Gu Fenyi adjusted her seat in the car, shifting to the passenger side. She glanced sideways, her thoughts drifting.
They were at that impulsive age. Children, really. Back in the Sheng family, boys of their age were already riding with their fathers and uncles into battle. But wild tempers could still be reined in. It wasn’t too late to steer them back onto the right path.
Jiang Jing’s voice broke her thoughts.
"Ye Wenbo, what the hell are you doing?"
"One more word, and I’ll pin your head under the wheel," Ye Wenbo snapped.
They bickered all the way back, but thankfully refrained from fighting again. Soon, the car arrived at the Ye family villa.
Inside, Lu Meng had just finished a consultation with the family doctor. Wang Yue sat beside her, watching her carefully. Lu Meng had been acting erratic earlier—but now, was it all just an act? Was this some deeper tactic than Gu Fenyi’s cold elegance? If she were to truly integrate herself into the Ye household, she might bring more chaos than benefit.
Wang Yue placed a cup of coffee in Lu Meng’s hands.
Lu Meng delicately pushed it back. "I’m pregnant. I shouldn’t be drinking coffee."
Before Wang Yue could respond, the sound of a car door slamming echoed through the villa. Moments later,
Gu Fenyi entered, calm and composed, flanked by Ye Wenbo and a reluctant Jiang Jing.
Lu Meng stood up, shocked. Gu Fenyi had actually brought the Fourth Young Master back?
Ye Wenbo frowned and nodded toward Lu Meng. "Who’s she?"
"Fourth Young Master, I’m Lu Meng."
Jiang Jing rolled his eyes. "Oh, I know her. Didn’t you do that stupid soap opera a few years ago? It was popular for a bit. That lingerie commercial though—that was shot well."
Lu Meng froze. That was clearly an insult cloaked in mock praise.
"So just anyone can step into the Ye household these days?" Ye Wenbo muttered.
Lu Meng clenched her fists. She had never even met this man before—why the hostility?
"Fourth Master, I—"
"Upstairs," Gu Fenyi cut in.
Jiang Jing scowled but obeyed. Gu Fenyi followed slowly behind.
Jiang Jing stepped onto the second-floor landing, his feet barely touching the polished tiles before a whip lashed down in front of him, halting his steps.
He jumped back, startled. The air around them had gone still.
Gu Fenyi’s whip techniques were legendary—honed from years of training under her father, a general in the Sheng family. The precision, the control, the strength—it was all there.
"Since Jiang family doesn’t discipline their own, I’ll take the liberty today," Gu Fenyi said evenly.
With another flick, the whip struck across Jiang Jing’s back.
He screamed in pain, stumbling backward.
"You’re insane! Are you crazy?!" he yelled, trying to dodge.
Ye Wenbo took a step back instinctively. He hadn’t expected her to go this far.
Gu Fenyi showed no mercy. Jiang Jing, spoiled and undisciplined, was no match. He tried to retaliate but his sloppy punches were easily avoided.
From the side, Ye Wenbo watched, unnerved. He had never seen Jiang Jing—brash, arrogant Jiang Jing—so powerless.
"Stop! Stop, it hurts! I’ll apologize! Mrs. Ye! Sister Gu! Sister-in-law even!" Jiang Jing pleaded, crouching down and shielding himself.
Gu Fenyi paused. "Then apologize."
Jiang Jing grimaced. "I—I’m sorry. I insulted you, President Ye, the Ye family. I mocked people at the door—my bad habit. I wasn’t sincere. I am now. Please believe me."
Gu Fenyi turned to Ye Wenbo. "And him?"
Jiang Jing blinked. "Me? Apologize to him too?"
"You hit him."
"He hit me back!"
She raised the whip.
"Okay! Okay! Banquet Fourth Master, I’m sorry. I won’t pick a fight again, and I’ll keep my mouth shut about the banquet."
Ye Wenbo watched, arms folded, face unreadable.
Gu Fenyi gave a single nod. "You can go."
Jiang Jing bolted downstairs, limping, pride shredded.