Chapter 132: It Really Is Him
Upon hearing this, Bai Xue didn't dare make the decision herself.
After all, this was the Bai Family's first press conference since their recent troubles. It was incredibly important.
Besides, Bai Xue was very confident in the new drug she had developed.
As long as this press conference went off without a hitch, the Bai Family would surely be able to use it to soar to new heights!
Lin Chuyue could naturally see Bai Xue's predicament. "Don't worry about it. I never let the words of irrelevant people get to me."
"Besides, is there any shortage of gossip about me?"
Even now, many people secretly looked down on her, saying she had slept her way to the top.
It was as if every single one of them knew more about her life than she did.
Bai Xue had other things to attend to, so she nodded and turned to greet other guests.
The woman didn't let it go. Instead, she raised her voice and said, "Everyone saw the entertainment news from a couple of days ago, right?"
"The famous actress Ye Baiwei, caught kissing a man outside a hotel, unable to wait a moment longer!"
"And that man is none other than the fiancé of the Lin Clan's own Miss Lin Chuyue! All I can say is, the President of the Lin Clan has really gone to great lengths to secure the Lin Family's position."
The people around them immediately started whispering to each other.
"I didn't expect that guy to be so capable. All his women are gorgeous."
"But I think Ye Baiwei is much prettier. And she's a star. Don't look down on performers; performers these days aren't what they used to be."
"She may be the President of the Lin Clan, but who knows how long a woman like her can hold that position."
Hearing these words, Lin Chuyue could only clench her jaw and pretend she hadn't heard a thing.
She was here to attend a press conference, not to make enemies.
What's more, she didn't want to ruin this hard-won opportunity for the Bai Family.
Lin Chuyue was not like the Han Family of the past; she didn't have such grand ambitions. If the Lin Clan were the only dominant power in Jiangcheng, it wouldn't be a good thing. It would just make them a target for everyone.
If she were given time, perhaps she could develop the Lin Clan further, but right now, time was the one thing she lacked most.
The Bai Family's rise would help divert some of the attention, which was a good thing.
Seeing Lin Chuyue remain silent, the gossip grew even nastier.
"Look at how pathetic she is. She can't even keep her own man in line. What a waste of a pretty face."
"I know, right? Ye Baiwei's methods are clearly far superior to hers."
"Her man is cheating on her left and right, and she just has to take it. And here I thought the Lin Family was so impressive as Jiangcheng's top family. Turns out they're nothing special."
Lin Chuyue didn't want to hear any more of it and simply walked away from the crowd.
But this action only made the gossips even more unrestrained.
Finally, Bai Xue found a moment to walk over. "Are you and Xiao Ye really engaged?"
The surrounding people immediately looked over, clearly expecting a scene.
Lin Chuyue pressed her lips together. This was a press conference that had gathered nearly every influential figure in Jiangcheng.
The media was here, too. This was clearly the best time to clarify her relationship with Xiao Ye.
Having made up her mind, Lin Chuyue immediately said, "Actually, Xiao Ye and I have never—"
"Chuyue!"
Just then, a familiar, deep shout cut her off.
Lin Chuyue whipped her head around and saw Lin Aoshan leaning on a cane.
He was dressed in a Tang suit, and his expression was a little grim.
"Grandpa, what are you doing here?"
"If I hadn't come, you'd be turning this world upside down!"
He walked forward and stood beside Lin Chuyue. 'This girl,' he thought, 'why can't she understand my good intentions? Why is she so determined to clarify her relationship with Xiao Ye?'
"Chuyue, I've already announced your engagement to Xiao Ye!"
"The ceremony will be held in two and a half months, at the latest. I even had a master calculate the most auspicious date for it."
Lin Aoshan's voice wasn't loud, but it was just loud enough for everyone around them to hear clearly.
Now, even if Lin Chuyue tried to explain, no one would believe her.
Besides, Lin Chuyue didn't dare to disobey Lin Aoshan, terrified that the stress might cause his health to fail.
Still feeling that wasn't enough, Lin Aoshan decided to eliminate any future trouble. He put on a wide smile and said, "Everyone, you must all come to the engagement banquet when the time comes!"
"In my whole life, this is my favorite granddaughter. I'm determined to give her a grand engagement party, no matter what!"
The faces of the people around them instantly changed to smiles. They weren't foolish enough to undermine the Lin Family at a moment like this and quickly chimed in with congratulations.
"Since Elder Lin has personally extended the invitation, of course we'll be there."
"Yes, congratulations! Now you can look forward to holding a great-grandson!"
"Congratulations to the Lin Family on finding such a fine son-in-law!"
Lin Aoshan looked at Lin Chuyue's pale face. "I'm not feeling well, so I won't be staying, Chuyue."
"You can take me home. Young lady Bai Xue, my apologies. My health is failing, and I need Chuyue to take care of me."
Bai Xue shook her head repeatedly. "Of course, it's no problem at all. Please, take care."
The second floor of the banquet hall.
A figure appeared.
He looked to be in his forties, dressed in a waiter's uniform. His face was sharp and weaselly.
The champagne in his hand trembled slightly, as if he might drop it at any moment.
He stared intently at the backs of Lin Chuyue and her grandfather as they left, his expression shifting as he muttered to himself.
"Xiao Ye... Xiao Ye..."
"Hey, what are you doing? Hurry up and take that wine upstairs!" someone urged from behind him.
The man didn't say a word. Instead, he went downstairs, placed the tray of drinks in an inconspicuous corner, and headed for the door.
As he walked, he shed the waiter's uniform and made a beeline for the Lin Family residence.
Things in South City were nearly settled, and Xiao Ye immediately set off to return to Jiangcheng.
He strode quickly into the Lin Family residence, his heart leaping at the thought of seeing Lin Chuyue soon.
Across from the Lin Family residence, a good hundred meters away in a pitch-black thicket of trees.
The man's hands trembled as he held his binoculars. 'It really is him!'
He didn't have time to think. He quickly packed up his things, turned, and hurried away.
Only when he reached a safe place did he pull out his phone and dial a number he knew by heart. "Send someone to pick me up immediately!"
"I have something extremely important to report to the Patriarch! There can be no delay!"
Soon, a black car arrived and whisked the man away to the Provincial City at top speed.
At the Provincial City airport, the man boarded a private jet.
The plane took off quickly, disappearing completely into the clouds.
「Imperial City.」
A place nestled by mountains and water.
Pavilions and towers, rockeries and stone forests—the scenery was antique and elegant, like a paradise on earth.
In a hall deep within the estate, several people were currently seated.
All the furniture was crafted from pear wood, immensely valuable. The carvings were exquisite down to the last detail, clearly the work of a master craftsman.
Seated in the main chair was a woman who looked to be in her forties. Her eyes were closed, as if she were resting.
Below her sat a group of men in their fifties. Judging by their attire and bearing, every one of them was extraordinary.
"Why has the Matriarch summoned us so suddenly? And it's already so late."
The woman slowly opened her eyes.
She was the current Matriarch of the reclusive Xiao Family, and also the widow of the previous Patriarch—Liu Loulan.