Chapter 574 An Uninvited Guest
Since there were many people, Ye Shenge had arranged a large dining room that could accommodate four large round tables.
Qu Huanhuan’s smile had become so stiff it felt frozen. She had initially thought earning two hundred yuan would be easy, but now it seemed not only difficult but also a bit of a loss. She wouldn't have to smile this much even after a full day of selling boiled tripe.
"The food is here!"
Qu Huanhuan watched as dish after dish was served. The food was exquisite, and its color, aroma, and taste were all top-notch. Even as a minor chef herself, she had already given it high praise.
"I'm late, sorry!"
A deep male voice echoed, and Qu Huanhuan turned her head. The moment she saw him, she felt like her eyes were playing tricks on her and rubbed them before looking again.
"We were just waiting for you, come quickly."
Qu Huanhuan secretly tugged on Ye Mu'en's sleeve.
"Is this for real～～"
Ye Mu'en understood what she meant and nodded with certainty.
"It is. You're not mistaken."
"Oh no, oh no, why didn't you say so earlier?"
"Say what earlier? You’ll get used to it."
"But I don't want to get used to it."
The two of them spoke in hushed tones, almost in "ventriloquism," making many people think their relationship was genuinely good.
Zi Yisheng also noticed. This kind of Ye Mu'en was rare. One of his children was finally going to be married off.
"Ahem, allow me to introduce. My brother-in-law, Qu Huanhuan."
"Hello."
"You, hello."
It was simple and direct. Zi Yisheng smiled and nodded as a greeting, mainly to avoid adding to anyone's psychological burden.
"Huanhuan, have some food."
Grandma Bai was the first to serve Qu Huanhuan, officially starting the meal. Qu Huanhuan endured the enthusiastic serving of dishes from everyone at the table. She now deeply understood what it meant to eat without tasting the food.
Ye Shenge had specifically sat next to Qu Huanhuan, and Zi Yisheng shifted everyone's attention and the topic of conversation.
Not long after, Qu Huanhuan finally relaxed and tasted the true deliciousness.
"Is it good?"
"Mmm, your family's food is truly delicious."
"Then come over anytime, I'm home every day."
"Okay."
"Madam, someone named Liu Shu is here. She says she's Tang Fu's niece."
At this moment, Asen walked in and whispered into Ye Shenge's ear.
Ye Shenge frowned and even glanced at her elder brother. She initially wanted to send the person away but hesitated, considering Tang Fu's face, as he was her brother's right-hand man.
"Please invite her to the pavilion."
Zi Yisheng saw her questioning gaze but was signaled not to worry. Ye Shenge found an excuse and went out.
Liu Shu was led to the pavilion, carrying gifts. Her eyes couldn't take it all in; the place was more beautiful than she had ever imagined.
"Miss Liu, please wait a moment."
Acen stood by, watching this stranger. Asen had instructed him to keep a close eye on her.
Ye Shenge arrived quickly, but her initial impression of Liu Shu was already negative. Uninvited guests were rude, especially knowing that their family was having a reunion today.
This was clearly an attempt to catch them off guard, and then, seeing that she had already arrived, they would be too embarrassed to turn her away, thus achieving her goal.
When Liu Shu saw Ye Shenge again, her mindset shifted. She quickly stood up, appearing cautious.
"Greetings, Madam. I am Liu Shu. We met at the office last time."
"I remember you. Is there something you need?"
Ye Shenge stood as they spoke, not even sitting down.
"Well, Young Master Ye had invited me to dinner before. I saw that the time had come and I hadn't seen Young Master Ye, so I came on my own."
Ye Shenge's face lost even its standard smile.
"You say my elder brother invited you to dinner? Why don't I know about it? And in what capacity did he invite you?"
Liu Shu felt Ye Shenge's aggressive tone. Weren't ladies from good families always dignified and polite? Even if they discovered a problem, they would usually let the misunderstanding continue for the sake of face.
"I, Young Master Ye said I was his girlfriend at the time."
"Girlfriend? I believe Miss Liu must have misheard. My elder brother's girlfriend is already eating inside, and she has already gained the approval of our entire family.
Also, my elder brother is famously a man of integrity and would never juggle two relationships. Do you understand the consequences of deliberately slandering a government official?"
"What? Young Master Ye has a girlfriend? That's impossible!"
Liu Shu's attention was entirely focused on the words "has a girlfriend." She didn't hear the rest.
"Does my elder brother having a girlfriend need your validation?"
"Madam, Young Master Ye must have lied to you. He just wanted me to help him lie to you that he had a girlfriend. The woman inside is definitely fake."
Liu Shu expected to see anger on Ye Shenge's face, but she showed no reaction at all.
"Miss Liu, you were indeed used by my elder brother to deceive me, and I knew it from the beginning. Do you know why?"
"Why?"
"Because my elder brother doesn't know you well at all, and he wouldn't like you. But the girl inside is real, and she's someone my elder brother likes very, very much."
"Impossible!"
"Enough. I came out to see you to save face for Deputy Tang, but now it seems I don't need to. You are the first person to dare to shout at my house. Acen, see the guest out. She is not allowed to step into this house again."
"Miss Liu, please."
Liu Shu, looking utterly defeated, threw the gifts in her hand and rushed out.
Ye Shenge looked at the scattered items on the ground, her anger rising.
"Asen, I recall Liu Shu's father also works in Mingcheng, right?"
"Yes, his name is Liu Qingming."
"First, investigate whether he is aware of his daughter's visit. If he is, deliver the gifts to his workplace publicly and issue a verbal warning."
"Yes!"
Ye Shenge turned and left. On her way back, she saw the children's father.
"Why did you come out?"
"You're angry!"
Zi Yisheng quickly hugged his wife and rubbed her back.
"No, I just haven't encountered such a rude person in a long time. My elder brother is also to blame. If he wanted to deceive me, he should have found someone more suitable. He's simply not thinking clearly."
"Did my elder brother cause trouble?"
"Never mind, let's go back quickly. I'm afraid Qu Huanhuan will be too nervous to eat. Oh, right, I've already asked Asen to handle this. You absolutely cannot interfere."
She knew her husband was protective and would mete out severe punishment if he interfered. The matter hadn't reached that point yet.
Upon returning, Ye Shenge glared at her elder brother before accompanying Qu Huanhuan, eating and chatting about their own little topics. The meal lasted for over an hour.
Many people who had afternoon engagements began to leave. Everyone had truly squeezed in time from their busy schedules to join the gathering.
Grandma Bai originally wanted to keep Qu Huanhuan for a longer chat, but Ye Mu'en, finally feeling a pang of conscience, quickly took her away.
Ye Shenge packed a lot of freshly made pastries and sent them to the door.
"Huanhuan, remember to visit when you have time."
"Got it! I'll definitely come again."
After the car drove away, Qu Huanhuan slumped against the seat.
"Are you in pain?"
"Mmm, I'm in pain."
"Really? Our family members are all very easy to get along with."