Despite her pale face, she still forced a smile. “I understand, Cousin Yan. In your heart, I am nothing compared to your sister…”

Once again, Yao Ran’s signature pitiful look evoked sympathy from everyone who was watching. Her friends glared atYao Yan.

“Oh, that’s not it at all,” Yao Yansaid lightly, his expression turning serious. “I am saying this for your own good. We are family, after all. I mean, ifTangtangcan accomplish these things, then surely, you can as well, right? Don’t take my words in a bad light, they are meant to encourage you. You understand, don’t you?”

Then, as if to taunt her further, Yao Yanleaned forward and asked, “You won’t misunderstand my good intentions, right?”

Qin Man choked on air where she stood.Yao Yanwas using her own tactics against them!

She knew that he was subtly mocking and belittling Ranran.

But she couldn’t say anything at this point, or she would only be digging her own grave.

“We were talking about Yao Tang,”Qin Manbit out. “Why are you suddenly shifting the conversation toRanran?”

“Well, for one thing, Aunt, I’ve told you repeatedly that Tangtangis none of your concern. All you have to do is take care of Cousin Ran.”

Qin Man flushed in a mix of rage and embarrassment.

“And I keep telling you that I’m doing this for—”

“Yes, yes, in the same way that I’m saying this for the sake of Cousin Ran,” Yao Yaninterrupted.

Yao Ran stood to the side and said nothing, though she would wince now and then as her mother traded barbs with her cousin.

Just then, another voice interjected. “If you have something to say about the girl, then go ahead and say it. Stop humiliating her like this. Show some respect.”

Yao Yan didn’t even bother acknowledging the person who spoke as he turned toYao Ran. “Cousin Ran, you understand what I’m saying, right? You know I’m doing this for your sake.”

A muscle ticked in Yao Ran’s jaw. “Of course, cousin,” she said reluctantly.

“I only want you to strive higher and be as good as Tangtang. I didn’t humiliate you in any way, did I?”

Yao Ran’s nostrils flared as she took a deep breath. “No, of course not,” she said through gritted teeth. “I am not so fragile, Cousin Yan.”

If only Yang Nianwasn’t here to witness everything, she would never have suffered this insult!

The person who had meddled just now promptly shut up.

Qin Man’s face turned even more hideous.

“Well, now that you’ve cleared things up with Ranran, we can finally get back to the topic ofYao Tang, right?” she sneered.

“Just look at her, dating at such a young age. This is nothing more than a trifle. You should nip it in the bud before anything drastic happens. I’m telling you, I’m only concerned for her future as her aunt.”

“Huh?” Yao Yanglanced atCheng Yanas if he was only noticing him just now.

Then he looked back at Qin Manwith a smile.

“Since we are on the topic, Aunt. I have to be honest, I never thought you were a great match for my uncle. Why don’t you consider getting a divorce?”

Qin Man gaped at him. She had lost count of the times she had been left speechless since she set foot in this café.

She looked back and forth between Yao TangandYao Yanwith narrowed eyes.

If she hadn’t seen Yao Yanwalk through the door just now, she would have thought that these two were conniving to mock her.

Qin Man raised a shaking finger and pointed it atYao Yan’s nose. “You… You insolent kids!”

Behind him, Yao Tangsmirked and said, “That’s a pretty heavy accusation, Aunt. I’m afraid we won’t be able to handle the consequences.”

Yao Yan chuckled under his breath and turned to cast a smug look atYao Tang.

Cheng Yan observed from the side, not at all pleased at their little exchange.

He thought it was time for him to step up again. “Madam Yao… Oh, wait. You’re about to divorce your husband and marry President Zhang. In that case, I should start calling you Madam Zhang. Be sure to set an auspicious date for your big day.”

“Please stop with these awful jokes!” Yao Rancried, unable to bear it any longer. “They’re not funny at all. My parents are very close, and they love each other very much.”