CHAPTER 80: 72, I WON’T COME CASUALLY, AND I WON’T LEAVE CASUALLY EITHER (2 MORE UPDATES)

Ye He quickly stepped forward to flatter: "Brother-in-law, I’m here to freeload on food and drinks, you don’t mind, right?"

On the official day of joining Deep Throat Group, Xiang Yuan invited his team colleagues for a meal. Ye He had an extremely good impression of Xiang Yuan.

Xiang Yuan smiled and patted Ye He’s shoulder: "Welcome, welcome. I remember you said you love sweet and sour ribs the most, I’ll personally make some for you to try later."

Ye He naturally cheered and gave Shi Nian a big thumbs-up.

Tang Yan Yi also quickly walked over: "Brother Xiang Yuan, there’s also an unexpected guest here."

Xiang Yuan squinted for a moment, then burst into a smile: "I recognize you. Isn’t it Yanyi? All four of the Tang Family’s ladies are beauties, unforgettable after meeting them just once."

Every girl in the world appreciates this kind of remark, so Tang Yan Yi shyly smiled and had a great impression of Xiang Yuan.

After greeting the two female guests well, Xiang Yuan smiled as he approached to embrace Shi Nian’s shoulder, looking at her face: "It’s so lively today. Shi Nian, we should invite more people over in the future, don’t you think? Look how happy you are today."

Shi Nian felt somewhat awkward, "A Yuan, you’ve misunderstood. Actually, Miss Tang is here to—cook for Mr. Tang personally."

Tang Yan Yi gracefully laughed: "No problem. Let’s cook and eat together."

Xiang Yuan naturally was pleased, "Alright."

.

Inside, Xiang Yuan took on the demeanor of the male host, inviting guests to sit in the living room while he went alone into the kitchen to prepare. Shi Nian followed him in but was gently pushed out with a smile: "It’s rare that the house is so lively today, go keep the guests company, have some tea and chat. I can handle things here."

Shi Nian had no choice but to go out and make tea for the guests.

Tang Yan Yi politely said: "Sister-in-law, you have a virtuous husband."

Ye He was full of praise: "Indeed. Boss, I’m so envious of you, I want to find such a good husband in the future."

Shi Nian could only smile awkwardly: "Please have some tea."

Ye He wasn’t interested in the tea, jumping over to ask Shi Nian to give her a tour.

Shi Nian had no choice but to agree and gave Ye He a simple tour of the first floor, but Ye He wasn’t satisfied and went up to the second floor on her own. Shi Nian followed and huffed: "Why not just say it outright? You just want to sneak a peek at Mr. Tang’s room."

Ye He giggled like a little mouse: "Boss, we’re on the same page."

Standing outside the study, Shi Nian tilted her head: "But without permission, I can’t just open this door."

Tang Yan Yi silently followed, seeing this smiled: "Why are you two being polite? I’m family, let me open it."

When the door opened, Ye He let out a soft gasp.

Xiang Yuan’s home decor was very luxurious, with a simple and bright aesthetic that couldn’t hide the high-end taste. However, compared to the temporary bedroom for Tang Yanqing, it was still outshone.

In fact, there wasn’t anything particularly special in the room, mostly just newly wallpapered walls. Ye He held her breath and walked to the wallpaper, pointing to the brand mark on the edge: "My word, it’s Zuber-Factory wallpaper. 2010’s leather engraved wallpaper costs 20,000 USD per square yard; 2013’s Civil War themed wallpaper costs 60,000 Euros per square yard!"

Shi Nian was also startled upon hearing this: "I’m indeed ignorant... it’s a bit excessive."

Tang Yan Yi laughed upon seeing this: "Sister-in-law, don’t be so tense. This might not even be my brother’s idea, it’s more likely my third aunt’s intention. My brother can be quite picky, but he only intentionally flaunts in front of those he looks down on. With family, he uses the simplest things."

Shi Nian took note of Tang Yan Yi’s words.

She then lowered her head: "Yanyi, are you saying he doesn’t like me very much?"

Tang Yan Yi laughed brightly: "Oh dear, talking too much leads to mistakes, sister-in-law don’t mind, I didn’t mean you."

Tang Yan Yi stepped out of the room and turned to glance at the master bedroom, unable to help but furrow her brow: "Just my brother’s room is so close to the master bedroom, sister-in-law, is your arrangement suitable?"

.

"Tang Yan Yi."

Suddenly, a cold voice called from downstairs.

Tang Yan Yi quickly responded and rushed to the staircase: "Brother, you called me for something?"

Shi Nian went downstairs with Ye He, seeing Tang Yanqing standing on the first floor with hands in his pockets, looking up with a proud expression.

"Come down to cook." Tang Yanqing said with no warmth on his face: "You said you came to cook for me, finish cooking and leave quickly."

Tang Yan Yi felt embarrassed and her face turned red.

"But I’m also a guest of Brother Xiang Yuan and sister-in-law, not just your cook." Tang Yan Yi said while grabbing Shi Nian’s arm: "Sister-in-law, don’t you think?"

"My brother is quite aloof with others, sister-in-law, don’t take it seriously."

Shi Nian had already come down, passing by Tang Yanqing indifferently, deliberately nodding: "Yes, who wouldn’t say so?"

.

Tang Yan Yi went to the guest bathroom to change and wash her hands in preparation for cooking, and Ye He followed her in.

Only Shi Nian and Tang Yanqing were left in the living room.

Shi Nian deliberately focused on tidying up the tea set and ignored Tang Yanqing.

He inserted his hands into his trouser pockets and walked up to her, "Did I offend you or something?"

"No," Shi Nian looked up and deliberately smiled sweetly, "Mr. Tang, you’ve done a great job protecting me. As a citizen under your protection, I’m one hundred percent satisfied with Mr. Tang’s work attitude."

After saying this, Shi Nian picked up the tea tray and was about to leave.

Tang Yanqing extended his long arm and held down her shoulder, "Speak clearly before you leave."

The only thing separating the living room and kitchen was a door, but it wasn’t enough to block all the sound. Shi Nian shook her shoulder to shrug off his hand, "I have nothing to say to Mr. Tang."

His hand was shaken off, and his long leg immediately stretched out, with his toe blocking Shi Nian’s toe. If Shi Nian insisted on forcing her way past, she’d trip and fall to the ground.

Shi Nian suddenly turned back, glaring at him, "What on earth do you want?"

He crossed his arms, and his gaze slowly slid over her face, "Did Tang Yan Yi just say something to you?"

Shi Nian took a deep breath and simply laid it out, "The wallpaper in your room. Mr. Tang, you leave me no choice but to question again what you’re really here for at my house."

Tang Yanqing stared at her face, his eyes like obsidian, unmoving for a moment. Then he withdrew his long leg but smiled with his fingers supporting his chin.

"You’re lying. What you care about isn’t the wallpaper; that’s just an excuse. You’re upset about Tang Yan Yi’s attitude—or maybe it’s her attitude towards me that bothers you."

Shi Nian’s heart pounded, but she couldn’t help but find it funny, "Ridiculous. Mr. Tang, I don’t care one bit about the relationship between you siblings."

"You could just say you don’t care about me at all."

He took a step forward, and was now right in front of her, looking down closely into her eyes, "If you really didn’t care about me at all, you wouldn’t care about my wallpaper. Otherwise, even if I covered rooms with dollar bills, you’d pretend not to see them."

"Born to be a scoundrel."

Shi Nian muttered, turned right, and bypassed his blockade.

"I just want you to know: moving in here was a serious decision, not something casual, and I won’t leave casually either." His voice chased after her.

What is he saying? Shi Nian couldn’t help but stop and turn to look at him.

He stood there, his arms still arrogantly crossed, but in his gaze—there seemed to be a flicker of sorrow.

"That wallpaper, you really don’t remember it at all?"

.

Shi Nian’s heart skipped strangely again.

It was as if something was breaking through the ice, trying to surge out; yet it was as if it was obscured by thick fog and frost, impossible to see clearly.

Shi Nian shook her head, "Such expensive wallpaper, I’ve never even heard of it, let alone seen it. What are you trying to say, Mr. Tang?"

Tang Yanqing slightly turned his head, lowering it gently. Strands of hair fell, covering his eyes, preventing her from seeing his expression.

"Never mind." He said, then turned to go upstairs, leaving only the hollow sound of footsteps on the stairs.

.

Dinner was ready, and the five of them sat around the table.

As the male host, Xiang Yuan first raised his glass to propose a toast, "When Shi Nian had an incident, it was all thanks to Yanqing. In fact, my father also mentioned formally inviting the Tang family over for a meal to express our gratitude. It’s serendipitous today, not only is Yanqing here, but Yanyi as well, so let’s consider this a small-scale rehearsal."

Xiang Yuan was always thoughtful and immediately raised his glass again to Ye He after speaking, "These days must have been hard, and thanks to Ye He for accompanying your leader, I extend my gratitude here."

Both Tang Yan Yi and Ye He quickly stood up, raising their glasses.

Shi Nian could only follow suit and stand up as well.

Only the young master Tang Yanqing remained seated, steady as ever, merely lifting his eyes, with clear black and white pupils glancing at Xiang Yuan, "I don’t think there’s anything worth raising a glass for in this matter, especially not for you, Brother Xiang Yuan."

Shi Nian’s heart trembled again, and she quickly called out, "Mr. Tang!"

Tang Yanqing glanced at Shi Nian, then lazily stood up reluctantly, "Let me think of a fitting pretext—oh, got it. Four years ago, I missed Brother Xiang Yuan’s wedding, and I regret not upholding the proper etiquette. Fortunately, I’m here for Brother Xiang Yuan’s separation. How about we congratulate Brother Xiang Yuan and Shi Nian today: Happy Breakup."

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[See you tomorrow~]

Thank you to Lan for the generous red envelope, Cai for the large red envelope +20 flowers, Mai Xiaomeng for the red envelope, and Feng Yeqingqing for the red envelope~