Chapter 977: Showing Goodwill

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Ye Leng’an!”

Ye Leng’an had been planning to leave, but upon hearing the voice behind her, she paused with a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes. Eventually, she stopped in her tracks.

Turning around, she faced Ye Yikun and Ye Wanwan, a slight smile playing on her lips, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Old Master Ye, what’s the matter?”

Being suddenly called by Ye Yikun was somewhat unexpected for Ye Leng’an. After all, their last encounter couldn’t exactly be described as pleasant!

“Why be so distant?” Ye Yikun looked at Ye Leng’an as if all previous unpleasantness had never occurred. His gaze even carried a hint of kindness. “Now that almost everyone in the Hidden World knows about your background, there’s no need for us to be so formal in front of others, right?”

These words first unsettled Ye Wanwan, who was by Ye Yikun’s side.

She had always believed that her grandfather had given up on Ye Leng’an completely, hence his efforts to nurture her. Plus, during this time, he had urged her to defeat Ye Leng’an and prove her worth. So, she had been confident that as long as her grandfather was around, Ye Leng’an would never return to the Ye family.

However, hearing her grandfather’s words now made her feel a bit uneasy. It seemed as if her position could be replaced at any moment.

When things turned abnormal, there must be a reason behind it.

Watching Ye Yikun’s demeanor, Ye Leng’an’s mood didn’t ease in the slightest. Instead, a sense of wariness crept over her. “Old Master Ye, you must be joking,” she said, her tone cautious. “I have no affiliation with your Ye family. Moreover, haven’t we already agreed to keep our distance? Besides, I believe our current arrangement is for the best.”

Although she couldn’t discern his thoughts, Ye Leng’an remained unconvinced that Ye Yikun, the old fox, genuinely intended for her to return to the Ye family. Especially after their last encounter, which could almost be described as threatening. She never believed that Ye Yikun would forget.

“Indeed, we’ve reached agreement in the past, but…” Ye Yikun turned to Ye Leng’an, his smile still intact. “Now, haven’t you revealed your own background? Doesn’t that imply that, deep down, you’ve actually considered returning to the Ye family?”

“Old Master Ye, you’re overthinking it.” Ye Leng’an smiled but shook her head. “You surely know why this matter came to light. Some things are better left unsaid to avoid embarrassment for everyone.”

Ye Yikun didn’t get upset at her straightforward rejection. “Ye Leng’an, regardless, our Ye family’s blood runs through your veins. If you wish to return, you’re welcome. Of course, if you’re not inclined to return, I won’t persuade you. It’s your choice. But remember, should you change your mind, the Ye family’s doors are always open to you.”

With that, ignoring her reaction, Ye Yikun left with the somewhat absent-minded Ye Wanwan.

Watching their departing figures, Ye Leng’an’s eyes gleamed with sharpness. She didn’t think Ye Yikun was acting without purpose.

Admittedly, Ye Yikun’s behavior today was beyond her expectations. Despite their few encounters, she felt she could read him.

For a cunning old fox like Ye Yikun, apart from benefits, preserving face was paramount. Given their last encounter, it almost seemed like they had fallen out.

Yet, Ye Yikun now treated her kindly, even suggesting she could return to the Ye family at any time. It smelled like a trap no matter how one looked at it.

But she saw no reason to be fooled by Ye Yikun. Furthermore, she didn’t believe it was because of the benefits brought by the Huangfu family. Ye Yikun hadn’t mentioned Huangfu Ruiling until now. Moreover, Ye Wanwan’s reaction struck her as odd.

Thinking of this, Ye Leng’an couldn’t help but smile with interest.

She trusted her instincts, and they hinted at secrets within the Ye family – secrets that didn’t bode well.

But Ye Yikun had better not play tricks on her, or those so-called blood ties wouldn’t hold water before her. She didn’t even plan to acknowledge her parents, let alone her grandfather.

On the other hand, Ye Wanwan followed Ye Yikun but wore a clearly troubled expression.

She looked at Ye Yikun, her mouth opening and closing, struggling to speak but unable to utter a word.

She wanted to ask her grandfather directly what he meant by his earlier words. She also wanted to ask if he truly intended for Ye Leng’an to return to the Ye family. After all, he had previously stated that Ye Leng’an would never return.

Yet, when the words were on the tip of her tongue, she couldn’t bring herself to say them. She knew she had no standing. Unlike Ye Leng’an, she didn’t carry the Ye family’s blood.

“If you have something to say, just say it.” Ye Yikun’s voice suddenly broke the silence. “Ye Wanwan, you’re the young lady of the Ye family. Why so hesitant?”

The sudden sternness startled Ye Wanwan. She was taken aback and quickly replied, “Grandfather, I didn’t mean to…”

She had initially wanted to speak up and defend herself, but upon seeing her grandfather’s sharp and indifferent gaze, all her words were stifled.

Ye Yikun halted his steps, turned around, and looked at Ye Wanwan. “Ye Wanwan, you should be very aware of your identity and know what you should do, right? If you feel you’re incapable of fulfilling the position of the young lady of the Ye family, you can speak up. Our Ye family has never lacked girls.”

“Grandfather, I’m sorry.” Ye Wanwan lowered her head. “I just find it a little strange why you showed goodwill to Ye Leng’an today. Previously, Ye Leng’an treated you so badly. She never respected you.”