Qin Man frowned. “Yao Tang is just a nobody from the countryside. She’s not even doing well with her studies, even though she was fortunate enough to attend No.1 High School. She’s the one who should be feeling grateful for everything we’ve done for her. You shouldn’t be blaming yourself for that girl’s crudeness and ignorance.”

She reached out to gently wipe Yao Ran’s tear-stained face.

“Come now, Ranran. Stop worrying and don’t think too much. I’ll take care of the matter of marriage between the Yang family and ours. All you need to do is to makeYoung MasterYangNianfall in love with you.”

Yao Ran beamed atQin Manand hugged her. “I understand, Mom. No one in the world treats me better than you do. Thank you for everything, Mom.”

Although her tone was gentle, her eyes flashed with cunning.

Yao Ran knew that she couldn’t keep relying onQin Manlike this. She needed to secure other options in case their plans went awry.

…

In a café near No. 1 High School.

Qin Man had chosen a table by the window, where she now sat with a steaming cup of coffee.

Impatience was written all over her face, and she sighed every so often.

It wasn’t until she was about to leave that Yao Tangfinally arrived.

“What is it?” the girl asked bluntly without taking a seat.

Yao Tang was just leaving school when she received a message from an unknown number.

It was Qin Man, of course, saying that she wanted to discuss something aboutYao Rong’s family.Yao Tangwouldn’t have bothered coming at all if it weren’t for that.

Qin Man wouldn’t have been able to contact her, to begin with, but the woman was clever enough to use a different number.

Yao Tang had blocked her contact details a while back.

At the time, Qin Manhad been so outraged that she threw a tantrum in the living room, tossing vases and other decorative pieces to the floor.

Qin Man huffed atYao Tangnow, feeling a twinge of annoyance at the latter’s tone.

She calmed her anger and reminded herself why she was here. She smoothed her expression and said, “Sit down. I will only talk once you’ve taken a seat.”

But Yao Tangignored her words. She had no intention of staying.

“Just say what you have to say.”

When Qin Mandidn’t respond right away,Yao Tangturned to take her leave. The woman immediately shot to her feet and stretched out her arm to blockYao Tang.

“Don’t you have any manners at all? I haven’t finished speaking yet, and you turn your back to me. Despite everything else, I am still your—your aunt. I am your elder! Is this how you should be treating me?”

“An elder of mine, huh?” Yao Tang’s lips curled into a mocking smile. She lookedQin Manup and down, her eyes filled with disdain. “Do you honestly consider yourself that?”

Qin Man’s cheeks flushed with rage.

However, she couldn’t do anything about it since they were in a public establishment.

She lowered her voice and repeated, “I am your elder. Are you really so stupid that you’ve forgotten that? No matter how ignorant you are, you must keep a respectful attitude toward me! I went out of my way to come and see you today. I suggest that you do as I say and listen obediently, or you might find yourself suffering a great loss sooner or later.”

Yao Tang snorted and rolled her eyes. “Ha! Whatever happens in the future, I’m sure I won’t be needing your help.”

Qin Man’s nostril’s flared, and a snide smile appeared on her lips. “Say, Yao Tang, you’ve been toYao Rong’s home, haven’t you? You should know as well as I do that their financial situation is less than ideal.”

Yao Tang raised an eyebrow, doubt flickering in her face.

She actually had no idea about the matter at all.

Now that Qin Manhad started on the subject, she simply didn’t stop blabbering. She continued to taunt the girl.

“They were generous enough to provide you a place to stay, so it’s only right that you repay their kindness, isn’t it?

“Though, I must say, judging by your lack of skills, there really isn’t much you can do in your current state.

“That’s why I’m giving you an opportunity to marry into a wealthy family. You can support your parents and your brother then, and all of you will finally be able to live comfortably.”

Yao Tang tilted her head and studiedQin Man, wondering if the woman would gain some sense if she was sent to the mental hospital. Unfortunately, her derision flew overQin Man’s head.

If anything, Qin MantookYao Tang’s silence as a sign of fear and submission.