Chapter 96: The Matriarch of the Shen Family Pays a Visit

Shen Yan didn’t press for details.

News of his confrontation with Wu Pidong spread quickly.

With Wu Pidong’s embellishments, the other shareholders all felt that Shen Yan had gone too far.

For the sake of a woman? That was unacceptable!

Thus, some of the shareholders’ stubbornness toward Shen Yan shifted into resentment toward Ye Yaoyao.

They all believed that if it weren’t for Ye Yaoyao, perhaps Shen Yan would have returned by now.

Naturally, these words reached Ye Yaoyao’s ears.

Sigh, she was just a scapegoat.

Since none of the shareholders could move Shen Yan, their last resort was to approach the matriarch of the Shen family.

At the Shen family estate.

Surrounded by the major shareholders, the elderly Mrs. Shen looked troubled.

“You all know Shen Yan’s temper better than I do. When he makes up his mind, not even ten bulls could drag him back. There’s nothing I can do,” Mrs. Shen sighed heavily.

That unworthy Shen Sheng—he was driving her mad.

When she pushed him up to the position, she had promised so much. And now?

It was barely been a short time since he took office, and already there were problems?

Those old fellows, too—they had supported her wholeheartedly back then.

Now that trouble had arisen, they dumped all the blame on her.

They even expected her, an old woman, to shamelessly beg Shen Yan!

Mrs. Shen naturally refused.

But the greedy shareholders were not about to let her have her way.

“Everyone knows Shen Yan and Shen Sheng listen to you the most, matriarch.”

“Exactly! Whenever you step in, nothing can’t be settled.”

“We don’t want to trouble you, but we have no choice. Ah Yan won’t listen to us.”

...

One after another, their sugar-coated accusations bombarded Mrs. Shen.

A reluctant smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.

These old rascals still had some sense—they knew her limits.

But at the thought of having to face Shen Yan, Mrs. Shen lowered her head.

No way.

She couldn’t handle Shen Yan.

Mrs. Shen waved her hand. “When Shen Sheng took office, I said this would be the last Shen family matter I’d get involved in. Whatever happens from now on is no longer my concern.”

“You all figure it out yourselves—I can’t help.”

Her stance was clear.

Seeing her stubborn refusal, the shareholders’ expressions darkened.

They were men who had once been proud and commanding; lowering themselves to beg was already difficult.

And since gentle requests failed, they resorted to pressure.

“Mrs. Shen, I’m afraid you can’t wash your hands clean. After all, you vouched for us back then, promising that Shen Sheng would lead the Shen family to new heights!”

“Exactly. We believed in you, which is why we supported Shen Sheng and offended Shen Yan.”

“You started this whole thing. Now you want to escape responsibility? What a joke.”

...

The atmosphere shifted instantly—from an uneasy harmony to sharp confrontation.

Pushed to the center of the storm, Mrs. Shen swept the room with a cold glare.

“Fine! So now you’re using your numbers to bully an old woman in the Shen estate?”

“If you hadn’t agreed before, would Shen Sheng even have taken office? Would we be in this mess now? And you want me to clean up after you? No way!”

“Get out—all of you! Go back where you came from!”

Mrs. Shen stood and issued the eviction order. “Butler, see them out!”

Though displeased, this was still the Shen estate.

The others could only exchange glances and leave in silence, swallowing their anger.

Mrs. Shen angrily tapped her cane against the floor.

...

At Ye Yaoyao’s apartment.

After finishing an early shift, she had arranged to cook dinner with Shen Yan.

Lately, he had been doing all the cooking, and she wanted to return the favor.

The two crowded into the kitchen, and Ye Yaoyao noticed that Shen Yan’s techniques were quite professional—not at all like a novice.

Of course, she knew he was still a beginner.

Looks like he hadn’t been idle all this time.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

Ye Yaoyao opened the door and politely greeted the visitor—Mrs. Shen.

But Mrs. Shen’s face immediately turned cold.

Ye Yaoyao shrugged indifferently.

Shen Yan, wearing an apron, came out and happened to run into Mrs. Shen.

Seeing this, Mrs. Shen’s frustration boiled over.

“I told you to return to the Shen company, but you wouldn’t. Is this what you’ve been so busy with every day?”

Mrs. Shen angrily tapped her cane on the floor. “Shen Yan, the Shen family worked hard to raise you—not for you to waste your time on these trivial matters!”

“Your role is to lead the Shen family to greater heights!”

Ye Yaoyao listened and couldn’t help but marvel at their entitled tone.

Who didn’t need to eat?

How was cooking an insignificant task?

“Maybe Shen Sheng is more suited to lead the Shen family forward, so I’m in the kitchen,” Shen Yan said, cutting Mrs. Shen off completely.

Ye Yaoyao struggled to suppress a laugh.

The next moment, Mrs. Shen shot her a fierce glare.

Ye Yaoyao was baffled.

She was supposed to be the scapegoat?

How did everything get twisted back to her?

Ye Yaoyao shook her head helplessly and headed toward the kitchen, only to be called back by Mrs. Shen.

“Stop right there.”

Mrs. Shen looked at Ye Yaoyao with contempt. “It’s because of you that Shen Yan refuses to return to the company, isn’t it?”

Ye Yaoyao’s confusion deepened.

What did that have to do with her?

“Shen Yan isn’t going back because you treat him like a puppet. That has nothing to do with me,” Ye Yaoyao said firmly, folding her arms and looking Mrs. Shen straight in the eye.

“If you have that spirit to blame others here, perhaps you should reflect on what you’ve done.”

With that, she rolled her eyes and walked into the kitchen.

Behind her, Mrs. Shen was so furious she wanted to follow, but Shen Yan blocked her way.

Frowning, Shen Yan was clearly displeased with Mrs. Shen’s behavior.

“This is someone else’s home. Coming here and causing a scene could create a bad impression.”

Helpless but determined to resolve the matter, he said, “Go sit on the sofa for a bit. I’ll come find you when I’m done.”

Mrs. Shen wanted to protest but could only hold back.

She thought it would be just a moment—but Shen Yan kept her waiting for a full hour!

That brat was infuriating, but since she still needed him, she had no choice but to wait.

Once they finished cooking, Shen Yan called Mrs. Shen over for dinner.

Ye Yaoyao sat down immediately, only to be lectured by Mrs. Shen once again.

“You really have no manners—like a child raised without a mother. You don’t even know the basics of etiquette.”

Hearing this, Shen Yan’s heart sank, and he glanced anxiously at Ye Yaoyao.

But Ye Yaoyao smiled nonchalantly and retorted calmly, “Yeah, otherwise why would someone come into another’s home and make a scene, acting like the owner?”

Mrs. Shen immediately caught the underlying meaning, growing even angrier.

Ye Yaoyao grinned triumphantly, shaking her head and picking up her chopsticks to grab some food, deliberately provoking Mrs. Shen by eating in front of her.

Mrs. Shen’s face darkened further...