Before Ye Huaimin could ask, Ye Qingyi took the initiative to explain, “Grandpa, Grandma, this is my boyfriend.”
“Oh, a boyfriend…” Ye Huaimin motioned for Li Ru to fetch his liquor. “Have a drink with me.”
Su Mo’s lips twitched.
Seriously? The hostility is this strong right off the bat?
Ye Qingyi quickly intervened, “Grandpa, he’s still in school—he doesn’t drink.”
“Alright, since our Qingyi says so, I won’t push it.” Ye Huaimin turned to Su Mo. “What’s your name, young man?”
“Su Mo,” Ye Qingyi answered calmly in his stead.
“Aren’t you afraid of me?”
“You’re Qingyi’s grandfather, not some stranger. Why would I be afraid?”
Ye Huaimin nodded in approval. “Impressive composure for someone so young. Steady temperament—good.”
Li Ru brought them fruit and instructed the servants to prepare dinner. “It’s been a while since you’ve seen your grandparents. Stay for a meal and catch up.”
“Thank you, Grandma.”
“No need for formalities—we’re family.”
After some small talk, Ye Huaimin suddenly asked, “Qingyi, you don’t still resent me, do you?”
Su Mo took a moment to gather his emotions before smiling. “You were in a difficult position back then. How could I blame you? I was just a kid spouting nonsense—don’t take it to heart.”
Ye Huaimin sighed deeply. “The more understanding you are, the more it pains me.”
Su Mo stayed silent—mostly because he didn’t know what else to say. He opted to feign nostalgia instead.
Meanwhile, as the “outsider” in this scenario, Ye Qingyi couldn’t hide the sorrow in her eyes.
Back then, Ye Zhongwen had heartlessly driven Ye Qingyi and her mother and sister out of the Ye family to appease his new wife and forge an alliance with her influential family. Since his actions benefited the clan, many supported him—including Ye Huaimin, who chose silence.
Though he later secretly helped his daughter-in-law and granddaughters, guilt always lingered in his heart.
Truthfully, Ye Qingyi didn’t hate her grandfather much. The real villain was Ye Zhongwen—everyone else was just a side character. He was the one least deserving of forgiveness, even if he occasionally visited them later and even “reconciled” with her mother.
But to Ye Qingyi, it was all an act. What he truly coveted was Ye Qingyu’s talent and strength.
In the face of power, family bonds meant nothing.
When Ye Huaimin suggested they stay a few days, Su Mo declined, citing prior commitments—something they’d agreed on beforehand.
“Oh, I have a letter for you.” Su Mo handed him the pre-written note and emphasized it was for his eyes only.
This was the main purpose of their visit. With that done, it was time to leave.
But as luck would have it, Ye Zhongwen arrived just then—along with his current wife, Liu Yali, and their children, Ye Qingwen and Ye Qingshu.
“Dad, Auntie.”
“Grandpa, Grandma, we’ve come to see you!”
Ye Huaimin had been about to scold Ye Zhongwen, but the sight of Ye Qingwen and Ye Qingshu immediately brightened his mood. The two flanked him, each holding an arm.
“I’m not that old yet—what’s with this fuss?”
Though Ye Huaimin disapproved of Liu Yali, he doted on her children, especially Ye Qingshu—after all, he was his only grandson.
And it was precisely because of Ye Qingshu that Ye Huaimin had never openly opposed Liu Yali.
The moment Ye Zhongwen entered, he noticed “Ye Qingyi” in the courtyard and looked surprised. “Qingyi, what are you doing here?”
“I came to visit Grandpa and Grandma.” Having dealt with him before, Su Mo responded with ease.
Liu Yali clung to her husband’s arm, her smile warm and gracious. “I had no idea you were coming. I would’ve prepared a proper welcome. After all, you’re Qingwen’s sister and Qingshu’s elder sister—in my eyes, you’re like a daughter too.”
At first glance, she seemed kind—beautiful and well-spoken. But Ye Qingyi had already turned away, suppressing her bitterness.
“How thoughtful of you. But no need—we were already ‘welcomed’ on our way up the mountain.” Su Mo’s retort was sharp, and everyone except Ye Wei caught the underlying edge.
Ye Zhongwen frowned. “Is that any way to speak to your aunt? She only means well.”
“It’s fine. A little personality is good in a child.” Liu Yali chuckled, brushing it off.
Ye Qingyi, listening nearby, let out a cold laugh.
“I think she’s just ill-mannered!” Ye Qingshu muttered under his breath.
Ye Zhongwen stiffened at his son’s words—there was an unintended sting to them.
This time, Ye Wei understood. She popped a grape into her mouth. “Brother, your son just insulted you.”
Ye Zhongwen rubbed his temples. Liu Yali shot her son a glare, while Li Ru quickly ushered her daughter away from the brewing conflict.
Realizing his mistake, Ye Qingshu scrambled to correct himself. “No, Dad! I meant her dead mother, not you!”
Ye Qingyi shuddered, her gaze icy as it locked onto Ye Qingshu. “Say that again. I dare you.”
“I wasn’t talking about your mom—why are you so worked up?”
“Enough!” Ye Zhongwen cut in. “This ends here. No more of this talk.”
Su Mo tightened his grip on Ye Qingyi’s hand, staring at Ye Zhongwen in disbelief. “Ye Zhongwen, you’re truly a wonderful father. Your son’s excellence must be thanks to you.”
“Ye Qingyi, how can you speak to Dad like that? No matter what, he’s still our father!”
“Shut your mouth, Ye Qingwen! No one asked for your opinion—must you always chime in?”
“Dad! Grandpa! Did you hear her? She cursed at me! Waaah—”
“See? A wild child with no upbringing—speaking without thinking. Sis, don’t cry. Dad will make her pay!”
(Double kill!)
Restrained by her assumed identity, Ye Qingyi had been holding back. But Su Mo didn’t care what anyone thought. He strode over and slapped Ye Qingshu hard across the face.
The blow was fierce—blood gushed from Ye Qingshu’s nose as he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
“Qingshu!” Liu Yali shrieked, rushing to her son’s side.
Seeing his precious grandson struck, Ye Huaimin finally lost his temper. “If you want to fight, take it outside! Did you come here just to cause a scene?”
“Grandpa, that bitch hit Qingshu! You have to punish her!”
“You shut up too!” Ye Huaimin snapped at Ye Qingwen before scooping up his grandson. “What are you all standing around for? Call Dr. Chen—now!”
As everyone scrambled into action, only Su Mo, Ye Qingyi, and Ye Zhongwen remained in the courtyard.
“Qingyi, you’ve disappointed me,” Ye Zhongwen said darkly.
“Funny—I was thinking the same about you.” Su Mo smirked. “Guess it runs in the family.”
“What did you say?”
Ye Zhongwen swung his arm, but Su Mo blocked it effortlessly. “You think this is some drama? You hit, I take it? Sorry, but if you’re not strong enough, don’t act tough—it’s just embarrassing.”
With a final cold laugh, he turned away. “Let’s go.”