Chapter 72: Not Tolerating a Speck of Dust

If it hadn’t been for that warehouse incident, if Qin Miao hadn’t foolishly said those things, would she be facing these troubles now? They would have already dealt with little Ye Yaoyao, making her obedient. However, the fact that Ye Yaoyao was the owner of Three Y left Madam Shen viewing her in a new light. An orphan raised in a shelter, yet able to reach such heights—she must possess real ability. In comparison, Qin Miao seemed much weaker.

Over the years, Qin Miao had relied on the friendship between the two families to receive considerable support from the Shen family. By rights, she shouldn’t be merely a lukewarm minor celebrity in the entertainment industry, but that’s exactly what she was. Madam Shen was keenly aware of the reality. If only Ye Yaoyao had a higher background and brought Three Y as her dowry, it wouldn’t be impossible for her to enter the Shen family.

“Grandmother, it’s all because of Ye Yaoyao. I don’t know what she told A Yan, but he’s been ignoring me lately,” Qin Miao complained, having thought it over and believing this was the only explanation. If Ye Yaoyao hadn’t smeared her name, how could A Yan treat her like this? She had to find a way to attend the family banquet; otherwise, things would only get worse. Once she entered the Shen family banquet, she could boast about it, and people would see her differently.

Madam Shen had heard this refrain countless times, her ears nearly calloused by it. Annoyed, she closed her eyes. “You’re eager to attend the Shen family banquet?”

Qin Miao nodded, careful not to appear too obvious. “Grandmother, I just don’t want A Yan to feel overwhelmed, so I’d like to help him.”

“All right, I understand.” Madam Shen opened her eyes, her gaze sharp enough to see through Qin Miao. “I’ll handle the matter of the Shen family banquet.”

“Thank you, Grandmother.”

With the family banquet looming, Ye Yaoyao felt as though every day dragged on endlessly. Yet, despite her reluctance, Wednesday arrived as scheduled. As agreed, she dressed early in her formal gown, prepared and waiting for Shen Yan to come pick her up.

The previous times, she had appeared with a bare face. This time, her hair and makeup were meticulously arranged; she looked as though she had stepped out of a magazine, an ethereal beauty. Of course, it would have been even better if her expression wasn’t so constrained.

“Let’s go,” Shen Yan said, reaching out his hand.

Ye Yaoyao reluctantly placed her hand in his.

They sat in the back, with Feng Yuqi driving. He couldn’t help but glance at his boss several times. The boss was indeed extraordinary; he could carry off any style.

The next moment, Shen Yan’s warning gaze silenced him.

Fine. He had definitely crossed a line.

“When we arrive, if anyone bullies you, tell me,” Shen Yan said.

“You’ll handle it for me?” Ye Yaoyao retorted bluntly. “I’d be grateful if you don’t join them in bullying me.”

Shen Yan tried to ignore the anger in her tone. “Just tell me.”

Ye Yaoyao didn’t respond. If anyone dared to provoke her, she wouldn’t show mercy, regardless of Shen Yan’s presence.

Upon arriving at the Shen residence, Shen Yan supported her as they walked toward the hall. The Shen family didn’t bother with ostentatious displays; it was simply friends gathering for a meal. When the two entered, the banquet hadn’t yet begun.

Shen Yan led Ye Yaoyao to a seat beside the main table. Not long after, Madam Shen arrived with Qin Miao.

Seeing Ye Yaoyao, jealousy flared in Qin Miao’s eyes.

Ye Yaoyao raised her brows provocatively and smiled at her.

Qin Miao grew even angrier, but with Madam Shen and Shen Yan present, she had to restrain herself.

Madam Shen took everything in. After settling into the main seat, she invited Qin Miao to sit nearby. Although both seats were close to the main table, their significance differed greatly.

Ye Yaoyao sat beside Shen Yan—in the position reserved for his wife.

Qin Miao, at best, was favored by Madam Shen.

They maintained appearances, and Ye Yaoyao rose with the others, smiling at each important guest as they entered. Her face was stiff from forced politeness. Had she known this was part of the process, she would never have come.

After several rounds, Ye Yaoyao finally got to sit. Just then, footsteps sounded at the door.

Ye Yaoyao unwillingly stood again, but upon seeing the figure at the entrance, her eyes instantly brightened.

She almost blurted out a word, but forced herself to hold back.

“The mistress of the Ye family has arrived, please, please, have a seat,” Madam Shen personally went to greet her. “You’re always busy; seeing you is a rare annual occurrence.”

Liu Ruyan smiled politely, her gaze casually passing over Ye Yaoyao.

Qin Miao noticed.

She thought the Ye family matriarch must have seen Ye Yaoyao’s notorious reputation online and was shocked by her.

An idea crept into Qin Miao’s mind.

“I’m hardly busy; the family affairs are handled by my two sons. I enjoy a peaceful life at home,” Liu Ruyan replied truthfully. She preferred tranquility and avoided crowds.

“You’ve really honored our Shen family banquet by coming,” Madam Shen said, pulling Liu Ruyan to sit across from Ye Yaoyao. “Please, sit here.”

“Thank you.” Liu Ruyan’s gaze openly fell upon Ye Yaoyao. “This young woman seems unfamiliar. I don’t recall seeing her before.”

“She’s sitting by the Shen family’s young master; they must be close. Why is it that she’s only here this year?”

Indeed, Liu Ruyan had come to support Ye Yaoyao. She hadn’t planned to attend, but upon hearing Ye Yaoyao would be present, she came immediately. These people called themselves the upper crust of society, but their corruption ran deep. Over the years, Liu Ruyan had seen enough and preferred to avoid such circles.

“Madam Ye, do you find her unfamiliar?” Before anyone else could speak, Qin Miao interjected, “Yaoyao has been a sensation online lately, with a notable connection to that celebrity Gu Yancheng.”

She was deliberately trying to expose Ye Yaoyao’s scandals.

However, everyone present was worldly enough to see through Qin Miao’s petty games. None reacted.

Seeing no response, Qin Miao stared directly at Ye Yaoyao.

“Sister Yaoyao, I’m just curious. One minute you’re rumored with Young Master Ye Shen, the next with that celebrity Gu Yancheng. Your social circle is quite extensive,” Qin Miao said, smiling insincerely.

What Qin Miao didn’t realize was that by throwing dirt now, she wasn’t just smearing Ye Yaoyao—Ye Yaoyao was sitting here as Shen Yan’s wife.

“And what do you think?” Ye Yaoyao asked openly.

“I don’t know, so I’m asking you.”

“Then it must be just as you imagine.”

Ye Yaoyao couldn’t be bothered to argue. She turned to Shen Yan, blinking innocently. “A Yan, she’s saying I’m cheating on you. How do you think this should be handled?”

“They’re merely ordinary friends,” Shen Yan replied, shooting Qin Miao a warning glance. “I, Shen Yan, do not tolerate even a grain of sand in my eye. I keep my affairs well in hand.”