Chapter 7: What Is He Afraid Of?

Lu Yao could only admit, “Yes.”

A dazzling smile instantly lit up Qiao Wan’er’s face. She stole a cautious glance at Ye Zehong, and seeing his expressionless face turned away, her heart trembled.

Bracing herself, she said to Yang Lan with a fawning tone, “Yesterday, I heard that Aunt Rong suddenly had a relapse and was admitted to the ICU. In three days, it will be Grandfather Ye’s memorial, and in the entire Ye family, only Aunt Rong knows how to fold the paper flying horses. I know well that the paper horses are a family tradition for the Ye family’s memorial, symbolizing generations of prosperity and peace for the clan. You must be troubled by this. So I took the liberty of inviting Lawyer Lu to the old house. If she can help, that would be wonderful for everyone. If not, at least we can finalize the prenuptial agreement between Zehong and me.”

“Second Sister-in-law, you’re truly thoughtful, always trying to ease Mother’s burdens. We must all learn from you,” Ye Zemao praised Qiao Wan’er, then immediately turned to give Lu Yao a way out. “Miss Lu, a thousand paper flying horses, just you, and only three days—can you manage?”

“I’m afraid I might not…”

“Third Brother, what nonsense is that? Lawyer Lu is the heroine of Wenjie Law Firm. She’s won even the toughest cases with ease. A mere thousand paper flying horses will be a breeze for her. Otherwise, the Qiao family wouldn’t have chosen Wenjie as our legal representative. After all, my father only works with the very best.”

Qiao Wan’er smiled sweetly at Lu Yao, her gaze full of gentle warmth, but every word was a blade.

Lu Yao sneered inwardly. No matter how she tried to refuse, this thankless task would fall to her.

If she succeeded, Qiao Wan’er would earn credit before Yang Lan; if she failed, the Qiao family would cancel their contract with the firm.

“Folding a thousand paper flying horses in three days is indeed difficult, but I’ll do my best.”

“Thank you for your hard work, Lawyer Lu,” Qiao Wan’er said, delighted like a child, and then coquettishly added to Yang Lan, “Mother Ye, time is tight. I suggest Lawyer Lu should stay at the old house these few days to avoid any delays.”

“You’re always so considerate, Second Sister-in-law,” Ye Zemao said, smiling broadly at Lu Yao and wholeheartedly supporting the suggestion.

As long as Lu Yao stayed in the old house, he would have the chance to get to know her better.

Ye Zehong’s eyes darkened. “That’s not appropriate. Miss Lu is unfamiliar with the house rules. There’s no need for her to stay here. We can arrange a car for her every day.”

Lu Yao was taken aback, not understanding why Ye Zehong kept turning down the idea on her behalf.

However, she did want to use this chance to stay at the Ye family’s old house, to investigate any connection between Yang Lan and her mother’s death.

And she wanted to look into that woman named Ye Hua as well.

“Thank you for your consideration, Second Young Master, but I live in the north of the city and the old house is in the south. The commute would take four hours. To be safe, I think Miss Qiao’s suggestion is best.”

Ye Zehong looked slightly surprised and shot Lu Yao a glance.

He didn’t want her to do it, and she insisted on going against him?

Qiao Wan’er’s gaze at Ye Zehong subtly changed; a new thought took root in her mind.

“Miss Lu, thank you for your hard work these next few days. Once the memorial is over, our family will reward you handsomely.” Yang Lan looked at Lu Yao, her tone indifferent. “You’re Wan’er’s guest, so stay at the Plum Garden with Zehong and Wan’er.”

“Who said I want to stay?”

“In a few days, it’s your grandfather’s memorial. He loved you most in life. Even if you don’t like me or this family, you should endure it for his sake,” Yang Lan replied.

Ye Zehong’s face was cold as he stood to leave.

The door of the tea room was pushed open from outside, and a man in a black Chinese-style suit strode in, his face clouded with anger and his gaze at Ye Zehong full of menace.

“Lan is your elder. You embarrassed her in front of everyone. Is that how you behave?”

Yang Lan immediately got up, gently rubbing the man’s back. “Yingtang, don’t be angry. I’m used to it. Since everyone is finally here today, I’ve asked Aunt Sun to prepare a family dinner. Hua should be arriving soon.”

At the mention of Ye Hua’s name, Lu Yao’s eyes lit up.

Just then, a crisp, lively female voice sounded.

“Mama, you were thinking of me again—no wonder I couldn’t stop sneezing on the way here.”