Chapter 15: I, Qin Miao, Will Take Her Surname

Shen Yan watched in the direction Ye Yao-yao had left until she disappeared from sight before finally averting his gaze.

Old Madam Shen stormed over, furious, and whispered in exasperation, “Do you have any idea what you’re doing? A man of your stature, so privileged and accomplished—how can you lower yourself to plead for love?”

In her eyes, Shen Yan was a rare talent, taking charge of the vast Shen Corporation at such a young age. Few women were worthy of him; it was always others who pursued him, not the other way around. She had refused to let Ye Yao-yao marry into the family from the start, but Shen Yan, usually so obedient, had become stubborn, ignoring her objections completely. Now that they’d separated, so be it—why keep dragging things out?

He paid her words no mind. “Shall we continue shopping, or head home?”

He didn’t much care for shopping, but if she wished to, he would accompany her.

Just then, a woman’s voice called out. Qin Miao hurried over and naturally slipped her arm through the old lady’s.

She smiled apologetically. “Sorry, Grandma, the film crew kept me busy—I’ve only just finished.”

Qin Miao hadn’t expected to catch such a scene just by being a little late. Shen Yan had actually apologized to Ye Yao-yao in front of everyone? She herself had never received such treatment.

Clearly, the dynamic among the three had shifted in subtle ways.

Luckily, she’d had the foresight to get Old Madam Shen’s contact details back when Shen Yan still favored her, and over the years, she’d sent the old lady gifts regularly.

Old Madam Shen was formidable—even Shen Yan had to respect her wishes.

Seeing Qin Miao cheered her up considerably. She lifted her chin slightly. “Come along, Miao-miao, keep me company as I shop.”

“Of course, Grandma.”

“Grandma, I have work to attend to at the company,” Shen Yan interjected.

“Come with us,” the old lady saw through his excuse.

“It’s urgent. I can’t delay,” he replied, and with that, he turned and left.

Qin Miao quickly read his intentions; since she arrived, he hadn’t spared her a single glance.

It was all Ye Yao-yao’s fault—if she hadn’t bewitched Shen Yan, none of this would have happened.

But no matter how clever she was, could she win over Old Madam Shen? The old lady was the one who decided who would become the young mistress of the Shen family.

…

“My God, men are truly the worst,” Yu Wanjing rolled her eyes. “When you love them, they don’t care; now that you’re leaving, he wants to make amends? How disgusting.”

“People are always like that—they only cherish what they lose,” Ye Yao-yao waved it off. “Forget him. We’re out to shop today, let’s enjoy ourselves.”

“Agreed.”

Fate had it that Ye Yao-yao and Yu Wanjing ended up in the same boutique as Qin Miao’s group.

Yu Wanjing’s eyes lit up at the sight of a custom gown in the window. “This is the one! Oh my God, Yao-yao, you really have an eye for these things!”

In her excitement, she kissed Ye Yao-yao’s cheek. “I can’t even imagine how gorgeous I’ll look in it—I’ll just wait for you to gift it to me!”

She was positively radiant with anticipation.

Yet Ye Yao-yao sensed something was off; this gown shouldn’t be displayed in the window.

She pulled out her phone. Just as she sent a message, a sharp female voice pierced the air.

“Waiting for her to give it to you? Please, she only climbed the ranks by selling her body. How many men are you expecting her to sleep with for that gift?” Qin Miao’s eyes were like blades, fixed on Ye Yao-yao.

“Who let this dog out? Didn’t your master remember to keep you on a leash?” Yu Wanjing shot back. “All you ever think about is trading flesh for favors. Considering how you’ve clawed your way through the entertainment industry, I bet you’ve done plenty yourself.”

How unlucky to run into her. Next time, she’d make sure the sales assistants screened out such riffraff.

“I have A-Yan. I don’t need to stoop so low.”

“That’s exactly why you’re the one relying on a man to get ahead,” Yu Wanjing retorted. “So what’s with the holier-than-thou act?”

Qin Miao’s fingers tightened, her eyes flickering before she forced a smile.

“It seems you’re quite the pretender, Ye Yao-yao. Otherwise, why would she believe you could give away such an expensive gown?”

She leaned in, eyes narrowing at the long string of digits on the price tag, her smile deepening. “I’m really curious—how will you manage it?”

She detested anyone who stood up for Ye Yao-yao. Once she tore off that mask, who would still want to befriend her?

“That’s my business, not yours,” Ye Yao-yao replied coolly.

“Ha, feeling guilty?” Qin Miao beckoned the manager over. “I’ll take this gown. Wrap it up for me.”

She was a regular at this boutique, always personally attended by the manager. Her status was a world apart from those who didn’t even merit the staff’s respect.

“I’m sorry, madam, but this gown has already been reserved,” the manager replied.

“What?” Qin Miao was momentarily stunned, her composure slipping. “I’ll pay double—no, ten times the price! I’ll cover any breach penalty. Surely that’s enough?”

She was determined to get the gown, just to show Ye Yao-yao the disparity between them.

“I’m sorry, madam, but that’s not possible. Perhaps you’d like to look at something else?” the manager said apologetically.

“Let me remind you—I’m about to become the young mistress of the Shen family! Are you sure you want to offend me?”

The manager bowed his head. “Madam, I’m simply following instructions. Please don’t make things difficult for me.”

“You’re just a lowly employee. Who are you to speak to me like this? Get your boss out here!” Qin Miao snapped.

“The owner is away on business.”

“You—”

“Well, what’s this? Neither money nor the Shen family’s name works here?” Yu Wanjing seized the moment. “I was looking forward to seeing Miss Qin wave her hand and claim the dress.”

“Turns out, you’re nothing but a paper tiger.”

Ye Yao-yao smiled faintly, casting Qin Miao a sidelong glance.

That glance alone enraged Qin Miao.

“What are you so pleased about? If I can’t get it, there’s no way she can,” Qin Miao crossed her arms, feeling she’d regained the upper hand. “Go on, let her give it to you now—let’s see her try.”

She sat back on the sofa, ready to enjoy the show.

Ye Yao-yao and Yu Wanjing exchanged a look—this was the dress Yu Wanjing was meant to wear at her birthday party. But trying it on early wouldn’t hurt.

Their silent exchange only made Qin Miao more convinced they were bluffing.

“What are you waiting for? Didn’t you look so smug just now?” Qin Miao glared at Ye Yao-yao. “Raised in an orphanage, living off A-Yan’s charity for three years just to have a job and a place to stay—where would you get the money for this?”

“Let me make this clear: if Ye Yao-yao can afford this gown, I’ll take her word for it.”

It was an impossible scenario, so Qin Miao could say whatever she liked.

“Yao-yao?” Yu Wanjing prompted instinctively.

“Let her buy it first,” Qin Miao ground out.

“Fine,” Ye Yao-yao finally spoke. She turned to the manager. “Please bring the gown out for Miss Yu to try on.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The manager moved to fetch the gown. “This way, Miss Yu.”

Qin Miao stared in disbelief at the unfolding scene and barked, “Stop! Manager, do you know what you’re doing?”