Chapter 17: Ye Qinghai's Fury

Seeing Ye Qinghai’s dark, stormy expression, Ye Kai immediately grew uneasy and hurriedly asked, “Dad, what… what exactly is going on?”

“What’s going on? Third Uncle, isn’t this all thanks to your wonderful son-in-law? He’s gone so far as to make Grandfather personally come here to ask Ye Shihan to return home,” Ye Xin grumbled indignantly before Ye Qinghai could answer.

Ye Kai was shocked, afraid that Ye Qinghai’s anger would turn on him. He quickly said, “Dad, that Xiao Yu is nothing but a worthless good-for-nothing! I’ve had enough of him for a long time and have always wanted to find a reason to kick him out, I just never had the chance.”

“That’s enough, stop talking nonsense. Let’s go!” Ye Qinghai cut him off, striding toward the door with Ye Kai and Ye Xin hastily following behind.

Ye Kai drove them to the hotel entrance, following the address he’d been given. The three got out of the car one after another and entered the hotel, making their way up to the specified floor.

Knock, knock, knock.

Standing at the door, Ye Kai took a deep breath and knocked. The door creaked open, but it was not Xiao Yu or Ye Shihan who greeted them—it was the cold, indifferent face of Tai Sui.

“You got here fast,” Tai Sui said with a mocking smile, then turned and walked into the room, not even bothering to acknowledge them further.

Seeing the imposing, dangerous man who answered the door, the three of them hardly dared to breathe. They exchanged glances, then quietly entered.

Inside, Ye Shihan sat on the sofa in the suite, her gaze falling coldly on the three of them, her expression unreadable. Xiao Yu sat beside her, smiling at them, while Tai Sui stood respectfully behind the pair.

Noticing Ye Shihan sitting motionless on the sofa, Ye Kai’s displeasure showed as he said, “Shihan, what’s the meaning of this? You knew your grandfather was coming, yet you didn’t come out to greet him?”

Ye Shihan was somewhat surprised to see her father arrive as well. Xiao Yu, on the other hand, was calm; he’d expected Ye Kai to come, which was why he’d sent Ye Kai their location using Ye Shihan’s phone.

None of that mattered now. Ye Qinghai thought that having Ye Kai there might help persuade Ye Shihan to return to the Ye family. But some things, once broken, are hard to mend—especially matters of the heart.

Hearing Ye Kai’s words, Ye Shihan frowned but said nothing.

At this moment, Xiao Yu spoke with a laugh, “Since you’re here to ask for a favor, you’d better mind your manners. Otherwise, the exit is to your right.”

At Xiao Yu’s words, the faces of Ye Qinghai and the others darkened. They were here only for Ye Shihan; Xiao Yu had nothing to do with them. Just as Ye Qinghai and Ye Kai were about to lash out, they remembered their purpose and restrained themselves.

Ye Xin, ever hot-headed, was not so willing. Losing the project had already angered him enough, and the culprit in his mind was none other than Ye Shihan. The more Ye Xin thought about it, the angrier he grew, until finally he couldn’t contain himself.

“Ye Shihan, even though the Ye family needs your help now, you’re still a junior. Yet you make Grandfather come personally to ask you? Don’t you think that’s outrageous?”

Ye Shihan ignored Ye Xin, which made him even more furious.

She simply stared coldly at the three, saying nothing. The atmosphere in the room grew tense and stifling.

After a long silence, Ye Qinghai finally spoke. “Shihan, come back. As long as you return to the Ye family, you’ll be in charge of this project. All authority will be handed over to you.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yu couldn’t help but feel exasperated. Ye Qinghai was still putting on airs. He was clearly the one asking for help, wanting Ye Shihan to return, but the way he spoke made it sound as if he was bestowing a great favor by making her the project leader.

“Ye Qinghai, at this point, there’s no need to pretend. I know the Ye family’s situation better than you do. If you’re asking for something, act like it. I won’t repeat myself.” Xiao Yu leaned back lazily on the sofa, speaking to Ye Qinghai in a calm, measured tone.

“Useless wretch! What business is this of yours? You’re nothing but a live-in son-in-law of the Ye family! What right do you have to speak to Grandfather that way?” Ye Xin exploded at Xiao Yu’s attitude.

“Sorry to disappoint you, but Shihan has entrusted this matter to me. If you have anything to discuss, talk to me.”

At his words, all three turned their eyes to Ye Shihan. When she nodded in agreement, their expressions soured.

“Shihan, just listen to your father and come home. Grandfather has already come in person—whatever happened before, just let it go,” Ye Kai urged earnestly. Did he truly want Ye Shihan to return? In truth, what motivated his words was the prospect of her being appointed project leader. If she really took charge, their branch of the family could soar to new heights.

“That’s right, Ye Shihan, you’ve already been given enough face. Don’t be ungrateful!” Ye Xin added with a cold snort.

At this, Ye Shihan turned to look at Xiao Yu. He smiled, signaling her not to worry, then turned to Ye Qinghai and the others. “It’s not necessary to return to the Ye family to lead this project. The reason you want Shihan back is for the Ye family’s benefit, isn’t it?”

“What do you mean by that?” Ye Qinghai demanded angrily.

“If you don’t understand, let me put it simply: Shihan will not be returning to the Ye family. And as for this project, you can forget about it.”

With that, Xiao Yu tossed a document onto the coffee table before them. “Hanyu Real Estate—our company. Registered just yesterday. Understand now?”

The three were stunned. After a long pause, Ye Qinghai was the first to react, shouting angrily, “So, you’re planning to go independent!”

“Grandfather, it’s not about going independent. I just want to prove my own abilities.” Ye Shihan finally spoke, her voice calm.

Ye Qinghai’s face twisted in anger, but before he could speak, Ye Shihan continued.

“Grandfather, you can rest assured about one thing. While the project will be taken over in the name of this company, I’ll still assign some parts to the Ye family.”

Her tone was light and even. Ye Shihan’s thinking was simple: judging by the Ye family’s attitude toward her, even if she returned, they’d do everything possible to sideline her. If she was to stand firm in Phoenix City, she needed to build something for herself, and this new city development project was her opportunity.

Hearing this, Ye Qinghai’s fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

“Ye Shihan, having ambition is one thing, but too much ambition can be dangerous!” he said darkly.

The potential benefits of this project were enormous—even Ye Qinghai was tempted. Although Ye Shihan said she’d give the Ye family some parts to handle, he knew she would keep control of the project’s core. At best, the Ye family would only get scraps.

“You needn’t worry, Grandfather. I believe my abilities are a match for my ambition,” Ye Shihan replied coolly, meeting his gaze without a trace of fear.

Seeing her unwavering resolve, Xiao Yu nodded in quiet approval. He knew the Ye family’s previous actions had wounded Ye Shihan deeply.

As for her abilities, Xiao Yu had no doubt. With this project in hand, Ye Shihan just might create a second Ye family of her own.