Inside the Ye family manor, the crystal chandeliers sparkled like a galaxy pouring from the sky, and soft, elegant music flowed through the air. The banquet had reached its lively climax, with elites from all walks of life mingling in their finery, laughter echoing throughout the grand hall.

  As soon as Lin Xue stepped into the ballroom, she felt several curious or disdainful gazes cast her way. She ignored them, heading silently toward the lounge area to rest for a moment.

  “Well, if it isn’t our Ye family’s little ‘Cinderella’? What’s the plan for tonight? Turning into a phoenix at the stroke of midnight?” A sharp and mocking voice rang out behind her.

  Lin Xue stopped in her tracks and slowly turned around to see Liu Ruyan, wife of the Ye family’s second son, Ye Fei. Liu Ruyan wore an exquisite Chanel haute couture gown paired with a dazzling diamond necklace. Despite her flawless makeup, her eyes betrayed jealousy and scorn. Several Ye family women stood nearby, their faces eager to watch the drama unfold.

  Lin Xue offered a polite smile. “Second Sister-in-law, long time no see.”

  “Hmph, don’t get chummy with me,” Liu Ruyan sneered, stepping forward to circle Lin Xue, eyeing her up and down. “Usually you dress like some country bumpkin, and now you know how to doll up? No matter how you dress, that air of poverty still clings to your bones.”

  “Second Sister-in-law, that’s not fair. I simply wanted to attend the Ye family’s gathering with a proper appearance. After all, I am part of the family too,” Lin Xue replied calmly.

  “You? Part of the Ye family?” Liu Ruyan burst into laughter. “Don’t make me laugh! If the old man hadn’t lost his mind back then, how could someone with no background or family like you ever marry into the Ye family? You’re clearly just using our name to elevate your own status!”

  The other women giggled, their words full of ridicule.

  Ye Feng, who had been chatting with some business partners, paused when he heard the sharp tone. His brow furrowed, and his eyes flicked toward the commotion. When he saw his wife, Lin Xue, being surrounded and humiliated, his expression darkened.

  “Ruyan, that’s enough,” said Liu Ruyan’s husband softly, trying to rein her in.

  “We’re all family. There’s no need for such harsh words,” Lin Xue said, still maintaining her composure.

  “Family? You?” Liu Ruyan leaned in, lowering her voice. “Let me tell you the truth—I can’t stand you! So what if you’re prettier than me? You’re nothing more than a servant in this house. Your husband’s company is in trouble. Soon enough, your whole branch of the Ye family will be irrelevant!”

  Lin Xue’s gaze sharpened, though her voice remained steady. “Second Sister-in-law, the company’s affairs are for Ye Feng and the family to manage. As for me, I have a clear conscience, and that’s all that matters.”

  “A clear conscience? Ha! You’re really good at pretending to be noble!” Liu Ruyan turned to the other women and smirked. “You know what? I bet she’s here tonight to seduce some man and secure a backup plan!”

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  A murmur of gossip erupted around them.

  “That’s enough,” Ye Feng stepped forward, shielding Lin Xue behind him. His eyes were icy as he looked directly at Liu Ruyan. “This is the Ye family’s annual banquet. It represents our family’s image—not a place for baseless insults.”

  Lin Xue could no longer remain silent. Her eyes grew sharper. “Second Sister-in-law, please mind your words. Since marrying into the Ye family, I have fulfilled my duties with integrity. Your unfounded accusations and malicious slander—are they the proper behavior of a Ye family daughter-in-law?”

  “Hmph. Everyone knows you and Ye Feng are just husband and wife in name only. I bet your husband’s fooling around outside all the time,” Liu Ruyan said with cutting precision.

  Ye Feng’s brow furrowed. “My personal matters are none of your concern. But I swear—I’ve never done anything to betray Lin Xue.”

  It was ironic. Married for three years, yet they had never shared a bed. Though they lacked the intimacy of a couple, there was still mutual respect.

  Just then, a deep, commanding voice rang out: “Such chaos at the Ye family banquet—what disgrace!”

  Everyone turned to see the Ye family patriarch, Ye Qingming, striding toward them, his expression thunderous.

  Liu Ruyan panicked inside but tried to maintain her composure. “Patriarch, I just couldn’t stand her pretentious act and wanted to teach her a lesson!”

  “Teach her? Looks to me like you’ve forgotten your manners!” Ye Qingming scolded sternly. “This is an important day for the Ye family, and everyone is watching. You’re making a fool of yourself! Apologize to Lin Xue immediately!”

  “Patriarch, I...” Liu Ruyan began to argue.

  “What? You won’t even listen to me now?” His gaze hardened.

  Liu Ruyan bit her lip and grudgingly muttered, “Sorry, okay?” She shot a glare at Lin Xue before storming off in a huff.

  Ye Qingming lightly tapped his cane, and the noisy room fell silent. He swept his gaze across the crowd, his tone authoritative. “Today is a joyous occasion. Let’s not dwell on unpleasantness. It’s getting late—everyone not from the Ye family, please leave. Family members, stay behind.”

  As the guests filtered out, the direct members of the Ye family remained, seated around the hall.

  Ye Qingming sipped his tea and said, “Qiangsheng Corporation in Jiangnan is expanding its list of partners. This is a rare opportunity. The Ye family’s business has been declining in recent years—this could be a turning point.”

  “We need to send someone tomorrow to negotiate. Who’s willing to go?”

  The room erupted with discussion. Several of the Ye family’s streaming-related companies had long wanted to collaborate with Qiangsheng’s subsidiary, Douhai, a deal that promised huge profits.

  But all their attempts had been rejected—after all, Qiangsheng was backed by the Lin family.

  Qiangsheng... Lin family... Lin Xue’s expression shifted slightly as the names echoed in her mind.

  Just then, Ye Fei suddenly stood up and broke the noise, brimming with confidence. “Grandfather, I’ll go! I have some experience in negotiations, and I’m sure I can secure this deal and bring honor to the Ye family.”

  Ye Qingming looked at Ye Fei and nodded approvingly, almost without hesitation. “Good. You’ll go. This is an important opportunity—don’t let us down.”

  Ye Fei’s wife, Liu Ruyan, looked on proudly, her eyes filled with smug satisfaction as she glanced at Ye Feng and Lin Xue.

  Of course, not everyone agreed.

  Several of the Ye family elders voiced concerns that sending someone so young was too hasty, but Ye Qingming waved them off firmly. “No need—I believe Ye Fei can handle it.”

  He continued, “Ye Fei has proven himself in the business world over the years. It’s time he takes the lead.”

  Ye Fei was Ye Qingming’s direct grandson. After Ye Feng’s grandfather passed away, the power within the family had gradually shifted to Ye Qingming, who now seemed intent on handing over more business to his own bloodline.

  After the meeting, Ye Feng walked ahead, deep in thought, with Lin Xue trailing behind. He suddenly stopped and turned to her, hesitating. “Are you okay? Go home early and get some rest. I need to head to the office.”

  After Ye Feng left, Lin Xue made a phone call.

  Beep… beep… beep…

  “Yes, it’s me.”

  “I’m taking over as the new CEO of Douhai Corporation.”