Chapter 812: Chance Encounter

Translator:Dragon Boat TranslationEditor:Dragon Boat Translation

Because Ye Lengan fancied j.a.panese food, the couple headed to a well-known j.a.panese restaurant. Little did they expect to encounter two unexpected figures as soon as they stepped inside: Zhongyu Liuying and Li Yiran.

What was even more surprising was seeing the two of them holding hands, with Li Yiran seemingly trying to please Zhongyu Liuying throughout. Despite Li Yirans efforts, their relations.h.i.+p appeared quite amiable, almost resembling that of a mother and daughter.

Upon noticing them, Zhongyu Liuying and Li Yiran were momentarily stunned. Clearly, they hadnt antic.i.p.ated encountering Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Lengan here.

Zhongyu Liuyings expression flickered for a moment upon seeing them, but she quickly regained composure and uttered in a somewhat indifferent tone, Youre here for a meal too?

Her demeanor wasnt particularly warm; in fact, it bordered on coldness. Their interaction didnt quite resemble that of a mother and son; it was merely slightly better than that of strangers.

Yes. Huangfu Ruiling nodded, offering no further response.

His demeanor was much colder compared to Zhongyu Liuyings.

Observing Huangfu Ruilings att.i.tude, Zhongyu Liuyings expression soured. She was at a loss on how to approach Huangfu Ruiling, not just her son but also the head of the Huangfu family. Moreover, their mother-son relations.h.i.+p was marred by irreconcilable conflicts. She had once hoped time would heal all wounds, yet some things remained unforgettable.

Even without considering past events, it seemed she and Huangfu Ruiling had never been close.

A strange atmosphere hung among the four. While such tension might be expected between strangers, their close relations.h.i.+p only exacerbated the discomfort.

Finally, Ye Lengan broke the silence. Shall we proceed with lunch?

Upon hearing Ye Lengans suggestion, Huangfu Ruiling merely nodded at Zhongyu Liuying before embracing Ye Lengans shoulder and heading straight to the reserved private room, without exchanging more than a few words.

Zhongyu Liuying, who had initially seemed somewhat aloof, instantly became discontented upon witnessing Huangfu Ruilings actions. Yet, this time, her dissatisfaction wasnt directed at him. She dared not harbor any grievances toward Huangfu Ruiling now, as her other sons future lay entirely in his hands.

Her target of dissatisfaction was Ye Lengan.

Ye Lengans lack of tact was truly baffling. As her daughter-in-law, she had never attempted to reconcile their differences with Huangfu Ruiling. Even on occasions like today, she didnt extend an invitation to her prospective mother-in-law for a meal.

Indeed, someone from a humble background lacked refinement.

If Ye Lengan were aware of Zhongyu Liuyings thoughts, she would surely have one response: Zhongyu Liuying had been overly indulged and failed to recognize the reality.

On the other side, Li Yiran, noticing Zhongyu Liuyings displeasure, reluctantly spoke up, Mom, shall we dine elsewhere?

Perhaps due to dissatisfaction with Zhong Yating, and to incite a conflict between Zhong Yating and Li Yiran, Zhongyu Liuying deliberately elevated Li Yirans status by permitting her to address her as mom.

Of course, this didnt imply that she favored Li Yiran over Zhong Yating. Neither Li Yiran nor Zhong Yating were her preferred daughters-in-law candidates. She merely sought to instigate a rivalry between them, hoping they would both suffer in the process. Ultimately, Huangfu Ruixiang might benefit.

Li Yiran, aware of Zhongyu Liuyings intentions, remained unfazed. Given her precarious situation, she too sought to improve her status urgently.

While Zhong Yating could accompany Huangfu Ruixiang to the Hidden World, Li Yiran was relegated to the mortal world. Even with her son by her side, she was at a disadvantage. Clinging to Zhongyu Liuyings favor was her best recourse.

Were staying here for our meal. Why leave? Zhongyu Liuying glared at Li Yiran. Weve done nothing wrong, so why should we avoid them? Besides, Im his mother, and thats an unchangeable fact.

Seeing Zhongyu Liuyings displeasure, Li Yiran dared not say more, lest she draw her ire.

Soon, Zhongyu Liuying and Li Yiran joined them in the reserved private room. However, the atmosphere remained stiflingly silent between them.

In such an atmosphere, Li Yiran felt her stomach knotting with discomfort.

Yet, she had no choice but to endure, aware of her insignificant position in Zhongyu Liuyings eyes

Her only recourse was to remain silent and finish the meal with Zhongyu Liuying.

In contrast, the atmosphere in the adjacent private room was entirely different. Although Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Lengan conversed without laughter, their exchange was mutually responsive. They ate and talked comfortably.

Huangfu Ruiling occasionally showed consideration for Ye Lengan, appearing remarkably attentive.

As a result, the atmosphere in their private room felt warm, tinged with a hint of affection

After savoring a tempura, Ye Lengan spoke slowly, I never imagined wed encounter your mother and Li Yiran here! They seemed to get along quite well. Is your mother considering Li Yiran as her daughter-in-law?

Huangfu Ruiling shook his head lightly. Shes merely a p.a.w.n in her game. One willing to be used, the other willing to use.

Ye Lengan nodded in understanding. By the way, hows Huangfu Ruixiang faring lately?

The Grand Elders reports indicate Huangfu Ruixiang has been putting in considerable effort, Huangfu Ruiling remarked lightly. However, his talent is limited. Despite his diligence, significant change is unlikely.

True, Ye Lengan concurred. Moreover, he wasted too much time previously. Without your pressure, he might never have started striving! Indeed, pressure breeds motivation.

Yet, in matters of cultivation, no amount of motivation or effort could compensate for lackl.u.s.ter talent.