When A-Heng encountered that formidable romantic rival in the sunlight for the second time, her heart trembled slightly.

Looking at that flawless jade-like beauty, that noble and composed temperament, that golden exterior – two words came to mind: envy.

She tugged at Yan Xi’s sleeve and spoke dreamily, “Why don’t you be a crow with me?” She pleaded softly, “Don’t be a phoenix anymore, okay?”

If you remain a phoenix, you and Lu Liu truly would be… a perfect match.

Yan Xi took a bite of his apple with a loud “wom”: “Then I’ll be a peacock instead.”

Lu Liu was on his morning run when he spotted the sleepy, stumbling Yan Xi with a girl who resembled Wen Si Wan. Finding it amusing, he stopped and wiped his sweat with the towel around his neck: “Yan Xi, why are you up so early?”

Yan Xi spat out some apple skin, too preoccupied to answer him.

A-Heng politely said, “We’re going to the supermarket. Ran out of toothpaste.”

Yan Xi nodded, continuing to munch on his apple, his large eyes carrying a dazed look.

Lu Liu, wearing blue and white sportswear, walked closer and pulled out a spray bottle from his pocket, tossing it to Yan Xi with a slight smile: “Rinse your mouth first. You dare to eat an apple without brushing your teeth.”

Yan Xi replied, “Come on, I’ve been eating it for ages. If there were any bacteria, they’re already in my stomach.”

A-Heng’s face reddened slightly. She had only realized she’d forgotten to buy toothpaste early this morning, and Yan Xi had insisted on going to the supermarket with her. She felt she hadn’t taken proper care of Yan Xi, as if she’d lost face in front of Lu Liu.

Lu Liu just smiled meaningfully: “Yan Xi, thanks to you, we closed the deal with the S City case.”

Yan Xi yawned, answering carelessly: “No problem. Mr. Li happens to be an old friend of my grandfather. We’re all brothers, happy to help when we can.”

Lu Liu glanced at A-Heng, a girl with proper and delicate features. Recalling Little Chen’s previous report, he smiled faintly: “Miss Wen and I are also considered family friends. Your brother works at Lu Corporation and is often praised by the elders at home. I grew up with him, so we should naturally be closer. When you have time, why don’t we have a meal together?”

A-Heng responded, “Sure, why don’t you come to the Yan residence another day, Young Master Lu? I’ll cook a meal for you.”

She smiled gently and amiably. Lu Liu’s expression remained neutral, though his smile faded. Looking at the sky where the sun had risen high, he patted Yan Xi’s shoulder: “Good, we’ll do that when there’s time. We’ll have a drink, but you’ll need to prepare a guest room for me. You kick in your sleep – I won’t share a room with you.”

A-Heng felt her temple throb, and after Lu Liu walked away, she commented softly: “Young Master Yan, I didn’t know you kicked in your sleep.”

Yan Xi wiped away tears, thinking these two were having a war of words that had nothing to do with him, but he didn’t dare say it aloud. Instead, he laughed it off: “That was when I was little, just childhood stuff.”

The two went to the supermarket to buy toothpaste. Passing the snack aisle, they noticed Waiwai puffed snacks had new packaging. A-Heng picked up a bag. The packaging featured Cao Cao’s Beijing opera face paint. Remembering that jade-carved person who looked like he could become immortal with just a breath, she pointed at the bag and sang softly in a pitched voice: “White-faced ones are all treacherous ministers!”

Yan Xi was speechless. The spray bottle given by jade-person Lu instantly transformed into insecticide in his hand, and he tossed it into the trash can as if it were more appealing than pork ribs.

Upon returning home, he immediately made a series of urgent calls: “Young Master Lu, you’d better not come to my place for a while. There’s a fire in the backyard, and this little brother’s abilities are limited – can’t handle it.”

Lu Liu was signing documents with his pen when he paused, saying coldly: “The Wen family’s daughter is too precious – not everyone can afford to marry her. Of course, if I want to marry her, I can; if Young Master Yan wants to, that might be difficult.”

Yan Xi replied with a half-smile: “Young Master Lu if you want to marry her, fine. But though my child seems honest, his jealousy is quite intense. When angry, his hands can’t be controlled, and he loves adding special seasonings to food. When the day comes that you’re poisoned to death, I’ll send a funeral wreath as a friendly gesture.”

The two traded barbs, addressing each other as “Young Master Lu” and “Young Master Yan,” yet maintained their childhood bond, making their exchange both amusing and exasperating to hear.

Lu Liu put down his pen, his slender hands showing perfect curves. He rubbed his brow, somewhat tired: “Alright, Yan Xi, stop joking with me. I have no interest in Wen Heng. Once the matters at hand are resolved, come back early.”

Finally, he added: “I need you.”

Since returning to the Wen family at fifteen, and then living at the Yan residence for so many years, A-Heng has attended numerous banquets and met many so-called distinguished people. She had seen the real versions of those who had appeared on TV and in newspaper headlines. At first, she might have been surprised and timid, but later became numb to it, understanding just how high up the social ladder the Yan and Wen families were. Fortunately, her peers from prominent families were unexpectedly unpretentious – truly well-bred – and she gradually grew accustomed to the somewhat mysterious life within the compound that outsiders saw.

At least Yan Xi, who accompanied her day and night, had never put on airs in front of others.

However, Mary laughed at her naivety: “You think Young Master Yan is so approachable? Look at those who are close to him – who would dare get near him without sufficient status?”

A-Heng said seriously: “Our Yan Xi has always been an uncorrupted good child with proper roots. Stop making things up.”

Da Yi shook his head: “You’re in the midst of it all, unaware of how deep it goes.”

A-Heng helplessly put down the Chinese knot in her hand. These days, having nothing to do at home, she had found tutorials to learn Chinese knotting to pass the time. She said: “Even if it’s true, what’s the point of discussing this with me? To prove we’re not worthy?”

Da Yi and Chen Juan choked on their words, stammering: “That’s not it. We’re worried that as you attend greater occasions with Yan Xi, the gap might feel wider. You should be mentally prepared, right?”

A-Heng looked at the Chinese knot template in the dish, responded with a perfunctory thanks, and added: “Da Yi, you should find time to visit Grandfather Xin. Last night he was drinking with my grandfather, still cursing at midnight.”

Old Xin had always opposed his grandson going into business, saying he could join the government or military as he pleased, but taking crooked paths was out of the question! Wanting just a little profit showed too narrow a vision.

Da Yi needed startup capital, which was naturally impossible to get. Having been spoiled since childhood, when his temper flared, he packed a few clothes and ran away from home, staying at Chen Juan’s place.

Initially, Da Yi had thought about stealing some items from the home to sell but fearing it would shame the Xin family, he borrowed money from Yan Xi instead. Though Yan Xi gave him a hard time verbally, he was quick to provide the money, which made Da Yi feel even worse. Although they were brothers, he wasn’t surnamed Xin after all, yet he gave money so readily – why couldn’t his grandfather support him?

Thus, having quarreled with Old Xin, he refused to return home even more.

A-Heng’s mention of Old Xin cursing was understated. His exact words were: “Damn it, I’ve been a hero all my life, how did I end up with such an unfilial dog of a son!”

Though Da Yi feared his grandfather, he remained stubborn, shaking his head: “I’d truly be a dog’s son if I went back just to be cursed at!”

Chen Juan remained silent, looking at the teacup in his hand, lost in thought.

A-Heng said calmly: “It’s Grandfather Xin’s seventieth birthday next week. I’ve delivered the message, do as you see fit.”

Based on how things were developing, at Old Xin’s seventieth birthday, even if there was a scene, it would just be the grandfather venting at his grandson. But to A-Heng’s surprise, the trouble came not from the main family but from outsiders, and it was related to the Yan family.

That day, Yan Xi prepared generous gifts and invitation cards, dragging A-Heng to the banquet. The two children had thought of many ways to reconcile the grandfather and grandson. Yan Xi even called Da Yi with an ultimatum: if he dared not come, he wouldn’t just be a dog’s son – he’d beat him into a bear cub.

With Yan Xi holding leverage over him, Da Yi was already feeling guilty. He had no choice but to humble himself, dressed properly, and came, standing outside the hall like a filial grandson, hosting guests.

Old Xin glanced at his grandson once, snorted coldly, and though he ignored him to save face, he didn’t lose his temper.

A-Heng and Yan Xi breathed a sigh of relief, cheerfully saying some auspicious words to the elder. Yan Xi sat with some familiar friends in the men’s section, while A-Heng sat beside her mother in the women’s section.

When Lu Liu arrived, he made a grand gesture with a two-meter-tall “longevity” character inlaid with gold and jade, respectfully paying his birthday respects to Old Xin. Old Xin showed little reaction, but others looked on enviously.

Ten minutes before the banquet began, Mother Wen was chatting with a group of ladies at the table, one of whom kept praising A-Heng, describing her as unmatched between heaven and earth, as if not seeing the flower-like Si Er beside her.

A-Heng blushed, giggling, whispering: “Am I really that good?”

The other women at the table laughed: “Meng Yun, since A-Heng is so good, why not make her your daughter-in-law?”

The lady called Meng Yun’s expression changed, and she said darkly: “I’d like to, but Zhang Ruo doesn’t have Young Xi’s fortune!”

A-Heng didn’t understand where this anger came from and quietly asked her mother what was wrong.

Mother Wen smiled faintly without speaking.

This lady was the wife of the previously mentioned Counselor Zhang. In her youth, she had been a singer, beautiful and famous for her songs, but after marrying Zhang, who was then a division commander, she left the music industry. She disliked others mentioning this past and now carried herself with full madam’s airs. Counselor Zhang had been promoted by Yan Xi’s grandfather, making them have an iron-clad relationship.

Counselor Zhang and his wife had only one child, the Zhang Ruo she mentioned. This child had always been clever, looking down on Yan Xi as a wastrel, but was close to Lu Liu instead.

Counselor Zhang had his thoughts, so he turned a blind eye.

But recently, Zhang Ruo had become infatuated with a young singer surnamed Yan, lavishing money on her. Everyone mocked him as a “volcanic filial son.” His mother’s several attempts at persuasion proved ineffective. Finally, Zhang Ruo became angry, saying, “This is an inherited family condition,” nearly causing his mother to faint from anger. She gritted her teeth in hatred, “Just don’t let me see that little vixen, or I’ll skin her alive!”

But misfortune strikes unexpectedly. Lu Liu had hinted before the banquet that he wanted to see his future sister-in-law. Zhang Ruo, thinking his mother wouldn’t make a scene at Old Xin’s important occasion, brazenly brought the young singer before the banquet began.

When Madam Zhang saw her son walk in with a young singer dressed in pearls, her blood pressure shot to 200.

If this young singer had been of good character, it might have been acceptable. Unfortunately, her inquiries revealed that she was almost certainly a gold-digger with a questionable reputation and notorious standing in the entertainment circle.

Zhang Ruo handed the gift to Da Yi, initially planning to take the young singer directly to Lu Liu, but since all the men were seated at one table and the women at another, he had nowhere to place his girlfriend. He reluctantly approached his mother: “Mom, look…”

Madam Zhang had intended to let it slide for her son’s sake, but the young singer spoke in a coy voice: “Ruo, I want to sit with you. This table is all older ladies – I have nothing to talk about with them.”

The blood pressure of every lady at the table rose.

A-Heng knew Zhang Ruo from high school as schoolmates, and smiled gently: “Miss, would you like to sit next to me?”

The singer pouted: “You must be my fan. Let me be clear – no autographs today, and no photos either.”

A-Heng smiled, saying “All alright” in a gentle manner, taking her hand to sit down.

Madam Zhang thought of both the Yan family and her own family, feeling even more embarrassed. Indeed, young ladies from well-bred families were far better than these lower-class performers – conveniently forgetting that she had once been one of those “lower-class” members herself.

Zhang Ruo knew A-Heng was Yan Xi’s intended wife and felt uneasy. He gave her a deep look, said a faint “thank you,” whispered something in the singer’s ear, then walked to Lu Liu and Yan Xi’s table.

Zhang Ruo was different from Sun Peng. Though Sun Peng and Yan Xi always argued when they met, their relationship was still decent. But Zhang Ruo was much simpler – he couldn’t even be bothered to speak with Yan Xi, with neither surface courtesy nor genuine respect.

Yan Xi was even more straightforward – if you’re not walking the same path, why bother with you?

Zhang Ruo chatted and laughed with Lu Liu, pointing to his girlfriend at the nearby table. Lu Liu smiled faintly and said “Very nice.”

Meanwhile, Yan Xi was bragging and chatting with Si Wan and Sun Peng. Everyone at the table was talking about their things. Except for Lu Liu occasionally picking dishes for Yan Xi beside him, the two sides were divided, creating a thick atmosphere.

The men’s table was still fine, but the women’s section was much worse. Since the young singer arrived, the ladies barely spoke, except for whispers, leaving only the sound of chopsticks and wine cups.

A-Heng didn’t think much of it. She had never been involved with the entertainment circle, but since Yan Xi had that period in his life, she was curious and asked Miss Yan some questions. However, Miss Yan considered herself a big star, and Zhang Ruo had also warned her not to get close to her, so she naturally ignored A-Heng.

A-Heng touched her nose, smiled, and gave up, focusing on serving dishes to her mother.

“Mom, try this, shrimp and egg foo young. It’s different from how we make it at home, very delicious.” A-Heng smiled, seeing Mother Wen’s poor appetite, coaxing her to eat.

Si Er knew what worried her mother and thought to be magnanimous today, agreeing: “A-Heng is right, it’s delicious, please eat more.”

Mother Wen smiled and said okay, patting both daughters’ hands. Madam Zhang was envious: “Yun Yi is truly blessed, with both son and daughter.”

The other ladies had been holding back their words until it hurt and quickly agreed. The topic shifted from children to clothing to food to health preservation, finally dissolving the awkward atmosphere and opening up the conversation.

The young singer was also talkative, interrupting whatever others said, eager to pour out everything she knew, not letting others speak. If only she spoke correctly – but eight out of ten statements were nonsense, and the remaining two were completely irrelevant.

Finally, all the ladies at the table were coldly smiling, just listening to her talk. At the end, someone said to Madam Zhang: “Meng Yun, you’ll be blessed soon too. Your daughter-in-law not only sings well but is also a know-it-all.”

Madam Zhang trembled with anger.

The self-important Miss Yan seemed to deliberately provoke, knowing her biggest obstacle to marrying into the Zhang family was Zhang Ruo’s mother. But since they had the same background, who was laughing at whom? She raised her willow eyebrows and said: “Mom after I marry Ruo, leave the household management to me. I’ll handle everything big and small – guarantee you won’t have to worry about anything!”

Madam Zhang exploded in anger, shouting: “You vixen! Who’s your mom? Such a cheap mouth!”

The entire banquet fell silent.

Zhang Ruo heard from far away, seeing his mother and girlfriend fighting, his face alternating between green and white.

The young singer opened her red lips, her bewitching large eyes glaring back defiantly: “Mom, that’s not right of you to say. I call you ‘Mom’ out of respect. After Ruo and I marry, it would be unseemly if your grandson didn’t call you ‘Grandma’!”

Madam Zhang reached her limit, cursed “little harlot,” and raised her hand to strike the singer.

The singer dodged unceremoniously and, remembering Zhang Ruo’s words, deliberately pushed A-Heng. Caught off guard, A-Heng took the full slap, five fingers immediately visible on her fair face.

The entire banquet was stunned. Madam Zhang was also stunned, and after a moment, of understanding what happened, her fury intensified, and she began fighting with the young singer.

A-Heng was left forgotten on the side. Madam Zhang’s slap had used full force, and the girl held her face, seeing stars.

Yan Xi, who had been picking up food, hadn’t reacted, his chopsticks frozen in place at the sound. In an instant, Zhang Ruo’s mother and would-be wife were fighting, and when he focused, he saw A-Heng holding her face, inexplicably covered in tears.

Yan Xi’s expression turned dark, his eyes fierce, and he threw his chopsticks at Zhang Ruo.

Everything happened in less than a minute.

Zhang Ruo wasn’t stupid – he naturally saw that A-Heng had been hit, but he didn’t think much of it. Considering the Wen family’s declining fortunes these past two years, with both old and young to care for, what was one slap? It was nothing major, and it would irritate Yan Xi as a bonus.

He thought Yan Xi, despite his temperament, wouldn’t offend the Zhang family over an unwed wife. But those chopsticks struck him like lightning.

Yan Xi sneered: “Zhang Ruo, as a man, can’t you even control your woman?”

Zhang Ruo retorted: “My woman – I’ll control her if I want to, and won’t if I don’t!”

Lu Liu’s eyes showed no ripples, quietly watching the two. Si Wan, seeing her sister humiliated, clenched her fists. Sun Peng’s peach blossom eyes rolled around, wearing an expression of watching a good show.

Yan Xi was breathing heavily through his nose. He bowed to Old Xin at the distant table: “Grandfather Xin, I’ll host another birthday celebration for you tonight.”

Before the old man could react, Yan Xi raised his hand and flipped the table with a thunderous crash.

The beautiful man with fierce eyes pointed at Zhang Ruo and cursed: “I don’t care about your woman’s business, but what’s the meaning of your woman bullying my woman? Today, if you don’t give me a clear explanation, nobody’s going to have a good time!”

Zhang Ruo was dumbfounded.

The disheveled Madam Zhang and the young singer were also stunned, stopping their fight, frozen in place.

Old Xin laughed heartily from his seat, grabbing Da Yi’s ear: “See that? That’s what you call presence! Learn from it! What good is it just being tough at home? If you’ve got the ability, try protecting your grandfather and brothers in the future.”

Da Yi pouted, thinking privately, forget it – it’s already considered brotherly when Yan Xi doesn’t join in when seeing them bullied. But with A-Heng, good heavens, how protective he is!

Lu Liu was somewhat displeased: “Yan Xi, you’ve gone too far.”

Yan Xi laughed instead of getting angry, his eyes narrowing with a flash of sharp light: “Young Master Lu, the Yan family hasn’t fallen yet. Family matters aren’t for you to interfere with!”

These words were meant both for Lu Liu and for the Yan faction present, but especially for Zhang Ruo and Counselor Zhang.

Counselor Zhang’s face changed dramatically. Having been observing until now, the moment Yan Xi finished speaking, he anxiously berated his wife and son.

Zhang Ruo was unwilling to submit, gritting his teeth and pointing at Yan Xi: “Who do you think you are, threatening me for the Wen family!”

Before Yan Xi could speak, Si Wan suddenly stood up, saying coldly: “Yan Xi may not be much, and naturally the Wen family isn’t either, so why don’t you and I have a private match?”

Meanwhile, Si Er gave the young singer a hard slap: “You cheap thing, hitting you has dirtied our Wen family’s hands!”