Chapter 111: The Figurehead

Guided by a servant, Xiao Ye found the room that Shu Shan had arranged for him. Since it was all a performance, his room had to be near Shu Ran's. The servants of the Shu household were aware of the situation between him and Shu Ran. Although they greeted Xiao Ye with smiles on the surface, they could not help but whisper criticisms behind his back, sometimes loud enough for him to hear clearly. Xiao Ye chose to ignore these remarks; apart from spending a few hours in Shu Ran’s room each day, he had other matters to attend to.

Soon, three days had passed. On this day, after finishing his business, Shu Shan summoned Xiao Ye to his study once more.

"Three days have passed, and you still haven't fulfilled your promise," Shu Shan asked sternly. In the past few days, there had been relentless pressure from within the family, with some even proposing that they simply get rid of Xiao Ye. Getting rid of him was impossible, however; Shu Shan still had use for him. He had only been able to make excuses, claiming that Shu Ran could not bear to be apart from Xiao Ye, while plotting to create a rift between them so they could break up amicably and allow Shu Ran to be married off to someone else. Shu Shan had been suffering from a splitting headache over this for days, pressured by those behind him while receiving no updates from Xiao Ye. If it weren't for Shu Ran's sake, he would never have listened to so much from him.

"This matter cannot be rushed. Some things require the right timing, place, and people. Only when all three conditions are met can it be accomplished. Keep your patience for a few more days, Shu family head; very soon, you won't have to listen to those voices in your ear anymore."

"I hope you keep your word and do not disappoint me."

Shu Shan remained silent for a long time, staring into Xiao Ye's eyes; he was clearly growing impatient. Yet, after much hesitation, he chose to trust Xiao Ye’s words and wait a few more days.

As Xiao Ye left the study and returned to his quarters, he heard a commotion at the entrance and bumped into Shu Ran at the corner.

"What’s happening at the door? Why is it so chaotic?"

"That person is one of the most important figures in our family. He is a man of great reputation and is highly valued by the family, which is why so many are gathered to see him."

Listening to Shu Ran and looking at the man’s face, Xiao Ye seemed to recall something and hurried with her to the entrance. The doorway was already packed solid by the Shu family servants, all scrambling to catch a glimpse of what the man looked like now. Standing at a distance, they couldn't see him clearly, so Xiao Ye and Shu Ran stayed behind the crowd.

A young man with neat attire and an upright posture stood at the entrance, greeting everyone with a practiced smile. After standing there for a few minutes to go through the motions, the servants took his luggage to his room. As he walked toward the living room, Xiao Ye finally caught a clear look at the man named Zhang Lin. At the same moment, he finally remembered who this man was.

Xiao Ye’s status was at a level so lofty that many would never have the chance to see him once in their entire lives. Zhang Lin was one such person. Although he held a modest amount of power and was quite prominent, he had never actually met Xiao Ye, having only heard stories of his exploits from various sources. Those stories had long since been elevated to the realm of myth, with rumors and gossip flying everywhere while the truth had long been lost.

The moment Zhang Lin saw Xiao Ye, a look of confusion flashed across his eyes and he froze for an instant. He had imagined Xiao Ye’s face countless times in his mind, but when he actually saw him, he could not help but be stunned.

Xiao Ye offered a slight smile, a brief acknowledgment. Zhang Lin’s expression instantly turned fervent. Ignoring why he was there, he took a step forward to greet him. Xiao Ye raised his hand, fist clenched, and made a gesture that only the two of them would understand, stopping him in his tracks. Zhang Lin froze, looked at Shu Ran standing behind him, and immediately understood Xiao Ye’s intent. Just as Shu Ran was beginning to grow suspicious, Zhang Lin quickly crossed the living room to go to the study and see Shu Shan.

"A fine man, truly a very upright young fellow," Xiao Ye nodded and remarked to Shu Ran with genuine praise.

"That goes without saying; he is the person our Shu family relies on most."

"I intend to stay for a few more days," Xiao Ye said, turning to Shu Ran as if remembering something.

"Ah? Didn't you say you would leave after explaining everything to my father? Why stay longer?" Shu Ran looked at Xiao Ye, puzzled.

"There are still some things that need to be handled. I'll leave in a few days." Xiao Ye didn't explain further, offering only that brief sentence to brush it off before heading back to his room.

As he reached the corner, he ran into the woman who had mocked him when he first arrived.

"I wondered who it was—it’s you, that pretty boy! What, have you seen our Li family’s prestige now?"

"With your looks, you’re decent enough, but you aren't worthy of anyone in the Shu family. Why don't you kneel and kowtow to me a few times? I might just keep you!" The woman spoke with growing excitement, her words becoming increasingly arrogant. It was no wonder; with Zhang Lin back, he would surely continue to pressure Shu Shan for the sake of the family's development. When that happened, Xiao Ye would be heartlessly abandoned by Shu Ran. Why not take him for herself?

Thinking of this, Shu Ran’s cousin felt a surge of excitement. Since she had married, no one had been able to satisfy her for a long time. This pretty boy looked sturdy enough; he should be able to satisfy her desires!

Xiao Ye smiled. No one had ever spoken to him like this before. Seeing his smile, the cousin thought he was ready to yield.

"That's right, little brother. You and Shu Ran have no future. Come with me, and I can give you anything you want."

"Anything at all?"

"Of course! Whatever you want, even me..." Shu Ran’s cousin wore an suggestive expression and was just about to approach Xiao Ye when Zhang Lin suddenly appeared from around the corner, storming over in a fury!

The woman didn't even have time to react before she felt a burning pain on her face, the sound of two crisp slaps echoing through the air! When she looked up, all she saw was a furious Zhang Lin.

"Get lost, you disgraceful thing!" Zhang Lin roared, his voice carrying through half the villa. Everyone turned their gaze toward them. No one understood why Zhang Lin would slap one of his own family members for the sake of an outsider.