Volume One, Chapter 19: In a Fit of Spite

“Brother Ming, it’s been several years since we last met. It’s rare to see each other today, so we must have a proper drink!” The man raised his glass and clinked it with Yan Mingjun’s. Yan Mingjun seemed not to notice and drank quietly to himself.

“Brother Huaizhen, no one visits the Three Treasures Hall without reason. I don’t believe you came just to drink with me. Speak—what’s the matter this time?” The man’s expression stiffened but he quickly downed his drink.

“Brother Ming, of course I came to discuss a cooperation with you.” “Hmph, cooperation? I don’t believe you’re that kind-hearted.” “Brother Ming, is that really how you see me?” Hearing this, Yan Mingjun snorted dismissively. “In my eyes, you really are that kind of person.”

“Enough of that. Let me be straightforward: besides discussing cooperation, there’s an important matter.” “Oh? Do tell.” “Well, you see, my son is about the same age as your daughter Xiyue. They’re at the age for marriage. Mingxuan, say hello.” Upon hearing this, the young man beside him quickly greeted, “Uncle, hello!”

“Stop, stop. I get it. You want to arrange a marriage with my family. But sorry, you’re too late; my Xiyue already has a fiancé.” “What! How come I didn’t know about this?” “Do I have to tell you about my family matters?” Yan Mingjun’s tone grew noticeably colder, making the man smile awkwardly.

“Uncle, may I see Xiyue? Even if she has a fiancé, it doesn’t mean I have no chance.” Yan Mingjun almost laughed in disbelief but, calming himself, he agreed. Good—let him see the excellence of Wuhen and surely he will back down.

Thinking this, Yan Mingjun called Yan Xiyue. “Xiyue, Daddy has guests. Come quickly!” At that moment, Yan Xiyue was comfortably lying in bed watching a drama. Reluctantly, she left her bed, dressed, and drove toward the Yan residence.

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Soon, Yan Xiyue arrived home. Entering the living room, she saw her father and the unfamiliar father and son, and quickly guessed the situation. Yan Mingjun pointed at the young man. “Xiyue, this is Master Mingxuan. He’d like to get to know you.”

Yan Xiyue glanced indifferently at Mingxuan. “Daddy, I already have a fiancé. What do you mean by this?”

Mingxuan stepped forward slightly bowing. “Miss Xiyue, I was lovestruck at first sight. Even if you’re betrothed, I hope for a chance to pursue you.”

Yan Xiyue was about to refuse but recalled how Duan Wuhen had angered her that morning without apologizing, and he had been spreading rumors about their living together. Her emotions surged, and she impulsively agreed.

“All right, I’ll give you this chance.”

Regret washed over her immediately afterward, but words once spoken are like water spilled—they cannot be taken back.

Mingxuan smiled with delight. “Thank you, Miss Xiyue. I won’t let you down.”

Yan Mingjun’s eyes widened in disbelief at his daughter’s actions. As he opened his mouth to scold her, Yan Xiyue said, “Dad, you don’t need to interfere. I know what I’m doing. I want to see what he’s capable of.”

She turned and left, leaving everyone stunned.

Yan Mingjun was filled with regret—he never expected his daughter to cause such a stir.

At that moment, Duan Wuhen was busy preparing to go north to the capital to seek revenge. He received a call from Yan Mingjun.

After hearing the news, Duan Wuhen’s pen suddenly halted, ink spreading on the paper. His face darkened ominously.

“Did she really say that?” His voice was low and thunderous, frightening Yan Mingjun into silence.

After hanging up, Duan Wuhen abruptly stood, the chair scraping loudly behind him. He strode toward home, each step filled with fury.

On her way home, Yan Xiyue was already feeling regretful. She had acted on impulse and never imagined things would escalate so far.

She was aware of her feelings for Duan Wuhen, though sometimes he was infuriating. Suddenly, her phone rang—it was Duan Wuhen. She hesitated, then answered.

“Yan Xiyue, what are you doing?” Duan Wuhen’s voice was thick with anger.

“Doing what? Why are you so controlling? I’m pursuing my happiness—why does it concern you?”

“You! Very well, Yan Xiyue. I’ve misjudged you. If you want to chase your happiness, then from now on, you and I have nothing to do with each other!”

With no tolerance left, Duan Wuhen severed ties decisively.

Hearing his anger, Yan Xiyue realized the situation had worsened. She tried to explain, but the call ended with a dial tone—he had hung up.

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Sensing trouble, Yan Xiyue hurried back home, fully aware of what Duan Wuhen was about to do next.

Duan Wuhen hung up, found Yan Xiyue’s marriage contract among several papers, snorted coldly, and called Yan Mingjun.

When Yan Xiyue returned, she found Yan Mingjun staring blankly out the window, utterly dejected.

“Daddy?”

Yan Mingjun turned, then angrily smashed his glass, startling Yan Xiyue.

“Daddy, what are you doing?”

“You dare to ask? You’re driving me mad! Wuhen just called—he’s unilaterally breaking off the engagement. What will you do now?”

“What!” Yan Xiyue was stunned; she never expected Duan Wuhen to be so resolute.

Now, true regret overwhelmed her.

“Daddy, where is he now? I want to apologize, but he has blocked me!”

Yan Mingjun shook his head and gave a bitter smile.

Yan Xiyue rushed out, driving back to the Green Residence.

She found Duan Wuhen’s room completely cleared out.

All traces of Duan Wuhen had vanished without a trace.

Unwilling to give up, Yan Xiyue sought out Duan Wuhen’s roommate but was told he had already withdrawn from school.

She searched everywhere he might be but found no sign of him.

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Hancheng, stood the abandoned Duan family mansion.

Duan Wuhen gently caressed the wall as if it were his kin.

“Father, mother, and all the Duan family members who died unjustly, soon I will go north to avenge you.”

After bowing three times toward the mansion, Duan Wuhen prepared to leave for Hancheng Airport.

At that moment, several vans arrived, surrounding him completely.