Chapter 80: Give It a Try

Ye Hua watched as Lu Yao mixed drinks with practiced, professional skill. Her gaze turned icy cold, and the corners of her mouth curled into a sneer. In a voice only the two of them could hear, she murmured, "Then we'll implement Plan B."

Qiao Wan'er frowned, puzzled. "What is Plan B?"

During their earlier discussion, Ye Hua hadn't mentioned any Plan B to her.

"You'll find out soon enough." Ye Hua gently patted the back of Qiao Wan'er's hand and instructed, "Go to the cupboard and bring me some osmanthus. I'll personally make a cup of osmanthus brew for Lu Yao."

Qiao Wan'er, thinking herself clever, said, "And then we'll add something to the osmanthus brew."

Ye Hua didn't answer, but the smile on her face said everything.

Qiao Wan'er was instantly delighted. She walked lightly over to the cupboard to fetch the osmanthus.

She had no idea that while she was gone, Ye Hua moved toward the bar. Taking advantage of Lu Yao's distraction, she dropped a pill into the specialty drink.

The pill dissolved in the drink within seconds, disappearing completely.

Lu Yao caught the scene in the corner of her eye and paused, momentarily stunned.

Her mind was filled with confusion.

She continued to act as if she knew nothing, finishing the preparation of the specialty drinks.

Once both drinks were ready, she didn't immediately place them on the bar.

Ye Hua stared intently at Lu Yao, sensing her hesitation. She stepped forward, picked up the two drinks, and handed one to Qiao Wan'er, who had just returned. "Wan'er, give it a try."

"Thank you, Sister Hua," Qiao Wan'er said, completely unsuspecting as she took the drink from Ye Hua.

Lu Yao watched the whole exchange, unsure what she felt inside.

She had no real connection to Qiao Wan'er, and Qiao Wan'er saw her as a rival in love; there was no need for her to play the saint.

On a moral level, perhaps she ought to warn her...

As Qiao Wan'er took a sip of the drink, Lu Yao called out loudly, "Miss Qiao, wait!"

Ye Hua shot her an annoyed glare, signaling her to mind her own business.

Qiao Wan'er glared back, equally annoyed.

"There's alcohol in your drink... Aren't you pregnant? You shouldn't touch alcohol, right?" Lu Yao took the other glass from Ye Hua, smiling. "This one is alcohol-free. You should drink this instead."

"I already had wine at the banquet," Qiao Wan'er retorted, determined to oppose Lu Yao. She snatched back the drink and drained it in one go.

After finishing, she tossed the glass to Lu Yao and snorted disdainfully, "Thanks for your fake kindness. It was just a taste, nothing more."

Lu Yao looked at the empty glass in her hand and smiled wryly.

She regretted having gone out of her way to be kind.

Qiao Wan'er refused her goodwill; there was nothing she could do.

She glanced quietly at Ye Hua and saw the familiar cold, murderous intent in Ye Hua's eyes.

She had seen that look more than a decade ago.

She still couldn't forget it.

Suddenly, she grabbed Ye Hua's wrist, hatred flowing from her gaze, her heart consumed by bitterness. She wanted to confront her, but was so full of emotion she didn't know where to begin.

Ye Hua shook off Lu Yao's hand with force, cursing, "Ouch! Lu Yao, what are you grabbing me for? Are you insane?!"

A sharp slap landed on Lu Yao's face before she could react, stinging and numb.

Ye Hua, feeling it wasn't enough, raised her hand to deliver another blow.

But a strong hand caught her wrist.

"Let go of my hand!"

Seeing it was Ye Zehong who had intervened, Ye Hua struggled but couldn't break free.

Her face darkened, her expression vicious. "Second Brother, I'm teaching this low woman a lesson for her lack of manners. It's not your place to play the hero and save the beauty!"

(End of chapter)