Ghost Exorciser: Is Loved By All
Chapter 717: Qiao Du

Chapter 717: Chapter 717: Qiao Du

Yu Mei’s heart pounded with anticipation as she turned toward the entrance, expecting to see Qiao Jun’s tall, handsome figure stepping into the room.

However, the man who entered was nothing like she had imagined.

Short, round, and thickly bespectacled, the man had a broad grin plastered on his face.

His belly stretched the buttons of his expensive dress shirt, and his gait carried an air of self-importance. Yu Mei’s smile froze.

A wave of confusion swept over her as she turned to Cai Bao, hoping for an explanation.

Cai Bao, however, rose to her feet with a pleased expression.

"Yu Mei, this is Qiao Du, the eldest son of the fourth branch of the Qiao family," she announced proudly.

"He is a distant grandson of mine."

Yu Mei’s entire body stiffened.

Distant grandson? Her mind raced. What the hell is going on? Where is Qiao Jun?!

Qiao Du stepped forward, his eyes raking over Yu Mei with an expression of approval.

"So, this is the woman Grandmother Cai has chosen as my future wife?" He chuckled, his voice deep and unhurried.

"Not bad. Passable."

Yu Mei nearly choked. Passable?

Her stomach churned in anger, but she forced herself to maintain her graceful demeanor. Her fingers curled slightly at her sides as she took a shallow breath.

"I-I..." she hesitated, searching for an escape.

"I wanted you two to meet," Cai Bao continued, ignoring Yu Mei’s hesitation.

"What do you think, Qiao Du? A fine match, isn’t she?"

Qiao Du’s round face stretched into a satisfied grin as he nodded.

"Indeed. But I’d like to know her better before we proceed."

Yu Mei’s fists are clenched beneath her flowing sleeves.

Proceed? With what? A wedding? Her blood boiled at the mere thought.

Forcing a smile, she quickly came up with an excuse.

"Ah, Grandmother Cai, I just remembered—I have an urgent matter to attend to. I deeply apologize, but I must leave now."

She turned swiftly, hoping to escape before this farce continued any further.

But before she could make it to the door, Cai Bao’s voice rang out, stopping her in her tracks.

"Yu Mei, dear, do you not like Qiao Du?" The old woman’s tone carried a hint of concern.

Yu Mei barely had time to craft a response before she felt the sofa dip beside her.

Qiao Du had plopped himself down, his body practically radiating smugness as he leaned in.

"You know," he said, his voice silky yet deeply off-putting,

"I own five businesses. My net worth is around five hundred million yuan."

He lifted his chin as if that was enough to make any woman swoon.

"If you marry me, I’ll make sure you live a life of luxury."

Yu Mei swallowed down the bile rising in her throat.

With a stiff nod, she replied,

"That is... quite impressive, Young Master Qiao. However, I do not think I am good enough for you."

Qiao Du let out a hearty laugh before casually placing his thick fingers on her thigh.

"Don’t be so modest. Even though you’re... mediocre, I have a generous heart. I don’t mind accepting you."

A sharp fury erupted in Yu Mei’s chest.

Fat pig! she cursed inwardly, her body stiffening at his touch.

But with Cai Bao watching, she swallowed her rage and forced another saccharine smile.

"I appreciate your kindness, Young Master Qiao," she said, her voice barely holding together. "But I truly cannot bring myself to taint you."

Without waiting for a response, she swiftly stood up, nearly knocking over a nearby teacup in her haste.

"Yu Mei—" Cai Bao started, but Yu Mei had already made her way to the door.

Her heart pounded as she stepped outside, immediately calling for a cab. The air outside was refreshingly cold, calming her racing thoughts.

But just as relief washed over her, she heard hurried footsteps behind her.

"Yu Mei, wait!" Qiao Du’s voice carried an unwelcome enthusiasm.

Yu Mei gritted her teeth and turned, only to find Qiao Du standing much too close.

He grabbed her wrist, his grip firm but not forceful.

"I understand that my looks may not meet your standards," he said smoothly, his eyes gleaming behind his glasses.

"But believe me, once you spend a night with me, you’ll be completely charmed."

Yu Mei felt her stomach twist in revulsion.

Her first instinct was to slap him across his chubby face, but just as she lifted her hand, she caught sight of Cai Bao stepping out of the villa.

In an instant, Yu Mei’s entire demeanor shifted. Her lips trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes as she yanked her wrist free.

"Grandmother Cai!" she cried out, her voice laced with panic.

"I... I don’t know what to do! Qiao Du just said such... dirty things to me!"

Cai Bao’s expression darkened as she turned to Qiao Du. For a moment, she regarded him as if seeing him for the first time.

"Qiao Du," she said, her voice steely, "what nonsense have you been saying to this child?"

Qiao Du let out an awkward chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Grandmother, it was just a joke. No need to take it seriously."

Yu Mei sniffled, looking utterly pitiful.

"I was just so scared..." she murmured.

Cai Bao narrowed her eyes at Qiao Du.

"Hmph. You should know better than to make such crude jokes."

Though she didn’t outright scold him further, there was a sharp warning in her tone.

Qiao Du, sensing the shift, forced another chuckle. "Of course, Grandmother. Just teasing."

Yu Mei inwardly seethed. Teasing? This disgusting pig!

But outwardly, she only sniffed again, nodding in fragile understanding. "I... I see. I suppose I was just too sensitive."

Cai Bao sighed, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Go home and rest, child. We’ll discuss this another time."

Yu Mei bowed slightly before stepping into the cab, her face still a picture of innocence.

As the car pulled away, her expression darkened.

That old witch... That fat pig... Her nails dug into her palm.

"It’s alright if she doesn’t introduce me with Qiao Jun, but she introduced me to such a fat, ugly pig! Did she think I would be impressed? B*tch!

Leng Huan is much better than that ugly fatty! He is not only handsome but has a net worth of 10 billion yuan! At least I won’t feel disgusted when I am with him." Yu Mei muttered to herself.

She was tired.

After spending so much time in the temple, all she got in return was an introduction to a fatty!

"I should just give up! Instead of wasting my time on this grandma Cai, I should target Mrs. Qiao...ugh! Why didn’t influence work on Mr. Qiao!"

’Because your powers are starting to weaken.’ A voice said in her mind, and Yu Mei’s face turned pale.

She was so immersed in becoming Qiao Jun’s wife that she forgot her main mission.

"No...I need to do something." Yu Mei muttered.

The car driver stared at Yu Mei through the rearview mirror for few seconds before focusing on the road.

Yu Mei leaned against the cool leather of the car seat, her fingers drumming absently against her lap.

As the vehicle neared Leng Villa, she straightened, taking in the sprawling estate bathed in the golden hue of the late afternoon sun.

When the car rolled to a stop, she stepped out gracefully, her heels clicking lightly against the stone pavement.

The sight of Old Master Leng sitting leisurely in the garden, sipping tea, momentarily eased the frustration simmering in her chest. His kind eyes crinkled as he saw her approach.

"Ah, Yu Mei!" he greeted warmly, setting down his cup. "How have you been, my dear?"

Yu Mei returned his smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I’m well, Grandpa Leng. And you?"

Old Master Leng sighed, studying her closely. "You’ve lost weight."

Before Yu Mei could respond, he turned toward a nearby servant.

"Bring out Miss Yu’s favorite snacks. She looks like she hasn’t eaten properly in weeks."

Yu Mei’s eyes widened in surprise.

For the past few weeks, Grandma Cai had been relentless in making her read scriptures and uphold tedious rituals, yet not once had she shown concern for her well-being.

A flicker of warmth bloomed in her chest. For a brief moment, she considered abandoning her pursuit of Qiao Jun.

After all, Leng Huan genuinely loved her, and Old Master Leng cared for her more than Grandma Cai ever had.

But the thought was fleeting, vanishing as soon as she recalled Qiao Jun’s immense wealth and fame.

Just then, a pair of strong arms encircled her from behind, pulling her into a firm yet gentle embrace.

"Does my dear girlfriend finally remember that she has a boyfriend?" a mellow voice teased, laced with warmth.

Yu Mei’s heart skipped a beat. Leng Huan.

For a fraction of a second, she let herself sink into the embrace, closing her eyes.