CHAPTER 1185: CHAPTER 236: MOTIVES OF FAME AND GAIN, HANDLE IN HAND

The man looked at Yun Ya in surprise, with a hint of scrutiny in his eyes: "You are Ji’s new leader? Indeed, the reputation is well-deserved."

Yun Ya lowered her gaze slightly and responded softly: "This gentleman flatters me too much. I’m just earning a living."

"You were just confidently saying ’take from the people and use for the people,’ what, you’ve changed your tune so quickly?"

Yun Ya’s eyes sparkled, and she leaned closer to the man, saying with a playful smile: "I was just bluffing them, you know, people live for fame and fortune, who can escape? I just can’t stand their snobbish attitude, what’s wrong with being a businessman? If they’re so capable, why don’t they stop eating, wearing clothes, or living in houses..."

People like him hear grandstanding often, so hearing it once more wouldn’t stir interest. Yun Ya took a different approach, and indeed, upon hearing her words, the man wasn’t disappointed at all, instead, his eyes brightened slightly, "You do speak honestly, but for someone your age to see things so clearly, that’s rare."

People often think those indifferent to fame and wealth are the most noble, but it is precisely those stuck in the mud who, despite being in the mire, do not deceive themselves and instead accept their situation openly, that earn more respect.

Indeed, people live for fame and fortune, who can escape? Even Tao Yuanming, who wrote about picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence and leisurely seeing Nanshan Mountain, chose to retreat to seclusion only after experiencing the world’s injustice. If things had gone smoothly for him, would he have escaped the ties of fame and fortune?

His realization is not even as deep as a young girl’s.

"Don’t praise me, I might get arrogant." The girl had bright eyes and a dazzling smile, causing the man’s gaze to blur momentarily before he turned to Shen Liang with a smile: "Look at this girl..."

Shen Liang looked at Yun Ya with a smile, raising an eyebrow slightly: "I wonder if the girl still remembers me?"

Yun Ya replied with a smile: "Of course I remember, Uncle Shen, you wanted me to be your daughter-in-law when I was a child."

Shen Liang laughed heartily: "And now? My son is pursuing an MBA in the United States. Don’t be fooled by my appearance; my son’s genes mutated and he’s super handsome. Won’t you reconsider?"

Super handsome... Yun Ya had never seen such self-promotion before, and was just about to speak when suddenly a gentle voice sounded: "President Shen poaching my corner is rather unethical."

Yun Ya turned to look, and saw Zhuang Xiyue approaching, holding Yun Ya’s hand with a gentle smile on her face.

Her gaze fell on the man as she greeted with a smile: "Mr. Qin, didn’t expect you’d be here too."

"Lady Yan." The man smiled and nodded.

Shen Liang looked at Zhuang Xiyue, then at Ji Yunya, somewhat confused: "What’s going on here...?"

Zhuang Xiyue held Yun Ya’s hand, smiling with some pride, "Yun Ya is my son’s fiancée. Next month is the engagement party. We’ll certainly send an invitation to Mr. Shen, be sure to come and celebrate."

Shen Liang patted his forehead: "This really is like the flood washing into the Dragon King Temple, turns out she’s Young Master Yan’s fiancée." Then he laughed and shook his head.

Mr. Qin flashed a hint of surprise in his eyes, then smiled: "Very good, very good."

Mr. Qin said a few words and left as quietly as he came, while Shen Liang glanced at Yun Ya before leaving, smiling: "We’ll meet again."

Zhuang Xiyue squeezed Yun Ya’s hand, asking worriedly: "Are you okay?"

Yun Ya shook her head with a smile: "I’m fine." Her side glance caught the group of women standing behind, none dared to speak now, seeing Zhuang Xiyue being so good to Ji Yunya, even jealousy seemed powerless.

Zhuang Xiyue also noticed those few girls, perfectly aware of their little plots, and smiled as she smoothed Yun Ya’s hair, saying gently: "You are my future daughter-in-law, Zhuang Xiyue, here, you needn’t fear anyone. Should anyone be inconsiderate towards you, tell me, I’d surely question their mothers if their upbringing hasn’t gone to the dogs?" Zhuang Xiyue’s tone was somewhat serious, full of warning.

Pei Bao’er immediately walked over, smiling: "Lady Yan is overthinking, Yun Ya is so gentle and kind, who would dare upset her; I’d be the first to not let them off."

Zhuang Xiyue glanced at Pei Bao’er with a smile, her keen gaze seemingly able to see through a person’s heart. Pei Bao’er could barely withstand it, hearing Zhuang Xiyue say: "Good, if so much as a single hair on Yun Ya’s head is missing, I’d be coming for you." Though it was said as a joke, it was no joke to Bao’er, it was a warning.

With her face slightly pale, she nodded with a smile: "You can rest assured, Third Lady..."

Later, An Ying and Lady Huo also arrived, and Zhuang Xiyue was dragged away by them for conversation, leaving Yun Ya naturally with Pei Bao’er, who smiled and said: "Lady Yan is so good to you. By the way, do you know who the man speaking to you earlier was?"