Page 158

Love, the one not loved is the true third party.

"Ning Ning, I truly had no idea," Tian Yue'e sighed. "I know both you and your sister have suffered. If I had known earlier, I would have brought you both to Hong Kong long ago. Why let you suffer in the countryside?"

These words further solidified Chu Yuening's status as a illegitimate child.

Many wealthy people in Hong Kong behaved this way, maintaining a legitimate family there while keeping a mistress on the mainland.

The people present were already accustomed to such scenarios.

"Whether or not you knew, your heart is well aware. Don't put on an act," Chu Yuening saw through her intentions but didn't rush to expose her.

The more Tian Yue'e cared about something, the more Chu Yuening intended to reveal it at the peak of her facade.

Originally,

Chu Yuening had planned to wait a little longer.

Unreliable Tian Yue'e boasts a fine son.

Just as Tian Yue'e was about to sigh in relief,

the loud roar of a sports car echoed throughout the area.

"Damn old hag! How dare you speak to my mother like that?!" Fang Kaize, with freshly dyed black hair, zoomed in with his convertible. He had initially planned to park in the lot, but upon hearing Chu Yuening's words, he abruptly accelerated onto the lawn.

Fang Kaize slammed the car door shut in a fit of rage and pointed at Chu Yuening, launching into a tirade.

"Damn old hag, damn northerner! We're being incredibly gracious by offering you a top-notch feast, and you, a pauper, should feel honored! Ah-!!"

His finger was suddenly twisted, causing him to cry out in pain.

Fang Kaize turned around to meet Qiao Star's mocking expression and snapped, "Who the hell are you? Let go of me! This hurts like hell!"

Qiao Star ignored Fang Kaize.

Qiao Ziyuan, who arrived afterward, also wore a smirk as he observed the dumbfounded Fang Jingguo.

"Is this how the Fang family upbringing truly functions...?"

Fang Jingguo's cryptic gaze sent chills down Fang Jingguo's spine.

Just as he had changed out of his sweat-soaked suit upon hearing of Chu Yuening's return, he bumped into the Qiao brothers downstairs.

Qiao Ziyuan, at only twenty-five, was already the Executive CEO of the Qiao Corporation. To maintain close ties with the influential company, he had to ensure the heir's satisfaction as well.

Thus, Fang Jingguo put aside his initial intentions and attended to Qiao Ziyuan first.

Little did he expect to witness such an infuriating scene?

His beloved son was publicly displaying such a disgraceful lack of manners!

"President Qiao, let me explain," Fang Jingguo rushed over, eager to save face, and slapped Fang Kaize repeatedly. "Disobedient child! You're not allowed to speak to your elder sister like that!"

Fang Kaize's face swelled from the blows. He roared in fury, "Elder sister? Did you ask if she wants to be part of the Fang family? She carries herself as if we owe her something every damn day! And she just disrespected Mother!"

"In my opinion, you shouldn't have married her mother in the mainland! You shouldn't have sired those two scoundrels from the Chu family!"

SLAP! Another resounding slap echoed.

This time, it was Tian Yuyue who struck.

Tian Yuyue was so furious that she felt dizzy and her vision blurred. She truly couldn't understand how she had given birth to such a foolish son!

That did it.

Now, everyone knew that Chu Yuening was the legitimate child born of the first wife.

Indeed, the guests had all snapped back to reality.

After all, mainland China only allowed monogamy. If Fang Jingguo had already legally married and registered his marriage there, didn't that make Tian Yuyue the... mistress?

"Mom..." Fang Kaize covered his face in disbelief. "Didn't I do everything for you? And yet you hit me?"

The whispers only fueled Tian Yuyue's rage, making it impossible for her to maintain her fake composure any longer.

"Silence! Scram inside and find your brother!"

Fang Kaize shot Chu Yuening an icy glare over his shoulder.

Chu Yuening chuckled. "Yes, if you don't leave now, there might be more slaps waiting for you."

"Not satisfied yet?" Fang Jingguo kicked Fang Kaize forcefully to send him sprawling.

Only after the reluctant Fang Kaize and Tian Yuyue entered the villa did Fang Jingguo feign remorseful apologies. "Mr. Qiao, I'm truly sorry for letting you witness such a spectacle."

"Mr. Fang's son has quite a fiery temper. That's quite concerning," Qiao Ziyuan sighed lightly. "The Qiao Corporation doesn't fancy collaborating with ticking time bombs; it would only add unnecessary risks."

"Please rest assured, Mr. Qiao. Kaize is still young and has no plans to take over the company anytime soon," Fang Jingguo hurriedly explained.

Chu Yuening glanced at Qiao Ziyuan, but due to the angle, she didn't see Qiao Xin behind him. She noticed his warm, genuine smile directed at her and felt a sense of familiarity.

He seemed somewhat familiar.

Who's there?

Just as she was puzzled, Qiao Xing approached with a charming smile, eager to take credit. "Sis Ning, wasn't that cool?"

"Cool," Chu Yuening confirmed with an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "Fang Kaize's pitiful squeals were pure noise."

Qiao Ziyuan also nodded at her. "Miss…."

Pausing for a moment, he extended his hand. "Miss Chu, nice to meet you."

Finally, Chu Yuening recalled who Qiao Ziyuan was. She reached out, smiling and winking. "Nice to meet you officially, but I've seen you many times before. Next time, don't just give away your birthdate randomly."

Qiao Ziyuan had never stumbled so greatly in his entire life.

"Nightmare," he covered his heart with a deep sigh. "I promise it won't happen again."

One nightmare was more than enough.

He could be ruthless towards others, but couldn't bear to hurt those close to him. He had believed that he and Ah Shui would always be brothers. Who could have foreseen that money could corrupt even the closest of friends, turning a playmate from childhood into a heartless killer?

Fang Jingguo, witnessing the three engaging in such cheerful conversation, was so astonished that he wished he could pinch his ears right then and there.

He had assumed his poverty-stricken and naive eldest daughter would be unfamiliar with the Qiao brothers. Yet, not only did she know them, but Qiao Ziyuan was even treating her politely?