The Master’s Mask Unveiled Again
Chapter 1036 - 1035: One Must Learn to Be Self-Respecting

Chapter 1036: Chapter 1035: One Must Learn to Be Self-Respecting

Lu Yutian felt that there couldn’t be a more fitting or suitable arrangement than this.

Wealthy families are just like this.

An arranged marriage is the most direct way to make two families stronger and their statuses more stable.

She couldn’t believe Mrs. Xiao and her aunt didn’t understand this beneficial relationship.

However, Yun Zhishu was even more decisive, her tone particularly serious and firm.

"That’s absolutely not okay. You cannot become a mistress."

Lu Yutian: ???

"In our Yun Family, we’ve never had anyone become a mistress. Yutian, people need to learn self-respect."

Yun Zhishu was straightforward by nature, and hearing Lu Yutian express this idea, her first thought wasn’t about family benefits or fostering relationships. She was worried that Lu Yutian might genuinely have that intention—to break up someone’s happy marriage.

"Auntie, I didn’t..."

Qi Zhen was holding back laughter so hard that it was painful as her gaze swept over Lu Yutian. She shook her head slightly at this young girl, who was clever but calculating.

Her best friend was truly extraordinary—blunt and completely fearless when speaking.

She hadn’t wanted to say anything initially, but her friend’s mere two sentences had already put her own niece firmly in her place.

The Lu Family’s financial condition was excellent, having developed nicely in recent years. Lu Yutian herself was showered with accolades, extraordinarily accomplished, and even touted as a "once-in-a-decade genius." By all accounts, she and her own son could match well together.

Moreover, given the close relationship between the Xiao Family and the Yun Family, if this were in the past when Xiao Qimo was single, and her best friend simply brought it up, she truly would have given it serious consideration.

But now, they had Mianmian, and the family was content and overjoyed.

Qi Zhen gracefully lifted a cup of tea, blew gently at the foam floating on top, and casually echoed Yun Zhishu’s sentiment.

"The men in our Xiao Family wouldn’t do something as disgraceful as cheating."

Lu Yutian raised her eyes to look at Qi Zhen across the way, her face first turning red, then pale as she felt utterly chastised.

She had been born into an illustrious family, her background extraordinary, with suitors lining up from Jinjing to the O Continent. She had never been reprimanded like this, and certainly not so directly.

What’s more, that was never her intention.

Even if she wanted to marry into the Xiao Family, she would never lower herself to becoming a mistress—she couldn’t possibly stoop so low.

Wouldn’t it be enough if the Xiao Family simply refused Lu Mian entry? Did they really have to go to such lengths to insult her?

Lu Yutian couldn’t understand where things had gone wrong. It wasn’t just Mrs. Xiao who didn’t support her, not even her own aunt spoke up on her behalf...

Yun Zhishu didn’t notice Lu Yutian’s emotions. Seeing her silent and not responding, she assumed Yutian had accepted her advice and thus felt reassured.

"Speaking of which, the men in the Xiao Family really are devoted. Mrs. Xiao has been gone for decades now, and Mr. Xiao has never once mentioned finding another partner." Yun Zhishu commented with admiration.

"Indeed, our family values were instilled by him. My husband still squeezes toothpaste for me and draws my bathwater to this day. Qimo has grown up immersed in this, so I’m confident he won’t be any different after marriage."

"I haven’t spent much time with Mianmian, but seeing her find a good home makes me genuinely happy." Yun Zhishu smiled. "You know, the Yun Family’s values are strict too. If a man shows disloyalty or dishonor, he could have all three of his legs broken. So, I sincerely hope for Mianmian’s happiness..."

Qi Zhen: ...

She silently felt a pang of sympathy for her son.

Fortunately, Yun Zhishu was only his godmother. If this were the Yun Family’s actual standard, her son might not even qualify to marry Mianmian...

The two women carried on their discussion, extending the topic from Lu Yutian as they continued to chat back and forth.

Lu Yutian sat beside them, utterly humiliated and furious, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into.

At the peak of her embarrassment, Xiao Jianli strolled casually into the living room with Lu Mian and Xiao Qimo.

The three seemed to have overheard some of the prior conversation.

Lu Mian’s gaze lazily swept past Lu Yutian.

Xiao Qimo’s eyes landed on Yun Zhishu, appearing rather spooked by her mention of breaking "three legs."

After the group exchanged greetings, Qi Zhen and Yun Zhishu were delighted to see Lu Mian arrive. However, it was clear Xiao Jianli didn’t look particularly pleased, so they immediately turned to check on him.

"Dad, what’s wrong? Who upset you?" Qi Zhen asked.

"Hah, isn’t it Xiao Qimo!" The old man huffed with frustration. "Zhenzhen, if I tell you what happened, you’ll be even more furious than I am!"

"What is it?"

"Xiao Qimo has already missed Mianmian four times. Do you know how many chances the heavens have given him? If he had seized even one, he and Mianmian would have long been together by now!"

Xiao Jianli grew increasingly agitated, gulping down several mouthfuls of cold tea.

Qi Zhen suddenly felt alarmed and looked over at her silent son, her temper escalating.

Previously, Xiao Qimo rejecting countless girls was one thing, but this time it was Mianmian! How could he still be so clueless!

"Four times? Xiao Qimo, four times! The furthest stretch was fifteen years ago, then six years ago, five years ago—and this time? How long has it been this time?" Qi Zhen pressed her temples, feeling her head about to explode.

How she longed for Xiao Qimo to settle down! Ever since she learned her health wouldn’t hold out much longer, she had been desperately hoping.

Hoping he would find a soulmate, someone he truly loved.

Now that he finally had, they adored Lu Mian as their future daughter-in-law, and they waited day and night for the two to finally come together.

But Xiao Qimo, this kid, had a knack for delivering "surprises."

Missing out on Mianmian for so many years also meant his mother had to endure agonizing anticipation all this time!

"Grandpa, Mom..." Xiao Qimo stood in the center of the living room, rubbing his temples in frustration. "This time it’s been less than a year. I’m already reflecting on it..."

"Reflecting? Why don’t you go to the hospital to reflect!" Qi Zhen snapped without mercy.

She even began searching for broomsticks and feather dusters.

Xiao Jianli, seeing his grandson about to be hit, not only didn’t intervene but even handed over his own slippers.

Xiao Qimo: ...

Witnessing the scene, Lu Yutian was completely dumbfounded. She had no idea what they were talking about, much less why they could... hit Mr. Xiao?

And right in front of so many people...

Ultimately, Qi Zhen, wielding Xiao Jianli’s slipper, managed to move in front of Xiao Qimo.

"Qi Zhen." Yun Zhishu called out.

"Zhishu, don’t try to stop me. If I don’t act, I won’t be able to get over this anger."

Yun Zhishu’s face remained expressionless as she waved her hand. "No, I’m saying, my decorative belt is leather—quite effective!"

Yun Zhishu casually began undoing her leather belt at her waist.

Qi Zhen: "Give it to me, give it to me!"

Xiao Qimo stared incredulously at Yun Zhishu.

"Aunt Yun, could you not make matters worse?"

Lu Yutian was equally unable to process this. "Auntie, you!"

She reached out to stop her, thinking about how guests were usually supposed to intervene in these situations, yet her aunt was providing equipment for the assault!

The man in front of her wasn’t ordinary—he was the towering, awe-inspiring president of the Xiao Group, a cold and ruthless Mr. Xiao!