Kapitel 37: Are you lying

Ling Feiyi's expression turned into a mix of disbelief and annoyance. "Dang, what is this Yang bastard doing here?"

Xia Lihua responded with a nonchalant shrug, "Didn't you hear? He's here as my cousin's beloved fiancé."

"That son of a bitch...I'm gonna puke watching them act all lovey-dovey."

"Same, I feel my stomach churning."

Xia Mengrui entangled her arms with Lingyun, relishing in the attention and envy directed towards them. A sense of euphoria engulfed her as she realized the magnitude of having such a powerful supporter. Having Yang Lingyun by her side, she felt invincible, confident that no one would dare to bully or mistreat her.

"You shouldn't have gone to Australia. You promised you would come to the banquet with me."

"The business meeting was important."

Due to the revealing nature of Xia Mengrui's strapless dress causing her cleavage became quite prominent, leading Yang Lingyun to feel disgusted and subtly pushing her away. However, Mengrui, seemingly unaware of his unease, clung onto him tightly, reminiscent of a koala clinging to a tree trunk, unwilling to let go.

"Pfft." Xia Lihua found the scene before her highly amusing. With a mischievous smile, she delicately pressed the tips of her fingers against her lips, attempting to stifle her laughter.

As Yang Lingyun's eyes fell upon Xia Lihua when he heard the familiar infectious laughter.

Xia Lihua was dressed in an elegant, light blue gown that perfectly complemented the teardrop-shaped pendant of the same hue resting on her neck. Her skin seemed to radiate with a translucent glow, akin to the soft glow of moonlight. Drinking champagne from her flute, she looked like a serene angel indulging in holy water, bestowing her presence upon the mortal realm, captivating the common folk with her otherworldly charm. In that moment, she seemed to surpass everyone else in the ballroom, her presence dazzling and unmatched.

Raising an eyebrow, he leaned closer to Xia Mengrui and spoke in a low, intriguing tone. "Did you know that Xia Lihua was invited at tonight's party?"

Xia Mengrui shook her head in surprise. "Er, no. I had no idea. We haven't been close since she returned from abroad. How would I know whom Teacher Fu had invited?"

"Are you lying to me right now? Just like you lied to me at the restaurant, claiming not to know who that woman was?"

Xia Mengrui panicked as Yang Lingyun confronted her. She stammered, trying to defend herself. "You knew the person was Xiao Lihua? You...you said you didn't recognize her either. When did you find out?"

To others who couldn't hear their conversation it appeared as if they were flirting, their eyes locked and hearts seemingly intertwined. Envy rippled through the air as people observed what seemed to be blossoming love between the two. Whispers of admiration and longing circulated among the crowd, as they yearned for a connection as deep and captivating as the one perceived between Yang Lingyun and Xia Mengrui.

"During the Xia family dinner, I recognized her as the same woman from before."

Yang Lingyun's indifferent reaction further exacerbated Xia Mengrui's anxiety, but she desperately tried to compose herself. In her frantic state, she decided to deflect the blame onto Lihua, "I ran into her while going to the bathroom. Remember how my face was swollen and red when I returned? It was because sister Lihua had slapped me."

"..."

Yang Lingyun was completely shocked by Mengrui's sudden allegations. "Why on earth would she slap you without any reason?" He had never experienced such a profound sense of disbelief before. "Did you provoke her? Are you out of your mind?"

Xia Mengrui leaned in closer, her touch on Yang Lingyun's hand filled with a subtle seductiveness. "Brother Yang, I swear, I didn't do anything. It's as if sister Lihua has some grudge against me and slapped me. I didn't tell you earlier because I didn't want you to worry about me." With a hint of hesitation, she locked her eyes with his and spoke in a coquettish tone. "As my fiancé you should defend my honour!"

Lingyun's repulsion towards Mengrui intensified and he couldn't help but curl his lips in disdain. "Xia Mengrui, I can't help but wonder if your IQ has dropped to fifty."

Xia Mengrui's face darkened with frustration, and she clenched her teeth to the point of almost drawing blood. "You don't believe me?" she retorted, determined to prove herself. "Wait. I will go, fetch Lihua and we'll talk this out right here."