Chapter 2: You Are Not Worthy of My Daughter

At this moment, in the grand hall of the Ye family villa, several figures sat quietly around a round table. Among them were Ye Shihan’s parents and her two younger sisters. Ye Shihan’s father, Ye Kai, sat at the upper left, his brow tightly furrowed.

When Ye Shihan entered the hall, all eyes turned toward her—or more accurately, toward Xiao Yu who followed behind her. Seeing that Xiao Yu needed assistance just to walk, his face drained of all color, expressions of disdain appeared on the faces of those present.

Xiao Yu paid no heed to their glances. Supported by Tai Sui, he made his way toward Ye Kai.

Ye Kai scrutinized Xiao Yu with a frown for a moment before speaking in a flat tone, “You’re back.”

There was no trace of emotion in Ye Kai’s voice; it was as if the man standing before him was not his son-in-law, but a stranger.

Xiao Yu nodded. “I’m unwell and unable to pay my respects as I should. I hope you won’t mind, Father-in-law.”

Ye Kai said nothing more, only waved his hand impatiently. Seeing this, Ye Shihan quickly stepped forward to help Xiao Yu to a seat nearby.

“Five years in the military—did you fulfill your promise? Attain any rank or office?” Ye Kai’s eyes glinted with cold indifference.

“Barely,” Xiao Yu replied calmly.

Tai Sui, who had been standing respectfully behind Xiao Yu, rolled his eyes at the response. Barely?

But these thoughts remained unspoken. Since Xiao Yu had no intention of explaining, he would not speak out of turn.

“Xiao Yu, I’m curious—five years spent in the army and you have nothing to show for it?” Ye Kai continued in a measured tone.

“Ha, Dad, look at him—half dead. If he’d earned even a minor rank, would he look like this? I doubt he even joined the military. Five years and, at the very least, anyone else could have become a sergeant.” Ye Qingcheng sneered.

Xiao Yu merely shook his head. After all, he had resigned from all his positions upon returning to the Ye family; right now, he truly held no rank or title.

Seeing Xiao Yu’s silent denial, Ye Kai’s anger flared. He slammed his palm hard against the table, the sound echoing through the hall. “You swore you wouldn’t return without making something of yourself. So why are you back now? Do you expect my daughter to support you, a grown man?”

At the old man’s outburst, the Ye family scoffed at Xiao Yu. They had always looked down on him for his humble origins; had it not been for Ye Shihan’s desperate insistence back then, they would never have accepted him.

“Exactly. To end up like this, I feel sorry for you. If I were you, I’d rather die than come back and embarrass myself. It’s just a pity for my sister.” Ye Xuemei added, her words sharp and contemptuous.

“Enough! Xiao Yu is my husband—watch your words!” Ye Shihan cut in.

Although disappointment flickered in her eyes, Xiao Yu was still her husband. She would not allow him to be so maligned in her presence.

Ye Shihan, though a woman, held considerable authority in the Ye family. In the five years since Xiao Yu left, she had devoted herself wholly to work. The company’s present success was largely due to her efforts.

Her two sisters, seeing her on the verge of anger, wisely fell silent, though their scornful expressions toward Xiao Yu remained.

The hall fell into a heavy silence, broken only after a long pause by a sigh, and then Ye Kai’s measured voice.

“Xiao Yu, the Ye family gave you a chance to prove yourself, but five years passed and you have accomplished nothing. A man like you does not deserve my daughter. You must divorce.”

Xiao Yu was stunned by the abrupt pronouncement.

Ye Kai sighed. “Don’t worry—even after the divorce, we won’t treat you unfairly. I’ll give you a million yuan. Take the money and leave.”

Ye Kai had only this one daughter; he could not bear to see her life ruined by Xiao Yu. Given her beauty and abilities, there would be no shortage of suitors, even after divorce. In truth, he simply looked down on Xiao Yu.

At these words, Xiao Yu could not help but smile wryly. Money was one thing he did not lack. If he revealed his true identity as the King of War, even the nation’s richest men would offer their fortunes to him. He could not understand why his mutual love with Ye Shihan was met with such opposition.

“I will do as Shihan wishes,” Xiao Yu said, smiling at her.

Seeing his gentle smile, Ye Shihan’s lips curved in response. She turned to her father, her face serious. “Father, I will not divorce Xiao Yu!”

Xiao Yu’s smile broadened. He did not care how the Ye family saw him—all that mattered was Ye Shihan.

“How dare you! You are my daughter, a member of the Ye family. You do not get to refuse! This matter is settled. If you oppose me, then leave this house with that useless man!” Ye Kai exploded with rage.

“Uncle Ye, what could possibly upset you so much?”

Just then, a cool voice sounded from the doorway. A tall young man in a black suit, hair slicked back, strode into the hall.

The Ye family’s demeanor changed entirely at his arrival; smiles appeared, but they were tinged with flattery.

Even Ye Kai, who moments ago was seething, now forced a smile. “Ah, so it’s Nephew Li Xian. Please, come in and take a seat.”

The young man nodded and walked straight to Ye Kai, seating himself beside him. As soon as he sat, his gaze shifted to Xiao Yu. “And who might this be?”

“He is my husband!” Ye Shihan interjected before her father could speak, her expression betraying open aversion toward the newcomer.

“Heh, so you’re Shihan’s husband. I’ve heard about you. My name is Li Minghao—pleased to meet you.” Li Minghao spoke politely, but his eyes betrayed his disdain.

“Shihan, if I may—it’s unbecoming of you as the eldest Miss of the Ye family to defy your father in front of so many. Where does that leave him?” Li Minghao’s tone carried a hint of reproach.

“This is a family matter, Young Master Li. Please mind your manners. Also, our relationship is not close enough for you to address me so familiarly—call me Miss Ye.”

Li Minghao was the eldest son of the Li family. During Xiao Yu’s absence, he had persistently pursued Ye Shihan. Since the Li family was a prominent local clan, the Ye family had done everything they could to bring the two together, hoping to strengthen their standing.

However, Li Minghao, emboldened by his family’s status, had committed countless misdeeds. Ye Shihan had always avoided him, never once meeting his gaze directly.

Ye Shihan’s mother, who had remained silent till now, quietly drew her aside and spoke in earnest: “Shihan, listen to your parents for once. Leave Xiao Yu. Look at him—do you really intend to spend your life with a man like that?”

Her mother’s words struck a painful chord in Ye Shihan’s heart.

She knew all too well why her parents were so eager to match her with Li Minghao. It was for the Li family’s connections—and a chance at a lucrative business deal.

Just then, Li Minghao’s voice rang out again, ill-timed as ever, “Uncle Ye, you must have heard about the development project in the southern district. Huayi Group has already taken on the project. As it happens, my uncle is the project manager at Huayi. If you’re interested in seeking cooperation, I can put in a word for you.”

Li Minghao’s words struck directly at the heart of the matter. He knew full well how much the Ye family had struggled to secure a partnership with Huayi. Bringing it up now could only raise Ye Kai’s opinion of him.

“Thank you, Nephew Li. With your support, I’m sure the Ye family can secure this partnership with ease.”

Sure enough, Ye Kai’s face lit up with satisfaction, and his resolve to have Ye Shihan divorce Xiao Yu only deepened.

“Nephew Li, since today is the Ye family’s ancestral gathering, why not join us? I’d be glad to introduce you to the family elders.”

Hearing this, Li Minghao smiled. He understood Ye Kai’s intention—he was to be presented to the family elders, to be chosen over Xiao Yu. Li Minghao was confident the choice would be in his favor.

Ye Shihan walked to Xiao Yu’s side, took his hand in hers, and whispered reassuringly, “When we go to the family hall later, stay with me. No matter what anyone says, don’t let it trouble you.”

No matter Xiao Yu’s shortcomings, he was her husband. As such, Ye Shihan would not allow him to be humiliated in front of the family elders.

Xiao Yu gazed at her with eyes full of affection. Then, unexpectedly, he spoke words that left Ye Shihan utterly astonished.

“Don’t worry. I’m already used to the Ye family’s attitude toward me. As for today’s gathering, I know what it’s about. Regarding the partnership—you leave it to me!”