ASPWL Ch86: The Show Begins

The three were still brainstorming when Ye Leyao’s voice continued to come through:

[The scumbag Gong, Gu Yu, is the son of Gu Song and his second wife, and is only two years younger than Chu Cheng. Technically, he’s an illegitimate child. After Chu Cheng’s mother divorced Gu Song, it wasn’t long before these two came to the door, but that marriage didn’t last long either because Gu Song is a scumbag who easily gets bored of new things.]

[Over the years, Gu Song has had a continuous stream of lovers but never remarried, until half a year ago when he met his current flame, Han Wei. The two had only known each other for a month before they quickly got their marriage certificate.]

Ye Leyao curled his lips:

[Gu Song is no good himself, and of course, Han Wei, who gets along so well with him, and Gu Yu, who grew up under his influence, aren’t any better either. Just a month after Gu Song and Han Wei got married, Gu Yu started an affair with her…]

[If I remember correctly, this caused quite a stir in the original story. After all, President Qin’s family owns an entertainment company, so a lot of entertainment reporters attended today’s banquet. When the main character Shou, Wei Qing, went to catch them in the act, a reporter followed along, and the photos were quickly spread online.]

[Gu Yu, the scumbag Gong, was a small-time celebrity with a bit of fame. To keep his career going, his entire family later pushed a scapegoat to take the fall…]

Recalling this, Ye Leyao’s brows furrowed tightly for the first time. He was genuinely angry in his heart:

[Each one of them is trash. I hate them!]

At that moment, Gu Song’s voice rang out: “Oh, Xiao Yao’s here, come over and sit.”

Gu Song was the first to notice Qin Yao and his group entering and smiled as he waved Qin Yao over. Then, his gaze landed on Ye Leyao’s group, and he gave them a slight smile.

The woman chatting with him was Gu Song’s older sister, Gu Rou, who was also Qin Yao’s mother.

Seeing this, she also turned to look, her gaze first landing on Ye Leyao. After sizing him up for a moment, she spoke indifferently, “Come sit.”

With both of them speaking, it was awkward for them to keep standing there. At this point, Qin Yao withdrew his gaze from Ye Leyao.

But in that instant, he suddenly noticed that Huo Yan and Huo Ze were also looking at Ye Leyao.

Qin Yao immediately felt puzzled.

He had turned to look at Ye Leyao because he could hear Ye Leyao’s inner thoughts.

Huo Yan and Huo Ze had glanced at Ye Leyao as well. Could it be that Huo Yan and Huo Ze could also—

Qin Yao was startled, but it wasn’t the time to dwell on it. He suppressed his curiosity for the time being, gently took Ye Leyao’s hand, and whispered in his ear, “If you don’t want to go in, I can take you away now.”

Ye Leyao quickly shook his head.

[Although I really don’t like Gu Song, now that I’m here, how could I just leave?]

[Also, how did President Qin know that I didn’t like Gu Song? Could it be the legendary ‘telepathic connection’?]

Ye Leyao was quite happy and smiled as he said to Qin Yao, “Let’s go.”

Behind them, both Huo Yan and Huo Ze sighed inwardly at the same time.

A “telepathic connection”? What nonsense!

The only reason Qin Yao knew you were unhappy was that he could hear your thoughts!

If you insist on calling it that, then Huo Yan and Huo Ze could also have a “telepathic connection” with Ye Leyao!

Not only the two of them, but their whole family could. Qin Yao wasn’t anything special!

For once, Huo Ze and Huo Yan’s thoughts were perfectly aligned.

After confirming that Ye Leyao had no reluctance, Qin Yao nodded slightly and led Ye Leyao forward.

The sight of the two whispering to each other fell into Gu Rou’s eyes, but she interpreted it differently. When Qin Yao approached, she couldn’t help but chide, “Why did you take so long to come in? Don’t tell me you didn’t want to see your uncle?”

As soon as the words were spoken, Huo Yan and Huo Ze both frowned.

Ye Leyao’s eyes widened in surprise.

[Hmm?]

[Although I really didn’t want to see Gu Song, we didn’t walk that slowly, did we?]

[Also, isn’t she supposed to be President Qin’s mother? Why is she speaking to President Qin in that tone?]

Even Ye Leyao, usually slow to pick up on emotions, keenly sensed the displeasure in Gu Rou’s tone.

It was then that Ye Leyao finally realized the meaning behind Qin Yao’s earlier comment: “My mother may not be as warm towards you as my father.”

Ye Leyao reached a conclusion: [So, President Qin’s mother doesn’t like President Qin?]

Huo Yan and Huo Ze subtly nodded.

Yes, that’s also one of the reasons why Huo Yan opposed Ye Leyao being with Qin Yao.

As impolite as it sounded, Huo Yan just thought that there was something wrong with Gu Rou’s head!

Ye Leyao tilted his head slightly to look at Qin Yao and only then noticed that there wasn’t a hint of emotion on Qin Yao’s face. He was merely gazing at Ye Leyao with gentle focus, as if ready to take Ye Leyao away at the slightest sign of discomfort.

For some reason, Ye Leyao suddenly felt a twinge of sadness in his heart.

At that moment, his blocked memories seemed to suddenly unlock, and Ye Leyao recalled the original story’s description of Gu Rou—

[A sister who supports her younger brother, favors her nephew Gu Yu, doesn’t trust her husband Qin Hongxi, and the person she hates the most is her own son, Qin Yao, who constantly disobeys her…]

With each sentence Ye Leyao read, his heart ached a little.

No wonder Qin Yao showed such a calm, indifferent expression and had already made the decision for Ye Leyao before bringing him to meet Gu Rou.

Qin Yao was worried Ye Leyao would be mistreated, but he still wanted to introduce him to his father.

But what did Ye Leyao have to feel wronged about?

Gu Rou wasn’t his mother, and her few words wouldn’t cause him any emotional damage. It was Qin Yao who might feel hurt…

“Qin Yao!” Gu Rou’s voice grew even colder when she saw Qin Yao remaining silent for a long time. “What’s with your attitude? If you don’t want to see your uncle, then get out right now—”

Qin Yao finally furrowed his brows and was about to speak, but Ye Leyao suddenly raised his voice, “I really don’t want to see Gu Song. In that case, Auntie, I’ll just take President Qin and leave.”

After saying this, Ye Leyao didn’t give anyone a chance to respond. He grabbed Qin Yao and turned to leave, signaling to his two brothers: time to go!

Huo Yan and Huo Ze understood immediately and turned to leave as well.

Perfect, they didn’t want to make small talk with Gu Rou either.

Huo Ze was even worried he might lose control and end up pointing at Gu Song’s nose, cursing him as a scoundrel!

Damn it, how dare he set up his team!

It wasn’t until the four of them reached the doorway of the living room that Gu Rou, as if suddenly realizing what had just happened, raised her voice angrily, “Who do you think you are? How dare you interrupt when I’m talking to my son? If you’re so disrespectful, get out of my house!”

Ye Leyao quickened his pace at her words, but Qin Yao suddenly stopped in his tracks.

“President Qin?”

Qin Yao turned around, his face cold, and stared at Gu Rou, his voice icy: “I must remind you again, this is the Qin family’s old residence. There’s no ‘Gu’ name written anywhere here. If someone should be asked to leave, it should be me telling you two to get out.”

Ye Leyao’s eyes widened in shock, his mouth slightly open.

Huo Yan and Huo Ze were equally stunned.

Wait, what did Qin Yao just say?

Did he just ask his own mother to leave the Qin family?

Uh…

Hadn’t it been said before that, despite Qin Yao’s strained relationship with his mother, they maintained a surface-level peace?

Also, wasn’t today Gu Rou’s birthday?

The Qin family had even organized this birthday party for her. If they kicked her out today—

Could they really do that?

Huo Ze glanced at Huo Yan, feeling complicated.

Huo Yan was even more conflicted. The only reason he had come along was to make sure Gu Rou didn’t make things difficult for both Qin Yao and Ye Leyao. He didn’t want Ye Leyao to suffer.

And yet…

Well, turns out Papa and Mama Huo were right—Qin Yao would protect Ye Leyao.

Gu Rou clearly hadn’t expected Qin Yao to speak to her like that. She was so furious that she almost dropped the teacup she was holding.

Gu Song quickly stepped forward, took the teacup from her hand, and frowned at Qin Yao. “Xiao Yao, is this how you talk to your mother? You know her health isn’t good…”

“If her health is bad, then please take her back to the Gu family to rest. That way, she won’t have to stay in my house and be upset with me, will she?” Qin Yao replied coldly. “You both can leave together.”

Gu Song was speechless at Qin Yao’s retort. Surrounded by the younger generation, he felt deeply embarrassed and his face darkened. “Xiao Yao, you—”

“What’s going on?”

A familiar voice interrupted.

Ye Leyao turned to see that Qin Hongxi had arrived at some point, with Papa Huo, Mama Huo, and Huo Jing accompanying him.

Huo Yan and Huo Ze exchanged glances, realizing their parents must have heard Ye Leyao’s thoughts and hurried over.

Qin Yao remained silent, his face stern.

Qin Hongxi didn’t question Qin Yao; instead, his deep gaze settled on Gu Song.

Gu Song’s expression turned strange as he met Qin Hongxi’s eyes for a few seconds. He felt a bit guilty for some reason, but he still couldn’t swallow his anger. In a low voice, he said, “Brother-in-law, Xiao Yao is becoming more and more out of control. Do you know what he just said? He told me to take my sister and leave the Qin family…”

Qin Hongxi’s expression didn’t change at all. Without looking at Gu Song again, he turned his gaze to Gu Rou. His voice remained calm as always, yet carried an unmistakable chill: “Yesterday, you promised me that you’d get along with Xiao Yao. Did you already go back on your word?”

Ye Leyao was slightly taken aback when he heard this.

[Huh?]

[Qin Uncle didn’t take Gu Rou’s side? Aren’t they married?]

Qin Yao squeezed Ye Leyao’s hand and leaned in to whisper in a voice only the two of them could hear: “My dad has always wanted to divorce her, but she keeps delaying it. The reason for today’s birthday party is so my dad can use the opportunity to announce their upcoming divorce.”

But Gu Rou and Gu Song clearly didn’t know this, which was why they were acting all high and mighty here.

Ye Leyao’s eyes widened as he suddenly understood.

[So Qin Uncle came to back us up?!]

Qin Yao chuckled softly.

That’s exactly what was happening.

“If you don’t want to get along with Xiao Yao, then we have nothing left to discuss.” Qin Hongxi said.

Gu Rou’s body trembled, and she looked at Qin Hongxi in disbelief. “How have I not gotten along with him? His uncle wanted to see him and specifically asked him to come, but what did he do? He dragged his feet on the way in, and when he finally arrived, he was pulling and tugging at someone else right outside the door. I only made a comment, and then Qin Yao—”

“He’s called Ye Leyao, and he’s Xiao Yao’s boyfriend.” Qin Hongxi interrupted Gu Rou.

Gu Rou’s face changed slightly, and she pursed her lips, averting her gaze. “I know he’s Xiao Yao’s boyfriend, but I’m still his mother. I didn’t say anything too harsh; I only said that if he didn’t want to come in, he could leave, and then he…”

“You told me to get out.” Ye Leyao suddenly spoke, interrupting Gu Rou.

Ye Leyao would not tolerate such grievances!

He held grudges and would settle them on the spot; he had words, and he would speak them immediately!

Papa and Mama Huo’s faces changed simultaneously.

Qin Hongxi’s expression grew even more unpleasant.

Gu Rou hadn’t expected Ye Leyao to interrupt her so suddenly. She fiercely glared at him and was about to continue speaking in her defense.

Qin Hongxi suddenly snapped, “Enough! Butler, escort the two of them out.”

As his words fell, both Gu Rou and Gu Song’s faces changed.

Ye Leyao looked at Qin Hongxi in surprise, then at Qin Yao.

[Wait, are they really getting kicked out just like that?]

[But if Gu Song leaves, how will he watch his son cheat on him?]

Thinking about this, Ye Leyao felt a bit regretful.

The Huo family members also felt regretful.

Indeed.

Seeing your own son cheat on you with your own eyes — that would really be exciting.

Better if they didn’t leave.

“Brother-in-law…”

“Qin Hongxi…” Gu Rou was so angry she trembled all over as she stood up. “Do you even remember what day it is today? I…”

“It’s precisely because you said today is your birthday that I softened and agreed to host this banquet for you. But now it seems you aren’t sincere about apologizing to me and Xiao Yao. So please, both of you, leave. Is that okay?” Qin Hongxi’s voice was calm.

Gu Rou couldn’t hold back anymore, and her tears began to fall: “Qin Hongxi, are you determined to divorce me?”

Hearing this, Gu Song’s eyelid twitched, and he hurriedly said, “Sis, stop making a scene! Can’t you see that Brother-in-law is angry? Hurry up and apologize to him!”

Ye Leyao found it unbelievable.

[Wait, is Gu Song trying to clear himself from all this?]

[How could he be so shameless!]

Suddenly, Qin Yao squeezed Ye Leyao’s hand.

Just as Ye Leyao was about to ask what was wrong, Gu Rou suddenly softened her tone: “It’s my fault. I’m sorry… Please don’t be angry…”

Ye Leyao was shocked.

[No way… Gu Rou actually apologized?]

[She must have been gaslit by Gu Song!]

Qin Yao couldn’t listen anymore. He whispered to Ye Leyao, “Let’s go outside.”

Ye Leyao didn’t ask more questions. But before leaving, he glanced at Qin Hongxi’s face, noticing that his expression had grown even darker, like a storm was brewing.

Once Qin Yao and Ye Leyao left, the Huo family naturally felt it was inappropriate to stay longer and followed them outside.

After leaving the reception room, they found the courtyard out front just as lively as ever.

Guests gathered in groups of two or three, chatting and laughing, completely unaware of the confrontation that had just taken place in the reception room.

After the Huo family left, Papa and Mama Huo led the three Huo brothers out as well.

Ye Leyao followed Qin Yao to the garden, where the climbing roses were blooming beautifully. Qin Yao led Ye Leyao to a wicker chair and they sat down.

As soon as they sat, before Ye Leyao could speak, Qin Yao asked with concern, “Were you frightened?”

Ye Leyao quickly shook his head: “No, I was just…”

A bit surprised.

Ye Leyao then asked, “And you, President Qin, are you okay?”

Qin Yao tilted his head slightly, his gaze landing on Ye Leyao’s face, clearly seeing the concern in his eyes.

Feeling a sudden warmth in his heart, Qin Yao gently shook his head, then after a moment, suddenly nodded: “A bit uncomfortable.”

Ye Leyao’s eyelashes fluttered slightly: “Really?”

[I don’t see you feeling uncomfortable, President Qin. I only see that you’re a little upset.]

Qin Yao suddenly wanted to laugh; Ye Leyao could always see through him.

He wasn’t feeling uncomfortable at all. He was just upset about Gu Rou’s harsh words toward Ye Leyao.

Qin Yao explained, “I’m long used to her attitude toward me, so I don’t feel uncomfortable. But—” Qin Yao dragged out his tone, a trace of hurt in his eyes, “seeing you doubt me, now I truly feel a bit uncomfortable.”

Ye Leyao chuckled: “Should I comfort you?”

Qin Yao was about to ask how Ye Leyao planned to comfort him when suddenly, he saw the boy’s face zooming in, and in the next moment, he felt his lips being gently touched.

A cool, soft, and moist sensation, like a dragonfly skimming the surface of the water, but it left a lingering taste.

A breeze blew past, carrying a fragrant scent.

The tips of Qin Yao’s ears visibly reddened at a rapid pace.

Ye Leyao’s eyes sparkled, watching Qin Yao without blinking. He reached out, curious, and touched Qin Yao’s earlobe.

Instinctively, Qin Yao tried to dodge but failed.

His earlobe, now burning hot, was lightly rubbed by Ye Leyao’s cool fingers, and that small patch of skin became redder and redder, almost as if it would bleed.

For a long time, neither of them said a word.

Until Qin Yao hoarsely said, “If you don’t let go, I might have to fight back.”

Only then did Ye Leyao reluctantly withdraw his hand and then leaned his head forward toward Qin Yao.

Qin Yao: “Hmm?”

Ye Leyao: “Go ahead, fight back.”

Qin Yao: “…”

Why do you sound like you’re looking forward to it?

Qin Yao was completely defeated, covering his slightly warm face with his hand.

Ye Leyao, however, pouted a little, waiting patiently for a while but didn’t get Qin Yao’s counterattack. He was a bit dissatisfied: “You’re not going to fight back?”

“Yaoyao—” Qin Yao’s tone was helpless.

Ye Leyao straightened up: “Fine then.”

[Wow, who would’ve thought President Qin at 24 could still be so pure!]

Qin Yao: “…”

The Huo family in the distance: “…”

Papa Huo: “Maybe we should move a bit farther?”

Mama Huo decisively: “Let’s go!”

Thank goodness the Qin family villa is big! Otherwise, they really wouldn’t know where to go!

But they couldn’t go too far — didn’t Ye Leyao say there was still going to be a scene of catching the main character in the act today?

They absolutely could not miss out on this excitement!

Ye Leyao no longer teased Qin Yao. After Qin Yao calmed down a little, he briefly explained the current relationship between his parents to Ye Leyao.

Qin Hongxi and Gu Rou had a marriage of convenience, and they married for the sake of their respective families.

But after the marriage, Qin Hongxi developed feelings for Gu Rou and decided to seriously work on their relationship.

Unfortunately, for a long time, this relationship was a one-sided affection from Qin Hongxi.

Before she married Qin Hongxi, Gu Rou had already arranged everyone in her heart in order of importance.

Gu Song had always been first in her heart, followed by the Gu family, and then the other members of the Gu family.

As for Qin Hongxi and Qin Yao, they had always been pushed far down the list by Gu Rou.

Qin Hongxi noticed this early on. He tried confessing his love to Gu Rou and was completely obedient to her, but after years of this, it still did not change Gu Rou’s mind in the slightest.

Yet, Qin Hongxi could not let go. Until eight years ago, Qin Hongxi unintentionally discovered that Gu Rou had secretly transferred Qin family assets to Gu Song behind his back. It was only then that Qin Hongxi truly gave up on Gu Rou.

It was also eight years ago that Qin Hongxi began preparing to divorce Gu Rou.

But by that time, it was Gu Rou who became anxious.

No matter what terms Qin Hongxi proposed, Gu Rou refused to divorce, even going so far as to threaten Qin Hongxi…

Qin Yao shook his head slightly at this point and didn’t continue.

But Ye Leyao automatically filled in the rest of his words: “She even used you to threaten Uncle Qin.”

What Ye Leyao said was not a question but a statement.

A hint of surprise flashed in Qin Yao’s eyes, but he quickly smiled and said, “As expected, nothing can be hidden from you, Yaoyao.”

Eight years ago, Qin Yao had only been sixteen.

Gu Rou had threatened Qin Hongxi, saying that if he insisted on a divorce, she would ruin Qin Yao’s future.

The only person Qin Hongxi had ever wronged in his life was Qin Yao.

It was his own stubbornness that had led to Qin Yao’s birth. He had thought that with a child between them, Gu Rou would give him and the child more attention.

But Qin Hongxi had never imagined that because of this childish idea, he had almost ruined young Qin Yao as well.

Hearing this, Ye Leyao’s heart clenched, “What happened to you when you were little?”

Qin Yao had no intention of hiding it from Ye Leyao: “When I was five, I was nearly frozen to death.”

Ye Leyao’s pupils constricted suddenly, and his voice rose, “Wha- what?”

Qin Yao patted Ye Leyao’s back soothingly, pulling him into an embrace, and softly said, “I told you, I was ‘nearly.’ Honestly, it was partly my fault. When I was young, I didn’t understand why she didn’t like me, so from as far back as I can remember, I’ve always tried hard to please her.”

He did things that Gu Rou liked and obeyed her in everything, even agreeing to some very excessive requests. Little Qin Yao complied with it all.

Because at that time, little Qin Yao believed that as long as he was obedient, Gu Rou would pay more attention to him, would like him.

But that wasn’t the case.

Not all mothers love their children. Gu Rou was one of those.

So no matter how well young Qin Yao behaved or how many awards he won, Gu Rou never saw him.

At that time, Chu Cheng’s mother hadn’t yet divorced Gu Song, but Gu Song already had an illegitimate child outside of marriage—Gu Yu.

Gu Rou’s favorite person at that time was Chu Cheng, and the second was Gu Yu.

Since Gu Song couldn’t take care of Gu Yu, Gu Rou volunteered to look after him.

To make Gu Yu happy, she even made the five-year-old Qin Yao serve Gu Yu like a servant, acting as a little babysitter.

The most outrageous incident was when Gu Rou made Qin Yao crawl on the ground pretending to be a dog while Gu Yu rode on his back, playing general.

That year, Qin Yao was only five.

Having just been educated, he had developed a sense of dignity.

Qin Yao refused, so Gu Rou took off his down jacket and, in the midst of a heavy snowfall, locked Qin Yao outside to reflect on his behavior.

Ye Leyao’s heart tightened: “Then—”

“I told you, I’m fine,” Qin Yao’s breath brushed against Ye Leyao’s ear. “I’m not a fool. I was already five. Even though I didn’t understand why my mother didn’t like me, I wasn’t going to stay outside the whole time.”

So young Qin Yao didn’t hesitate. After crying briefly, he turned around and began walking back towards the Qin family villa, as he remembered it.

On the snow-covered road, Qin Yao didn’t remember how far he walked, only that he had started walking in the morning and by the time it was completely dark, he still hadn’t reached home.

Ye Leyao became anxious, “Then how did you get back?”

“A kind person carried me back.” Qin Yao smiled as he said this.

“After so many years, I can’t remember what he looked like anymore. But thanks to him, I learned something.”

Ye Leyao slightly pushed Qin Yao away, lifting his head to look into his eyes.

Qin Yao’s eyes curved with a gentle smile, “The boy who carried me back told me that instead of begging for others to love you, it’s better to always love yourself. So from that day on, I stopped hoping for my mother’s love. From that day on, I’ve been learning to love myself and to love those who love me.”

After learning to love himself, Qin Yao completely freed himself from the chains Gu Rou had placed on him. He accepted his imperfections, learned to be independent, and slowly grew up.

Fortunately, though Qin Yao was unfortunate, he was also lucky.

Because after this incident, Qin Hongxi no longer felt comfortable leaving Qin Yao in Gu Rou’s care.

No matter how busy he was with work, he made sure to personally take care of Qin Yao as much as possible. The motherly love Qin Yao lacked, Qin Hongxi tried his best to make up for with fatherly love.

Under Qin Hongxi’s protection, Qin Yao grew up and gradually distanced himself from Gu Rou.

So when Gu Rou threatened to ruin Qin Yao, Qin Hongxi was frightened and gave in.

Years had passed. Little Qin Yao had long been carried out of that snowy night, but Qin Hongxi had never been able to leave it behind.

However, starting eight years ago, Qin Hongxi and Gu Rou had been living apart, and over the years, he had gradually recovered the assets that Gu Rou had transferred out.

“Then what’s the deal with today’s birthday banquet?” Ye Leyao asked.

Qin Yao smiled, “It’s because the Gu Corporation is on the verge of collapse. They’re desperate, so Gu Song incited Gu Rou to take the initiative to reconcile with me and my dad.”

Gu Rou and Gu Song believed that as long as they took the initiative to make peace with Qin Hongxi, the Qin Corporation would help them through the crisis. Gu Song even intended for Gu Yu to join the Qin Corporation.

To achieve this, Gu Song had begun meddling in Qin Yao’s various projects long ago.

Gu Song thought that as long as Qin Yao made a mistake, they would have a chance.

Even though Qin Yao had been very cautious, he still fell into their trap.

Speaking of which, he had to thank Ye Leyao.

“Thank you, Yaoyao.” Qin Yao gently rested his head on Ye Leyao’s shoulder.

Ye Leyao was puzzled, “Hmm?”

[Thank me for what?]

Ye Leyao didn’t need to understand, and Qin Yao didn’t explain. He simply held Ye Leyao tighter.

The two of them chatted for a while longer when Ye Leyao suddenly thought of something:

[Hey, what time is it now?]

Ye Leyao took out his phone, then quickly stood up.

[It’s almost time to catch them in the act!]

Qin Yao paused slightly.

Just as he was thinking of an excuse, he heard Ye Leyao casually make one up: “President Qin, I’m a bit hungry…”

[I remember this scene clearly: Han Wei is timid, but Gu Yu is reckless, so they’re directly in the maid’s room on the first floor…]

Ye Leyao began to scheme again:

[No, I can’t just bring President Qin along. Who knows if that old fox Gu Song has been driven away yet?]

[Oh, and Gu Rou, who doesn’t like President Qin. They should both witness firsthand just what kind of scoundrel the person they hold dear truly is!]

Qin Yao found it amusing as he looked down at his phone. On it was a message just sent by Qin Hongxi: “I haven’t made them leave yet. Try not to let Xiao Yao run into them.”

Qin Yao shook his head. That probably wouldn’t work—Ye Leyao wanted to see the drama.

Qin Yao stepped forward and took Ye Leyao’s hand: “Let’s go, I’ll take you to eat something.”

Ye Leyao quickly nodded, “Okay.”

The garden wasn’t far from the villa. As the two walked hand in hand to the hall, they ran into the Huo family.

Huo Yan was the first to ask, “Ye Leyao, where are you headed?”

Ye Leyao quickly waved to them: “Second Brother, Third Brother, Big Brother, Mama Huo, Papa Huo, are you guys hungry? We’re going to grab a bite!”

[And while we’re at it, catch a good show!]

The corners of the Huo family’s mouths nearly twitched.

Of course, they were hungry!

Hungry to watch the drama unfold, so this was something they couldn’t miss!

“Let’s go!” Huo Yan was the first to step forward.

The rest of the Huo family quickly followed.

The Qin family banquet had prepared plenty of food in the front yard, but Qin Yao didn’t lead the group there. Instead, he took them to the backyard while explaining, “The food in the front yard has probably cooled down a bit. There’s a chef in the back garden who’s prepared some other dishes. I’ll take everyone to try those.”

Ye Leyao, worried that the Huo family might become suspicious, came up with another excuse: “I want some oatmeal milk. President Qin said he’d make it for me.”

As he spoke, Ye Leyao squeezed Qin Yao’s fingers and winked at him.

Qin Yao, catching on, smiled, “Mm.”

The shortest route to the backyard was through the villa, so the group entered the villa.

As soon as they reached the living room, they ran into Gu Song and Gu Rou.

Ye Leyao glanced at the boy following them, and his eyes suddenly lit up:

[The main character, Wei Qing!]

[What a coincidence—everyone’s here!]

[The show’s about to start—]