Lin Xi’s expression remained utterly calm, which made Ye Huan feel as if he had just punched a pile of cotton—he was thoroughly disappointed!
"Are you not surprised at all? Not even a little bit?" Ye Huan asked, puzzled.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I am very satisfied with this outcome!"
Lin Xi looked at Ye Huan with a radiant smile—one so intense it was blinding.
Ye Huan: "..."
Seeing Ye Huan look like a withered eggplant, Lin Xi was suddenly overcome with joy, thinking she had finally won a complete victory over him!
In truth, the moment Lin Xi learned the reality, her anger had surged to its peak. She was especially furious thinking about how Ye Huan had taken advantage of the "posing as a boyfriend" situation to kiss her; she had been ready to go berserk and scratch him to death.
But her anger vanished in an instant!
She had chosen to enter into a marriage agreement with Ye Huan for two reasons: first, to use the contract as a way to take revenge on him; second, to reject the marriage candidate her grandfather had arranged for her.
Now that she confirmed Ye Huan and her grandfather’s candidate were the same person, her goal was achieved.
With that mysterious candidate out of the picture, she could now focus entirely on using the marriage agreement to get back at Ye Huan!
"It’s fate!" Li Meiya slapped the table, excited. "I never imagined that the candidate Dad arranged for Xixi would turn out to be her boyfriend. This is such a coincidence! Not even TV dramas could script something like this. It’s fate, absolutely fate!"
"Waiter!" Lin Canglan shouted. Once the waiter entered, he urged, "Bring the food! Bring it out quickly! This noon, I’m going to drink until I drop with my good son-in-law!"
Seeing Ye Huan, Lin Tai, and Lin Xi still standing, he added, "Dad, why are you still standing? Sit down, sit down. Good son-in-law, come sit next to me."
The three of them sat down immediately. Lin Tai took Ye Huan’s hand and asked, "What kind of work did you do abroad? Let me see if I can arrange the same position for you at Lin Group."
Before Lin Xi, Lin Canglan, or Li Meiya could answer for him, Ye Huan spoke up himself:
"Slaughtering."
He was indeed in the slaughtering industry, though he didn't slaughter livestock—he slaughtered people!
Lin Xi: "..."
Lin Canglan: "???"
Li Meiya: "???"
Lin Xi panicked, cursing Ye Huan internally for being an idiot. He hadn't stuck to the cover story she’d designed, and now the truth was out! Still, she hadn't truly expected him to be a pig butcher.
"Xixi, what is this about?" Li Meiya glared at her daughter. "Didn't you say Ye Huan was the founder of a ten-billion-dollar Wall Street company about to go public? How did he end up in the slaughtering business?"
Lin Xi’s pretty face burned with embarrassment; she wanted to dig a hole in the ground and bury herself. She was about to explain when she caught Ye Huan looking at her with a playful expression. She assumed he was intentionally exposing her lie to humiliate her.
A plan formed in her mind. "Mom, Dad, I’m sorry. I lied to you. Grandfather forced me to marry a stranger, so I thought I’d just find a man to register a marriage with. I made up his background, his education, and his job—everything to make you like him so you’d join my side and convince Grandfather to give up on that stranger. I just never expected the man I randomly picked would turn out to be the exact person Grandfather told me to pick up at the airport."
*Take that,* she thought. *If you're going to expose my lie, I’ll just tell the truth and join forces with Mom and Dad against you!*
Lin Xi secretly congratulated herself on her wit. Not only had she thwarted Ye Huan’s scheme, but she had also recruited two powerful enemies to fight him! *Hmph, you wretch, just wait for the wrath of my parents!*
"Xixi, you..." Lin Canglan and Li Meiya were so angry they nearly exploded. They weren't angry because Lin Xi had lied; they were furious because they felt humiliated for having showered so many sweet words on a "pig butcher."
"You pig butcher! How dare you toy with my daughter!" Li Meiya lunged at Ye Huan, intending to scratch him.
Ye Huan dodged quickly. "How did I toy with Lin Xi?"
"Don't you deny it! You—you're infuriating!" Li Meiya gasped, livid. "Xixi didn't know you, but you had seen the video her father sent you. You knew who she was! If you had told her the truth, she never would have registered the marriage. If that’s not toying with her, what is?"
Lin Canglan added, "I think you’re just greedy for Xixi’s beauty and the Lin family’s money, so you intentionally kept the truth from her."
Ye Huan was about to explain when he saw Lin Xi gloating on the side. He asked, "Lin Xi, do you want me to tell your parents the *real* reason you registered the marriage with me?"
"Shut your mouth!" Lin Xi was enjoying the show, but she hadn't expected Ye Huan to be so devious—he was threatening her with the fact that he’d already had his way with her. While cursing him for his malice, she quickly stepped in: "Mom, Dad, Ye Huan didn't toy with me. Even if he had told me the truth back then, I still would have registered the marriage. I’m never marrying anyone else!"
*Slap!*
Lin Canglan and Li Meiya felt as if they’d been hit in the face. They had hoped to use the "Ye Huan toyed with Xixi" narrative to show Lin Tai that Ye Huan had poor character, which would force them to divorce. They hadn't expected Lin Xi to turn on them and side with Ye Huan at such a critical moment!
"Dad, this butcher not only has a lowly job, but his character is also rotten. Xixi will never be happy with a man like this," Lin Tai said, shifting his strategy to target the grandfather, his tone hardening. "Regardless, as Xixi’s father, I strictly forbid her from marrying this butcher!"
Li Meiya chimed in, "I don't agree either! If he dares to set foot in our house, I’ll break his legs!"
Lin Tai, who had been watching the scene with a smile, decided it was time to weigh in. "I, on the other hand, think Ye Huan and Xixi are a fated pair. Otherwise, they wouldn't have accidentally ended up registering that marriage."
Lin Canglan and Li Meiya were so angry they nearly lost control of their bladders. Just as they were about to express their firm opposition again, Lin Tai’s face turned icy.
"Whoever opposes Xixi marrying Ye Huan can get out of the Lin family."
At these words, Lin Canglan and Li Meiya fell silent, though they secretly plotted to convince Lin Xi to divorce Ye Huan as soon as they got home.
Lin Tai saw right through them. He took out an agreement, a pen, and an inkpad from his bag. "Xixi, come here and sign these papers and leave your thumbprint."
"Okay!" Lin Xi didn't think twice. She assumed it was another company contract—her grandfather often had her sign things—so she signed and thumbprinted without even looking.
Afterward, she asked, "Grandfather, which project is this for?"
"This isn't a company document," Lin Tai said with a cunning smile. "I’ve also signed and thumbprinted this agreement. From now on, if you are the one to initiate a divorce with Ye Huan, not only will you be kicked out with nothing, but all your assets—both pre- and post-marriage—will go to Ye Huan. My entire fortune will also go to Ye Huan."
Lin Xi was stunned! She had just tried to trap Ye Huan with a marriage agreement, and in an instant, her grandfather had trapped *her*! However, she figured this agreement was useless against her; she had the marriage agreement, which she could use to force Ye Huan to be the one to file for divorce—and she could even make sure he left with nothing!
"Buzz..."
Lin Canglan and Li Meiya felt as if they had been struck by lightning. They had just been planning to convince Xixi to initiate a divorce, and now Lin Tai had played this card—it was a direct slap to their faces! *We absolutely cannot let Xixi initiate the divorce! Otherwise, Xixi’s and the old man’s entire fortunes will go to this pig butcher!* They realized they would have to find a way to force Ye Huan to initiate the divorce instead; that would render Lin Tai’s agreement void.
"Old man, I’ve met many gamblers, but you’re the first I’ve ever seen like this. Aren't you afraid of losing?" Ye Huan asked, looking at Lin Tai in shock. His heart was filled with confusion. Lin Tai didn't know he was the Underworld King; beyond his name, he knew almost nothing about him. Yet, Lin Tai was forcing his precious granddaughter to marry him and was willing to wager their entire family fortune just to prevent her from filing for divorce. *Is he just reckless, or is he not afraid of losing?*
"You are a man who keeps his word," Lin Tai smiled.
Ye Huan chuckled. "You’re betting on me keeping my word and not divorcing Lin Xi, aren't you? That’s why you dare to play such a high-stakes gamble. But are you really that confident that Lin Xi will be happy with me? Aren't you worried I might cheat on her?"
Lin Canglan and Li Meiya were furious. They kept signaling to Lin Xi, *See? This butcher isn't a good person! He’s full of tricks! You’re not even married yet and he’s already thinking about cheating. What will happen once you’re actually married?*
Lin Xi pretended not to understand her parents' signals. She didn't care if Ye Huan cheated—in fact, she hoped he would. She hoped he’d cheat ten times a day until he died of kidney failure.
"A weary bird always returns to its nest," Lin Tai said with a smile.
*So you want me to play around and then come back to Lin Xi? You’ve got some nerve...* Ye Huan was impressed by Lin Tai’s boldness.
Just then, the waiter brought in the wine and dishes, and Lin Tai invited everyone to eat. Ye Huan, Lin Xi, and Lin Tai were in high spirits, enjoying the meal, with Ye Huan and Lin Tai even exchanging toasts. Lin Canglan and Li Meiya, however, were in the worst mood possible; eating this meal was like eating dirt.
*Knock, knock, knock...*
As they were midway through the meal, a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," Lin Tai said.
A young man wearing a heavy gold chain and a gold watch, dressed in flashy, flamboyant clothes, and exuding a ruffian-like aura, pushed the door open.
The moment Ye Huan saw him enter, he noticed the man’s gaze lock onto Lin Xi. His pupils constricted momentarily before returning to normal. The man then smiled at Lin Tai. "Grandfather Lin, I’m here at Shangyang Restaurant for a meal. I heard you were here too, so I came to say hello."
When the Lin family saw the young man, they all stood up immediately, his status clearly being extraordinary. Lin Canglan and Li Meiya’s expressions were particularly excited.
*He’s here! He’s here! Her suitor is here!* If this guy found out that Ye Huan had used cheap tricks to register a marriage with Xixi, he would surely be furious enough to beat Ye Huan into initiating a divorce!
"Oh, if it isn't Young Master Jin. You’re too kind. I’m just here for a casual meal; I didn't expect to trouble you," Lin Tai said politely.
Ye Huan frowned. *Who exactly is this "Young Master Jin" that even a businessman as large as Lin Tai has to be so cautious, not even daring to act like an elder?*
"Grandfather Lin, don't call me 'Young Master Jin.' I’m a junior to you. Just call me Feiyu," Jin Feiyu said, sounding very satisfied with Lin Tai’s attitude, though his words were phrased with feigned respect.
"In that case, I’ll take the liberty of calling you Feiyu," Lin Tai said, forcing a smile. "Feiyu, I’m glad you came to say hello, but I know you’re a busy man and must have friends here. I wouldn't want to keep you too long and upset them. You go ahead, and some other day when you have time, I’ll host a gathering for us!"
It was a polite dismissal, but Lin Tai’s tone was extremely careful.
"Grandfather Lin, I just got here. Why are you kicking me out?" Jin Feiyu acted like a respectful junior while bluntly calling out Lin Tai’s intent. "I’m not busy at all today, and I didn't bring any friends. I’m here alone. Since I bumped into you, let’s eat together. This meal is on me."
Lin Tai cursed Jin Feiyu’s shamelessness internally but didn't dare refuse. "If you don't mind our leftovers, then please, take a seat."
He turned to Ye Huan and instructed, "Ye Huan, go ask the waiter to bring another set of cutlery." He was trying to get Ye Huan out of the room to avoid any trouble should Jin Feiyu find out about his relationship with Lin Xi.
"Wait!" Jin Feiyu stopped him, turning to look at Ye Huan. "Grandfather Lin, who is this?"
Lin Tai felt a surge of panic. He was about to say Ye Huan was a distant relative when Lin Canglan interjected: "Young Master Jin, his name is Ye Huan. He’s Xixi’s partner. They registered their marriage this morning."
Lin Tai was livid, cursing Lin Canglan for being a fool. By revealing Ye Huan’s identity, he was clearly trying to use Jin Feiyu to deal with him. Lin Xi frowned, her face flushed with anger. She hadn't expected her father to go to such despicable lengths to break her and Ye Huan up. For a moment, she worried for Ye Huan—she wanted him dead, but not at someone else’s hand, and Jin Feiyu was exactly the type of person who could kill him.
Li Meiya gave Lin Canglan an "attaboy" look and watched with anticipation.
"Partner? Registered?" The smile on Jin Feiyu’s face froze. He whipped his head toward Lin Tai, furious. "Grandfather Lin, what is this? Everyone in Pengcheng knows Lin Xi is single! I’ve gone to the Lin family to propose many times, and you’ve always pushed me off with excuses like 'Lin Xi is still young' and 'Lin Group needs her.' How is it that a partner suddenly appears today, and they’ve already registered their marriage?"
Ye Huan blinked. *Wait, so this little punk is my rival in love?*
"This..." Lin Tai didn't know how to respond.
Li Meiya added, her tone filled with malice: "Young Master Jin, Ye Huan is the candidate my husband chose for Lin Xi. Today is actually the first time they’ve met. Xixi was very opposed to it, but Ye Huan used some underhanded scheme to trick her into registering the marriage."
Lin Tai and Lin Xi were both furious. Li Meiya’s act was clearly intended to incite Jin Feiyu to attack Ye Huan. It was a vicious move. Ye Huan finally understood what was going on—Lin Canglan and Li Meiya would stop at nothing to break them up, even if it meant getting rid of him only to have to deal with Jin Feiyu later.
Lin Canglan gave Li Meiya a look of approval. They knew their behavior had angered Lin Tai, but with Jin Feiyu present, they believed Lin Tai wouldn't dare act. They were willing to suffer Lin Tai’s scolding later just to see Ye Huan and Lin Xi separated.
"So that’s how it is!" Jin Feiyu’s expression turned cold. He strode over to Ye Huan, grabbed him by the collar, and hissed, "Kid, I don't care what kind of dog dung you crawled out from under, but before I get really angry, hurry up, right now, immediately take Lin Xi to the civil affairs bureau and get a divorce."
*You’re asking for it!*
With his collar grabbed, Ye Huan’s fists clenched. He was about to smash the skull of this idiot who dared to provoke the Underworld King.
"Don't be impulsive!" Lin Xi suddenly shouted, grabbing Ye Huan’s right wrist. She said nervously, "Ye Huan, let me warn you—there are people in this world you can provoke, and people you can't. Young Master Jin is someone you cannot afford to offend. If you throw that punch, you’ll be throwing your life away!"
Lin Tai wanted to intervene as well, but he held back. He suddenly had a bold idea: use this opportunity to test Ye Huan’s abilities and see if he was truly the killing machine he suspected.
"Oh my, Ye Huan, are you trying to hit Young Master Jin?"
"Young Master Jin, don't be careless! Ye Huan is a butcher; he’s got strength!" Lin Canglan and Li Meiya continued to stir the pot, goading them into a fight. If they started fighting, no matter who started it, Ye Huan was a dead man!
"Want to fight?" Jin Feiyu, prompted by Lin Xi, Lin Canglan, and Li Meiya, realized Ye Huan’s intention and sneered. "So you don't accept it, huh? Well, that’s a coincidence. My family has a hereditary bad temper—it’s the perfect cure for anyone who doesn't accept their place!"
He picked up a teacup from the table and smashed it on the floor. Instantly, the door to the private room was kicked open, and over a dozen youths armed with knives swarmed in. The room was barely big enough to hold them.
Seeing this, Lin Xi silently blamed her parents. *They’re going to get Ye Huan killed!*
Lin Tai became nervous. If Ye Huan wasn't the person he suspected, he wouldn't just be killed today—he’d be crippled by Jin Feiyu. Lin Canglan and Li Meiya were ecstatic; with Jin Feiyu’s henchmen here, there was no way Ye Huan was getting out of this.
"Interesting," Ye Huan suppressed his urge to kill Jin Feiyu and said with a cold smile, "I was only suspicious before, but now I’m certain."
His words left everyone in the room puzzled.
"You butcher, have you lost your mind? What kind of nonsense are you spouting?" Li Meiya sneered.
Ye Huan ignored her and looked at Lin Xi. "The twelve people who tried to kidnap you on the way here? They were sent by Jin Feiyu."
Lin Xi’s face changed instantly. She whipped her head toward Jin Feiyu, catching him with a fleeting look of surprise before he quickly masked it. Lin Xi believed Ye Huan now, and many things suddenly clicked into place.
Jin Feiyu was secretly shocked, unable to figure out how Ye Huan knew about that. Lin Tai was stunned—he hadn't known Lin Xi had encountered kidnappers on the way to pick up Ye Huan.
Lin Canglan and Li Meiya were taken aback, then let out mocking laughs.
Lin Canglan said with contempt, "Ye Huan, are you seeing all of Young Master Jin’s men and realizing you’re at the end of your rope, so you’re trying to frame him to get the Lin family to stand by your side?"