Chapter Ninety-Seven: Gathering of Titans (Part One) (2)

Yang Xiaoqing shivered violently and, forcing an awkward smile, began to retreat, saying,
“No...no need, I just remembered I still have homework to finish. I’ll go do my homework now.”
“Homework? You never do your homework. You’re suddenly so diligent today—your brother ought to reward you.”
As he spoke, Yang Xiaofan rubbed his fists, his knuckles cracking ominously.
Terrified, Yang Xiaoqing bolted, sprinting toward the front door and quickly darting out onto the main road.
“I’m sorry, brother! I was wrong, please forgive me!”
Yang Xiaofan sneered, stomping his foot, and his body shot forward at bullet-like speed.
“Forgiving you is God’s business. My job is to send you to see Him!”
Now that he possessed the physique of a sage, his speed and stamina were far beyond what Yang Xiaoqing, a mere girl, could match.
Soon, agonized, heart-wrenching screams echoed from the distant fields.
“Ah—! I was wrong! I’ll never do it again!”
“Help! Please, help...sob...”
...
When it was time for lunch, Yang Xiaofan swaggered back, his face radiant with satisfaction.
Yang Xiaoqing, teary-eyed and limping, followed behind him.
Yang’s mother couldn’t help but frown.
“Xiaofan, you bullied Xiaoqing again. As her brother, can’t you let her off from time to time?”
Unexpectedly, before Yang Xiaofan could reply, Yang Xiaoqing hurried to explain,
“Mom, don’t blame my brother—it’s my fault. I won’t make mistakes again.”
Yang’s mother was surprised.
Yang Xiaoqing, being the youngest and most spoiled in the family, was known for her stubbornness.
Usually, when she fought with Yang Xiaofan, she would never admit defeat, and if she lost, she would rush back to complain.
Yet today, not only did she not complain, she even admitted her mistake?
It was as if she’d seen a ghost.
In truth, Yang Xiaoqing wasn’t foolish.
If her mother found out she’d told her sister-in-law about her brother’s past, undermining their relationship, she might get another beating—possibly with her father joining in for a mixed doubles match.
She was not about to risk that.

“Well, as long as you know you were wrong. When your sister-in-law is home, you should act like a lady. Don’t be so unruly all the time.”
“I understand.”
“Then hurry up, wash your hands, and come eat.”
“Alright.”
She responded and went to wash her hands. The family gathered around the table. Yang’s father and mother were especially warm, helping Qin Nuanyu quickly feel at home with the Yangs.
As class president, Qin Nuanyu was naturally adept at fitting in with a group.
The family’s harmony was palpable. After lunch, Yang’s mother and Xiaoyun tidied up and cleaned.
Qin Nuanyu wanted to help, but Yang’s mother insisted she just relax and have fun, strictly forbidding her from doing any chores.
This made Qin Nuanyu feel a bit embarrassed, but also fond of the Yang family.
Their sincerity was enough for her; it was enough to justify marrying Yang Xiaofan without worrying about his family.

However, her leisure did not last long.
Shortly after lunch, a Honda Accord and a Passat pulled up in front of the Yang house.
Their home had roads both front and back; the rear had a roll-up gate near the main road, usually left open, and the yard was spacious enough for several cars.
Those stepping out of the vehicles were none other than the village chief, Yang Xiaomei, and several villagers.
Yang Xiaomei now had a cushy position in the village, arranged by her father-in-law. She spent her days at a computer, and when tired, could join him on errands around the village.
It was this convenience that had influenced her decision to marry her current husband, Dashan.
Upon arriving, the chief and Yang Xiaomei couldn’t help but stare at the Rolls-Royce and Mercedes GLE parked outside, swallowing hard.
Either luxury car was far beyond their means.
Yang Xiaomei, in particular, felt a deep regret.
Had she married Yang Xiaofan instead of Dashan, she’d be the one driving that Rolls-Royce now.
Marrying Dashan was the worst investment she’d made in her life.

“Chief, what brings you here?”
Yang Xiaofan noticed them and frowned slightly.
The chief smiled.
“I came to visit you, of course. You’re the village celebrity now! The whole county is talking about our village—how we produced a master!”
He hurried forward, extending his hand for a handshake.

Yang Xiaofan reached out and shook his hand lightly.
The others followed, each bowing slightly with broad, ingratiating smiles.
When it came to Yang Xiaomei, she even traced her finger across Yang Xiaofan’s palm.
Yang Xiaofan glanced at her; her eyes brimmed with flirtation, as if saying,
“You can do whatever you want with me now—I’m a juicy piece of meat on your chopping block, ready for you.”
But Yang Xiaofan felt nothing for her, merely shaking her hand and immediately withdrawing, turning to the chief and speaking softly,
“Thank you for your kindness, Chief.”
“You’re welcome. You’ve brought glory to our village—it’s our good fortune, and we all benefit. Xiao Wu, hurry up and set off the fireworks! The Liuyang firecrackers are ready—after the fireworks, set off the firecrackers!”
“Alright!”
Xiao Wu and the others quickly unloaded the massive fireworks from the car and began setting them off.
Yang Xiaofan did not refuse.
Last year, when he was admitted to Northern Jiangsu University, the village had celebrated with firecrackers as well.
Such events were great publicity for the village, enhancing both its reputation and the chief’s.
Yet at that time, the chief had only brought two rounds of firecrackers, not this grand display of fireworks and Liuyang firecrackers.

Soon, the village erupted in a flurry of crackling fireworks and firecrackers.
Yang’s father came out, smiling and inviting,
“Second brother, come in and have some tea.”
The chief nodded.
His family and the Yangs were related, going back to their great-grandfathers.
Yang’s father called to the others,
“You all come in as well.”
They responded and followed him into the Yang house.
As soon as they entered, Yang Xiaomei noticed Qin Nuanyu.
In that instant, her gaze became fixed, unable to look away.