Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Ye Fengyun was nothing if not bold and straightforward, his feelings deep and his drinking unrestrained. Yet the people around him were not impressed.

"Who are you supposed to be?"

"I'm Tang Shihan's husband," Ye Fengyun replied with calm dignity.

"Tch, don’t get ahead of yourself. Aren’t you just a live-in son-in-law?"

"The Tang family’s recruited son-in-law, acting so wild—if someone didn’t know better, they’d think you were the old patriarch himself!"

A pleasant voice chimed in, "Mister, with such a unique look, perhaps you ought to have a little self-awareness." Ye Fengyun turned toward the voice, and the first thing he saw was a pair of perfect, snow-white long legs.

The speaker was none other than Yun Mengxi, heiress to the Yun family, famed throughout Yun Chuan City as the goddess with the sculpted legs of a masterpiece.

"The Tang family’s son-in-law does have some guts, but unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to know his place."

Lin Qinghuan shook her head. Though she admired Ye Fengyun’s actions, it was clear his status did not allow for such behavior.

Xu Meijiao, on the other hand, was surprised at Ye Fengyun’s position in the Tang family. With skills like his in medicine, how was he relegated to such a lowly role in the Tang household? Could it be that the Tang family truly did not recognize Ye Fengyun’s strengths?

A thought took root in Xu Meijiao’s mind. She had already entertained the idea of recruiting Ye Fengyun. Now, seeing how little he was valued by the Tang family, she became even more determined.

Since the Tang family doesn’t appreciate Ye Fengyun, doesn’t that give my Xu family an even greater opportunity?

But Xu Meijiao did not act immediately. Instead, she observed quietly, waiting for the situation to escalate. She planned to step in only when the conflict became irreconcilable—only then would Ye Fengyun remember her help most vividly.

Ye Fengyun stood at the center of a hostile crowd, beset on all sides by criticism, led by Lin Lei. He remained composed, keeping Tang Shihan shielded behind him, his gaze unwavering.

Tang Shihan, accustomed to Ye Fengyun’s usual carefree attitude, found herself unexpectedly moved by this sudden display of seriousness.

This man...

Her cheeks flushed, and there was a new light in her eyes when she looked at him.

Lin Lei sneered and snapped, "We’re celebrating Vice President Tang here, and you, a mere son-in-law, have the nerve to ruin the mood? Do you want me to embarrass you?"

Ye Fengyun replied, "My wife isn’t in a position to drink. If you want to drink, I’ll drink with you."

"You? Drink with me? Who do you think you are? Want to drink, do you? Fine."

Lin Lei strode over to a hotpot table, where the broth boiled red and spicy. He picked up two bottles of strong white liquor and poured them both into the scalding broth, which sizzled furiously.

"You want to show off? Here, drink this!" Lin Lei said with a cold smirk.

The onlookers gasped. The liquor was strong enough to burn your throat for days, even neat. Now, with two bottles poured into bubbling, extra-spicy hotpot broth, drinking it would surely tear a hole in your stomach.

Yet Ye Fengyun looked utterly at ease as he stepped forward.

Tang Shihan’s heart skipped a beat. Did he really have to go this far? She hurriedly grabbed his hand, giving him a warning look.

"You’ll die," Tang Shihan whispered, frowning. "It’s just a drink. I can take a sip—it’s fine."

Ye Fengyun gently pulled his hand from hers and smiled. "Wife, have you forgotten who your husband is? Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, no one can bully you."

He patted her hand reassuringly, said a few comforting words, and walked toward Lin Lei.

Watching the tall figure of Ye Fengyun stride away, Tang Shihan’s heart was in turmoil. He might not be handsome, but he truly was a good man. Perhaps...

Tang Shihan didn’t let herself think further, but deep down, she already knew her answer.