Chapter 105: She and I Began Three Years Ago

Ye Zehong lifted the lid of the gift box, revealing the evening gown inside.

Lu Yao had no particular desire for luxury goods, but she thought the dress before her was beautiful. It seemed to be of excellent quality, with exquisite tailoring—certainly something of great value.

The moment Yang Lan and Ye Hua saw the dress, their initial surprise quickly morphed into jealousy and resentment.

Ye Hua spoke with a tinge of bitterness, “Dad, since you’ve prepared such a lovely gown for Attorney Lu, does that mean you prepared something for me as well?”

At these words, Ye Yingtang’s expression darkened. He replied coldly, “Tonight is Attorney Lu’s welcome banquet. Why would you need to wear something so beautiful? Are you trying to steal the spotlight?”

“I... I just...” Ye Hua was so angry she could hardly contain herself. She glared at Ye Yingtang, aggrieved, but dared not voice her displeasure.

“Xiao Hua, don’t compete with Attorney Lu for favor. Your father has given you plenty of beautiful dresses over the years. None of them are something an outsider like Attorney Lu could compare to—don’t make things difficult for your father.” Yang Lan stroked Ye Hua’s back gently, reminding her to mind her attitude, while also subtly undermining Lu Yao, giving Ye Hua an excuse to retreat.

“Xiao Hua, your mother is right. This isn’t the time to vie for attention.” Ye Yingtang’s tone was icy, and his expression showed no warmth.

It was as though Lu Yao were his own daughter, while Ye Hua was of no consequence at all.

Ye Hua’s anger was already at its limit, but she had nowhere to vent it.

With a sullen face, she said in irritation, “Father, I’m not feeling well. I’d like to return and rest.”

Yang Lan noticed that Ye Hua had switched to the colder term “Father,” and knew an outburst was imminent.

She immediately chimed in, “Why don’t you carry on here? I’ll accompany Xiao Hua back to rest.”

“Very well, then.”

Ye Yingtang glanced at Ye Hua with suspicion, showing no concern for her wellbeing. Instead, he led Lu Yao out to the office area to continue their tour.

Lu Yao felt as though a thousand needles were pricking her back, as if Yang Lan and her daughter were boring holes into her with their stares.

Ye Zehong lowered his head and leaned in to whisper, “Did you see that? Those two practically have murder written all over their faces.”

Lu Yao sighed helplessly. “I never expected President Ye to value me so highly. He’s shown me such overwhelming kindness that I’m honestly a little afraid.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve asked around. My father has absolutely no intention of pursuing a May-December romance with you,” Ye Zehong misunderstood her concern and offered this reassurance.

Lu Yao’s face instantly flushed with embarrassment.

She shook her head in exasperation. “Of course I’m not so conceited as to think President Ye is doing all this out of affection. I just feel he expects too much from me. I’m afraid if I don’t live up to it, I’ll let him down.”

After all, the higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment.

Ye Zehong patted her head affectionately and smiled, “I trust my father’s judgment, and I believe in your abilities. As long as you set your mind to something, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.”

Lu Yao didn’t want to be put on a pedestal, only to risk a fall later.

She quickly protested, “Please don’t say that. I’m no superhero. I’m afraid I’ll embarrass President Ye if I’m not up to the task.”

While the two spoke intimately, their lips nearly brushing each other’s ears, Ye Yingtang—walking ahead—suddenly stopped in his tracks.

He turned and, catching sight of the scene, frowned slightly. “Ze Hong, since when did you and Attorney Lu become so close?”

Lu Yao’s expression immediately froze.

Ye Zehong, on the other hand, remained calm and answered nonchalantly, “Father, actually, Attorney Lu and I have known each other for quite some time. We first met three years ago, and since then…”

(The end of this chapter)