Yang Chen glanced subtly at Yang Wei. This was his second time meeting this scoundrel. The last time was at the Qin Group, where Yang Wei had eyed Qin Xi with ill intent. Now, he was doing the same again.
Back then, after discovering that Yang Wei was trying to expand the Yang family's business into Jiangzhou, Yang Chen had instructed Luo Bin to ensure no Yang-related businesses appeared in the city. Yet, Yang Wei was still here—clearly, the Yang family hadn't taken his warning seriously.
"A cheap woman who climbed the ladder with her looks, yet she acts all high and mighty," Fang Yue sneered as she watched Yang Chen and Qin Xi leave.
Yang Wei smiled faintly. "I already have business dealings with the Qin family. Since we've run into them here, it's only right to entertain them."
"Brother Yang, don't tell me you've taken a liking to that cheap woman?" Fang Yue pouted, displeased.
Yang Wei chuckled, taking her hand. "Didn't I say that once we return to Zhou City, I'd have my father propose to your family? How could I be interested in someone else? Besides, you're the only one in my heart. After all this time together, don't you understand my feelings?"
Lately, Fang Yue had been fooling around with Yang Wei, and their relationship had progressed rapidly—they'd already slept together. Hearing him mention marriage now, she was overjoyed. After all, the Yang family was a top-tier household in Zhou City, far surpassing the Qins in status.
"If you say so, then let's join them. But don't you dare look at that cheap woman even once!" Fang Yue warned.
"Don't worry, my heart belongs only to you." Yang Wei had long since figured Fang Yue out—a few sweet words and some money were all it took to keep her obedient.
---
Yang Chen and Qin Xi, holding Xiao Xiao's hand, found their private dining room, where Qin Yi and Zhou Yucui were already waiting. Only Qin Dayong was absent.
Zhou Yucui had clearly dressed up for the occasion. Her light makeup accentuated her delicate features—after all, how could the mother of two beauties like Qin Xi and Qin Yi be anything less than attractive herself?
A fine Hetian jade bracelet adorned her wrist, and she wore a goose-yellow high-neck knit top, exuding an air of dignified elegance—like a true noblewoman.
Qin Yi, youthful and vibrant, looked stunning even in a simple white blouse that couldn't hide her perfect figure.
Qin Xi, having spent the day playing with Yang Chen and Xiao Xiao, looked slightly tired but no less breathtakingly beautiful.
Even Xiao Xiao, dressed like a little princess, was adorable beyond words, her delicate features making her look like a living doll.
"Sis, you're late! Penalty—three drinks!" Qin Yi declared, already pouring three glasses.
Qin Xi smiled. "Spare us! Yang Chen has to drive, and I'm… not feeling well lately. Can't drink."
"Huh? Already?" Qin Yi gasped, her hand jerking in shock and spilling some wine.
Zhou Yucui, who had been fiddling with her phone, snapped her head up. "You're pregnant?"
Qin Xi froze, then flushed with embarrassment. "I meant my period is here."
"You scared me! I thought you two were planning for a second child," Qin Yi said, patting her chest in relief.
Zhou Yucui shot her a glare. "Don't spout nonsense about things you don't know!"
Qin Yi stuck out her tongue, then downed a full glass of red wine in one go. "Consider this my penalty!"
Knock, knock, knock!
The door to the private room sounded.
"Come in!" Qin Yi called out, assuming it was a server.
The door opened, revealing two familiar figures—Yang Wei and Fang Yue, whom Qin Xi had just ignored moments ago.
"What are you doing here?" Qin Yi frowned at the sight of them.
Yang Chen's eyes narrowed slightly. Were they here on Fang Yue's whim, or was this Yang Wei's idea?
"Yi, we ran into Cousin Xi at the entrance and found out you were all dining here. We thought it'd be more lively together—don't worry, my boyfriend's treating," Fang Yue said sweetly, clinging to Yang Wei's arm.
Then, with a smug tone, she added, "Oh, let me introduce you—this is Yang Wei from the Yang family, a top-tier household in Zhou City. He's our family's business partner and, of course, my boyfriend."
Qin Yi's face twisted in disgust at Fang Yue's antics. "This is a family dinner. Outsiders aren't welcome. We can pay for ourselves. If there's nothing else, please leave."
From the moment he stepped in, Yang Wei had been captivated by the beauty of Qin Xi and Qin Yi. Compared to them, Fang Yue was like dirt beneath his feet—utterly unremarkable.
Zhou Yucui, however, perked up at the mention of Yang Wei's background. Even if he was with Fang Yue now, that didn't stop her from sizing him up as a potential son-in-law. With his black-rimmed glasses, tall and lean frame, and pleasant features, Yang Wei fit her ideal son-in-law image perfectly—well-connected and respectable.
"You must be Auntie Zhou?" Yang Wei, sensing her gaze, quickly greeted her warmly.
Fang Yue had already briefed him on the family's details, so he'd immediately recognized Zhou Yucui.
Flattered that he knew who she was, Zhou Yucui beamed. "Yes, I'm Qin Xi and Qin Yi's mother. Just call me Auntie Zhou."
"Then I'll respectfully oblige. Hello, Auntie Zhou! You can call me Xiao Yang," Yang Wei replied courteously.
The more Zhou Yucui looked at him, the more she liked him. She gestured to the empty seats. "Please, sit!"
"Mom, this is my treat to celebrate Sis's promotion to general manager. Why are you letting outsiders stay?" Qin Yi complained.
Zhou Yucui shot her a glare. "Celebrations are better with more people! Besides, Fang Yue isn't an outsider—she's your cousin!"
"Exactly, Yi. I'm only a week older than you, but I'm still your cousin," Fang Yue chimed in with a smirk.
Qin Yi scowled and fell silent, sitting back down in a huff.
With Yang Wei and Fang Yue already seated and Zhou Yucui backing them, there was no way to kick them out now.
---
Over the next few minutes, Zhou Yucui bombarded Yang Wei with questions:
"Xiao Yang, you're from the Zhou City Yang family?"
"How old are you?"
"You're not married yet, right?"
"Do you have siblings?"
Fang Yue's expression grew darker with each question. It was obvious Zhou Yucui was trying to steal her man.
"Mom, what are you doing? Can't we just eat in peace?" Qin Yi snapped. She could tell Yang Wei was a hypocrite—all polite smiles on the surface, but his lecherous glances at her and her sister betrayed his true nature.
"You eat your food, I'll chat with whoever I want. What's it to you?" Zhou Yucui retorted irritably.
"Auntie, Yang Wei is my boyfriend. Why are you interrogating him like this?" Fang Yue finally exploded, shooting to her feet.
"Is that any way to speak to your elders? So rude! How could Xiao Yang ever like someone like you? If I were him, I'd have dumped you long ago," Zhou Yucui scoffed.
Fang Yue trembled with rage. Grabbing Yang Wei's arm, she hissed, "Brother Yang, being around these people is making me sick. I've lost my appetite. Let's go somewhere else."
To her shock, Yang Wei didn't side with her. Instead, he coldly said, "Fang Yue, Auntie Zhou is right. She's an elder—how could you speak to her like that? Apologize. Now."
"Brother Yang, can't you see what she's doing? She's not making small talk—she's probing for details so she can shove her daughters at you!" Fang Yue cried, her eyes reddening.
"I said, apologize!" Yang Wei's voice turned icy.
Fang Yue was stunned. Over the past days, Yang Wei had doted on her, buying her luxury gifts and treating her like a queen. Now, for the sake of outsiders, he was turning on her?
"I did nothing wrong. Why should I apologize?" she bit out.
*Slap!*
Yang Wei struck her across the face. "If you won't apologize, then get out. From now on, we're through."
"Brother Yang, what did you say? You're breaking up with me?" Fang Yue clutched her stinging cheek, tears streaming.
"Yes. Auntie Zhou is right—if you can't even respect your own elders, how could you ever respect mine if we married?" Yang Wei lamented, putting on a pained act.
"The Yang family is a distinguished name. If word got out that my wife was so disrespectful, how could I ever hold my head high in public?"
Fang Yue stared at him, realizing with horror that the man before her was a stranger.
Only now did it hit her—Yang Wei was serious about ending things.
"Brother Yang, I was wrong! Please don't leave me! I'll apologize—I'm sorry! Auntie, I'm sorry! I was wrong!" she begged frantically, clutching his arm.
"Let this be a lesson, Fang Yue," Yang Wei said sternly. "I can't tolerate a future wife who disrespects her elders. Not even once. From this moment on, we're done."
"Brother Yang, I've really learned my lesson! Please give me one more chance—just one! I can't live without you!" Fang Yue clung to him desperately, as if her life depended on it.
She had given herself to him completely these past days. If he abandoned her now, she'd have nothing left.
"Get off me!" Yang Wei shoved her away violently.
Turning to Zhou Yucui, he bowed slightly. "Auntie Zhou, my apologies for disrupting your evening. I'll visit you another day to make up for it."
With that, he strode out of the private room without a backward glance.