Gong Mansion.
As they reached the boundaries of Gong Family’s estate, Lin Zhiyi looked out the car window.
After more than three years of absence, the Gong Mansion remained as grand as ever.
Outside the residence, a few workers were tending to the garden, creating a slightly desolate scene.
Once inside the gates, the atmosphere suddenly became lively.
Lin Zhiyi raised her eyes and noticed many familiar Gong family relatives had arrived.
Usually, only major events would bring these people together.
Thinking of this, the car stopped, and the driver opened the door, gesturing for Lin Zhiyi to get out.
Clutching her bag tightly, Lin Zhiyi took a deep breath and slowly stepped out of the car.
The once lively porch fell silent the moment they saw her.
The butler bypassed the crowd and stopped in front of Lin Zhiyi.
"Miss Lin, the old master is waiting for you inside."
"Hmm."
Lin Zhiyi nodded and walked slowly inside through the crowd.
Mockery erupted behind her.
"Why is she here?"
"I heard that Mr. Sang didn’t even bring her back to Hai City. Looks like she’s been abandoned. A woman should get tiring after three years."
"Heh, a seductress is just a seductress, deserves it."
In the past, Lin Zhiyi would have thought it was best to avoid trouble.
But now, she was no longer that woman living under someone else’s roof.
Just a few steps away, Lin Zhiyi abruptly turned and faced the gossiping women.
She looked them up and down, didn’t refute them, just chuckled softly, "No wonder."
Having said that, she turned to leave.
They sensed something was wrong and stepped forward to stop Lin Zhiyi.
"Lin Zhiyi, what do you mean by that?"
"Madam, I’m thanking you for complimenting me. I was really curious about what type of person would call me a seductress. After all, a seductress needs to have some appeal, right? Seeing you... ladies, I think I understand now. Thank you, Madam, for the compliment."
Having been a bed and breakfast owner for three years, Lin Zhiyi had dealt with many difficult customers.
She had long developed her own way with words.
These people looked down on her, excelling at sneering.
But she was different; she would strike back subtly, never directly.
The women from Gong Family stood there dumbfounded as they finally realized Lin Zhiyi was calling them ugly.
"You! How dare you! We’re Lao San’s elders, who are you to insult us?"
"Madam, tell me which word was an insult? What did I say? I think I even thanked you. One should... not take everything personally, right? Being an elder isn’t just about age, right?"
Lin Zhiyi smiled at them, even nodding slightly, with a humble expression.
"You... you..."
They clicked their tongues, eyes wide, as if they’d seen a ghost.
Lin Zhiyi glanced at everyone, lifted her head, and turned to follow the butler further in.
Soon, Lin Zhiyi arrived at the main hall.
Compared to the liveliness outside, the atmosphere inside was much more solemn.
Lin Zhiyi immediately noticed Liu He sitting in a corner chair.
It had only been a few days, but Liu He seemed plumper, indicating Gong Shiyan had been taking good care of her.
Upon seeing Lin Zhiyi, Liu He anxiously tried to stand but was pressed back down by the guard behind her and had to sit back.
She frowned, glanced at Lin Zhiyi, and then cautiously looked at the dignified figure in front of her.
It was Old Mr. Gong.
He was holding a teacup, gently swirling the tea leaves, not even sparing Lin Zhiyi a glance.
Others sat on either side, sipping tea, stroking their beards, or exchanging glances.
Except, every glance at Lin Zhiyi was full of disdain.
They, as usual, ignored her, trying her patience.
Lin Zhiyi shot Liu He a comforting look, then looked at the old man seated above, ignoring the shocked gazes, and sat in an empty seat.
Thud!
Soon after, a figure emerged in the hall.
"Neglected training. Slippery hand, otherwise... it shouldn’t have just shattered the teacup."
Staring at the newcomer, the hall seemed devoid of oxygen, suffocating.
Despite being elders, they all rose to their feet.
"Lao San."
Gong Chen ignored them, his eyes unaffected, as if everything around him was inconsequential.
Seeing him approach, Lin Zhiyi prepared to rise with the others, but he pressed her shoulder down.
"Sit."
Gong Chen’s lip curled slightly, a half-smile, exuding an intimidating coldness.
Lin Zhiyi was stunned for a moment, realizing she had boldly sat in Gong Chen’s spot.
Pregnancy muddled her memory, she’d forgotten the Gong Family’s rules.
No wonder the old man and others were so upset.
Lin Zhiyi still rose, feeling awkward under so many eyes.
She drew Gong Chen over, whispering, "Have a seat. I ate too much this afternoon, need to walk it off."
Gong Chen said nothing, sitting down leisurely.
Yet he spared no glance for anyone, leaving them standing.
As he lifted the teacup to drink, Lin Zhiyi discreetly nudged his arm.
She whispered, "I’ve already drunk from that."
Gong Chen looked up, dark eyes glistening, glanced at the lip mark, and deliberately drank from it.
Lin Zhiyi was taken aback.
A moment later, Gong Chen set the teacup down, lips stained with lipstick.
Lin Zhiyi quickly gestured at his lips.
Gong Chen slowly wiped the lipstick away with his fingertip, seemingly ensuring everyone noticed.
Everyone watched in shock.
Only Lin Zhiyi wanted to find a place to hide.

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