Chapter 103: The Shameless Family

A moment later, Mu Yiren came downstairs with a cold, expressionless face. Without saying a word, she sat down next to Ling Xiao.

"What's wrong? Is something troubling you?"

Mu Yiren bit her lip, looking somewhat guilty. "Ling Xiao, I'm sorry. I didn't know. My grandmother tricked me into coming here just to set me up with a boyfriend."

Afraid that Ling Xiao might misunderstand, she immediately added, "But don't worry, Ling Xiao. No matter what, I won't meet anyone else. I only want to be with you!"

Ling Xiao gently stroked her head. "Silly girl. If you wanted to find someone else, you would have done so three years ago. Rest assured, I know this has nothing to do with you."

Mu Yiren smiled softly. "Thank you, Ling Xiao."

As they spoke, her grandmother, uncle, and aunt walked downstairs, chatting and laughing.

Upon seeing Ling Xiao, the family's expressions darkened for a brief moment.

With a soft grunt, the grandmother quickly put on a smile and turned to Mu Yiren.

"Yiren, it wasn't easy for you to travel all this way to Jianglin. Come, let's go out for dinner. It's been so long since your grandmother last had a meal with you."

"Grandmother, there's no need to spend so much. We can just have a simple home-cooked meal here."

"How could we do that? You rarely visit. Of course Grandma has to treat you to a nice meal."

"Well... alright then." Mu Yiren hesitated, then added, "But let's make one thing clear: I will not agree to what you mentioned earlier, Grandmother."

A flash of anger crossed the old woman's eyes, but it vanished instantly. She smiled again and said, "Don't worry, Grandma won't force you. Let's go."

Mu Yiren turned back and smiled. "Ling Xiao, let's go eat together."

Ling Xiao nodded.

His mind was clear as day. If the Xu family didn't have some scheme up their sleeves, why would they insist on dining out?

However, he did not expose them.

He only hoped the Xus had enough sense not to push things too far.

Otherwise, even if Yiren pleaded for them, he would not let the Xu family off easily.

Anyone who dared to plot against Yiren would find only one path: death!

...

The group soon arrived at the Jianglin Grand Hotel.

Along the way, Old Mrs. Xu did not bring up anything controversial. She focused on trivial family matters, trying to bridge the gap and build rapport with Mu Yiren.

Mu Yiren was simple-minded and pure at heart; when the conversation touched upon emotional family memories, her eyes grew red.

Ling Xiao, however, kept his gaze fixed out the window, remaining silent.

How could he not know what was happening?

Old Mrs. Xu wanted to sell Yiren off. How could she succeed without first softening her up with family affection?

Upon arriving at the Jianglin Grand Hotel, the Xu family booked a luxurious private dining room, which cost a fortune.

Given the Xu family's wealth, however, booking such a room was well within their means.

They headed upstairs, everything seeming quite normal at first.

But it wasn't long before Yiren's uncle received a phone call and hurried out.

A moment later, he returned, accompanied by a handsome young man.

Not only was the newcomer exceptionally good-looking, but his attire was also incredibly luxurious, consisting entirely of designer Italian brands. The Armani leather shoes on his feet were, ironically, the cheapest part of his outfit.

"Yiren, come, let me introduce you. This is the son of one of my business partners. His surname is Lu, and his name is Lu Chengcai. He is one of the most prominent rising stars in Jianglin in recent years!"

The moment Lu Chengcai saw Yiren, his eyes glazed over.

He swallowed hard, then immediately assumed a polite, gentlemanly posture.

"You flatter me, Uncle Xu. There are rising stars all over Jianglin; I am far down the list."

"You're too modest! Others might not know, but do you think I don't? Your Lu family is already ranked eighth in Jianglin! In a few years, perhaps you will even be able to stand on equal footing with the Tang family of Jiangzhou!"

"You must be joking, Uncle Xu. The Tang family's assets exceed ten billion. That's not something that can be easily surpassed overnight."

Though his words were humble, his eyes betrayed his true feelings.

Filled with pride and arrogance, it was clear that his ego was floating on air.

Furthermore, his gaze drifted from time to time to steal glances at Mu Yiren, who had returned to her seat.

Old Mrs. Xu took all of this in. The corners of her mouth curled upward, her eyes reflecting approval.

Then she looked at Ling Xiao. He sat there silently, looking like a clueless boy who had never seen the world—utterly unworthy of her attention.

With just a glance, the contrast between the two was night and day.

Instantly, Old Mrs. Xu grew even more disgusted with Ling Xiao, viewing him as nothing more than an annoying fly.

Yiren's uncle continued to introduce them with a smile. "Chengcai, this is my niece, Mu Yiren, whom I told you about. She is also very capable, running the Yiren Group in Jiangzhou. Although it can't compare to your Lu Group, it is already quite remarkable for a young girl like her!"

Lu Chengcai smiled. "You are too kind, Uncle Xu. I have heard of the Yiren Group in Jiangzhou. Miss Mu is indeed very impressive."

"Why call her Miss Mu? Just call her Yiren. We're all family here. Come, sit down. How wonderful, there's an empty seat right next to Yiren."

Yiren's uncle practically pushed Lu Chengcai into the seat beside her.

Now, Ling Xiao sat on her left, while Lu Chengcai sat on her right.

Before Ling Xiao could say a word, Mu Yiren's face had already turned ice-cold.

"Uncle, what is the meaning of this?"

Her uncle seemed to have anticipated this reaction and laughed it off. "It's just a coincidence that Chengcai is here today, so we might as well eat together. Besides, you and Chengcai are both rising stars in the business world. You must have plenty to talk about. Sitting together is only natural."

"But this is a family dinner. We shouldn't invite an outsider to join us."

Her aunt rolled her eyes. "What's the big deal? Ling Xiao is sitting here too, isn't he? We didn't complain about that."

"But Ling Xiao is different. Ling Xiao is my boyfriend, and my future husband. Of course he is welcome at our family dinner!"

Seeing both her son and daughter-in-law rebuffed by her niece, the old lady felt her authority slipping.

"Yiren, if you want Ling Xiao to eat here, then don't ask so many questions. Otherwise, he doesn't need to stay for dinner at all."

Mu Yiren did not back down in the slightest. "If Ling Xiao doesn't eat here, then neither will I. You are welcome to accompany Young Master Lu for dinner by yourselves."

"You—! Is that how you speak to me? I am your grandmother!"

Mu Yiren took a deep breath. "Grandmother, I respect you. That is why I rushed here the moment I heard something happened to you. But can you show some respect to me, your junior?"

"How have I shown you disrespect?"

"Disrespecting Ling Xiao is disrespecting me!"