Chapter 873: Jealousy

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation  Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

The moment Ye Wanwan laid eyes on Ye Leng’an, a sense of wariness immediately welled up within her. Swiftly, she raised her head and glanced towards her parents. As expected, their gaze was firmly fixed on Ye Leng’an, their eyes betraying a mix of complex emotions.

Seeing her parents’ demeanor, Ye Wanwan couldn’t help but feel a pang in her heart.

The unattainable was often considered the best. This sentiment wasn’t just applicable in matters of love but also in familial bonds. Whether her parents harbored the same feelings due to this, she couldn’t say for sure. What she did know was that their fixation on Ye Leng’an stemmed from her prolonged absence from the family. Her refusal to return had fueled an almost obsessive attachment from her parents.

If it weren’t for her grandfather’s explicit decree forbidding Ye Leng’an from returning home and the need to keep her relationship with the Ye family a secret, her parents would have likely approached her long ago.

She could brush off everything else, but when it came to her parents’ love, she wouldn’t yield an inch. She couldn’t let Ye Leng’an steal her parents’ affection. She had been the one by their side since childhood. What right did Ye Leng’an have to vie for their attention solely based on a vague blood relation?

With this thought, a glint of determination flashed in Ye Wanwan’s eyes.

“That’s…” Beside her, Murong Xingrui hadn’t noticed Ye Wanwan’s unease. Upon entering, his gaze was irresistibly drawn to Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an. “Master Huangfu and Ye Leng’an.”

As he observed the couple nearby, a pensive light flickered in Murong Xingrui’s eyes. He spoke gently, “Wanwan, though Ye Leng’an refuses to return to the Ye family, you two are still twins. Since we’ve encountered them here today, should we not extend a greeting?”

Despite being hailed as the pride of the Hidden World, Murong Xingrui knew well that he paled in comparison to Huangfu Ruiling.

Though young by the standards of their clandestine society, he was considerably older than Huangfu Ruiling. Yet, their disparity in status was immense. He was the scion of the Murong family, whereas Huangfu Ruiling was already the head of the Huangfu family.

However, he harbored no jealousy or resentment towards this fact.

If someone were only slightly ahead of you, you might envy them. But when the gap was insurmountable, when they were leagues ahead and you would never catch up, there was simply no room for envy.

This was how Murong Xingrui felt. He harbored no jealousy towards Huangfu Ruiling; he simply wished to draw closer to him. Though unspoken, it was widely acknowledged that the Huangfu family now reigned as the foremost family in the Hidden World.

Thus, upon learning of Ye Wanwan and Ye Leng’an’s relationship, he felt a surge of joy. Yet, he hadn’t anticipated Ye Leng’an’s reluctance to return to the Ye family. Though disappointed, he refrained from comment. After all, these were private matters, and he had no place interfering.

However, now that they had met, extending a greeting was only proper!

Lost in her thoughts, Ye Wanwan froze upon hearing Murong Xingrui’s suggestion.

For a moment, she struggled to find words to explain to him. Opting for a forced smile, she replied, “Perhaps not. Ye Leng’an is currently rejecting us. If she refuses to acknowledge us later or says something unpleasant, it could complicate matters.”

Though Murong Xingrui found her explanation odd, due to the sensitivity of the situation, he refrained from pressing further with questions.

Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu, too, recognized their lapse in composure and quickly regained their composure. Nevertheless, they couldn’t help casting a complex gaze in Ye Leng’an’s direction.

Though unaware of the specifics between their father and Ye Leng’an, they sensed they might never recognize their daughter again.

Meanwhile, as the Ye family members noticed Ye Leng’an, she too acknowledged their presence.

Yet, she acted as though she hadn’t seen a thing.

Having severed all ties with the Ye family, she remained indifferent despite the scrutiny.

With most eyes fixed on Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an, and the latter’s lack of reaction, none noticed Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu’s peculiar behavior.

The banquet continued, with more guests arriving at the venue.

Today’s gathering served as both an opportunity for the major families to socialize and a matchmaking event for their young scions.

Conversations flowed freely, and the atmosphere was lively.

Ye Hongxuan and Lian Mengzhu had hoped to exchange words with Ye Leng’an.

Despite knowing that Ye Leng’an’s return to the Ye family was now impossible, they still wished to engage with her as friends.

Yet, it was evident Ye Leng’an had no intention of engaging with the Ye family any further, dashing their hopes.

Thus, they found themselves unable to approach, let alone converse with, Ye Leng’an.

Before long, Ye Leng’an excused herself to the restroom, leaving Huangfu Ruiling alone at the banquet.

Observing this, many women couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement, deeming it an opportune moment.

However, they soon realized their hopes were unfounded. Despite Ye Leng’an’s absence, they found themselves unable to approach Huangfu Ruiling.

Perplexed, they couldn’t fathom why, despite being right in front of them, they couldn’t draw closer to Huangfu Ruiling.

In Ye Leng’an’s absence, the chill emanating from Huangfu Ruiling sent shivers down their spines.

Surveying the room with indifference, Huangfu Ruiling left no doubt that none present were worthy of his attention.

Such an aloof demeanor promptly quelled any lingering desires among the women present.