Li Yinian’s words not only questioned his dignity as a man, but also implied something else, which made all his determination laughable.

Qiao Yanze’s eyes were bloodshot. He stared at the woman’s smiling face and felt as if his mind was about to crumble.

Fortunately, Su Qinxue could tell that something was wrong with him. She hugged his arm tightly and smiled at Li Yinian. “Seriously, Mrs. Xiao. No matter how amazing Old Master Xiao is, he’s still advanced in age. Why are you lying to yourself?”

Li Yinian stroked her hair elegantly and said, “If you think that’s what I’m doing then so be it.” She then glanced at Qiao Yanze and then at Su Qinxue. “I know it’s not easy for you. After all, some people are rotten on the outside.”

Su Qinxue’s expression changed. Most importantly, she didn’t know Qiao Yanze very well. Although she wanted to back up Qiao Yanze, she didn’t have that confidence.

In the end, she could only say, “You’re really shameless.”

“You’re too naive, Ms. Su.” Li Yinian blinked at her. “There are some things that can be compared.”

Su Qinxue blushed.

“Why?” Qiao Yanze suddenly uttered.

His face had calmed, but his dark eyes revealed too much emotion. After all the pain, hesitation, anger, and confusion, all that was left was longing and… reluctance.

Li Yinian looked at him for a second and was dazed for a moment, but then, she chuckled and said, “Fourth Young Master, your question doesn’t make sense. How should I answer you?”

“Li Yinian, don’t play dumb.” Qiao Yanze closed his eyes. “You know what I’m asking.”

Why did she leave without saying a word? Why did she marry Xiao Cheng? Why didn’t she give an explanation?

Li Yinian looked at him for a while and frowned, “Fourth Young Master, I’m very happy that you’re willing to give me your blessings for my wedding today, but it’s no fun if you keep pestering me. You two can go ahead and have a dance now. I’ll go to the back to see Old Xiao.”

She then stood up and prepared to leave.

“Why? Are you going to run away?” Qiao Yanze pushed away his partner’s hand and sneered at her back. “I thought you really didn’t care.”

Li Yinian stopped in her tracks and turned around to look at him. The light reflected in her eyes, making her beautiful face look more dreamy and unreal.

“Fourth Young Master, being delusional is also a kind of illness.” She smiled. “Goodbye.”

Qiao Yanze didn’t chase after her.

He clenched his fist and chuckled.

“Fourth Young Master, this kind of woman isn’t worth your time,” Su Qinxue said.

“That’s right,” Qiao Yanze answered. He suddenly grabbed her waist and pulled her into his embrace.

“Fourth Young Master, why are you…” Su Qinxue was pleasantly surprised.

“Didn’t you hear what she said?” Qiao Yanze’s lips twitched. “We can go have a dance.”

…

Elsewhere, Ji Shiting and Ye Shengge didn’t return to the banquet hall.

They encountered Xiao Ruilang at the stairs.

He seemed to be waiting there smiling and only wearing a shirt full of detailed embroidery.

Ji Shiting hugged Ye Shengge tighter.

“Brother Shiting,” Xiao Ruilang said slowly. “Can we have a few words alone?”