Chapter 35: Slamming the Table
Yang Yu’s mockery made Lin Jia’s face burn with embarrassment. She felt utterly humiliated.
She smacked Yang Yu lightly and, blushing, said, “How am I supposed to control who pursues me?”
The two of them playfully bantered back and forth.
On the other side, Li Hui shamelessly grinned and said to Lin Jia, “Do you remember me? We met last time. I’m Li Hui.”
Lin Jia awkwardly nodded, unwilling to engage with him.
Yang Yu glanced at the pudgy man with disdain and said coldly, “Lin Jia is my girlfriend. Be smart and don’t provoke me, or you won’t be able to handle the consequences.”
Unconvinced, Li Hui retorted, “You’re not married yet. I have the right to pursue her too.”
After speaking, he smugly pulled out his car keys and placed them on the table. It was the key to a BMW, which he had begged his father to buy for him just a few days ago. He had come today specifically to flaunt his wealth in front of Lin Jia.
Lin Jia’s second aunt immediately chimed in, eager to flatter him. “Xiao Hui, I recognize this car—it’s a BMW, right? I heard they cost over a million!”
Encouraged by the attention, Li Hui pretended to be indifferent and said loudly, “It’s just over 900,000. I bought it a few days ago. Lin Jia, do you want me to give you a ride home later?”
Lin Jia felt nothing but contempt. She ignored him. What a country bumpkin. Trying to show off in front of Yang Yu? That was asking for humiliation.
The atmosphere grew awkward because of Li Hui.
At that moment, Lin Jia’s father stood up and announced, “The reason we invited our relatives today is, first, to introduce Jia Jia’s boyfriend to everyone. Second, they’re not young anymore, so let’s take today as their engagement. We’ll arrange their wedding this year.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Jia’s youngest aunt’s family and Li Fei’s wife congratulated them.
Only Lin Jia’s second aunt objected, frowning. “How can an engagement be so rushed? The groom’s family isn’t even here. What do they take us for?”
“Xiao Yang is an orphan. He has no family, just himself,” Lin Jia’s mother explained.
“Oh, so you’re bringing in a live-in son-in-law?” her second aunt sneered.
Lin Jia’s patience snapped. “Second Aunt, I respect you as an elder, but don’t go too far. What does my marriage have to do with you?”
“I’m just thinking about your future! Marriage is a lifelong commitment. Look at our Xiao Li—she may not be as academically accomplished as you, but she chose well. Our Xiao Fei is about to become a deputy director!”
“A good-looking face won’t put food on the table. A man needs to earn money. I’m just looking out for your best interests.”
Her second aunt’s mouth ran like a machine gun.
Even Lin Li tugged at her mother’s sleeve, feeling embarrassed.
The whole table fell silent, listening to her relentless criticism. No one could enjoy the meal anymore.
Yang Yu had initially held back for Lin Jia’s sake, but this woman was insufferable. She just wouldn’t shut up.
BANG!
Yang Yu slammed his hand on the table.
“Shut up! Who do you think you are, meddling in my affairs?” he shouted.
Lin Jia’s second aunt flinched, startled. Then she recovered and began cursing. “Look at this! Such an uncultured man! Jia Jia, is this really the kind of boyfriend you’ve chosen?”
Since the situation had already escalated, Yang Yu saw no reason to be polite anymore.
He stood up, his gaze ice-cold as he stared her down.
Li Fei and his wife thought Yang Yu was about to get physical. Although they knew his mother-in-law was in the wrong, people naturally sided with their own family.
Li Fei spoke up, “Regardless of who’s right or wrong, my mother is still your elder. Just apologize, and let’s move on. I’ll make sure she doesn’t interfere in your matters anymore.”
Lin Jia’s parents also urged him, “Xiao Yang, watch your tone when speaking to your elders. Apologize to your second aunt.”
Lin Jia tugged at Yang Yu’s arm, trying to calm him down.
Yang Yu remained expressionless. “Uncle, Aunt, you are Lin Jia’s parents. From now on, I will treat you as my own. The same goes for Little Aunt’s family. But as for certain so-called ‘elders,’ I do not acknowledge them.”
Lin Jia had never seen Yang Yu this angry before. A hint of fear crept into her heart.
“But since we are technically relatives, I’ll give you a chance. Leave now. Leave the fat one behind—I need to vent. If you do that, I’ll let this go.”
Yang Yu’s eyes locked onto Li Fei and his wife, cold and unwavering.
Li Fei had spent years in politics. Even if he wasn’t particularly powerful, he knew how to read people. One look at Yang Yu’s demeanor, and he realized this was not someone to mess with.
Understanding the situation, he wisely grabbed his still-ranting mother-in-law and his father-in-law and pulled them toward the door. Seeing her husband leave, Lin Li quickly followed.
Meanwhile, Li Hui panicked. Watching his cousin’s entire family abandon him, he tried to sneak away.
“You’re not going anywhere,” Yang Yu said, his cold gaze pinning the fat man in place. “Tonight, I’ll make sure you’re properly entertained.”