Chapter 750: Behaving Better
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
As Huangfu Ruiling’s voice faded, the music promptly filled the air. Those inclined to dance gracefully made their way to the dance floor. Meanwhile, others commenced their socializing.
After concluding his speech, Huangfu Ruiling descended the stage alongside Ye Leng’an, not sparing a glance towards Huangfu Jingzhang and Zhongyu Liuying. They might as well have been strangers, receiving not even an extra glance.
However, Huangfu Ruiling did cast a glance at the emcee, devoid of any emotion, only emanating icy indifference.
From the moment Huangfu Ruiling seized Zhongyu Liuying’s microphone, the emcee’s heart hung in the balance. He faintly sensed that his recent decision might have been profoundly wrong.
Now, under the weight of Huangfu Ruiling’s chilling gaze, he felt his legs betraying him. Were it not for sheer willpower, he might have crumpled to the ground already. In this moment, he realized he was doomed. Not only was his chance of entering the Huangye Group jeopardized, but he also questioned the preservation of his current occupation.
Today was meant to be the pinnacle of his career, officiating the engagement of Master Huangfu. Yet, his recent decision had tarnished it all.
With this realization, he couldn’t help but close his eyes.
Meanwhile, Zhongyu Liuying, left alone on the stage, fared no better. She was profoundly embarrassed. If a crevice appeared in the ground now, she’d willingly slip into it.
Why did this happen during her speech? Huangfu Ruiling remained still during her husband’s speech, but the situation changed when it was her turn.
She could almost envision the gossip that would circulate among the capital’s elite tomorrow.
“Alright, let’s make our way down.” Huangfu Jingzhang approached Zhongyu Liuying, whispering, “Staying here will only add fuel to the fire of gossip.”
Zhongyu Liuying opened her mouth, wanting to retort, but she was at a loss for words.
After a while, she managed to steady her emotions, forcing a smile as she took Huangfu Jingzhang’s hand and descended the stage.
Her demeanor was as if nothing had occurred.
She kept reminding herself that she was Huangfu Ruiling’s mother, an unchangeable fact. No matter how embarrassed she felt tonight, those people dared only to gossip behind her back. They wouldn’t dare utter a word in her presence.
The banquet proceeded smoothly thereafter. Perhaps influenced by Zhongyu Liuying’s example, no further incidents occurred.
After the engagement ceremony, Huangfu Ruiling seemed to cling even closer to Ye Leng’an. With Ye Leng’an’s imminent departure for university, they wouldn’t have as much time together.
Inside the CEO’s office of the Huangye Group, Ye Leng’an was reading an ancient Chinese medicine book while Huangfu Ruiling handled affairs at his desk. Though engrossed in their tasks, they shared harmonious glances and occasional smiles.
However, their tranquil moment was shattered by a jarring ringtone.
Huangfu Ruiling furrowed his brow, answering the phone and promptly hanging up after a brief exchange.
“Who was that?” Ye Leng’an asked, curious.
It clearly wasn’t a work-related call; otherwise, Huangfu Ruiling’s response wouldn’t have been so curt.
“It was Li San,” Huangfu Ruiling replied, his expression neutral. “Zhongyu Liuying called him, saying that Huangfu Ruixiang is getting married and asked me to return to discuss the matter.”
“Zhongyu Liuying called Li San?” Ye Leng’an was momentarily surprised, setting down her book with a faint smile. “It seems she’s grown quite sensible!”
Previously, Zhongyu Liuying would’ve called Huangfu Ruiling directly. Who would’ve thought they’d resort to indirect means now?
“Perhaps she’s learned her lesson,” Huangfu Ruiling remarked lightly. “After the engagement party, their living expenses are halved, and they’ve been behaving better since then.”
It seemed this strategy was quite effective.
Ye Leng’an nodded in understanding. “No wonder she doesn’t dare to disturb you anymore. Are you going back?”
“Yes.” Huangfu Ruiling agreed. “To prevent any trouble arising from Huangfu Ruixiang’s wedding.”
“But that seems unlikely.” Ye Leng’an chuckled. “You’ve already halved their living expenses. Aren’t they afraid you’ll reduce it further if they cause trouble?”
A penny could confound even the bravest soul, let alone Huangfu Jingzhang and Zhongyu Liuying, who were born into wealth. Losing half of their living expenses, on top of their decreased quality of life, surely made things more challenging.
Despite still being better off than many, their accustomed lifestyle made it hard to accept.
Huangfu Ruiling’s eyes gleamed with mockery. “Who knows what they’re thinking?”
In truth, he never cared.
Just as when he returned to the Huangfu family, he didn’t force Huangfu Jingzhang to relinquish the family head position, not out of familial sentiment, but simply because he didn’t care for it.
However, Huangfu Jingzhang crossed the line, prompting him to take away what mattered most to him.
“Let’s not dwell on this,” Ye Leng’an suggested, standing up with a smile. “You mentioned discussing the marriage. Shall we? I’m curious to see what Zhong Yating did to make Huangfu Ruixiang compromise.”
At Ye Leng’an’s words, Huangfu Ruiling recalled something, snorting dismissively. “Just a life-saving favor! Only an imbecile like Huangfu Ruixiang would fall for it.”
Li San had discovered this before but had forgotten to mention it. With Ye Leng’an bringing it up, Huangfu Ruiling took the chance to address it.