"Yaya, have you been doing well lately?" Yun Ya smiled and said, "Of course, when have I ever allowed myself to suffer?" The man chuckled, "That’s true, you are not one to be taken advantage of. It’s the villains I worry about." "Brother Ah Du, is there something you need from me?" "Can’t I look for you if there’s nothing wrong?" Qin Du retorted and then coughed to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Dad’s back, now in Capital City. He might go to Jiangzhou the day after tomorrow, and I’ll be going too. Dad said he wants to see you, so let’s get together for a meal then." Yun Ya narrowed her eyes. Uncle Qin had returned, but what was he doing in Jiangzhou? "Alright, call me when you arrive, and I’ll pick you up at the airport." Qin Du chuckled lightly, "You’re such a busy person, how could I bother you?" Yun Ya looked up at the pitch-black night sky, a clear smile playing on her lips, "There’s nothing more important than picking up Uncle Qin and you." Qin Du’s voice was filled with pleasure and a hint of indulgence, "You always know just what to say; no wonder Dad dotes on you so much." After hanging up, Yun Ya walked to the window, gazing at the mountains enshrouded in the night, her eyes growing heavy with thought. What Uncle Qin had been up to these years, she truly had no idea. But one thing was certain, with the passage of time, Uncle Qin’s love for Ji Lanyi had only grown, while his hatred for Yun Shen had intensified to the same degree. She was sure that Uncle Qin’s decision to shift the focus of his business back to the country at this time was intended as revenge against Yun Shen, aiming to completely destroy the commercial empire built by the Ji’s. Yun Shen, stripped of everything, his pride so great, would find this fate worse than death itself. Yun Ya curved her lips, Uncle Qin, it’s indeed time we had a proper talk. Song Yiren, arm in arm with Lady Song, stepped out of the car and instantly noticed Zhuang Xiyue, who had just descended from another vehicle. When she saw the tall and straight figure that followed, her eyes immediately sparkled. Lady Song understood her daughter’s inclinations and led her toward Zhuang Xiyue. Lady Song, beyond fifty, still had exceptionally beautiful features. Song Yiren had inherited her beauty and was adept in all social graces, contributing significantly to her husband’s career. Her husband, Song Qi, was a trusted confidant of Yan Nanmo, and securing a lucrative position in Jiangzhou had involved leveraging the relations with the Yan Family’s side branch. Song Qi proved himself capable and won Yan Nanmo’s trust through his merits, while Lady Song expertly fostered relationships, especially with Lady Yan, smoothing her husband’s career path further. But her ambition clearly extended beyond this. According to the news from the Capital City, Mayor Yan wouldn’t stay in Jiangzhou for long, intending to move back to the Capital City. His political achievements, combined with the workings of the Yan Family, would assuredly lead to at least a vice-ministerial level position. She must cling tightly to the Yan Family. Since ancient times, from nobles to commoners, the best way to bind interests was through marital alliances. Her daughter was bright and charming, more than a match for Young Master Yan, and since Song Yiren’s heart was set on him, it was both rational and personal for her to facilitate this union. As they made small talk en route to the venue, Song Yiren, smiling brightly, greeted Yan Song: "Hey, Brother Yan, we meet again." Yan Song frowned slightly and walked past her, heading straight inside. But Song Yiren was not discouraged and, lifting her dress, jogged to keep up with Yan Song, admiring the young man’s handsome and resolute profile. Lady Song glanced back and couldn’t help chuckling, "Yiren has always liked to chase after your Yan Song since she was little, completely lacking the reserve expected of girls. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve scolded her for it." Yet her tone was full of indulgence. Zhuang Xiyue smiled, noncommittal. Lady Song might think her intentions were opaque, but Zhuang Xiyue was under no illusion. She was an enlightened mother who would never allow archaic, old-fashioned arranged marriages in her family. Whether her son liked someone or whom he would marry in the future was not for her to interfere with; his happiness was all that mattered, provided it wasn’t too preposterous. Song Yiren was attractive enough, but her personality was wanting. Even if it came to selecting a daughter-in-law, it wouldn’t be Song Yiren’s turn. In Zhuang Xiyue’s heart, the best candidate for a daughter-in-law was Yun Ya. Thinking of Yun Ya, Zhuang Xiyue looked around. She wondered if Yun Ya would attend the event that day. Read complete version only at Nov3lFɪre.ɴet Once inside the venue, Yan Song searched around, but did not find the figure that haunted his dreams. Feeling a bit dejected, he went to sit down on a sofa in the corner. Song Yiren was eager to approach Yan Song but was sternly glared at by Lady Song when Zhuang Xiyue wasn’t paying attention.