Rejected by the Campus Belle, I Find My True Love

It was better than their current ambiguous state, where she was just a dead weight. Thinking this, Xue Yuanxia suddenly felt that perhaps letting them separate wasn’t such a bad thing after all. They haven’t even registered the marriage yet. Given the in-laws’ attitude, who knows what kind of trouble they’ll stir up when it’s actually time to register? I definitely don’t want to be dragged into their mess.

"Auntie, let me warn you one last time," Xue Yang said coldly. "If you say another bad word about Xiao Xi, you’ll no longer be welcome in our home. You can forget about attending today’s housewarming banquet, too."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone present changed. They hadn’t expected Xue Yang to show his own aunt no consideration whatsoever, directly telling her to leave all for Lin Xi’s sake.

Chen Fang, who had been keeping her head down, looked up. Her gaze involuntarily drifted to Yang Xiaozhi, but he merely furrowed his brow and said nothing.

At that moment, how she wished he would speak up for his own mother, even if not for her. At least it would prove he was a responsible man. But perhaps, in his eyes, neither his wife nor his mother was as important as his career. Even if Xue Yuanxia offended Xue Yang, she was still his aunt. And he, Yang Xiaozhi, was just a cousin. A single word from Xue Yang could render all of his efforts worthless. That’s just reality.

Xue Yuanxia’s expression turned ugly. "You child! Why won’t you listen to reason?"

Xue Yang retorted bluntly, "Auntie, you’d better listen. Say one more word, and I’ll really have someone throw you out."

Xue Yuanxia choked, her gaze instinctively darting to Yang Xiaozhi, hoping her son would stand up for her. However, he had already looked away, his thoughts drifting off to who knows where.

Xue Yuanqing and his wife didn’t want to get involved. Today was supposed to be a joyous occasion, yet she insisted on saying things that soured the mood. If it weren’t for the fact they were family, she would have been thrown out long ago.

Lin Xi tugged on Xue Yang’s sleeve, signaling for him to stop. This is my fault. If I hadn’t been late, Xue Yang wouldn’t be getting criticized by his relatives.

Xue Yang gave her a reassuring smile. "It’s not your fault. Even if you had arrived early today, they would have found some other reason to complain." He had seen through them long ago.

His words made everyone feel a bit embarrassed. It was inevitable for relatives to say things others didn’t like hearing. No one had ever called it out before, so now that Xue Yang had, it was genuinely awkward.

We’d better meddle less in other people’s business in the future. It’s best not to make an effort just to be unappreciated. Besides, other people’s affairs really are none of our business. There’s no need to be so nosy.

As the standoff continued, the most important guest of the day finally arrived.

"Brother Xue, sorry for being late." Lin Zhenhai appeared at the door, accompanied by the owner of the Emperor Hotel.

Seeing him, Xue Yuanqing immediately beamed and went to greet him. "Brother Lin! Welcome, welcome! Please, come in."

The other guests turned their gazes toward the entrance. Upon seeing the newcomer, they were all struck by an aura of authority that washed over them. The festive atmosphere suddenly became as solemn as a conference room. Some people subconsciously patted their pockets, checking for notebooks and pens. When they realized what they were doing, they sheepishly touched their noses.

Damn this occupational hazard.

Seeing that her dad had finally arrived, Lin Xi breathed a sigh of relief. She’d thought it might take him longer.

Feeling a tickle in his hand, Xue Yang looked down to see his little Xiao Naimao smiling up at him. Her eyes, sparkling like stars, seemed to say, See? My dad didn’t break his promise either.

Xue Yang returned the smile, then led Lin Xi over to Lin Zhenhai. "Hello, Uncle Lin."

Lin Zhenhai nodded, straightened his suit, and said, "Secretary Li, bring the items in."

"Brother Lin, we’re so glad you could make it! You really shouldn’t have brought gifts," Xue Yuanqing said, warmly shaking Lin Zhenhai’s hand. He arrived at the perfect time. Any later, and I would have had a hard time smoothing things over.

"They’re nothing valuable. The transport just took some time, otherwise, I wouldn’t have been so late. I hope I haven’t caused any trouble?"

"Not at all, not at all! We still have time before the banquet begins. Come, please, take the seat of honor."

"You are the host. Naturally, you should take the seat of honor."

"We’re all one family, no need for such formalities. Please, take the seat of honor."

Lin Zhenhai no longer demurred and, at Xue Yuanqing’s enthusiastic invitation, took the seat of honor.

No sooner had he sat down than Jiawen Li led a group of about ten people in, all carrying gifts. Each person was either carrying or holding something.

"That case over there, it’s labeled Maotai... is that real? A whole case of Maotai as a gift! What kind of family is this?"

"Maybe they just used a Maotai box?"

A whole case of Maotai? Are they insane? Even if they weren’t from incredibly wealthy families, everyone present knew how expensive it was. Giving one or two bottles was already considered quite generous. A whole case... It’s unimaginable what kind of family could afford to do that.

"Look! The person behind him, isn’t that ’82 Lafite they’re holding?"

"’82 Lafite? You must be dreaming!"

Claiming it’s ’82 Lafite is even less believable than giving away a case of Maotai. After all, while Maotai is expensive, it isn’t impossible to find. But ’82 Lafite is something you can’t buy even if you have the money. Anyone who owned it would save it for incredibly important guests or for their own enjoyment. They would never just give it away. And to give away two bottles at once... No matter how wealthy they are, you don’t just squander money like that.

"No, seriously. I may have never tasted it, but I’ve done business with winery owners. That really is ’82 Lafite. And look, the two bottles Lin Xi’s father brought are clearly unopened."

A sharp intake of breath went through the crowd.

How could this be seen as disrespectful? It was the exact opposite! The gesture showed so much respect that some people were grinding their molars to dust in envy.

Dad Yang rolled his eyes at Xue Yuanxia, no longer wanting to even acknowledge his wife. Serves you right for being nosy. See how that backfired? Look at the man—a clear business elite. A person like that is constantly in meetings. For him to take the time to attend a simple housewarming banquet is a huge show of respect.

Xue Yuanxia knew she was in the wrong, but she refused to admit it. Instead, she glared at Chen Fang. The latter simply looked innocent and, not wanting to argue, kept her head down without responding.

Having been thoroughly snubbed, Xue Yuanxia finally settled down for real.

...