Chapter 70: Enhancing Beauty

Shen Yan had always been someone whose word was law, and Ye Yaoyao was well aware of this.

She sat on the bed and ate the breakfast placed on the nightstand.

Shen Yan had a compulsion for cleanliness and could not tolerate anyone eating in bed, so she did it deliberately.

After finishing, Ye Yaoyao shot a provocative glance at Shen Yan, only to find his expression calm and unmoved.

When she walked toward the evening gown, Shen Yan seized her wrist.

Ye Yaoyao almost laughed—she knew Shen Yan couldn’t keep up the act for long!

He pulled her along toward the bathroom, and Ye Yaoyao’s face changed slightly.

What was he planning?

At the sink, Shen Yan turned on the tap, handed her hands beneath the stream, and gently lathered them with soap.

“Don’t stain the dress,” he said lightly, as if he cared nothing about her eating in bed.

Shen Yan approached every task with seriousness; even as he washed her hands, his gaze was focused and his profile sharply defined.

No wonder she had acted so recklessly before…

Once her hands were washed, Shen Yan dried them for her.

“All done. Go try the dress,” he said.

Ye Yaoyao was about to dart away, but he called her back. “Ye Yaoyao, my words always stand.”

She abandoned her intent to run and went to try on the gown.

The fit was perfect.

Standing before the floor-to-ceiling window, she gazed at her reflection in the mirror.

She had to admit, Shen Yan’s talent in dress design was undeniable.

The gown, when placed on display, looked ordinary enough—but on her, it came to life.

Its design incorporated the aesthetics of the human form, a feat only achievable by someone who had studied it in depth.

In that moment, Ye Yaoyao realized she didn’t know Shen Yan as well as she believed.

Shen Yan was stunned.

He’d envisioned Ye Yaoyao in the dress while designing it, yet seeing her truly wear it exceeded all expectations.

Ye Yaoyao caught the awe in his eyes. “I’ve tried it on. Is that enough?”

“How does it feel? Any discomfort?”

“The size is just right,” she replied truthfully.

Shen Yan stepped closer, his hand resting on her waist, a smile he couldn’t hide at the corners of his mouth.

“Of course—it’s only natural. After all these years sharing a bed, I know your body better than anyone.”

Ye Yaoyao shot him a glare. So he’d been waiting for this moment?

“I’m taking it off now.”

In the next instant, a warm embrace pressed against her back, making her body tense.

In the mirror, their eyes met—hers flustered, his forceful.

“Next week, wear this. You’re coming with me to the Shen family banquet.”

“I’m not going,” she retorted.

“You have no choice.”

Shen Yan’s voice fell to a deeper note. “Ye Yaoyao, the rumors about you and Gu Yancheng online really upset me.”

“So what?” Ye Yaoyao was indifferent. “Did you ever care about my feelings when you flaunted your affection for Qin Miao?”

“Digging up the past?” Shen Yan caught her chin, turning her face to him.

“There’s no need for that.”

Ye Yaoyao brushed his hand away, pushed him aside, and changed out of the gown.

Their interactions always ended in discord, though compared to the past arrogance and aggression, things had improved.

With the matter of the family banquet settled, Shen Yan’s mood was much better.

He had slept well last night, and his spirits were high.

Feng Yuqi immediately sensed the change in his demeanor.

Shen Yan had barely arrived at the company when Qin Miao followed right on his heels.

She had heard about the Shen family banquet.

She was here for that very reason.

Previously, Shen Yan had clashed with the Shen family matriarch, and paid little heed to her words.

“Ah Yan…”

Hearing her, Shen Yan looked up, a trace of impatience in his eyes. “What is it?”

Qin Miao glanced at Feng Yuqi, signaling him to leave.

Once the door closed, only the two of them remained in the office.

“Ah Yan, I heard about the Shen family banquet next week,” Qin Miao began slowly. “Grandmother said the elders are pressuring you to bring your girlfriend…”

She felt she’d given enough hints.

How could Shen Yan not understand her meaning?

But he feigned ignorance. “What are you trying to say?”

Qin Miao was momentarily stunned, then forced a smile after a second of awkwardness.

“Ah Yan, you don’t have anyone by your side right now. If you need, you can ask me—I’d be willing to help.”

Her words sounded generous, but in truth, she stood to gain immensely.

Only those acknowledged by Shen Yan could be taken to the Shen family banquet; it wasn’t as simple as Qin Miao made it sound.

“This isn’t a matter of helping—I don’t need it,” Shen Yan refused.

“How can you not need it?”

Qin Miao’s voice slipped into a sharp tone, but under Shen Yan’s gaze, softened again. “Ah Yan, I’m worried about you. I heard the elders have given strict orders—you must bring your girlfriend.”

Shen Yan frowned. “My affairs are my own to handle. Anything else? If not, please leave.”

With that, he lowered his head to resume reading documents, ignoring her.

Qin Miao wanted to say more, but could only turn and leave.

She changed her expression immediately after stepping out.

Feng Yuqi was about to bid her goodbye, but she shot him an icy glare.

He’d seen plenty of people like her—he was long used to it.

“Come here, I have something to ask you.”

Qin Miao called him aside. “Recently, which woman has Ah Yan been close to?”

Feng Yuqi kept his head low, respectful. “That’s Brother Yan’s personal business—I don’t know.”

“You’re his personal assistant, how can you not know?”

“Miss Qin, if you have questions, I think it’s best you ask Brother Yan directly,” Feng Yuqi replied firmly.

“I’m asking you.”

Qin Miao pressed on, aggressive. “Let me tell you, I am the future mistress of the Shen family—you should value the chance to curry favor with me.”

“Miss Qin, I truly don’t know about Brother Yan’s personal affairs.”

Seeing that he wouldn’t budge, Qin Miao nearly raised her hand to slap him!

But in the end, mindful of her image, she held back.

These opportunists only ignored her because she wasn’t yet the Shen family’s young mistress.

Once she claimed that position, she’d make them pay!

…

Ye Yaoyao paid no mind to the Shen family banquet.

That day, Ye Shen returned from a business trip.

Mother Ye, Liu Rushan, also said there was something important to discuss, asking them to come home.

Ye Yaoyao rode with Ye Shen.

“Big brother, what’s the matter? Why does it seem so urgent?”

“I don’t know. We’ll find out when we get home,” Ye Shen shook his head, his tone gentle.

“Big brother, you look so worn out from this trip abroad—was it exhausting?” Ye Yaoyao asked earnestly.

“Really? Did I get uglier?”

“Of course, you did. Big brother, you’ve become ugly, so as a face fanatic, I’ll have to start liking second brother instead,” Ye Yaoyao sighed.

She was joking, but Ye Shen took it seriously.

He couldn’t let that boy steal his sister’s affection.

Improving his looks was now on the agenda.