Chapter 494 - Chapter 494: Dining Together 2
Chapter 494: Dining Together 2
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
While somewhat unexpected, this was actually a welcome happenstance for Huangfu Ruixiang. Huangfu Ruiling had now rightly assumed leadership of the Huangfu family. However, despite being brothers, he and Huangfu Ruiling did not share a close relationship. Their association could only be characterized as slightly better than that of total strangers.
Huangfu Ruixiang had often sought opportunities to improve relations with Huangfu Ruiling, especially after their father lost his position as family head. Yet Huangfu Ruiling had always remained lukewarm towards him.
Now presented with such an opening, Huangfu Ruixiang naturally refused to squander it.
Li Yiran’s face had darkened to near ink levels, though she could only force a smile.
If asked to name the person she currently least wished to see, her response would undoubtedly be Ye Lengan. The two were formerly love rivals. And Li Yiran felt that back then, they had been evenly matched. As to why she lost out to Ye Lengan for Huangfu Ruilings heart – that came down to Ye Lengan simply being more cunning.
But standing before Ye Leng’an now, Li Yiran sensed the gulf dividing them growing ever vaster. Ye Lengan was publicly recognized by Huangfu Ruiling as his girlfriend. Out in public, most people would automatically grant Ye Leng’an additional courtesy simply for Huangfu Ruilings sake.
Nieanwhile, Li Yiran merely remained an illicit lover lacking any formal standing. Despite Huangfu Ruixiang still being unmarried, she could not style herself as his girlfriend either.
Indeed, just earlier downstairs the differential treatment she and Ye Lengan received had been blatantly apparent.
The sheer discrepancy made Li Yiran feel ashamed and inferior next to Ye Lengan.
However, no matter how much she might wish otherwise internally, Li Yiran could not defy Huangfu Ruixiangs directives aloud. She feared that voicing reluctance to dine together might prompt Huangfu Ruixiang to dismiss her on the spot.
Currently, her only recourse was to cling tightly to Huangfu Ruixiang. Thus no matter what, she had to maintain her grip.
In the car.
“Why did you agree to eat together with them?” Huangfu Ruiling regarded Ye
Leng’an beside him. “Haven’t you had run-ins with both in the past? Such a meal – could you even eat?”
Huangfu Ruixiang had previously directed Ye Lengan to take money and leave Huangfu Ruiling alone. And that was before even touching upon her long-running feud with Li Yiran – far too convoluted to encapsulate briefly.
“Of course, I’ll manage to eat!” Ye Leng’an grinned. “If anything, whetting my appetite! I’ve realized Li Yiran simply has too much time on her hands, thus constantly targeting me. So I think it wise to occupy her with something.”
“You intend to tell her of Huangfu Ruixiangs matchmaking then?” Huangfu Ruiling swiftly guessed her aim.
“Indeed, you’re far too clever! Come, a kiss as a reward.”
After planting a quick peck on Huangfu Ruilings cheek, Ye Lengan continued, “Once she discovers Huangfu Ruixiang plans to court matches, no doubt she’ll grow anxious. Presently she lacks any formal standing, after all. If Huangfu Ruixiang remains unmarried, opportunity still knocks for her to advance. But that narrow window slams shut fast once he weds. Her circumstances will only grow more difficult then. And in the interim, this could prove an additional complication for your mother’s schemes! With Li Yiran meddling, realizing her goals won’t come easily!”
“Mm, well said.” Huangfu Ruiling nodded. His gaze on Ye Lengan held layered meaning as he remarked, “l might have thought you worried over our wager instead – fearing a loss yourself – and so moved to apprise Li Yiran out of self-interest! ”
“Heh, I’ll allow there’s an element of that too!” Ye Lengan made no pretense otherwise, even responding somewhat defiantly, “But such action strikes me as perfectly normal under the circumstances, no? This is a bet, so we each leverage what advantages we can! And I wouldn’t call this cheating either! Just giving Li Yiran a friendly reminder or two – what she opts to do after lies beyond my control.”
Huangfu Ruiling chose not to belabor the issue further aloud, though his eyes flashed briefly with hidden depths.
Soon enough they arrived at the Japanese restaurant Huangfu Ruixiang had indicated. Entering the private room, Huangfu Ruixiang and Li Yiran already awaited them inside..