Chapter 416: The Banquet

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation  Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Because most of the people present already knew that Huangfu Ruiling was soon to take over the position of the head of the Huangfu family. In other words, in the near future, Huangfu Ruiling would no longer be addressed as Young Master Huangfu, but as Master Huangfu.

When Murong Yanshu arrived, she immediately noticed the presence of Huangfu Ruiling and naturally acknowledged Ye Lengan, who stood behind him.

“Young Master Huangfu, Miss Ye, welcome to my banquet,” Murong Yanshu greeted with a smile. ‘1 1 hope you both have a delightful time tonight.”

During the previous banquet, she had addressed Huangfu Ruiling by his name.

According to their seniority, she did have the privilege to do so. However, the circumstances had changed. With Huangfu Ruiling poised to assume the position of Huangfu family head, it was no longer appropriate to use his name. Yet, he had not officially taken on the role, so calling him Master

Huangfu was also premature. Therefore, she chose to address him as Young Master.

Nangong Xuyao’s expression remained unchanged, but his pupils briefly constricted when he looked at Huangfu Ruiling. At this moment, he genuinely desired to inquire directly from Huangfu Ruiling about the identity of his true savior. He was confident that Huangfu Ruiling was aware of who had saved him. However, he couldn’t fathom why Huangfu Ruiling insisted on keeping it a secret from him.

Nevertheless, despite these thoughts, Nangong Xuyao was acutely aware of the decorum required in the current setting. He refrained from acting inappropriately.

Nioreover, it was of utmost significance that Huangfu Ruiling was on the cusp of becoming the head of the Huangfu family. Henceforth, he would need to defer to Huangfu Ruiling, making it impossible to question him.

Huangfu Ruiling nodded and replied, “Mrs. Nangong, there’s no need for formalities. Please feel free to enjoy yourselves.”

After some polite conversation, the attendees entered the banquet hall. Niurong Yanshu departed with Ye Xiyuan, intending to introduce her to others. As for Nangong Xuyao, he had initially wished to remain but tactfully left upon noticing Huangfu Ruilings unwelcoming demeanor.

With only two individuals remaining, Ye Lengan settled into a chair beside Huangfu Ruiling.

“Tonight’s gathering is certainly lively!” Ye Lengan observed, taking in the atmosphere of the venue and glancing at Ye Xiyuan, who was navigating the

crowd with Murong Yanshu. She commented, “Ye Xiyuan should be thrilled, considering she’s the star of such a grand event.”

“The spotlight indeed belongs to her,” Huangfu Ruiling responded with a detached tone. “Yet, I wonder if she can maintain her prominence till the end.”

Ye Leng’an’s face lit up with curiosity. “Could Nangong Xuyao cause a scene at the banquet tonight?” she mused. “If so, we might witness quite the spectacle.”

“Who knows,” Huangfu Ruiling replied with indifference. ‘E ln any case, it doesn’t concern us.’

“Agreed.” Ye Leng’an nodded and then abruptly said, “Ruiling, I need to use the restroom.’

“Okay,” Huangfu Ruiling assented. “I’ll wait for you here.”

Ye Lengan departed alone for the restroom. However, to her surprise, she encountered Lin Wanqin, who had also finished using the facilities.

Despite seeing Lin Wanqin, Ye Leng’an’s emotions remained unchanged. She did not even spare her a second glance, as if they were complete strangers.

Upon completing her own restroom routine, Lin Wanqin intended to leave.

However, it became evident that Lin Wanqin had a different agenda in mind.

“Ye Leng’an, aren’t you going to greet me when you see me?” Lin Wanqin demanded, perturbed by Ye Leng’an’s impending departure. “Is this how you’ve been raised? Failing to extend greetings to your elders?”

Lin Wanqin was well aware that maintaining a distant relationship with Ye Lengan was the ideal course of action. Yet, the moment she saw Ye Lengan disregarding her presence, she found it unbearable. This sentiment was further exacerbated when she saw Ye Lengan leading a more prosperous life than her daughter, Ye Xiyuan.

Ye Leng’an furrowed her brow at the voice behind her. She turned to face Lin Wanqin and retorted, “Mrs. Ye, my upbringing is irrelevant to you. Moreover, please refrain from attempting to exert authority as an elder. The nature of our relationship is clear to everyone.”

Lin Wanqin responded with growing frustration, “You… It hasn’t been long since you left our Ye family, has it? Yet, you’re so eager to sever ties and have already climbed to new heights. Truly, you’re different now! ”

“Mrs. Ye, one must be self-aware,” Ye Lengan retorted with a cold smile. “Let’s not forget that it was your family that asked me to repay my debt of upbringing with fifty million. Furthermore, ever since you requested that I spare Ye Xiyuan, I have had no association with the Ye family. So, kindly refrain from raising these matters in the future. It’s quite tiresome.”

Ye Leng’an’s words left Lin Wanqin breathless, as they were an unassailable truth she could not refute. However…

“If we hadn’t shared a household for so many years, 1 wouldn’t have spoken up! Ye Lengan, using your charms is not a sustainable approach. Although you’ve captivated the young master of the Huangfu family for now, who knows what the future holds? I suggest you make preparations sooner rather than later!”

Hearing the mocking undertone in Lin Wanqin’s words, Ye Lengan remained unperturbed. She even mustered a smile. “Nirs. Ye, doesn’t this sound like sour grapes to you? I’m aware that Ye Xiyuan wants to get close to Nangong Xuyao. Unfortunately, it’s doubtful she can even succeed in using her charms! So, you must be quite distraught.”

“Ye Lengan, stop speaking nonsense,” Lin Wanqin retorted, her expression turning increasingly unpleasant. “There’s nothing between Xiyuan and Young Master Nangong. Absolutely nothing. Moreover, my daughter is exceptional. Otherwise, Mrs. Nangong wouldn’t have taken her as a goddaughter. Your jealousy stems from the fact that my daughter can become the Nangong family’s young lady.”

As she spoke, Lin Wanqin’s agitation became apparent. Ye Lengan’s words had undeniably struck a chord. Although Lin Wanqin was unsure of the specifics, she was well aware that Ye Xiyuan held affection for Young Master Nangong. Yet, after tonight, their chances of being together had vanished. This filled her with anguish for her daughter..