Chapter 894: Feeling Guilty

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation  Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

A self-satisfied, debonair smile spread across Huangfu Shaohua’s face as he continued, “I’ve had enough of the fancy feasts. Now I want to taste some simple, homely dishes! Why? Can’t I take an interest in this girl?”

If Murong Yumeng insisted on shielding Zhou Cui’an, he could only back off. After all, this girl was her guest, and it wouldn’t do to act rashly. Otherwise, he’d be openly defying Murong Yumeng, which wasn’t worth it over a woman.

Besides, while he was interested, Zhou Cui’an wasn’t indispensable. It was better to clarify first.

Murong Yumeng spread her hands nonchalantly. “If you like her, suit yourself, I don’t mind. Besides, this Zhou Cui’an would probably be delighted!”

“Oh, so she’s a status-seeker!” Huangfu Shaohua scoffed in realization, his expression carrying a hint of disdain. “That’s good. Anything money can solve isn’t a problem.”

With that, he picked up a wine glass and strode off in the direction Zhou Cui’an had departed.

Watching Huangfu Shaohua’s retreating back, Murong Yumeng turned unconcernedly and rejoined her friends.

As for whether Zhou Cui’an would be taken advantage of, Murong Yumeng couldn’t care less. Moreover, Zhou Cui’an harbored no small ambition. She might even relish such an opportunity!

With this thought, Murong Yumeng chatted amiably with her friends, unburdened.

The entire night felt like a dream to Zhou Cui’an. Never had she imagined attending such a high-class event, dressed beautifully and conversing with the capital’s elite like a young heiress.

Yet what delighted her most was meeting a certain man from the Huangfu family at the banquet. Although a mere branch member, he represented an existence once far beyond her reach. But now, this Huangfu Shaohua openly displayed an interest in her.

After the dinner, Huangfu Shaohua escorted Zhou Cui’an back to her dormitory. Even upon learning she wasn’t a wealthy young lady, his demeanor remained unchanged.

Before departing, Huangfu Shaohua even obtained Zhou Cui’an’s contact details of his own accord.

Returning to her dorm room, Zhou Cui’an couldn’t help but smile sweetly. At this moment, her heart brimmed with gratitude toward Murong Yumeng.

For it was Murong Yumeng’s invitation that enabled her to encounter Huangfu Shaohua. Though ordinary-looking, he cut a dashing figure in his high-end suit, a million-yuan watch adorning his wrist, coupled with his luxurious sports car – the perfect image of a suave heir.

In Zhou Cui’an’s eyes, Huangfu Shaohua embodied her ideal partner. If she could marry him, she would ascend directly into the capital’s highest echelons of elite society.

She hadn’t forgotten how Huangfu Shaohua addressed Murong Yumeng by name, revealing that despite being a branch member, his status was no mere trifle.

Reflecting on this, a glint of resolute determination flashed across Zhou Cui’an’s eyes.

No matter what, she had to secure Huangfu Shaohua and become his wife. Then, she could stand proudly before Ye Leng’an, forcing her to defer.

At this moment, Ye Leng’an remained utterly oblivious to Zhou Cui’an’s fanciful delusions.

After a few days in the Hidden World, Ye Leng’an and Huangfu Ruiling returned to the mortal world.

Though the New Year hadn’t entirely passed, the festive atmosphere had considerably waned in the capital. Upon their return, the two decided to dine out.

However, much to their surprise, they encountered the Ye family at the hotel’s entrance.

Ye Li’s earlier dejection was gone. His entire demeanor exuded vigor now. Lin Wanqin remained by his side, her attire unchanged from before, bearing no signs of financial hardship afflicting the Ye family.

Among those accompanying them was their son, Ye Anyun, though Ye Xiyuan was nowhere to be seen.

Witnessing the Ye family in such a state, a flicker of doubt flickered across Ye Leng’an’s eyes.

The moment Ye Li noticed her presence, he swiftly averted his gaze, acting as though he’d seen nothing before brushing past Ye Leng’an with his family in tow.

His manner exuded an inexplicable sense of guilt.

After entering the private dining room, Ye Leng’an remained preoccupied with thoughts of the Ye family.

Huangfu Ruiling poured a cup of hot tea, placing it directly into Ye Leng’an’s hands.

The sudden warmth jolted Ye Leng’an from her reverie. Glancing at the teacup, she felt a tinge of exasperation. “What are you doing?”

“Thinking about the Ye family?” Huangfu Ruiling arched a brow. “Don’t dwell on it overmuch. Have some tea first.”

Ye Leng’an shook her head in amusement but sipped the hot tea before speaking. “I just find it strange. Previously, the Ye family already teetered on the brink. I thought they’d gone bankrupt, yet now they appear unaffected by any turmoil.”

Back then, had circumstances not driven Ye Li and Lin Wanqin into a corner, they wouldn’t have sought her out.

However, after her rejection, she no longer paid them any heed. Thus, upon witnessing their seemingly unchanged state today, she couldn’t help but feel perplexed.

“I’ll have someone investigate,” Huangfu Ruiling said flatly. “But why this sudden interest in their affairs?”

“I just sense something amiss.” Ye Leng’an struggled to articulate her feelings. “Clearly, I feel detached from the Ye family’s matters. Yet when I saw Ye Li today, I don’t know why, but he seemed…guilty.”

It was this inexplicable sensation that kept drawing her thoughts back to the matter.

She cared not what became of the Ye family or whether they rebounded. Her ties to them had long been severed. However, an uncanny feeling persisted nonetheless.

Upon hearing her words, Huangfu Ruiling frowned before gently patting her hand. “Alright, I shall have this looked into first. If anything comes to light regarding the Ye family’s current circumstances, we’ll discuss it then.”

Ye Leng’an nodded, saying no more.