Chapter 134

Pei Qiaonian cast a glance at her, then turned his gaze toward Elder Pei, sneering, "What is the meaning of this? Are we putting on a stage play? Did you invite everyone you could find?"

Elder Pei’s aged face flushed. He had indeed intended for Xu Yunzhuo to hear Pei Qiaonian declare that he despised her and intended to divorce her, hoping to make her give up. After all, for the sake of the Pei family’s reputation, even if he hadn't originally cared about Xu Yunzhuo’s background, anyone entering the Pei family had to be a woman with an untarnished past.

He had not expected his grandson, usually known for his ruthless methods, to be a man of such deep loyalty and emotion. He didn't even care about Xu Yunzhuo’s supposed stain and defended her in front of so many people. Did he even realize what he was doing?

This was no longer just a family matter. With so many people invited to leave today, had he not considered how difficult his own situation would become in the future?

He turned his head away, trying to save face. "As long as Yunzhuo is married to you, she is entitled to enter the Pei family. Was I wrong to invite her to the banquet?"

"Oh." Pei Qiaonian couldn't be bothered to argue; instead, he beckoned to Xu Yunzhuo. "Come here."

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Xu Yunzhuo hurried to Pei Qiaonian’s side. A bodyguard, quick to read the situation, pulled up a chair next to him.

Once Xu Yunzhuo was seated, Pei Qiaonian repeated, "See the guests out."

Everyone present began to rise and head for the exit, casting meaningful, lingering glances at Pei Qiaonian and Xu Yunzhuo.

Xu Yunzhuo noticed Lin Yuan and widened her eyes, turning to ask Pei Qiaonian, "Why is Instructor Lin Yuan at your family banquet?"

Pei Qiaonian knew she had recorded a program with Lin Yuan, but she likely didn't know his true identity. Furthermore, the appearance of that murderer had prevented him from getting closer to her.

Pei Qiaonian narrowed his eyes, a reckless smile playing on his lips. "He’s just a stray dog. Don’t mind him."

Xu Yunzhuo: "..."

Brother, if you keep talking like that, you’ll be making enemies everywhere.

Lin Yuan gave Pei Qiaonian a cool, indifferent look, but he still offered Xu Yunzhuo a faint, polite smile before leaving with Lin Yan.

Xu Yunzhuo was somewhat flattered, while Pei Qiaonian’s face darkened. "Hmph, that smile is nauseating."

Xu Yunzhuo: "..."

Did he eat gunpowder for breakfast?

Elder Pei left as well, absolutely livid.

The once-lively banquet was now reduced to just the two of them. With the room cleared, Pei Qiaonian turned to look at Xu Yunzhuo. Recalling his fierce defense of her just moments ago, he felt a strange sense of shyness and gave a light cough. "Just now... did you hear what I said?"

Xu Yunzhuo blinked at him. She saw a rare flicker of nervousness in the usually aloof Pei Qiaonian. She couldn't help but beam at him. "No."

Pei Qiaonian felt a mix of relief and a strange, hidden disappointment.

"That's good," he said in a flat tone.

"Pfft." Xu Yunzhuo giggled, her eyes curving into crescents as she leaned toward his ear. "Actually, I heard everything."

Pei Qiaonian’s body stiffened. He turned his head slightly to meet her gaze.

Her eyes were beautiful and filled with sincerity. Her voice was soft and melodic as she whispered, "Thank you."

"Thank you for defending and protecting me in front of so many people. You are the second person in this world to be this good to me."

The second?

"Then who was the first?" the question slipped out before he could stop it.

Realizing what he had said, Pei Qiaonian felt a pang of annoyance and immediately tried to recover. "Was it your foster mother?"

Xu Yunzhuo paused. To be honest, her original self’s foster mother had been kind to her, but that wasn't the love she had craved. The one who had been truly good to her was the director of the orphanage.

Although she had been kind to all the children there, to Xu Yunzhuo, she was the person who had made her feel warmth.

She smiled at Pei Qiaonian. "Yes, that’s right."

However, Pei Qiaonian’s gaze turned dark, for he realized that Xu Yunzhuo was not telling the truth.