Chapter 22: The God of Pure Love

Chapter 22: The God of Pure Love

Wen Wen's expression twisted with anger for a moment. "You—"

Wen Wen and Madam He were old acquaintances, but Wen Wen, born into a scholarly family, had always been proud and haughty, looking down on Madam He from a merchant family, often bringing up their backgrounds.

Madam He wasn't one to be bullied either; when Wen Wen spoke with veiled threats, Madam He replied with sarcasm.

Over time, their relationship became as hostile as fire and water.

Five years ago, after Wen Wen's family fell on hard times, she took her son and husband abroad, gradually losing contact with Madam He.

So Madam He hadn't expected that the artist of today's exhibition was Wen Wen's own son. Fortunately, she was here just to spectate; otherwise, she would have felt incredibly unlucky!

Thinking about how she would soon witness a good show, Madam He's mood improved. "What's wrong with me? I brought my whole family to visit your son's exhibition, and you're not welcoming us?"

Wen Wen was taken aback.

After her family's decline, everything was different from before.

She couldn't even afford to hold an exhibition for her son.

Zhao Wei had managed to gather enough money for the exhibition, aiming not only to increase his fame but also to sell more paintings during this opportunity.

Although Wen Wen truly disliked Lin Junyi, who didn't know that she now had money?

No, it wasn't the right time to confront her. She had to make a substantial profit from Lin Junyi!

With this realization, Wen Wen's face transformed, and she put on a warm smile. "How could that be? I'm grateful that you came in person."

Wen Wen called out, "Wei, come over. I'll introduce you to some people."

Ye Leyao watched in amazement:

"So this is what it means to bend and stretch for money?"

A hint of amusement flashed in Madam He's eyes. Who could say otherwise?

But thinking that not only would she not buy Zhao Wei's paintings today, but neither would anyone else, and Wen Wen's plan was about to fail without her knowing, Madam He felt particularly delighted.

When Zhao Wei heard Wen Wen's voice, he walked over. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that he and Wen Wen were cut from the same cloth, both bearing the mark of "arrogance" on their faces.

After hearing Wen Wen's introduction, Zhao Wei merely gave a polite smile, then called over the staff to escort the He family into the venue.

Ye Leyao was puzzled by Zhao Wei's cold attitude:

"Is that it? Didn't he want Madam He to buy his paintings? He didn't even introduce them!"

"How can he possibly sell any paintings like this?"

Mr. He thought, of course, he could sell them. Didn't they have someone ready to buy a painting right in front of them?

Madam He glanced indifferently at He Jing.

He Jing: "…"

He hadn't bought anything yet!

He was just planning to buy, but he hadn't actually bought anything!

Thankfully, he hadn't bought anything.

Otherwise, how could this be a celebration? It would clearly be adding fuel to Madam He's anger.

Ye Leyao grew increasingly puzzled. With Zhao Wei's attitude, how did he manage to distance himself completely from the scandal and still have the funds to continue holding exhibitions abroad?

Ye Leyao took out her phone and began to recall the plot:

"I see…"

The He family perked up their ears.

What had she discovered?

"At first, I didn't pay close attention, but I didn't expect Zhao Wei to be a gold-digger!"

"No wonder he doesn't care whether he sells his paintings or not. There's always someone willing to foot the bill for him. After leaving the twins, he found a new sugar daddy."

"Even—" Ye Leyao suddenly noticed the silence around her.

"Hey, why are Mr. and Madam He so quiet?"

Ye Leyao looked up and scanned the area.

Mr. and Madam He quickly averted their gazes, pretending to admire the painting in front of them. Then, upon closer inspection, they both felt a sudden darkness before their eyes.

Could someone tell them why a black, multicolored abstract painting, whose content was indecipherable and whose shape resembled "dog poop," could be displayed in an exhibition?

They might not understand art, but they had a sense of aesthetics!

Were these paintings really not just random smears of leftover paint?

He Jing tried to pretend he was admiring the abstract painting, but as soon as he looked at it, he found it too unpleasant to the eye. He turned his gaze outward and paused. "He Ze has arrived."

Ye Leyao hastily put away her phone and followed his gaze.

"Hey—the person next to Third Brother… Could it be Ning Xu, the twin brother?!"

The He family suddenly became energized.

The man who came with Huo Ze was indeed Ning Xu.

After hearing Huo Ze's muttering yesterday, Ning Xu hesitated for a long time. After the training match, he still asked Huo Ze if he was also going to the art exhibition hall.

Hearing this, Huo Ze was somewhat puzzled. "Why, are you also going to attend my second brother's engagement banquet?"

Ning Xu was somewhat confused. "What engagement banquet? I'm going... to see the art exhibition."

Huo Ze was even more confused. What art exhibition? Wasn't it an engagement banquet for his second brother?

Huo Ze quickly called Huo Yan.

At two in the morning, Huo Yan had just finished shooting. After so many days of breaking up with Su Rui, he finally managed to sort out his feelings and put Su Rui behind him. However, at noon, Huo Ze, as if he were sick, suddenly sent him congratulations on his new marriage. And now, in the middle of the night, he was calling to ask if he was getting engaged tomorrow.

Huo Yan was instantly furious and couldn't help but curse loudly, "Huo Ze, are you out of your mind?!"

After saying this, the call was disconnected.

When Huo Ze tried to call again, he found that he had already been blocked by Huo Yan.

At this point, Huo Ze realized that he might have made some mistake.

But at this hour, even if he had ten times the courage, he didn't dare to wake up Father Huo and Mother Huo, nor did he have the guts to ask Huo Jing. So, he could only go to sleep with his doubts, planning to ask more carefully when he arrived at the art exhibition the next day.

Since they were heading in the same direction, Huo Ze simply gave Ning Xu a ride this morning.

As soon as they got out of the car, Huo Ze heard a familiar voice ringing in his ear.

This was... Ye Le Yao's voice?

Huo Ze looked around but didn't see Ye Le Yao. Where was he?

While Huo Ze was still puzzled, he heard Ye Le Yao's exclamation again—

"He went! Ning Xu is walking towards Zhao Wei!"

Now, Huo Ze was completely baffled.

Zhao Wei?

Who was that?

Where was Ning Xu?

Huo Ze scanned the area and found that Ning Xu had already reached the entrance reception area. He hurriedly followed.

At this moment, Huo Jing also came out of the exhibition hall. Seeing his older brother, Huo Ze's face lit up with joy. Just as he was about to greet him, he heard Ye Le Yao exaggerate:

"Tsk tsk tsk, no wonder they haven't seen each other for months, their eyes are practically melting together!"

Huo Ze was taken aback.

He hadn't seen his older brother for months, but why would their eyes melt together?

He quickly turned his head.

He certainly didn't like his older brother...

Huo Jing: "..."

Huo Yan was right; Huo Ze was indeed out of his mind!

Huo Jing quickly stepped forward, grabbed Huo Ze's arm, and said through gritted teeth, "Come with me."

He needed to explain things properly to Huo Ze.

Huo Ze stumbled as he was pulled. "Hey, big brother, slow down a bit..."

After Huo Jing briefly explained the situation to Huo Ze, Huo Ze's pupils dilated in shock. He pointed at his ears in disbelief. "So... I can hear Ye Le Yao from here..."

"Hand in hand!"

Huo Jing rubbed his ears. "Did you hear that?"

Huo Ze's eyes sparkled. "That's too cool!"

Huo Jing: "?"

Huo Ze looked at Huo Jing, his face full of excitement. "Don't you think that's cool, big brother?"

Huo Jing: "..."

How could you accept it so quickly?

Yes, because Huo Ze and Ye Le Yao were closest in age, they had always been close since childhood, with very similar personalities and interests.

One was an e-sports enthusiast, and the other was a homebody otaku.

It was just that in recent years, Huo Ze had been busy with his team and had no time to discuss anime and novels with Ye Le Yao. Ye Le Yao was also afraid of disturbing Huo Ze's training, so the two of them had less contact.

During the most cringeworthy period of Ye Le Yao and Huo Ze's lives, they even had a ritual before sleeping, never missing it even when they were sick.

Memories from the past began to uncontrollably surface in Huo Jing's mind—

Little Huo Ze stood by the bed, draped in a silk floral bedsheet, and gave a standard knight's salute to the little Le Yao, who was sick and refusing to sleep. "Prince, please sleep!"

Little Le Yao was still feverish. Hearing this, he instantly stretched his hand out from under the covers and gave a not-so-standard knight's salute back to Little Huo Ze, answering in a muffled voice, "Thank you, my dear prince, and please sleep as well!"

The sealed memories resurfaced in Huo Jing's mind, making him awkwardly dig his toes into the ground. Why did he remember this!

Why couldn't his mind just forget about this entirely?!

Jing Huo took a deep breath and tried to adjust his slightly distorted expression. "Regardless of whether it's cool or not, you have to remember that we absolutely cannot tell Xiao Yao about our ability to hear his thoughts, nor can we let this information leak out."

Ze Huo nodded repeatedly in assurance. "Big Brother, rest assured, I won't say a word!"

Looking at his seemingly accustomed expression, Jing Huo was even more speechless.

So what were they worried about in the first place?

Ze Huo's acceptance speed was truly unparalleled in the family.

Just then, Le Yao Ye's voice came through again:

"To dare holding Ning Xu's hand right under Wen Wen's nose, Zhao Wei really has some guts!"

Jing Huo looked over.

At this moment, there were more and more guests at the entrance. Zhao Wei was still standing at the same spot to welcome guests, with Wen Wen on his left, and naturally, Ning Xu, who had just arrived, was on his right.

Ning Xu seemed to be wary of others around and secretly pulled away from Zhao Wei's clinging hand. He even took a big step aside when Zhao Wei tried to grab him again.

Ze Huo regained his composure and asked curiously upon seeing this. "Big Brother, what's going on here?"

And since today wasn't Second Brother's engagement party, why did they specifically call him over for something else?

Jing Huo glanced at him. "Your teammate, don't you know?"

Ever since he started his professional career, Ze Huo's mind was filled only with matches and training. He shook his head matter-of-factly. "I don't know. I don't pay attention to my teammates' private lives."

He stared forward for another look. Ning Xu noticed his gaze and raised his head. After meeting his eyes, Ning Xu froze for a moment before awkwardly turning his head away.

Jing Huo looked at Ze Huo and decided to let Ze Huo figure it out himself. He lifted his leg and walked towards the inside of the club.

Ze Huo hurried to catch up. "Big Brother, wait for me!"

As soon as they entered, before Ze Huo could greet Le Yao Ye, Father Huo, and Mother Huo, Ning Xu's voice sounded from behind. "Captain, can I talk to you?"

Ze Huo paused.

Le Yao Ye immediately became excited.

"Agree to it, agree to it! Third Brother, quickly agree! Let me eavesdrop!"

Ze Huo found it amusing but still went along with Le Yao Ye's wishes, smiling. "Sure, how about up ahead?"

Ning Xu nodded and politely greeted the other members of the Huo family before leaving.

Mother Huo couldn't help but praise him. "This child is quite polite."

Upon hearing this, Le Yao Ye also nodded in agreement.

"Of course, you should know that Ning Xu is the only player on Third Brother's team who doesn't swear while gaming!"

Father Huo and Mother Huo exchanged glances.

To be able to hold back from cursing while gaming, Ning Xu's temper must be too good, right?

A person with a good temper wouldn't have a bad character either.

Then how could he be involved with his sister's boyfriend...

Le Yao Ye's melancholic voice echoed:

"Pity that such a good person was still deceived by Zhao Wei, that idiotic scumbag."

So Ning Xu didn't know that Zhao Wei's girlfriend was his sister?

Ze Huo was even more astonished.

Zhao Wei?

Scumbag?

Deceived?

What was going on here?

Although Ze Huo was puzzled, he didn't show it on his face. He followed Ning Xu to a quiet spot.

Ever since deciding to ask if Ze Huo would also come to the art exhibition, Ning Xu had prepared to confess everything.

Before joining Ze Huo's team, Ning Xu was just an ordinary small-time game streamer. Due to his excellent skills and awareness, he was quickly signed by a top-tier team and became a trainee player.

But at that time, Ning Xu was still too young to understand the intricacies of contracts, and he wasn't very adept at handling interpersonal relationships. This led to him being isolated and ostracized by his teammates shortly after entering the training squad, eventually resulting in psychological issues. The consequence was that Ning Xu, plagued by mental health problems, was not only benched but nearly faced a lawsuit by the top-tier team for breach of contract due to concealing his mental illness, which could have resulted in a sky-high compensation fee.

Ze Huo learned about this situation and spent a high price to poach him back from the top-tier team, offering him the best salary and benefits. He personally took him to see a psychologist and underwent professional counseling.

Even when Ning Xu's condition had just improved, Ze Huo confidently placed him in the starting lineup.

It could be said that Ning Xu's current achievements were largely due to Ze Huo's efforts.

Without Ze Huo's cultivation, Ning Xu would have likely been crushed under the weight of the hefty breach of contract fee long ago, and where would he have had the opportunity to pursue a professional career?

Although the team didn't restrict its members from dating, Ning Xu was indeed somewhat anxious when he first got together with Zhao Wei. He had considered telling Ze Huo about it and even thought about breaking up with Zhao Wei due to anxiety. It was Zhao Wei who stopped him.

"...He told me back then that he was afraid that if I told you about our relationship, you would worry that my condition would affect my performance and not let me start. That's why I didn't tell the captain, nor did I publicly announce it to the fans," Ning Xu whispered softly.

"He wasn't afraid that you wouldn't start; this cunning bastard was afraid that once your relationship was made public, it would be discovered that he was two-timing!"

Hor Ze was startled.

Two-timing?

Wait a moment.

Where had Ye Leyao been eavesdropping from?

Hor Ze looked ahead and noticed that not far away, there was an artful large vase nearly two meters tall. Beside it, a corner of Ye Leyao's clothing could be seen.

Hor Ze: "…"

You were hiding in such an obvious spot to eavesdrop!

"Then why are you telling me about this now?" Hor Ze asked as he retracted his gaze.

Upon hearing this, Ning Xu smiled somewhat embarrassedly. "I felt that… Captain, you're not the type of person who would react like that. And during this period, I've also realized that even if I'm dating someone, my competitive state hasn't been affected at all. That's why I decided to tell you."

"Young man, don't speak so definitively. Your competition state not being affected simply means you haven't reached the point of heartbreak yet."

Hor Ze nodded in agreement. "When your relationship is going well, naturally, it won't affect your state. But what if problems arise in your relationship?"

Ning Xu hurriedly replied, "That wouldn't happen…" As he said this, Ning Xu lowered his head somewhat embarrassedly, his cheeks slightly flushed. "I won't hide it from you, Captain. Zhao Wei and I have been together for three months, and we've never fought once. He… is very patient and tolerant with me."

"Wouldn't he need to be patient and tolerant to swindle money from you?" Ye Leyao sighed.

Hor Ze was somewhat surprised. "You've been together for three months? But weren't we competing nonstop these past three months?"

Where did you find time to date?

Ning Xu was even more embarrassed as he muttered softly, "We… were in an online relationship."

This time, it was Ye Leyao's turn to be shocked.

"You spent one million on him in an online relationship?"

What?!

Hor Ze's parents, who had followed over, widened their eyes.

You said what?

Spending one million on a man you've never met after three months of online dating?!

Shouldn't Wang Baochuan come down and give you the first place for love-struck brain?

Hor Ze found it even more unbelievable.

How had he not noticed before that Ning Xu… was actually a top-tier love-struck brain?

So, the reason Ning Xu had been eating instant noodles every day recently wasn't because he had given all his salary to that scoundrel Zhao Wei?

Hor Ze felt the pain for Ning Xu.

There wasn't much plot in the novel regarding twins, focusing mainly on the consequences of this incident:

Hor Ze's team lost the most critical match in the playoffs.

Thus, Ye Leyao didn't know many specific details about how Ning Xu caught his twin sister's lover cheating.

"I thought Ning Xing spending eighty thousand on Zhao Wei was already quite a lot, but it turns out Ning Xu spent one million on him."

"Needless to say, you two really do deserve to be twin siblings."

"One is more love-struck than the other. Why don't you both go dig some wild vegetables to cool off?"

"But still, Ning Xu is even more love-struck than his sister. At least Ning Xing met Zhao Wei in real life. Although she didn't know his background, Ning Xu was in an online relationship!"

As Ye Leyao continued her relentless criticism, Hor Ze grew increasingly shocked.

Wasn't Ning Xing Ning Xu's older sister?

Both of them were dating Zhao Wei?

Just what kind of beast was this Zhao Wei?

They were about to enter the playoffs. If Ning Xu's state was truly affected by this scoundrel Zhao Wei, he would make sure he paid dearly!

Hor Ze took a deep breath, adjusting his mood and trying to phrase his words gently. "Have you ever considered… what if? What if you suddenly discover that Zhao Wei isn't a good person, not only two-timing but also swindling you out of your money?"

Ning Xu widened his eyes and murmured, "Impossible, right? He's been good to me, and he said that he just had a financial issue and needed a temporary loan. Once he has money, he'll pay me back immediately."

After thinking it through, Ning Xu continued, "Zhao Wei doesn't seem like a scammer. And if he was truly short on money, where would he get the funds to hold an art exhibition?"

"It does sound reasonable. Then may I ask, did he write you an IOU?"

"Also, have you ever considered that the money for his art exhibition might have actually been contributed by you and your sister, the two love-struck brains?"

Hor Ze: "…"

Hor Ze was burning with anger inside.

But he couldn't directly tell Ning Xu that he had been deceived.

Not only Ning Xu, but also his sister!

Seeing that Hor Ze remained silent, Ning Xu pondered for a while, about to speak again when his phone rang.

"Captain, let me take this call," said Ning Xu.

Huo Ze waved his hand; he also needed time to cool down.

Ning Xu held his phone and walked toward the vase where Ye Leyao was hiding. Ye Leyao was startled and was about to run away when he saw Ning Xu stop in his tracks, not coming any closer. He answered the call, "Hello, sis?"

Ye Leyao paused in his steps.

[Ning Xing is calling! Is she about to come and catch him cheating?]

The rest of the Huo family also paused.

Then they heard Ning Xu say, "Why did you suddenly return to the country?"

"Cheating?!" Ning Xu exclaimed in surprise.

"It's true! Ning Xing has sensed something and rushed over!"

"I'm not at the base, I'm at the art exhibition," Ning Xu frowned, "Are you coming over?"

Not knowing what was said on the other end, Ning Xu then said, "Alright, I'll wait for you at the entrance. Hurry up and come over."

"The exciting part is about to begin." Ye Leyao's eyes sparkled.

Ning Xu spoke a few more words into the phone before hanging up.

Huo Ze "happened" to walk over, "What's going on?"

Ning Xu looked troubled, hesitated for a moment, and concealed half the truth, "My sister will be here soon, I want to go tell Zhao Wei…"

"Alerting Zhao Wei beforehand, how can we watch him get caught? Third Brother, quickly stop him!"

Huo Ze thought to himself that he would have stopped him even without being told, and blurted out a lie, "I just saw Zhao Wei busy, it seems he's discussing buying a painting with someone."

Ning Xu's brows furrowed immediately.

Having been with Zhao Wei for three months, Zhao Wei had told him many of his "hardships," which was why Ning Xu agreed to lend him money. Now hearing that he was negotiating to sell a painting, Ning Xu suddenly felt hesitant. At this moment, he couldn't disturb Zhao Wei.

Huo Ze asked at the right moment, "What's really going on?"

Ning Xu shook his head, "I can't explain it in a few words, I'll have to wait until my sister arrives to talk about it."

Huo Ze said, "Then I'll go with you."

Ye Leyao popped out at the right moment, directly grabbing Huo Ze's arm, "Third Brother, where are you going?"

"I'm going too, I'm going too! Take me with you!"

Huo Ze: "…just to the entrance."

Ye Leyao flashed a smile, looking at Ning Xu beside him, "It's so boring inside the gallery, can I follow you guys?"

Just waiting by the entrance for Ning Xing, having one more person didn't matter. Plus, Ye Leyao was good-looking, so Ning Xu nodded without thinking.

Watching Ye Leyao follow Huo Ze and Ning Xu away, Huo Mama's eyes suddenly lit up, turning her head to look at Huo Jing.

A question mark slowly formed in Huo Jing's mind.

Huo Mama suddenly leaned in and whispered, "You're going to stall Zhao Wei?"

Huo Jing frowned.

Huo Mama appealed to his emotions, "Ning Xu is such a pitiful child, cheated not only of his feelings but also his money! His sister is also pitiful, eight hundred thousand isn't a small amount."

Huo Baba appealed to reason, "And it involves Huo Ze's team, I remember they were the top seed most likely to win the championship this season? If Ning Xu really lets this affect his state, won't Huo Ze miss the championship again this year?"

With the conversation reaching this point, did Huo Jing have any reason to refuse?

So he could only slowly nod his head, picking the most appealing piece among Zhao Wei's numerous "ghostly scribbles," and asking the staff to contact the artist himself, saying he wanted to have a deeper understanding of the artist's creative intentions behind the work.

Watching Huo Jing follow the staff away, Huo Mama smiled contentedly, "Now it's my turn."

Huo Baba was surprised, "What are you going to do?"

Weren't we supposed to eavesdrop?

Huo Mama blinked, "Of course, I'm going to chat with Wen Wen and casually inquire about her son's marriage."

Huo Baba suddenly understood. His son, whom he had always been proud of, was actually a "perverted bisexual," Wen Wen would definitely be unable to handle it, right?

Huo Baba laughed, "Then I'll go with you."

The three groups of Huo family members, each shouldering important tasks, were scattered throughout the gallery.

After all, who hadn't fought tooth and nail for a good gossip?!

Ten minutes later.

A taxi stopped outside the exhibition hall.

The door slowly opened, and a woman with extremely similar features to Ning Xu stepped out of the car.

Ning Xu immediately walked over to her, "Sis!"

Ning Xing hurried forward, giving Ning Xu a hug, then quickly glanced at Ye Leyao and Huo Ze, surprised, "Which one is your boyfriend?"

Ning Xu quickly explained, "Neither, one is my captain, the other is the captain's younger brother."

Only then did Ning Xing realize she had misunderstood, smiling apologetically at Ye Leyao and Huo Ze.

Ye Leyao had been observing Ning Xing the whole time, the more he looked, the more he found her truly beautiful, standing out in a crowd. At the same time, he felt even more indignant for the two of them, and an angry voice rang out:

"Zhao Wei is nothing but scum!"

The volume was so loud that every member of the Huo family present at the exhibition hall heard it.

Knowing that enough time had passed, Huo Jing interrupted Zhao Wei's incessant chatter directly: "I have a general understanding now. I'll have my assistant contact you later."

Zhao Wei was overjoyed. "Regarding the price..."

"It's negotiable," Huo Jing swiftly rose to his feet and headed straight for the exit of the private room. "You can discuss it with my assistant."

After all, he wasn't going to let his assistant actually contact Zhao Wei to spend a fortune on a worthless piece of paper.

Zhao Wei's face lit up in a radiant smile, no trace of his previous aloofness remaining as he hurriedly stood up. "Alright, President Huo, please take your time leaving."

Just as Huo Jing emerged from the private room, he coincidentally encountered his parents, along with Wen Wen beside them.

Upon seeing Huo Jing and Zhao Wei, Wen Wen waved at them with a smile. "Our Zhao Wei's matter has been settled, but what about your Huo Jing? It's not decided yet, right?"

Mrs. Huo nodded. "Yes, he has his own plans, so we won't interfere too much."

Wen Wen shook her head disapprovingly. "As parents, you should still be more involved. What if he turns out like your second son..."

Huo Jing furrowed his brows.

Mrs. Huo interrupted coldly. "Enough, let's not talk about Huo Jing. Tell me more about your future daughter-in-law instead."

The future daughter-in-law Mrs. Huo referred to was naturally Ning Xing.

Zhao Wei hadn't expected them to be discussing Ning Xing, and a flash of discomfort crossed his face before he quickly suppressed it.

Mentioning Ning Xing, Wen Wen's face was filled with pride as she began boasting. "My little Xing is truly filial and kind! Last year, it was really thanks to our family..." Wen Wen shook her head, unwilling to elaborate on their difficulties. "At that time, it was truly thanks to Xing. Without her help, our Zhao Wei wouldn't be able to hold this art exhibition here today."

Mrs. Huo nodded perfunctorily, then subtly guided the group toward Ye Le Yao and the others.

She asked casually, "Then why haven't we seen your precious Xing?"

Ye Le Yao's voice carried over:

"So that idiot Zhao Wei was hiding from Ning Xing while organizing an art exhibition back in the country, and at the same time, telling Ning Xu that he came back just to see him?"

Mr. and Mrs. Huo instantly understood.

So that was how it was.

Wen Wen laughed. "It's because Xing is too busy with work. She couldn't even accompany us back..."

Disdain filled Mrs. Huo's eyes, but she didn't expose the truth.

By 10 a.m., the flow of people at the art exhibition reached its peak.

Not only did artists with profound artistic achievements attend, but numerous news media reporters also rushed over. Even some independent media bloggers arrived, carrying their equipment.

On their way, Mr. and Mrs. Huo encountered at least ten journalists with cameras and five or six live streamers with broadcasting equipment.

As they got closer, Ye Le Yao's voice became clearer:

[Ning Xing has only been with Zhao Wei for half a year? No wonder the siblings felt differently; one thought that half a year wasn't enough for a stable relationship, and the other doubted the reliability of online dating. With Zhao Wei constantly brainwashing them, neither of them thought to introduce their love interests to each other. Naturally, they didn't know that the "boyfriends" they were dating were the same person.]

"This time, when Zhao Wei returned to the country for the art exhibition, Ning Xing wanted to come back with him, but Zhao Wei was reluctant. Her woman's intuition told her that Zhao Wei was hiding something from her, so she hurried back without delay."

"It must be said, Ning Xing's intuition is spot on!"

One corner away from Ye Le Yao, Mrs. Huo stopped first.

Wen Wen, walking beside her, asked, "Do you like this painting?"

Ning Xu's voice came from ahead. "Let me see my boyfriend first? Sister, aren't you going to..." The word "catch" remained unspoken by Ning Xu.

Ning Xing laughed. "Since I'm already back in the country, there's no rush. Besides, I didn't even know where he was holding the art exhibition."

Ning Xu realized it made sense and picked up his phone to call Zhao Wei.

As the ringtone sounded, Ye Le Yao's keen ears detected that it was coming from ahead. She quickly tugged on Huo Ze's arm and moved forward.

Ning Xu and Ning Xing followed closely.

In the next moment, the four of them coincidentally met Mrs. Huo and her group.

"They're here."

Zhao Wei picked up his phone and, without thinking, answered the call upon seeing the caller ID. "Hello?"

Ning Xu had already spotted Zhao Wei and hung up the call immediately. He waved at Zhao Wei. "Zhao Wei!"

Ning Xing looked up, and in the next instant, the smile froze on her face.

Zhao Wei looked over, his gaze landing on Ning Xu first. Just as he was about to greet him with a smile, he suddenly realized something and glanced in Ning Xing's direction.

Their eyes met.

Instantly, Zhao Wei panicked and subconsciously tried to turn and run.

Wen Wen was also surprised to see Ning Xing in front of her. "Xing, didn't you say you were busy with work and didn't have time..."

Before she could finish her sentence, she saw Ning Xing stride forward and slap Zhao Wei across the face with a resounding smack.

Ye Le Yao exclaimed, "Oh ho!"

Mr. and Mrs. He covered their mouths simultaneously.

Relief washed over them.

"Zhao Wei! Have you lost your mind?!" Ning Xing's tears fell instantly, her voice trembling.

Ning Xu was momentarily stunned, his confusion evident. "Sis... you know..." Ning Xu choked up, turning to look at Zhao Wei, "Zhao Wei, what's going on here?"

Zhao Wei, clutching his swollen face, hadn't found the right words to defend himself when he saw Ning Xing's red-rimmed eyes, her voice filled with grievance. "Xiao Xu... don't you see? We've both been deceived by him."

In that instant, Ning Xu understood everything, all the color draining from his face. Stunned, he looked at Zhao Wei, catching a glimpse of barely concealed panic in his eyes.

Ning Xu's heart sank, his body shaking uncontrollably. "So... Zhao Wei, you're also my sister's boyfriend?"

"Exactly! That's the crux of it! You got it right away!"

The sudden turn of events caught Wen Wen off guard. She watched as her cherished son, whom she held dear, was slapped in public by the woman she had high hopes for as her future daughter-in-law.

Wen Wen exploded instantly, stepping forward to push Ning Xing. "Ning Xing! What has gotten into you?!"

"What's your rush? You'll have your chance to lose it later, Old Deng!" Ye Leyao's tone was disapproving.

He Ze almost couldn't hold back his laughter.

Well said, keep it coming, I'm loving this!

Ning Xing stumbled back a step, then burst out laughing. "What has gotten into me?"

She pointed at Zhao Wei, her tear-filled eyes fixed on Wen Wen. "Why don't you ask your son what he did?"

As a qualified mother of the crown prince, one must adhere to the principle that no matter the time or situation, if the "crown prince" is wronged, the crown prince's mother must defend him to the end.

Thus, Wen Wen didn't hesitate before sternly declaring, "Regardless of what he did! You shouldn't have laid a hand on my son in public! Otherwise, I—" she raised her hand.

"What do you intend to do?!" Ning Xu stepped forward, shielding Ning Xing behind him, his expression dark.

Ye Leyao couldn't help but tighten her grip on He Ze's arm. "Ahhhh, Ning Xu is indeed a good person! Although he's a top-tier lovebrain, he firmly stands up for his sister! He's much better than that idiot Xu Chen!"

Mr. and Mrs. He, along with He Jing, nodded in agreement.

Only He Ze put on a pained expression, whispering through gritted teeth, "Can't you pinch your own arm?"

Ye Leyao gave him an apologetic wink.

Wen Wen glared furiously at Ning Xu. "What do I intend to do? Ning Xing struck first, ruining our exhibition. I can call the police and have her arrested!"

"Fine, let's call the police." Ning Xing was genuinely heartbroken, tears streaming down her face, her voice quivering. She never imagined that Zhao Wei would be so audacious, dating her while secretly being with her own younger brother!

But she was grateful for his audacity; otherwise, they might have remained in the dark for who knows how long. "It's just the opportunity I need to ask the police if pretending to be single while soliciting large sums of money from both me and my brother constitutes fraud."

Wen Wen's expression changed. "What do you mean?"

"Aunt Wen, are you pretending not to understand or do you really not understand?" Ning Xu's face was ashen. Although he had yet to recover from the anger of being deceived and betrayed, he knew that at this moment, he had to protect his sister. His voice was icy cold. "You can't still be in the dark about your good-for-nothing son, can you? Don't you know..."

"Ning Xu! I beg you, don't say anymore!" Zhao Wei said in panic.

Ning Xu didn't pause for a moment, finishing in one breath: "Your idiotic son was dating me while also courting my sister, wasn't he?"

Wen Wen stood there, stunned.

Her mind was buzzing.

What did she just hear?

The commotion here was not small. From the beginning of the incident, people had gathered around them. By now, quite a few people had surrounded them.

Zhao Wei and Wen Wen's life-size standees were still displayed at the entrance of the exhibition hall, so the people around instantly recognized them.

Hearing Ning Xing's sentence filled with information, the onlookers all drew in a sharp breath.

"Two-timing?"

"Eating from both sides of the plate?"

"Are they siblings?"

"What kind of shameless scum is this?"

Only then did Wen Wen come to her senses: "Don't talk nonsense! My son isn't that kind of freak!"

Wen Wen's face was filled with panic. She didn't even bother to look at Ning Xing and Ning Xu, directly rushing towards a reporter who was filming: "You're not allowed to film anymore!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, weren't you just saying someone else was going crazy? How quickly it's your turn now?"

Father Huo and Mother Huo took a step back.

Wen Wen going crazy was truly entertaining. They had to keep their distance to watch carefully.

"Not a freak?" Ning Xu laughed in anger. "Then what evidence do you want to see? The photos of his abs he sent me while flirting, or the ambiguous text messages, or perhaps the records of the transfers I made to him?"

Wen Wen felt a chill run through her body. She shook her head hard, her eyes bloodshot, staring at Ning Xu and Ning Xing: "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

She looked pleadingly at Zhao Wei behind her: "Xiao Wei, you...you quickly say that he's definitely lying, right? You're not a freak, and you're not gay, right?"

Her son, into whom she had poured all her energy, her greatest pride, her flawless son, how could he possibly be gay?

Wen Wen kept shaking her head. No, she would never admit that her son was gay.

Zhao Wei still had his hand covering his face. Hearing Wen Wen's words, his body trembled, and he didn't even dare to raise his head.

Surrounded by people who had come to see the exhibition, there were many fellow artists and no shortage of media journalists and bloggers. They not only looked at him with their eyes but also aimed cold cameras at him.

If what happened today got out, he would be finished!

Forget about holding another art exhibition; he might not even be able to sell his paintings...

His dream was to become a painter. If he couldn't sell a single painting, how could he survive?

At the thought of the future he was about to face, Zhao Wei felt a darkness clouding his vision.

So—

He couldn't admit it.

Yes.

Zhao Wei's eyes suddenly lit up. As long as he didn't admit it, that was all that mattered!

"I..." Zhao Wei lowered his hand, quickly glanced at Ning Xing and Ning Xu before swiftly looking away. Then he looked at Wen Wen, his voice weak: "I... I'm not like them. I'm not a perverted homosexual..."

"So you're saying homosexuals are perverts?"

"Homosexuality is just a sexual orientation. My eldest brother, second brother, third brother, and I are all homosexuals. How are we perverted? Compared to you, a big liar who cheats on two people and scams money?"

"What nonsense!"

Ye Leyao's voice was filled with anger.

Mr. and Mrs. Huo were utterly shocked.

The eldest and the third son were gay too?

Huo Jing and Huo Ze exchanged glances, equally bewildered.

How did they not know they also liked men?

But Ye Leyao wasn't wrong. They didn't have a throne to inherit. If they liked men, so what?

Ning Xu and Ning Xing were both infuriated by his shameless words, but before they could say anything, the onlookers couldn't bear it anymore:

"In this day and age, there are still idiots who don't respect other sexual orientations?"

"So your advocacy for respect and equality abroad was just lip service? You're actually someone who discriminates against homosexuals?"

"Such disappointment... Caught cheating on two people and still trying to wriggle out of it. How can someone have such poor character?"

"Scum."

Those two simple words seemed to hit a nerve in Zhao Wei, and he suddenly yelled: "Don't talk nonsense! I'm a pure love warrior! Do you know I can sue you for defamation if you slander me like this?!"

Ye Leyao's pupils widened at the words:

"A pure love warrior?"

"What an insult to pure love!"

"If the pure love warrior were a real deity, he'd report this to the police overnight!"

Ye Leyao was livid and suddenly remembered something:

"Oh right! I remember now. Not only is Zhao Wei a scumbag, but he's also quite the player. It seems he's even uploaded quite a few... short videos himself?"

"So... should we be able to find them?"

Huo Ze's eyes brightened.

That would make things much easier.