151 Who Cares (2/2)

The guard shrugged and said quietly, ”I just take orders from him. Many people have come here to see him but he refused them all.”

”Let's go, I'll show you the way,” Chunfeng ushered her in with a smile.

In the study, Xia Chunyu was drinking a cup of tea and listening to his older brother plead a case.

”My brother, these people have apologized sincerely. You should just accept it and forgive them, otherwise, you'll unnecessarily offend three families,” Xia Chunli said. ”Besides, one of them is still your father-in-law, you have to at least let him save some face.”

”An apology does not absolve them of doing harm to others,” Xia Chunyu said.

”You can't take an eye for an eye. They're sincerely sorry for what they've done. Isn't that enough? Wei Liujiang's political career is already ruined as well as that of the Assistant Minister Mu and Ye Binghuai's. The girl doesn't even come out now because she's so ashamed. Don't you think they've learned their lessons?” Xia Chunli rallied, trying to persuade his brother.

”Why are you taking this up with me? It's the Fangs that holds the key. They love Ye Jinxuan very much so they will do everything to avenge her,” Xia Chunyu explained.

”The Fangs take orders from you. If you tell them to stop, they will,” Xia Chunli said with a smarmy smile.

”Second Brother, look who came here to see you.” Xia Chunfeng came into the study with Li Yao in tow.

Xia Chunyu looked at Yaoyao before turning back to his older brother. ”Give me some time to consider this. I'll get back to you with my answer.”

Xia Chunli smiled. ”Fine. I shall go now.”

When Xia Chunli left, Xia Chunyu turned to his younger brother with a scowl. ”Leave us alone.”

”But...” Xia Chunfeng looked at the two of them worriedly. ”You guys behave, okay?”

”Close the door,” Xia Chunyu told him.

When they were finally left alone, Xia Chunyu began indifferently, ”What is it?”

”Where are my aunt and uncle? I want to see them,” said Ye Jiayao.

”You can't. Not now.”

”Why? They are my family!” Ye Jiayao insisted furiously.

Xia Chunyu sneered, ”Don't you know how many eyes are watching us? It's dangerous times for all of us. You are an imperial chef, don't you understand what that means? You've intentionally deceived the Emperor. I don't think you realize just how severe the punishment of that will be. It's not only your head that will be on the chopping block if he finds out about it the wrong way.”

Ye Jiayao was properly chastised. She didn't think that it would be really that complicated.

”Then why did you even bother with all this?” she demanded. ”I was perfectly content just to stay as Li Yao. My life is none of your business.”

Xia Chunyu felt disturbed. He had risked so many things for her and yet she wasn't even the least bit grateful.

”Not my business? Then whose is it, Jing?” Xia Chunyu snapped back, his frown fierce.

”So what?” Ye Jiayao goaded him purposely.

Xia Chunyu suddenly stood up and walked to her, his form vibrating with anger. Ye Jiayao actually stepped back a little, afraid of what he might do.

”Ye Jinxuan, you will do as I say and stay in Heavenly Residence and out of trouble. Don't even think about involving Little Jing here, he won't be able to help you. In fact, I really wouldn't count on him too much. Do you think that the Helian family will accept you? You are and always will be my woman, Ye Jinxuan. It's best that you keep that in mind,” Xia Chunyu hissed.

”Your woman? Is that why you came to Liu Yiyi?” Ye Jiayao asked angrily.

Xia Chunyu's eyes were cold when he replied, ”You are more open than a whore, Jinxuan. It seems that you are more suitable to be in a brothel than Liu Yiyi.”

”Don't f*cking compare me to that bitch!” she yelled, so angry that she was seriously so close to punching him.

Xia Chunyu felt his anger growing by the second. If this conversation went on any longer, he wouldn't know what he'd do.

”Song Qi, show her the way out,” Chunyu demanded loudly.

Song Qi hurriedly came in and paused at the sight of the Heir-Son Lord and Miss Ye going toe-to-toe with each other.

Ye Jiayao turned around stalked out of the room without another word.