Chapter 86: The Drama Unfolds

Chapter 86: The Drama Unfolds

As the trio's thoughts raced, Ye Leyao's voice continued:

"Gu Yu, the scoundrel lead, is the son of Gu Song and his second wife, only two years younger than Chu Cheng. Technically, he's a child born out of wedlock. Not long after Chu Cheng's mother divorced Gu Song, these two showed up at their doorstep. But this marriage didn't last long either, because Gu Song is just a fickle bastard who tires of old flames."

"In recent years, Gu Song has had a string of mistresses but never married again until half a year ago when he met his current flame, Han Wei. They got married in a hurry, barely a month after they met."

Ye Leyao curled her lips in disdain:

"Gu Song himself isn't any good, and Han Wei, who shares his tastes, as well as Gu Yu, who grew up under his influence, are no better. In the second month of Gu Song and Han Wei's marriage, Gu Yu started an affair with her..."

"If I remember correctly, this incident caused quite a stir in the original text. Since President Qin also owns an entertainment company, there were plenty of entertainment reporters at today's banquet. When Wei Qing, the main love interest, went to catch them in the act, a journalist followed along. Soon, photos of the scandal were all over the internet."

"Gu Yu, the scoundrel lead, was a somewhat famous young actor. To save his career, his family later pushed out a scapegoat to take the blame..."

Recalling this, Ye Leyao's brows furrowed tightly, and for the first time, she heard him think angrily:

"They're all trash; I hate them!"

Just then, Gu Song's voice rang out: "Oh, Xiao Yao is here. Come over and sit down."

Gu Song was the first to notice Qin Yao and his group entering, smiling and beckoning Qin Yao over. Then, his gaze fell on Ye Leyao and the others, offering them a faint smile.

The woman who had been chatting with him was none other than Gu Song's older sister, Gu Rou, who was also Qin Yao's mother.

She turned to look over as well, her eyes landing on Ye Leyao first. After sizing him up for a moment, she said indifferently, "Come over and sit down."

With both of them having spoken, it wouldn't be polite to continue standing there. At that moment, Qin Yao retracted his gaze from Ye Leyao.

But as he turned his head, he suddenly noticed that Huo Yan and Huo Ze were also looking at Ye Leyao.

Qin Yao felt a sudden confusion in his heart.

He had turned to look at Ye Leyao just now because he heard Ye Leyao's thoughts.

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

Qin Yao was startled, but now wasn't the time to ponder deeply. He suppressed his doubts slightly, 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 do dislike Gu Song, I've already come. How can I leave now?"

"Also, how does President Qin know I don't like Gu Song? Could it be the legendary telepathy between hearts?"

Ye Leyao was delighted, smiling at Qin Yao. "Let's go."

Following behind them, Huo Yan and Huo Ze sighed simultaneously in their hearts.

What telepathy!

The reason Qin Yao knew you weren't happy was entirely because Qin Yao could hear your thoughts!

If one had to put it that way, then Huo Yan and Huo Ze could also have telepathy with Ye Leyao!

Not just the two of them, their whole family could. What made Qin Yao so special?!

Rarely did Huo Ze and Huo Yan share such a unified opinion.

Seeing that Ye Leyao had no reluctance, Qin Yao nodded slightly and led Ye Leyao over.

To Gu Rou, the sight of the two whispering together conveyed a different meaning. As soon as Qin Yao approached, she couldn't help but scold him, "Why did it take you so long to come in? Didn't you want to see your uncle?"

As her words fell, Huo Yan and Huo Ze frowned simultaneously.

Ye Leyao widened his eyes.

"Huh?"

"Although I really didn't want to see Gu Song, we weren't walking slowly, were we?"

"Also, shouldn't she be President Qin's mother? Why is she speaking to President Qin in that tone?"

Even Ye Leyao, who was usually insensitive to emotions, now keenly sensed the displeasure in Gu Rou's tone.

It was at this moment that Ye Leyao belatedly understood the meaning behind Qin Yao's initial statement, "My mother might not be as warm to you as my father."

Ye Leyao concluded, "So, President Qin's mother doesn't like President Qin?"

Huo Yan and Huo Ze gave an almost imperceptible nod.

Yes, this was one of the reasons why Huo Yan disagreed with Ye Leyao being with Qin Yao.

While it was very impolite to say, Huo Yan simply felt that there was something wrong with Gu Rou's mind!

Ye Leyao tilted his head slightly to look at Qin Yao, only to realize that there was not a trace of emotion on Qin Yao's face. He looked at Ye Leyao with gentle, focused eyes, as if he would immediately take Ye Leyao away if he showed any discomfort.

For some reason, Ye Leyao suddenly felt a pang in his heart.

It was at this moment that his blocked memories seemed to suddenly open up, and Ye Leyao remembered the description of Gu Rou in the original text—

"A brother-obsessed woman, favoring her nephew Gu Yu, distrustful of her husband Qin Hongxi, and most hateful towards her own son Qin Yao, who always defies her..."

With every sentence Ye Leyao read, his heart ached gently.

No wonder Qin Yao wore such an expression of habit, and why he had directly made the decision for Ye Leyao before bringing him to meet Gu Rou.

Qin Yao was worried that Ye Leyao would be wronged, yet he wanted to introduce him to his father.

But what did Ye Leyao have to feel wronged about?

Gu Rou wasn’t his mother, so there was no way he would be devastated by a few words from her. Instead, it was Qin Yao…

"Qin Yao!" Seeing that Qin Yao remained silent for a long time, Gu Rou’s voice suddenly turned even colder: "What kind of attitude is this? If you don’t want to see your uncle, get out of here right now—"

At this moment, Qin Yao finally furrowed his brows. Just as he was about to speak, Ye Leyao suddenly said loudly, "I really don’t want to see Gu Song. Since that’s the case, Auntie, I’ll take President Qin away first."

Without giving anyone present a chance to react, Ye Leyao immediately pulled Qin Yao and turned around, simultaneously signaling to his two brothers with his eyes: Let’s go!

Huo Yan and Huo Ze understood without needing further explanation and turned around at the same time.

In fact, they didn’t want to exchange pleasantries with Gu Rou either.

Huo Ze was even worried that if he couldn’t hold back, he would point at Gu Song’s nose and curse him out!

Damn it, how dare he frame his team!

It wasn’t until the four of them reached the entrance of the reception hall that Gu Rou, who was behind them, seemed to finally realize what was happening. She suddenly raised her voice in anger, "Who are you? When I’m talking to my son, when did it become your turn to speak? If you’re so rude, please get out of my house!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Leyao walked even faster, but Qin Yao suddenly stopped at this moment.

"President Qin?"

Only to see Qin Yao turn around and stare coldly at Gu Rou, his voice filled with frost: "I must remind you again that this is the Qin family’s old residence, and there’s no name with the surname Gu written on it. If anyone is to be asked to leave, it should be me asking the two of you to get out."

Ye Leyao’s eyes instantly widened, and even his mouth opened slightly in surprise.

Huo Yan and Huo Ze were even more shocked.

Wait, what did Qin Yao just say?

Ask his own mother to leave the Qin family’s house?

Hmm…

Didn’t it used to be said that although Qin Yao had a strained relationship with his mother, the two of them would still maintain a superficial peace?

Also, wasn’t today Gu Rou’s birthday?

The Qin family had already held a birthday banquet for her, so if they kicked her out today—

Was that really okay?

Huo Ze glanced at Huo Yan, feeling very complicated.

Huo Yan’s feelings were even more complicated. The reason he came over earlier was because he was worried that Gu Rou, who was mentally ill, would make things difficult for both Qin Yao and Ye Leyao. He was afraid Ye Leyao would suffer.

As a result…

Well, it turned out that Dad and Mom Huo were right; Qin Yao would protect Ye Leyao.

Gu Rou clearly hadn’t expected Qin Yao to speak to her in such a tone. For a moment, she was so angry that the teacup in her hand almost fell to the ground.

Gu Song quickly stepped forward, reaching out to take the teacup from Gu Rou’s hands. Then, frowning, he looked at Qin Yao: "Xiao Yao, how could you talk to your mother like that? Don’t you know she’s not well…?"

"If she’s not well, then it’s troublesome for you to take her back to the Gu family to take care of her. That way, she won’t have to stay in my house and make me upset, right?" Qin Yao said coldly, "Get lost together."

Gu Song was taken aback by Qin Yao’s retort. The others present were all juniors, and he suddenly felt very humiliated. His face turned dark: "Xiao Yao, you—"

"So what?"

At this moment, a familiar voice sounded.

Ye Leyao turned around and realized that Qin Hongxi had come at some point, accompanied by Dad and Mom Huo and Huo Jing.

Huo Yan and Huo Ze exchanged glances, knowing that their parents must have heard Ye Leyao’s thoughts and rushed over specifically for this purpose.

Qin Yao remained silent with a sullen expression.

Qin Hongxi didn’t ask Qin Yao, his deep gaze falling on Gu Song.

Gu Song’s expression was strange. Meeting Qin Hongxi’s gaze, he stared at him for a few seconds, feeling inexplicably guilty, but still unwilling to let this matter slide. In a deep voice, he said, "Brother-in-law, this child Xiao Yao is becoming more and more lawless. Do you know what he just said? He told me to take my sister and get out of the Qin family’s house…"

Qin Hongxi’s expression didn’t change at all. No longer looking at Gu Song, he shifted his gaze to look at Gu Rou. His voice was still as calm as ever, yet it carried an undeniable chill: "Yesterday, you promised me that you would get along well with Xiao Yao. So soon you’ve gone back on your word?"

Ye Leyao was slightly startled upon hearing this.

"Huh?"

"Uncle Qin actually didn’t support Gu Rou? Aren’t they husband and wife?"

Qin Yao squeezed Ye Leyao’s hand and suddenly leaned close to his ear, whispering something only the two of them could hear: "My father has always wanted to divorce her, but she’s been dragging her feet, so it hasn’t happened. The reason for holding this birthday banquet today is also because my father wants to take this opportunity to announce that they will be divorcing soon."

But Gu Rou and Gu Song obviously didn’t know this, which was why they were trying to assert their authority as elders here.

Ye Leyao’s eyes widened as he instantly understood.

"So Uncle Qin is here to support us?!"

Qin Yao smiled lightly.

That was exactly the case.

"If you don’t want to get along well with Xiao Yao, then there’s nothing left to discuss between us." Qin Hongxi said.

Gu Rou’s body suddenly trembled violently. Looking at Qin Hongxi in disbelief, she said, "How haven’t I gotten along well with him? His uncle wanted to see him and specially called him over. But when he came, he dragged his feet. Even when he got to the door, he was still fooling around with outsiders and didn’t want to come in. I just said one sentence, and then Qin Yao—"

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

Gu Rou's expression changed slightly as she pursed her lips and looked away. "I know he's Xiao Yao's boyfriend, but I'm still his mother. Besides, I didn't say anything too harsh. I just said that if he doesn't want to come in, he can leave, and then..."

"You told me to get out," Ye Le Yao suddenly interjected, cutting off Gu Rou.

Ye Le Yao would not bear this injustice!

He would retaliate immediately and speak his mind on the spot!

Mr. and Mrs. Huo's expressions changed simultaneously.

Qin Hongxi's expression was even more unpleasant.

Gu Rou did not expect Ye Le Yao to interrupt her suddenly. She glared fiercely at Ye Le Yao and was about to continue defending herself.

Suddenly, Qin Hongxi barked, "Enough! Butler, escort them both out."

As soon as the words were spoken, Gu Rou and Gu Song's expressions changed simultaneously.

Ye Le Yao looked at Qin Hongxi in surprise, then turned to look at Qin Yao.

"Wait, you're kicking us out now?"

"But if Gu Song leaves, how will he watch his son cuckold him?"

Ye Le Yao felt a tinge of regret upon mentioning this.

The Huo family shared the same sentiment.

Indeed.

Seeing your own son cuckold you with your own eyes would be truly thrilling.

It would be best if they didn't leave.

"Sister-in-law..."

"Qin Hongxi..." Gu Rou was livid. After standing up, her entire body trembled. "Do you remember what day it is today? I..."

"It was because you said today was your birthday that I softened my heart and agreed to return to host a banquet for you. But now it seems that you weren't sincerely apologizing or trying to reconcile with me and Xiao Yao. In that case, please leave. Is that unreasonable?" Qin Hongxi's voice remained calm.

Gu Rou could no longer hold back as tears streamed down her face. "Qin Hongxi, are you determined to divorce me?"

Gu Song's eyelids twitched upon hearing these words. He quickly spoke up to Gu Rou. "Sis, stop making a scene. Can't you see that Brother-in-law is angry? Quickly apologize to him!"

Ye Le Yao found it unbelievable.

"Isn't Gu Song trying to distance himself from the situation?"

"How shameless of him!"

Suddenly, Qin Yao squeezed Ye Le Yao's hand.

Before Ye Le Yao could ask what was wrong, he heard Gu Rou's tone soften. "It's my fault, I'm sorry... don't be angry..."

Ye Le Yao's pupils widened in shock.

"But... Gu Rou is actually apologizing?"

"She must have been brainwashed by Gu Song!"

Qin Yao couldn't bear to listen anymore. He quietly said to Ye Le Yao, "Let's go outside first."

Ye Le Yao asked no further questions. Before leaving, he glanced at Qin Hongxi's expression and noticed that his demeanor had become even more unpleasant, as if a storm was brewing.

Once Qin Yao and Ye Le Yao left, the Huo family naturally did not linger any longer and followed them out.

After leaving the reception hall, they discovered that the courtyard in the front yard was as lively as ever.

Guests chatted and laughed in small groups, completely unaware of the argument that had just taken place in the reception hall.

After Mr. and Mrs. Huo came out, they led the three Huo brothers away.

Ye Le Yao followed Qin Yao to the garden, where the rose vines were in full bloom. Qin Yao held Ye Le Yao's hand and led him to sit on a wicker chair.

Just as they sat down, before Ye Le Yao could open his mouth, he heard Qin Yao ask with concern, "Did that scare you?"

Ye Le Yao hurriedly shook his head. "No, I was just..."

a little surprised.

Ye Le Yao asked, "And you, President Qin, are you alright?"

Qin Yao tilted his head slightly, his gaze falling on Ye Le Yao's face, noticing the concern in his eyes.

His heart warmed inexplicably. Qin Yao shook his head slightly, but after a moment, he suddenly nodded. "A bit upset."

Ye Le Yao's eyelashes fluttered. "Really or not?"

"I didn't see President Qin being a bit upset; I only saw that you were a bit unhappy."

Qin Yao suddenly wanted to laugh. Indeed, he couldn't hide anything from Ye Le Yao.

He was no longer upset. He was just unhappy that Gu Rou had said something inappropriate to Ye Le Yao.

Qin Yao explained, "I've long gotten used to her attitude towards me, so I wouldn't feel upset. However—" Qin Yao drew out his tone, a hint of hurt flashing across his eyes, "seeing that you doubt me, I am genuinely a bit upset now."

Ye Le Yao chuckled. "Then let me comfort you?"

Qin Yao was about to ask how Ye Le Yao planned to comfort him when suddenly, he saw the boy's features magnify. In the next moment, Qin Yao felt his lips gently enclosed.

A gentle, soft, and moist touch, like a dragonfly skimming the water, yet leaving an endless aftertaste.

A breeze brushed past, carrying a pleasant fragrance.

Qin Yao's earlobes suddenly turned red at a visible speed.

Ye Le Yao's eyes sparkled as she stared unblinkingly at Qin Yao. Suddenly, she reached out her hand and touched Qin Yao's earlobe in surprise.

Qin Yao instinctively tried to dodge but failed.

The hot flesh of his earlobe was gently rubbed by Ye Le Yao's cool fingers, making that small patch of skin redder and redder, almost as if it could bleed.

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

Until Qin Yao spoke in a hoarse voice, "If you don't let go, I'm going to retaliate."

Ye Le Yao reluctantly withdrew her hand and then leaned forward toward Qin Yao.

Qin Yao: "Huh?"

Ye Le Yao: "Go ahead and retaliate."

Qin Yao: "…"

Why do you seem so eager for it!

Qin Yao was completely overwhelmed and covered his slightly flushed face with his hand.

On the other hand, Ye Le Yao pouted slightly, waited patiently for a while, and when Qin Yao didn't retaliate, she was somewhat dissatisfied. "Not retaliating?"

"Yao Yao—" Qin Yao sounded helpless.

Ye Le Yao sat up straight. "Okay then."

"Well, who would have thought that President Qin is still so innocent at twenty-four!"

Qin Yao: "…"

The distant Huo family: "…"

Huo Dad: "Should we move further away?"

Huo Mom decisively: "Let's go!"

Thankfully, the Qin family's villa was large! Otherwise, they really wouldn't know where else to go!

But they couldn't go too far either. Didn't Ye Le Yao say there was a main character getting caught cheating today?

They couldn't miss this excitement!

Ye Le Yao didn't tease Qin Yao anymore. After he had calmed down for a bit, he simply explained to Ye Le Yao the current relationship between his parents.

Qin Hongxi and Gu Rou got married through an arranged marriage, each for the sake of their respective families.

However, after their marriage, Qin Hongxi developed feelings for Gu Rou and decided to seriously nurture this relationship.

Unfortunately, this relationship remained one-sided for a long time.

Before marrying Qin Hongxi, Gu Rou had already ranked everyone in her heart.

Gu Song was always first, followed by the Gu family, and then the rest of the Gu family members.

As for Qin Hongxi and Qin Yao, they were always pushed further and further back by Gu Rou.

Qin Hongxi realized this early on. He tried confessing to Gu Rou and being completely obedient to her, but unfortunately, even after years, he couldn't change Gu Rou's thoughts in the slightest.

Yet Qin Hongxi couldn't let go. Until eight years ago, Qin Hongxi accidentally discovered that Gu Rou had been secretly transferring the Qin family's assets to Gu Song behind his back. That was when Qin Hongxi truly gave up on Gu Rou.

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

But now, the anxious one became Gu Rou.

No matter what conditions Qin Hongxi proposed, Gu Rou refused to divorce him and even threatened him…

When Qin Yao mentioned this, he shook his head slightly and didn't continue.

But Ye Le Yao automatically completed his sentence: "She even used you to threaten Uncle Qin."

Ye Le Yao stated it as a fact.

Qin Yao's eyes flashed with surprise before he smiled. "Indeed, nothing can be hidden from Yao Yao."

Eight years ago, Qin Yao was only sixteen.

Gu Rou threatened Qin Hongxi that if he insisted on divorcing her, she would ruin Qin Yao's future.

Qin Hongxi's only regret in life was Qin Yao.

He had stubbornly insisted on having Qin Yao, thinking that a bond between him and Gu Rou would make her look at him and their child more often.

But what Qin Hongxi never expected was that because of his naive idea, he nearly destroyed young Qin Yao as well.

When Ye Le Yao heard this, her heart instantly ached. "What happened to you when you were little?"

Qin Yao didn't want to hide anything from Ye Le Yao. "When I was five, I almost froze to death."

Ye Le Yao's pupils suddenly constricted, and her pitch rose. "Wha-what?"

Qin Yao comfortingly patted Ye Le Yao's back, pulled her into his arms, and softly said, "I said, almost. To be honest, it was partly my fault. When I was young, I didn't understand why she didn't like me, so from the moment I could remember, I've been trying to please her."

Doing everything Gu Rou liked, acquiescing to her every whim, even the most outrageous requests—Young Qin Yao agreed to them all.

For at that time, Young Qin Yao believed that if he was obedient, Gu Rou would look at him more, would like him.

But it wasn't like that.

Not all mothers loved their children in this world, and Gu Rou was one of them.

So no matter how well young Qin Yao did, no matter how many awards he won, Gu Rou never saw him in her eyes.

Back then, Chu Cheng's mother had not yet divorced Gu Song, but Gu Song had fathered an illegitimate child outside, who was Gu Yu.

The person Gu Rou loved the most back then was Chu Cheng, followed by Gu Yu.

Gu Song found it inconvenient to take care of Gu Yu, so Gu Rou offered to visit Gu Yu herself.

To please Gu Yu, she even made the five-year-old Qin Yao serve Gu Yu like a slave, acting as his little nanny.

The most outrageous incident was when Gu Rou made Qin Yao lie on the ground, pretending to be a dog, while Gu Yu rode on him like a general.

That year, Qin Yao was five years old.

A child who had just received education already had dignity.

Qin Yao refused, so Gu Rou took off Qin Yao's down jacket and locked him outside alone in the snowstorm to reflect on his behavior.

Ye Leyao's heart suddenly tightened: "Then—"

"I've told you I'm fine," Qin Yao's breath brushed against Ye Leyao's ear, "I'm not stupid; I was already five years old. Although I still didn't understand why my mother didn't like me, I wouldn't stay outside forever."

So the young Qin Yao didn't hesitate. After crying for a short while, he turned around and walked back towards the Qin family villa in his memory.

Twenty kilometers of snowy road, Qin Yao didn't remember how far he had walked, only knowing that he started walking in the morning and by the time the sky was completely dark, he still hadn't returned home.

Ye Leyao became anxious: "Then how did you get back?"

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

"Years have passed, and I don't remember what he looked like anymore, but thanks to him, I understood a principle."

Ye Leyao gently pushed Qin Yao away and looked up into his eyes.

Qin Yao's brows were arched, his eyes filled with gentle smiles: "The boy who carried me back told me that instead of expecting others to love you, it's better to always love yourself. So from that moment on, I no longer expected my mother to love me. From that day on, I've been learning to love myself and those who love me."

After learning to love himself, Qin Yao completely broke free from the shackles Gu Rou had placed on him, accepted his imperfections, began to learn independence, and slowly grew up.

Fortunately, although Qin Yao was unlucky, he was also lucky.

Because after this incident, Qin Hongxi could no longer bear to entrust Qin Yao to Gu Rou.

No matter how busy he was with work, he would try his best to personally take care of Qin Yao. The maternal love that Qin Yao lacked, Qin Hongxi had been trying to make up for with paternal love.

Under Qin Hongxi's protection, Qin Yao gradually grew up and drifted further and further away from Gu Rou.

So when Gu Rou proposed to destroy Qin Yao, Qin Hongxi was afraid and compromised.

More than ten years had passed, and Little Qin Yao had long been carried out of that snowy night, but Qin Hongxi had never truly left that snowy night behind.

However, starting eight years ago, Qin Hongxi had been living separately from Gu Rou. Over these years, he had gradually transferred back the assets that Gu Rou had moved out.

"So what about today's birthday banquet?" Ye Leyao asked.

Qin Yao laughed: "Because the Gu Group is on the verge of collapse, they're panicking. So Gu Song incited Gu Rou to take the initiative to befriend me and my father."

Gu Rou and Gu Song thought that as long as they took the initiative to befriend Qin Hongxi, the Qin Group could help them through their difficulties. Gu Song was even preparing to let Gu Yu join the Qin Group.

For this reason, Gu Song had started meddling with Qin Yao's major projects very early on.

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

Despite Qin Yao's caution, 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 somewhat puzzled: "Huh?"

"Why are you thanking me?"

Ye Leyao didn't need to understand, and Qin Yao didn't explain, only holding Ye Leyao tighter.

The two sat here chatting for a while longer when Ye Leyao suddenly thought of something:

"Hey, what time is it now?"

Ye Leyao took out her phone and jumped up.

"It's almost time for the confrontation!"

Qin Yao paused slightly.

Just as he was thinking of an excuse, he heard Ye Leyao casually fabricate one: "President Qin, I'm a bit hungry..."

"I remember this part of the plot very clearly. Han Wei is timid, but Gu Yu is reckless, so they directly went to the maid's room on the first floor..."

Ye Leyao calculated:

"No good, I can't just bring President Qin over there. I wonder if that stinky old man Gu Song has been chased away yet?"

"Oh, and for Gu Rou who dislikes President Qin, they should see with their own eyes what kind of scoundrel the person they hold dear truly is!"

Amused, Qin Yao glanced at his phone, which displayed a message from Qin Hongxi: "I haven't let them leave yet. Try your best to keep Xiao Yao away from them."

Qin Yao shook his head; that was unlikely, as Ye Leyao wanted to watch the drama unfold.

Qin Yao stepped forward, taking Ye Leyao's hand. "Come on, I'll take you to eat something."

Ye Leyao eagerly nodded. "Okay."

The garden wasn't far from the villa, and as they walked hand in hand into the hall, they happened to meet the entire He family.

He Yan asked first, "Ye Leyao, where are you going?"

Ye Leyao quickly waved at them. "Second Brother, Third Brother, and Big Brother, Mom and Dad, are you hungry? Let's go eat something!"

"And let's catch some good drama while we're at it!"

The corners of the He family's mouths nearly twitched in amusement.

Of course, they were hungry!

Being hungry meant it was time for some juicy gossip, so this piece of gossip was a must-try!

"Let's go!" He Yan took the lead.

The rest of the He family hurriedly followed.

The Qin family had prepared a plethora of delicacies at the front courtyard, but instead of leading the group there, Qin Yao guided them towards the back courtyard, explaining as they walked, "The food at the front might be cold by now. The chefs have prepared other dishes in the back courtyard. I'll take everyone over to try them."

Afraid the He family would suspect something, Ye Leyao offered an excuse. "I want to drink oat milk. President Qin said he'd make it for me over there."

As she spoke, Ye Leyao squeezed Qin Yao's fingers and winked at him.

Qin Yao understood her hint and smiled. "Mm-hmm."

The shortest route to the back courtyard was through the villa, so the group entered it.

Upon reaching the living room, they ran into Gu Song and Gu Rou.

Ye Leyao glanced at the boy beside them, her eyes suddenly brightening:

"The main character Wei Qing!"

"What a coincidence, everyone's here!"

"The show is about to begin—"