Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Qiao Lian’s footsteps halted as she subconsciously took a breath, preparing herself to confront whatever this situation was.

At this point no one was speaking and it seemed like the guests had only just arrived, as the housekeeper had come in to serve drinks. She placed the glasses on the coffee table and, looking frightened, she hurriedly retreated back to her own room.

As Qiao Lian surveyed the room, her gaze fell first on Xia Yehua.

Xia Yehua sat on the sofa, looking proud and indifferent, while Song Yuanxi stood behind her like a frightened rabbit, staring fearfully at the people in the room.

Although frightened, she was holding on tightly to Xia Yehua’s hand, as though wanting to give Xia Yehua strength and support.

This simple gesture was heartwarming, even for Qiao Lian, who was just looking.

The Shen family had not brought Song Yuanxi up in vain. She was a very active member, reliable and dependable in a critical moment like this.

Qiao Lian then turned her gaze towards those who had just appeared.

There were two guests.

One was Shen Zihao with his usual loud shirt, but this time his expression was cold and the smirk on his face was barely obvious.

The other person was a middle-aged man. He shared similar features with Shen Zihao and Shen Liangchuan. Then probably the man was… Shen Liangchaun’s father.

Although the man looked elegant and handsome, he was not breathtakingly dashing like his two sons.

Obviously, the two men had gotten their striking looks mostly from Xia Yehua.

The room was silent now, but Qiao Lian’s presence caused the elder Mr. Shen and Shen Zihao to turn and fix their gaze on her.

Qiao Lian stood still. She had attended much bigger events and this was not the time to lose her composure.

Hence, she gave a faint smile, walked towards Xia Yehua and sat down beside her. Then she held Xia Yehua’s hand and addressed the woman steadily, “Mom.”

Xia Yehua nodded and then looked at the two men before her.

She frowned and gave an icy sneer.

The elder Mr. Shen spoke, “This is…?”

His voice was deep and he sounded like a leader who was used to being in charge.

Xia Yehua ignored him, but Shen Zihao immediately explained, “My brother’s wife.”

Mr. Shen nodded and looked back at Xia Yehua with a cold laugh.

Xia Yehua narrowed her eyes and said, “Well, Shen Xiu, what brings you here today?”

“What brings me here?” Shen Xiu laughed derisively once more. “I’m sure you’ve seen the headlines on Weibo?”

Xia Yehua’s pupils shrank. “So what about it? My son has always been a hot topic. The reporters pick up on every little thing to do with him.”

Shen Xiu stood up with a jolt. “Xia Yehua! Enough is enough!”

Xia Yehua was not to be intimidated. She loudly slammed the table as though to challenge the other party. “Shen Xiu, you’re overstepping your boundaries! Raising your voice in my house? I can call the security to escort you out right now!”

Shen Xiu frowned and glared at her. “Can you stop being this rude? Do you think raising your voice will change anything? Do you have any idea the damage that these headlines will cause to the Shen family? The eldest son of the Shen family is an actor, an entertainer! This is going to be gossip material and we, the Shen Family, will become the laughing stock of the high society. This is the sort of son you’ve brought up. Ha! This is great. Ever since he was born, he has made no contributions to the family, on the contrary, he only brought trouble! Where is he? Has he disappeared the moment there’s trouble? Too ashamed to come home?”