Chapter 42: You’re Not Going to Thank Me?

After all, she had lived long enough to see right through Yu Qingqing’s thoughts. Yet, they had no other choice.

Yu Qingqing had no desire to bring that woman here. In the past, when she suffered injustice at the Yu family, she had gone to that woman in tears, begging to return home, only to be ruthlessly beaten instead. From that moment, Yu Qingqing realized that woman did not deserve to be called “mother.”

As she grew older, the Yu family constantly compared her to Yu Wanqing’s mother—every time, she lost, and her resentment deepened. She hated that her mother had been nothing but a lowly servant and hated even more that she had been born, forced to endure a lifetime of pointing fingers and ridicule. With every hardship, her hatred for her birth mother grew.

Since she had never been given a happy life because of that woman, there was no reason for her mother to bask in her glory now either.

Yet Zhan Qiuyi’s words did open her eyes. Marrying into the Ji family was an enviable affair—how could she not let those two from the Yu family come and witness it for themselves?

“I’ll handle this,” Yu Qingqing stood up. “I’m going out for a while.”

Zhan Qiuyi hurried after her, looking tense. “Let Yanxi go with you.”

“That’s not necessary. I’m just going back to the Yu family.”

Yu Qingqing frowned at her, tired of being watched like a criminal.

Zhan Qiuyi nodded—indeed, it was inconvenient. “Alright, just be careful on the road and take care of yourself.”

“I know.”

After leaving the Ji house, Yu Qingqing quickly found an excuse to dismiss the driver. She then went to a hotel to indulge herself with someone, satisfying her physical needs before heading to the Yu residence.

Yu Boyao had just returned from the hospital. He planned to go to the office, but Yu Wanqing insisted he rest at home. Even at home, though, he kept working.

Yu Wanqing brought him a plate of fruit. “Dad, let me do it.”

“I’m fine, I’ve only been working a little while.”

“You’ve been at it for six hours—how is that a little while?” She took the laptop from his hands and scolded him, “You’re not in great health, why push yourself so hard? What if you end up back in the hospital?”

She sat down beside him, her fingers flying over the keyboard. “You’re about the right age to retire. Let me take over the company.”

Yu Wanqing had been back in the country for a while, but every time she mentioned taking over, Yu Boyao refused. He worried about overworking her.

“No rush, I can work a few more years.”

“No, starting tomorrow, I’ll go to the office. You stay home and rest.”

“Wanqing, I…”

Yu Wanqing looked at him, and Yu Boyao lowered his head and obediently ate his fruit.

“Tch, you make no attempt to hide your greed for the company’s money.” At the sound of the sneer, both looked up and saw Yu Qingqing, dressed in designer brands, smirking contemptuously.

The previously harmonious atmosphere froze at her arrival.

“What are you doing back here?” Yu Wanqing’s tone was icy.

Yu Qingqing eyed the sofa with disdain, sitting only on its edge. Having lived at the Ji house, she already found the Yu family’s home distasteful.

“I’m getting married. I came to inform you.”

“Everyone already knows about you and Ji Yanxi,” Yu Wanqing saw through her, sneering, “You must have another reason for coming, right?”

“That’s right. I want you to represent my family at the wedding,” Yu Qingqing stated bluntly.

“Represent your family?”

Yu Boyao cut in, “The Yu family has already issued a statement severing ties with you.”

Indeed, marrying into the Ji family was impressive, but Yu Boyao would not stoop for profit.

At this, Yu Qingqing frowned. “Yu Boyao, allowing you to attend my wedding as my family is an honor. I’m being generous in forgiving you—shouldn’t you be grateful?”

“How can you speak to Dad like that?” Yu Wanqing demanded angrily.

“Watch your tone, Yu Wanqing. I am the young mistress of the Ji family now. Believe it or not, with one word from me, the Yu Corporation could be finished,” Yu Qingqing retorted fearlessly. “Or have you forgotten how you once knelt before me?”

“Young mistress of the Ji family?” Yu Wanqing sneered. “You’re not so sure, are you?”

“Yaoyao already told me everything. Yu Qingqing, you’d better mind your place and stop parading yourself in front of me.”

At these words, Yu Qingqing’s face changed dramatically, but she forced herself to remain calm. Of course—Ye Yaoyao and Yu Wanqing were partners in mischief. It was only natural they both knew.

Yu Qingqing stood up. “I’ve said what I came to say. Do as you please.”

She had intended to come flaunting her triumph, but in the end, she left with her tail between her legs.

Yu Boyao looked deeply at Yu Wanqing. “Wanqing, what did that girl Yaoyao tell you?”

He didn’t know Ye Yaoyao’s true identity, but his instincts told him she was not simple. To be the chairwoman of Three-Y at her age was no ordinary feat. He had investigated in secret but found nothing.

“Dad, just leave this matter alone.”

…

Ye Yaoyao kept abreast of everything happening on Yu Wanqing’s side in real time. Naturally, Yu Qingqing’s recent actions had all reached her ears.

It had to be said—Yu Qingqing was indeed bold.

After a simple wash and skincare routine, Ye Yaoyao lay in bed scrolling through her phone. Just then, a message from Shen Yan arrived, asking if she was asleep. As usual, Ye Yaoyao ignored it.

Since the end of the project, he sent her several odd messages every day.

Ye Yaoyao was about to go back to her browsing when Shen Yan’s call interrupted her. She frowned as she answered. “This had better be important.”

“Come downstairs.”

Ye Yaoyao’s impatience was clear. “What for?”

“It’s about Yu Wanqing. Don’t you want to know?”

“I’ll be right there.”

She rolled out of bed and, still in her pajamas, went downstairs.

Shen Yan had some pride—after she moved, even though he knew her address, he hadn’t pestered her.

Ye Yaoyao jogged over, her hair tousled by the wind, which made her look even more endearing. Shen Yan couldn’t help but recall the night she’d sat by the bonfire. If another such encounter were to happen, he wouldn’t mind.

He handed her a file. “This is the reason Ji Yanxi is marrying Yu Qingqing.”

Ye Yaoyao didn’t take it. “I already know what happened.”

“You know?” Shen Yan was surprised.

“Yes,” Ye Yaoyao replied calmly.

She stated the facts with composure, forgetting to consider how she had obtained the information.

“What do you know?”

Every family had its secrets—so secret that even if Shen Yan mobilized the Shen family’s resources, he couldn’t uncover the Ji family’s. The same went for the Ye family. Such investigations could easily strain relations between families. Even as the situation with Ji Yanxi escalated, the Ye family had stayed out of it, not to mention risking anything to investigate.

“I know Ji Yanxi’s secret,” Ye Yaoyao said indifferently. “Unless something truly unexpected happens, don’t bother calling me again.”

With that, she turned to leave.

What a waste of time and energy!

The next second, her wrist was seized. Shen Yan held her back, pulling her into his arms as a precaution against any resistance.

“Leaving just like that? Don’t you think you should thank me?” Shen Yan sounded displeased.

This woman cared more about Yu Wanqing than she did about him.