The Crazy Son-In-Law

“If my presence can upset some people, it’s worth it,” Xiao Shun declared defiantly.

Tang Shishi watched from the sidelines as two men drew their swords for her, feeling a little flattered. Especially Xiao Shun-what had provoked him today? He was only temporarily playing the part of her boyfriend, there was no need for such a passionate performance. Could it be that he had developed feelings for her?

Xiao Shun, of course, had no clue about Tang Shishi’s inner thoughts. His behavior was partially due to an attempt on his life that Cheng Yu had orchestrated during his last visit to the capital. Furthermore, he genuinely disliked Cheng Yu, or more specifically, people who were accustomed to backstabbing like Cheng Yu.

“Shishi, long time no see. You’ve become even more beautiful, I almost didn’t recognize you,” Cheng Yuehua walked over and said affectionately.

Her sapphire blue dress outlined her graceful figure. The buttons on the right side of her dress ran from her chest down to her legs, not ostentatious or vulgar, but instead, it was dignified and reserved, perfectly matching her gentle and demure demeanor.

“Yuehua, it’s been a while, how have you been?” Tang Shishi replied with a smile.

“Good, this must be your friend? I’ve never met him before.” Cheng Yuehua shifted her gaze to Xiao Shun, unconsciously emanating an air of superiority.

“Xiao Shun, he’s from Oakland,” Tang Shishi introduced, then turned to Xiao Shun and said, “This is Yuehua, Yu’s sister.”

Xiao Shun nodded at her in acknowledgment, “Hello.”

Cheng Yuehua also nodded with a smile, “Mr. Xiao, you don’t visit the capital often, do you?”

“My third time,” Xiao Shun confessed.

He had visited once when he was a teenager, and then there were the last two times, including this one.

“It seems I’ve arrived just in time, everyone’s here.”

At that moment, a magnetic male voice echoed from behind. It belonged to a young man in his late twenties, the kind of person who seemed to have been born into wealth. He had neat short hair, fair complexion exuding healthiness, single-eyelids yet extraordinarily expressive. His high, slightly hooked nose didn’t seem overly aggressive on his distinctly contoured face.

Clad in an off-white suit, with the collar of his dark shirt slightly unbuttoned, he looked dashing, tall and lean. A gentle smile lingered on his lips.

Unlike Cheng Yu’s reserved demeanor, even with a warm smile on his face, he couldn’t hide the inherent arrogance in his bones.

“Mr. Kong, welcome to my father’s birthday feast,” Cheng Yu greeted him with a full-faced smile.

“It’s my duty. No need for thanks.”

The young man then turned to Tang Shishi and Cheng Yuehua, greeting them, “Yuehua, Shishi.”

This man was Kong Yi, currently the most promising young man of the Kong family, holding a status in the city equal to Cheng Yu. The fact that the Kong family allowed him to represent them at Cheng Feng’s birthday feast showed their high regard for him.

Although it was just a simple birthday feast, it was a chance to show face in front of the capital’s influential figures. Despite the intense private conflicts among the three families, they maintained a harmonious facade, particularly for such occasions, where etiquette was crucial.

After greeting Cheng Yuehua and Tang Shishi, Kong Yi turned his attention to Xiao Shun, looking him up and down, “You’re the one who caused Shishi to cause a scene last night at Horizon, right?”

He then turned to Tang Shishi with a meaningful smile, “Our beautiful Miss has a boyfriend and keeps it on the down-low. Are you afraid others will steal him?”

Horizon was the Kong family’s business, and Kong Xing was Kong Yi’s cousin. The news of Tang Shishi, a beauty whom the other two families were always watching, saving a man from a bar in the middle of the night quickly reached Kong Yi. This was not surprising at all.

As soon as these words were spoken, the guests who were originally chatting quietly on the side immediately turned their attention this way. Tang Shishi was also caught in a bit of a dilemma. She brought Xiao Shun here to prevent Cheng Feng from proposing in person. If it wasn’t necessary, she wouldn’t want to publicize that Xiao Shun was her boyfriend. This was also to save face for Cheng Yu, especially given the current situation.

Now, with Kong Yi directly asking her in front of so many people, if she denied it, the act she had put on in front of Cheng Yu would be exposed. If she admitted it, then she would be embarrassing Cheng Yu in front of all these people.

In a simple question, Kong Yi’s tact was evident. He wouldn’t be unaware of Cheng Yu’s infatuation with Tang Shishi. This was clearly an intentional attempt to embarrass Cheng Yu. Regardless of whether Tang Shishi admitted it or not, his purpose had been achieved. Cheng Yu’s expression said it all.

Cheng Yu was still smiling, but his smile was so stiff that it made people feel like he was wearing a mask.

“My name is Xiao Shun, and you are?” Xiao Shun extended a hand to Kong Yi, this being his first time initiating a handshake with someone.

Kong Yi didn’t refuse, and graciously shook his hand, “Kong Yi.”

Then he added, with grave seriousness, “If Yu is unhappy, the consequences can be serious. You should be careful. However, I admire you for daring to compete with Yu for a woman. Just for this, I think you’re worth befriending.”Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Kong Yi didn’t give Cheng Yu any face, saying this right in front of him.

“I’m honored.” Xiao Shun released his hand and laughed. So far, at least, he didn’t dislike him.

If Cheng Yu was the kind of person who would stab you in the back, Kong Yi was the sort who would stab you in the front. Xiao Shun preferred the latter.

“Mr. Kong, Shishi, Mr. Xiao, don’t just stand here. Cheng Lu will lead you inside. We’ve prepared some refreshments for you. Cheng Yu and I will join you shortly.” Cheng Yuehua said with a smile.

She then beckoned to a pretty young girl, indicating that she should lead the others inside.

After Cheng Lu led everyone away, Cheng Yuehua saw Cheng Yu’s gloomy face and stepped forward to place a hand on his shoulder.

With a light smile, she said, “The Cheng family will be yours in the future. Your rivals are strong. You shouldn’t let your emotions show. I know about your feelings for Shishi. If you truly love her, think of a way to win her back, instead of sulking here.”

“I understand. I was too impulsive,” Cheng Yu turned to look at her and pressed his lips together.

“You’re still young, it’s inevitable that you’re a bit rash. But I believe in you. You’ll be able to uphold the Cheng family,” Cheng Yu nodded, not saying anything else.

“Mu Sheng and Xin are here. You go greet them. I’ll go in and check on things.” Cheng Yuehua gave his shoulder a pat and turned to walk into the mansion.

Calling it a mansion was an understatement. It was more like a castle.

Xiao Shun initially thought that the grand building they had just entered was indoors. It turned out to be just a gate…

When they passed through the gate, the view suddenly opened up.

A wide, straight stone path stretched out before them. There was a garden in the middle of the path, with a fountain spraying water droplets that refracted a rainbow under the sunlight.

On both sides of the stone path were well-trimmed lawns and rows of extravagant houses. The magnificent building at the end of the view, which looked like an European palace, was the real venue for the banquet.