“Ah, that is my mom,” Yao Ran answered. “That man is Uncle Zhang, he must be having coffee with Sister.”

She hesitated for a couple of seconds before adding, “But I think Uncle Zhangwill become my cousin-in-law soon.”

Realization dawned on Yang Nian. Of course, how could anyone not understand whatYao Ranmeant?

His eyes dimmed a little.

The age difference between Yao Tangand the man was painfully obvious, but this wasn’t particularly surprising to people likeYang Nian.

In upper society, it was quite common for young ladies to marry guys old enough to be their parents, all for the sake of profit and their family’s interests.

And Yang Nianwas aware that theYao familywas struggling with their financial position. He hadn’t even met the Second Master Yao, but he had heard that his branch of the family was rather destitute.

“No way!” Li Ruoexclaimed. “That man is so old, I think he can pass up asYao Tang’s father.”

Being the only daughter in her family, Li Ruohad been doted on her whole life. She had never heard of such things, much less witness them.

“That Yao Tang,” she said in a disgusted voice. “I guess she’s willing to do anything for money, huh?”

“Don’t say that, Ruoruo. My cousin has no choice. Our family is in a difficult situation as it is, and my Second Uncle is much worse off…” Yao Randrifted off on a purposely awkward note.

Li Ruo sighed and shook her head. “You’re too kind for your own good,Ranran. If you were a little spunkier, perhaps that evil cousin of yours wouldn’t have bullied you all this time.”

As she said this, she took her phone out of her pocket and proceeded to snap photos of Yao Tangand the hideous man.

Just then, a cold gaze swept over in their direction.

Li Ruo shuddered as a chill ran down her spine. The next thing she knew, she was pulling back her phone and hiding it behind her back.

She lowered her head in fright, though she wasn’t entirely sure what had spooked her.

All she knew was that she felt cold all over, and she had the vague sense that she was teetering over the edge, and death awaited her on the other side.

Li Ruo thought she had seenYao Tangturn toward her at the last second, but… Why was she so terrified all of a sudden?

“Ruoruo, what’s wrong?” Yao Ranasked, noticing the other girl’s pale face.

Li Ruo blinked several times and slowly composed herself. “Oh… It’s nothing. Nothing at all.”

It was probably just an illusion of hers. Otherwise, why would she react so violently over something so trivial?

“Ruoruo, you took pictures just now, didn’t you?” Yao Ranasked in a timid voice. “You look shaken. If you’re scared, why don’t you just delete them?”

Li Ruo flinched at the word “scared.”

Thankfully, she was quick on her feet, and she clung to Yao Ran’s remark like it was her only salvation.

“All right, let’s do that then.”

Although she looked unwilling, her hands moved swiftly, afraid that something worse might happen if she wasted even just a second.

Yao Ran’s eyes widened as she watched Li Ruotapping furiously on her screen. She was so taken aback that the smile almost slipped off her face.

Her suggestion had been nothing more than a casual comment.

She wanted to stop Li Ruo, too, but the girl moved too damned fast for anyone to do anything.

Yao Ran’s breathing quickened, and she gritted her teeth to keep from berating Li Ruo.

Her hands had balled into fists at her sides.

She wanted to shake the other girl and demand, “If you’re so afraid of that bumpkin, then why did you even bother taking the photos in the first place?”

“Did you seriously delete the pictures just like that?” Yan Weimocked, her eyes still fixed onYao Tang.

Li Ruo sniffed as she deleted the last photo. “I’m just respectingRanran’s wishes!”

Yao Ran almost bit her lips in frustration after hearing that.

At that moment, Yang Niancleared his throat. With one last glance atYao Tang, he said, “Let’s go get a table on the other side of the cafe.”

Yao Ran immediately brightened. She nodded, a fresh smile appearing on her face.

…

Meanwhile, Qin Manhadn’t noticed the other group coming in.

She had no idea that Yao Ranhad broughtYang Nianhere.