Chapter 84: Jiang Leier [3]

The guest room’s environment was quite pleasant, its amenities on par with those of a five-star hotel. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a sweeping view of the entire Su Garden. The only flaw was the bathroom inside the room, which bore a small sign reading “Under Repair.”

Butler Mo, looking apologetic, said, “Mr. Yan, I’m sorry. You arrived late, and this is the only guest room left. Though the bathroom here is out of order, there’s another one at the end of the corridor.”

Yan Yu nodded without concern, “Thank you for your trouble, Butler Mo.”

Butler Mo continued, “Mr. Yan, I’ve watched the young lady grow up, and I can tell—neither of you are truly a couple.”

Yan Yu set down his luggage and looked at Butler Mo, waiting for her to continue.

“I’m grateful you’ve helped our miss. You’ll surely face some unpleasantness here at the Su family. If I may advise you: sometimes, taking a step back opens up the horizon. None of the guests attending tomorrow’s birthday banquet are ordinary people…”

Yan Yu gave a slight nod, “Butler Mo, do you still think I’m just an ordinary man?”

Butler Mo was startled and sized Yan Yu up once more, then silently nodded.

Inwardly, Yan Yu raised a middle finger to her.

Though Yan Yu’s looks could be called handsome, he was still no match for someone like Ren Yuheng, the young master born into privilege—the aura of nobility was not easily imitated. It wasn’t that Butler Mo found Yan Yu lacking; in fact, compared to Ren Yuheng’s dazzling presence, she preferred Yan Yu’s approachable demeanor. Yet in high society, “approachable” was hardly considered a compliment.

“Well then, I’ll leave you to rest, Mr. Yan.”

Butler Mo exited the room, closing the door behind her. Turning, she spotted several figures at the end of the corridor. She took a moment to identify them—they were members of the Yang family from Rong City.

Though the Yangs were only a second-tier family, theirs was a scholarly lineage and deserved respect. Butler Mo approached them, smiling, “Guests of the Yang family, your rooms have been arranged. This way, please.”

Among them was a young woman whose appearance and bearing stood out, so much so that even Butler Mo couldn’t help but notice. She thought to herself that this girl’s presence could rival that of the young lady.

…

Within Su Garden was an artificial lake, and at its heart stood Su Wentao’s private tea pavilion. At this moment, Su Wentao and a few others sat inside, chatting.

“Ugh, today was a disaster—all thanks to the jinx my sister brought home!” Su Wentao grumbled as he brewed tea.

Ren Yuheng sat upright, his tea cup presented by the secretary at his side. He asked, “That boy your sister brought home—what’s his background?”

“He’s got no background whatsoever. Butler Mo already investigated—he used to live in Tianfu Province and only arrived in Rong City a month ago. Plus, he’s my sister’s student! I don’t know what possessed her, but she’s actually living with him,” Su Wentao said, disgruntled.

Ren Yuheng frowned, “They’re living together?”

“Yes, but don’t worry, Yuheng. Knowing my sister’s temperament, she’d never be interested in the likes of him. Most likely, it’s just a front. They’re pretending, just to fool Grandpa.”

“What’s Elder Su’s attitude?”

“We’ll know tomorrow, won’t we?”

Ren Yuheng pondered, “Wentao, though it sounds petty, I agree your sister shouldn’t be involved with such riffraff, let alone bring him to Su Garden. Elder Su is getting on in years—if anything goes wrong at tomorrow’s banquet and he gets angry, it won’t be good for his health.”

“You’re saying exactly what I feel!” Su Wentao nodded. “Have you got any ideas, Yuheng?”

Ren Yuheng sipped his tea and said evenly, “If something were to happen to that boy before he meets Elder Su, Elder Su surely wouldn’t let him attend tomorrow’s banquet.”

Su Wentao perked up, listening intently as Ren Yuheng glanced at his beautiful secretary. “Lei’er, tonight, go find Yan Yu…”

…

After settling his things, Yan Yu lay on the bed, pondering Ren Yuheng.

The person he sought bore the surname Ren. He had thought the Ren family of Shen City was far out of reach, but today, unexpectedly, he’d run into Ren Yuheng in Lu City.

Moreover, from the conversation between Ren Yuheng and Su Hanxue, it seemed Ren Yuheng’s father had once lived in Rong City.

Could it be that the man who signed his name at the internet addiction center years ago was none other than Ren Yuheng’s father?

Yan Yu didn’t believe Ren Yuheng’s father was the person his mother had always refused to speak of, choosing instead to endure gossip and scorn—especially since father and son looked nothing alike.

But it was highly likely that Ren Yuheng’s father was involved in those events.

As long as he could grasp a clue, Yan Yu would find a way to uncover the truth.

His mind turned to another matter: the issue of his Qilin arm.

When he’d been taken to Sikuan Abbey, he should have already possessed the yin-yang hand. So who had grafted this hand onto him, and which child had it originally belonged to?

It was already past eleven at night. Sleepiness had begun to settle in, when suddenly, Yan Yu jolted awake.

“Damn it, drank too much water today—need to pee…”

Reluctantly, Yan Yu climbed out of bed and headed for the corridor restroom.

But as soon as he opened the door, he found a woman standing outside, dressed in a short leather skirt. Lowering his gaze, his eyes were drawn to the depths of her neckline.

Yan Yu swallowed and stepped back, “Who are you?”

“Mr. Yan, don’t you remember me?” The woman smiled, alluring and graceful.

Yan Yu recalled—she seemed to be Ren Yuheng’s secretary. Her name was… Jiang Lei’er?

Jiang Lei’er pouted, “Mr. Yan, you truly are a busy man—but it’s understandable. Lei’er’s looks are ordinary and unworthy of your notice, unable to compare with Miss Su.”

“That’s true,” Yan Yu nodded.

Jiang Lei’er nearly coughed up blood in annoyance.

She was being modest—why did he so naturally agree?

Jiang Lei’er had been adopted by the Ren family and raised among them. She was skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and had even earned a doctorate from New York University. Upon returning to China, she became Ren Yuheng’s personal secretary. She considered herself outstanding in both looks and temperament; if not for her humble origins, she would surely surpass Su Han.

Yet this Yan Yu, just moments ago, had nodded so naturally!

Suppressing her urge to slap him, Jiang Lei’er’s cheeks tinged with red as she spoke sweetly, “Mr. Yan, it’s just that Lei’er has a small request. Would you mind if I came inside to discuss it?”