Chapter 30
Can’t Afford to Offend
Tang Sumei said righteously, “That’s because you don’t have the ability to keep a man by your side!”
Ye Yao was stunned by Tang Sumei’s perspective. “Your son gives in to lust and you’re blaming a woman for being incapable? Am I supposed to put a chastity belt on him?”
Tang Sumei shot back, “Ye Yao, do you have any manners?! How can you speak like this?”
“You’re so shameless and you expect me to speak respectfully to you?” Ye Yao replied.
Tang Sumei was so angry that her face turned a bright scarlet. “Alright, I’ll educate you on behalf of your father today and let you know what kind of attitude you should have when talking to your elders!”
Tang Sumei was about to lunge at the girl when Zhou Chen’s father, Zhou Jianzhong, pulled her back. He felt that the two men beside Ye Yao looked very familiar. Then, he searched his memory and recalled that they were the young masters of the Gao family and the Huo family. He was taken aback immediately.
Ye Yao was flanked by Huo Buyu and Gao Qiao. Zhou Jianzhong couldn’t tell whom Ye Yao was associated with. If she was related to Gao Qiao, given the latter’s reputation as a playboy, he was probably just having some fun with the girl. But even so, as long as Ye Yao was in a relationship with Gao Qiao, he couldn’t afford to offend him. There was another possibility that Zhou Jianzhong didn’t want to think about. That was, if Ye Yao was with Huo Buyu… then he would have to dodge Ye Yao in the future!
Zhou Jianzhong was a careful man. He stopped Tang Sumei and shook his head gently. “Don’t be rash. We can’t afford to offend those two men.”
Tang Sumei did not believe that Ye Yao could hook up with any noteworthy man, but Zhou Jianzhong’s words made her hesitate for a moment. She was a classic example of a person who would bully the weak and fear the strong. The reason why she despised Ye Yao in the past was because the girl had no parents to dote on her and could not bring her any benefits. However, Ye Sui was different. Although Ye Sui was not Ye Tianhao’s biological daughter, Ye Tianhao was willing to spend money on her!
Zhou Jianzhong smiled apologetically and said, “Mr. Huo, Mr. Gao, my wife is ignorant and has unintentionally offended you. I hope you won’t be angry. We’re here to have a meal. Harmony brings prosperity. Let’s allow the unhappy matter to rest and not affect everyone’s meal.”
Zhou Chen looked at Ye Yao with a pained expression. Now, everything Ye Yao said was belittling him and she did not even look at him. In the past, Ye Yao’s heart was filled with him. He regretted it immensely. He should have resisted Ye Sui’s temptation. Now, seeing the men standing next to Ye Yao, he felt very upset.
Gao Qiao looked at Zhou Jianzhong and suddenly recalled. “It’s you, Mr. Zhou. I remember that your family’s corporation is bidding for a project belonging to our company…”
Zhou Jianzhong nodded happily. “Yes, yes, yes!”
Gao Qiao waved his hand and said dismissively, “Then there’s no need for your family to bid. I won’t collaborate with you. Your daughter-in-law has offended me.”
Zhou Jianzhong held his breath and his face instantly turned pale. He and Ye Tianhao had spent a lot of money on this project and had pulled many strings. This was the first step for them to gain a foothold in the capital. They were just a step away from securing this project…
Zhou Jianzhong pleaded, “Mr. Gao, please give me another chance. Our company has spent a lot of effort on this project and we’re doing our best. We’ve already planned all the stages and are just waiting to sign the contract. Our company will definitely not disappoint you.”
Gao Qiao’s gaze gradually turned cold. “I said I’m no longer collaborating. Don’t you understand?”
Ye Yao gloated as she stood watching. She did not expect Gao Qiao to be such a loyal friend. If Zhou Jianzhong was unable to win this project, he’d be vexed to death, right?
Zhou Jianzhong did not expect that just coming here for a meal would result in such serious consequences. In the end, he looked at Ye Sui and said in a quiet voice, “Ye Yao, I’ve watched you grow up, I’m still your Uncle Zhou. I’ve always treated you well. Ye Sui speaks quickly and lacks steadiness. Your auntie is a hot-headed person as well. If they’ve spoken unpleasant words to you, don’t get angry. I apologize to you. Put in a word for me. This project is very important to me.”
Ye Yao curled her lips. Zhou Jianzhong did not treat her well or badly. When it came to Zhou Chen’s matter, Zhou Jianzhong himself was neutral but allowed Tang Sumei to stir up all kinds of trouble. Ye Yao did not have much resentment towards Zhou Jianzhong. Moreover, there was no need for Zhou Jianzhong to bear the responsibility for what Ye Sui had done… Ye Yao’s expression gradually softened. She was about to speak to Gao Qiao when Tang Sumei interrupted.