.
When Ma Huayun left, he had given Ye Chen two keys. One was for the Pagani sports car, and the other was, he said, the key to Youlong Villa... Ye Chen hadn't paid much attention to it at the time.
A villa?
There is only one villa in Jinling City...
That is Youlong Villa!
Youlong Villa was built in the heart of the Green Water Villa district, embodying the meaning of "A dragon swimming in green waters." However, since its construction, the villa had never been sold... because its value was simply too high!
Even the richest man in the capital city hadn't bought it, so who else would dare spend so much money to buy a villa worth hundreds of millions!
When the crowd heard Ye Chen’s response, they all instinctively froze.
Then, a terrifying thought appeared in their minds... Could the villa Ye Chen mentioned actually be Youlong Villa?
If it were... then wouldn't this young man have soared to the heavens in a single leap!?
*Xia Qingyue, oh Xia Qingyue... what kind of man have you chosen?*
As this thought emerged, everyone’s eyes turned simultaneously to look at Xia Qingyue!!!
***
**Chapter 22: Youlong Villa**
Xia Qingyue was also at a loss, her beautiful peach-blossom eyes filled with confusion as she looked at Ye Chen.
"Um, you have a villa... how big is it?" Zhang Lan suppressed her accelerating heartbeat and feigned composure.
"I don't know. I haven't been there yet," Ye Chen answered truthfully.
As soon as these words were spoken, the Xia family members frowned in unison, all feeling that Ye Chen was joking with them!
Who doesn't know how big their own house is?
And who doesn't know the address or the name of their own property?
Please, even a three-year-old would know that!
"Alright, alright!"
At this moment, Elder Xia made a final decision. "Since the weddings are both in three days, we will find out the truth then..."
Elder Xia was a wily old fox. Seeing how respectful Shi Tianqi was toward Ye Chen, combined with that Pagani worth over a hundred million and the betrothal gifts worth tens of millions, he decided to gamble!!
Their Xia Family could not afford to offend someone like Ye Chen...
Even if it turned out in three days that Ye Chen was just a fraud, it wouldn't matter! They could just drive him and Xia Qingyue out of the Xia family then.
After speaking, Elder Xia walked respectfully toward Shi Tianqi. "The King of Jade himself has come; the Xia family is truly honored. If you don't mind, please have a drink..."
The Xia family had been so rude to Ye Chen that Shi Tianqi, of course, wouldn't give them the time of day. He coldly refused, "No need, I have things to attend to."
Having said that, he simply stood quietly behind Ye Chen, without even moving.
Did he look like a man with things to attend to?
Seeing this, Elder Xia was so angry he felt like vomiting blood. Fortunately, Xia Qingcheng was quick-witted. "Sister, brother... brother-in-law, it’s almost time for dinner, why don't you stay and eat!"
Hearing this, Xia Qingyue’s body trembled, and she looked expectantly at her parents and Elder Xia.
She had been banished from the Xia family. Without the Elder's nod today, Xia Qingyue wouldn't dare step back through their front door.
Seeing this, Elder Xia’s expression darkened slightly. "We are all one family, come in and eat."
Ye Chen turned to look at Xia Qingyue and, seeing her alluring peach-blossom eyes full of anticipation, nodded. "Okay!"
Seeing his teacher nod, Shi Tianqi followed Ye Chen inside.
Although the Xia family was a second-rate family, the place they lived in was a detached villa with a courtyard worth seven or eight million!
The courtyard was large. Since it was just an engagement banquet, the only people invited were the Xia family members and Jiang Feichi’s group... so the scale of the banquet wasn't very large.
The banquet was held right out in the open in the courtyard. At a massive table, Elder Xia sat at the head, followed by the Xia Junyuan couple, Xia Tianqi, Xia Lingwei, and Jiang Feichi!
As for Xia Qingyue’s parents, they were not favored by the Elder and sat at a table further to the side.
Watching the main table fill up, Xia Qingyue didn't try to compete for a seat there; she consciously chose a side table and sat down quietly.
"Mommy, I want to eat meat..."
After sitting down, Little Ningning looked hungry, staring at the sweet and sour pork ribs and the braised lion's head meatballs on the table.
"So ill-bred!"
Xia Lingwei, sitting at the main table, snorted. "The banquet hasn't even started, and Grandpa hasn't touched his chopsticks yet... Can’t you keep this brat quiet!"
"She's just a hungry child. Besides, Little Ningning hasn't even touched anything yet," Xia Qingcheng retorted.
After Xia Qingyue sat down, Xia Qingcheng sat next to her—Ye Chen could see that the sisters had a very deep bond.
And it was true; after Xia Qingyue was banished from the Xia family, Xia Qingcheng had secretly helped her sister. Any pocket money she saved over the years was either secretly slipped to her sister or spent on buying various toys and snacks for Little Ningning!
But just then, one of the partners who had accompanied Jiang Feichi suddenly said, "Young Master Jiang, I just checked—Youlong Villa hasn't been sold yet!"
His name was Yang Rui, and his father was the manager at the Green Water Villa sales department.
Just moments ago, Yang Rui had received a hint from Jiang Feichi and called his father, only to learn that Youlong Villa was currently off the market!
"Heh heh heh, I knew it without even thinking; Youlong Villa definitely hasn't been sold!! As for the villa that person mentioned, he’s probably just bragging to make himself look good!!" Jiang Feichi sneered.
Just after the betrothal gifts were exchanged, Ye Chen’s list had crushed Jiang Feichi’s into the dust.
Now that he had confirmed Youlong Villa hadn't been sold, Jiang Feichi immediately counterattacked. "I wonder, what is the name of Mr. Ye's villa?"
"It seems... it's also called Youlong Villa," Ye Chen thought for a moment before answering indifferently.
When Ma Huayun gave Ye Chen the key, he had indeed mentioned the name "Youlong Villa," but Ye Chen had been staying at the hotel with his wife and daughter for the past two days and hadn't been to see the property!
"Hahahaha!!"
Hearing this, Jiang Feichi laughed even more smugly. "Can you have some shame? My brother Yang Rui's father is the manager of the Youlong Villa sales department, and he just checked—Youlong Villa has never been sold!!"
"Ah?"
"As expected, we were overthinking it!"
"It didn't make sense anyway. This young man dresses so plainly; his entire outfit couldn't cost more than a few hundred, right?"
"Who's to say? Look at Young Master Jiang—that’s what real wealth looks like. The Patek Philippe on his wrist alone is worth six or seven hundred thousand!"
"Heh, Youlong Villa... such a stubborn liar!!"
The Xia family members began to gossip again. Compared to the mysterious Ye Chen, they felt that clinging to the Jiang family was much more practical.
After all, Ye Chen was a mystery... while the Jiang family was a bona fide first-rate family with assets exceeding billions!
Hearing the crowd's gossip, the smile on Jiang Feichi’s face grew more smug. He continued to interrogate Ye Chen, "You said... your villa is also called Youlong Villa?"
Ye Chen’s eyes were cold. "I have said the name Youlong Villa three times. If there is nothing wrong with your ears, you should have heard me."
"Hahaha!"
Hearing this, the Xia family erupted into another round of mocking laughter.
"Xia Qingyue, oh Xia Qingyue, look at your man. The truth has been exposed, and he’s still digging his heels in!" Xia Lingwei said, looking triumphant.
"Sigh, truly a fraud. I suspect this car and these betrothal gifts were all obtained through deception."
"I told you so. If he were truly rich, how could he dress so shabbily?"
Listening to these words, Xia Junyuan and Zhang Lan’s expressions changed. They had initially held some expectations for Ye Chen.
They had hoped their daughter could finally settle down and find a good life... but now it seemed Ye Chen’s character was flawed!!
Even Elder Xia’s expression darkened, and he began to regret inviting Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue in!
"Fine, keep up the act!"
Jiang Feichi sneered. "Anyway, we’re both getting married in three days. Why don't we see whose wedding is more extravagant... Heh heh heh, Youlong Villa! Our new home happens to have a view of Youlong Villa!! I just wonder if I'll be able to see yours... Hahaha."
"Hahahaha!!"
With that, another wave of raucous laughter broke out.
The way the crowd looked at Ye Chen and Xia Qingyue became even more mocking!
***
**Chapter 23: The Wedding Procession**
However, Ye Chen didn't care about these taunts.
To Ye Chen, their provocations were like ants clamoring to trip an elephant!
Faced with the clamor of ants, would a giant elephant react? ...Of course not.
"In three days, everything will be revealed."
Ye Chen stroked the back of Xia Qingyue’s hand and said affectionately, "On that day, I will make you the most dazzling bride in the world!"
"Hmm!"
Looking at the confident gaze in his eyes, Xia Qingyue nodded as if under a spell... She found she couldn't doubt for a second that Ye Chen could do it!
...
After the engagement banquet ended, Ye Chen left the Xia family home alone.
He needed to prepare a surprise for Xia Qingyue for their big day...
"Master!"
As soon as Ye Chen stepped out of the Xia residence, dozens of Kunlun Disciples dressed in white immediately bowed in unison.
"Hmm."
Ye Chen nodded slightly. "I leave the spiritual energy array to you. Three days from now, I want this entire city of Jinling to be in full bloom, with a red wedding procession stretching for ten miles!"
"A city in full bloom?"
Shi Tianqi was slightly stunned. It was January... what plants would be blooming then?
If anyone else had said this, Shi Tianqi would have cursed them for talking nonsense!
But these words came from Ye Chen! Therefore, Shi Tianqi not only believed it, but he was also looking forward to the scene of the city in bloom three days later!
After receiving the order, the dozens of Kunlun Disciples bowed to Ye Chen once more before quickly departing.
...
Three days later, on the day of the wedding.
Before the sun had even risen, limited-edition luxury cars worth tens of millions began pouring into Jinling City, as if money were no object.
At the same time, the Xia family was busy.
Makeup artists arrived at Xia Lingwei’s room early to help her wash, apply makeup, and dress in her wedding gown...
Everyone else had also risen early, hanging lanterns and streamers, decorating every corner of the house to look incredibly festive.
"Weiwei is so lucky! Young Master Jiang sent people to do your makeup first thing in the morning!"
"Unlike some people... even though they're getting married today too, they're all alone! Not only no makeup artist, but not even a wedding gown!!"
"Heh, that wild man showed up once and then vanished!"
Xia Lingwei sneered, "Who knows if that person will even show up today? Some people should stop dreaming!"
"..."
Hearing these words, a touch of sorrow appeared in Xia Qingyue’s alluring peach-blossom eyes.
She bit her lip, her fingers interlaced so tightly that her fingertips turned pale.
"Weiwei, I heard that last night, countless luxury cars poured into Jinling City—there were hundreds of them!"
"Was that Young Master Jiang finding hundreds of cars to make the wedding even grander... Oh my, I'm so excited for the arrival of the wedding procession! I heard some of those luxury cars are worth tens of millions!"
"Really? ...Weiwei is so lucky!"
The Xia family members chattered, showering Xia Lingwei with praise.
"Sister!"
Seeing the sadness in Xia Qingyue’s beautiful eyes, her younger sister, Xia Qingcheng, said with a heart full of pain, "That Ye Chen... will he come back?"
"He definitely will."
Xia Qingyue nodded firmly and said, "Regardless of the scale of the wedding, he will definitely appear... Actually, I never thought about a grand, world-shaking wedding. As long as he comes to marry me openly and honorably... that’s enough!"
As she spoke, Xia Qingyue gently stroked Little Ningning’s hair. The little girl raised her head and said in her soft, childish voice, "Daddy will definitely come to pick us up!"
"Heh heh heh, that sounds so touching. You 'never thought about a grand wedding'... you just want to be 'married openly and honorably'! Heh heh heh!"
Xia Lingwei sneered, "Xia Qingyue, stop trying to find an excuse for yourself. You are destined to live in the mud for the rest of your life, so don't even think about comparing yourself to me!"
"Xia Lingwei, why is your mouth so venomous!"
Hearing Xia Lingwei insult her sister, Xia Qingcheng retorted directly, "Does your boyfriend have kidney failure or something!? Your mouth is so filthy..."
"You...!"
Hearing this, Xia Lingwei was so furious she felt like she might explode; she wanted to lunge at Xia Qingcheng.
"Tsk tsk tsk, look at that shrewish behavior. Just focus on your makeup, be careful not to look like a monster later..."
Xia Qingcheng wasn't afraid of her and continued to jab, "After all, your face isn't as good as mine or my sister's! Sigh, today is your big day, remember to put on an extra layer of powder!!"
Of the three pearls of the Xia family, Xia Qingyue was statuesque and curvaceous, with a beautiful and bright appearance; she had once been known as the number one goddess of Jinling City! Xia Qingcheng, in terms of both face and figure, could leave Xia Lingwei in the dust by eighteen blocks!