Young Master Is Being Jealous Again!
Chapter 806: The Two Princes of the Huo Family’s Peculiar Behavior Towards the Yan Family Head

Chapter 806: Chapter 806: The Two Princes of the Huo Family’s Peculiar Behavior Towards the Yan Family Head

Yan Yiqi gazed at Qin Ruan’s retreating figure with gentle eyes, his voice as calm as it had been during their previous conversation, as if he were asking casually.

Qin Ruan, cradling Huo Yao in her arms, stopped in her tracks, slowly turned around, her figure graceful, and the elegance and dignity of her movements seemed innate.

Her beautiful red lips curved into a slight smile, her voice warm and pleasant, "Family Head Yan, my mother’s name is Yan Anyu, Yan as in words."

As the name Yan Anyu left Qin Ruan’s lips, the ever-youthful face of the Family Head Yan remained calm, even revealing a gentle smile.

Yan Yiqi nodded, his tone benevolent, "A raw jade remains uncarved to conceal the treasured jade within, a lovely name, and full of meaning."

No one saw how much his hand, resting by his side, was trembling, as though he suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

Old Master Huo’s wise eyes gleamed as he squinted to scrutinize his old friend who he had known for decades.

After all these years of acquaintance, how could he not know about the loss of the Yan family’s youngest daughter thirty years ago?

In the Yan family, apart from the eldest son Yan Xihu, there was this time Yan Xirong, and a younger daughter named Yan Anyu.

Yan Anyu was born in Northern England, and the old master had personally held the Yan family’s infant daughter in his arms.

Actually, Qin Ruan’s eyes resembled Yan Yiqi’s somewhat, which alone wouldn’t necessarily lead to any speculation.

But her mother being named Yan Anyu, sharing the homophonic surname and name with the lost daughter of the Yan family, now that certainly provoked deep thought.

Especially since Old Master Huo and Huo Yunjiao, who had seen Qin Jingcen, upon looking at Yan Yiqi now, had some calculations forming in their minds.

Qin Ruan and Qin Mei were twins, both of them possessing delicate and exquisite features, beautiful and handsome.

Qin Jingcen, on the other hand, had strikingly handsome facial features, deeply set eyes, and a prominent nose, bearing more resemblance to the Family Head Yan.

Some matters, when presented openly, require contemplation.

"Ah!"

Suddenly, Huo Yao made a sound, his little body squirming in Qin Ruan’s embrace.

"Ayao?" Qin Ruan was startled.

Huo Yao waved his tiny fists in the direction of Yan Yiqi.

In Huo Yunjiao’s arms, Huo Anqi also made a sound, "Eeyah—"

Old Master Huo, seeing his two precious great-grandsons behaving this way, quickly stood up, "What’s the matter here?"

Huo Yunjiao and Qin Ruan were puzzled too, their gazes dropping to their restlessly fidgeting sons.

Huo Yao’s shiny black eyes fixated on Qin Ruan, his little fists clenched, pointing directly at where Family Head Yan stood,

"Ah—"

Huo Anqi also pointed towards Family Head Yan, addressing his own father, Lord Huo the Third, "Eeyah—"

The crowd sensed something amiss, "Could it be that these two little ones are fond of Family Head Yan?"

"Perhaps they’ve mistaken Family Head Yan for Old Master Huo?"

"These children want Family Head Yan to hold them; our granddaughter always behaves this way upon seeing me."

"To think such young infants are so perceptive."

"These two children are quite clever, and they also share a connection with Family Head Yan..."

Listening to the conversations of his friends around him, Old Master Huo’s heart had mixed feelings.

He did not believe that Ayao and Anqi would mistake someone for another, but their interest in Yan Yiqi was genuine.

In the midst of everyone’s hushed discussions, Huo Yunjiao exchanged a glance with Qin Ruan.

After nearly a year of adjusting to each other, they only needed one look to be in perfect sync and to take action.

Cradling their children, they once again stepped forward to where Elder Huo and the Yan Family Head stood.

Huo Yao and Huo Anqi ceased their anxious cries, their little arms reaching out towards the Yan Family Head.

The ever-composed Yan Yiqi’s half-blooded weathered face couldn’t maintain its calm any longer; his pupils contracted slightly, and a tremulous glint in his eyes hinted at hidden tears.

Huo Yunjiao and Qin Ruan took notice and bent down to bring Huo Anqi and Huo Yao closer to him.

Instinctively, Yan Yiqi reached out his arms, his hands trembling faintly.

The two young princes of the Huo Family, not shy with strangers, wrapped their chubby hands around Yan Yiqi’s arms and giggled, their laughter filled with the innocence of a child.

"These kids still like the Yan Family Head." Someone sitting nearby commented with seeming envy.

Elder Huo held back from rolling his eyes and said indifferently, "It is because Ayao and Anqi from my family are lovable."

The crowd echoed in agreement, saying things to please the old man.

Yan Yiqi cradled the two infants in his arms, not daring to grip them too tightly.

He too had grandsons and granddaughters and had held them before, yet no experience of holding children was as deep-seated as it was at that moment.

No one could understand the complexity and unrest of his feelings then.

Huo Yao and Huo Anqi sat obediently on Yan Yiqi’s lap, their little hands busy, tugging at the old man’s custom-made, expensive clothing.

Huo Anqi pulled at a sleeve, studying it closely, as if there were a flower embroidered on it.

Huo Yao was less well-behaved, playing with Yan Yiqi’s buttons and occasionally giving them a forceful tug, as if trying to pull off the finely crafted button.

If the Yan Family Head had a beard, Huo Yao would surely have found a way to play with it.

Huo Yunjiao held Qin Ruan’s hand, standing beside Elder Huo, his manner polite and tone gentle, "Grandfather, Ayao and Anqi will stay here; Ruanruan and I will go see my father-in-law."

As he spoke, his eyes were fixed on Yan Yiqi, clearly seeing the other’s posture stiffen.

Elder Huo didn’t give them a single glance, only waved his hand dismissively, "Go ahead."

Watching Ayao and Anqi sitting on the lap of his old friend, his emotions were incredibly mixed, feeling as if someone had taken his great-grandsons away.

...

Qin Anguo, Qin Jingcen, and Qin Mei were respectfully invited into the Huo Mansion by the Huo Family.

They were led into the guest area of the banquet hall, and no sooner had the three of them sat down than the Huo servants brought over the prepared beverages and refreshments.

This scene caught the attention of many.

Lu Han, who was exchanging pleasantries with others, saw the Qin Family members being let in, whispered a few words to someone, and began looking for his brother in the banquet hall.

He saw Lu Yichen along with Long Xinzhao, Ling Xiaoxuan, Gu Qingqing, and others chatting.

He walked up to them, put an arm around his brother’s shoulder, and apologized to the others before leaving again.

Seeing his big brother’s calm demeanor but hasty steps, Lu Yichen thought something might have happened, "Bro, what’s going on? Has something happened?"

Lu Han lowered his voice, "Nothing serious, the Qin Family has arrived; come with me to meet them."

Upon hearing it was the Qin Family, Lu Yichen understood, "Has Qin Mei come as well?"

Lu Yichen knew his little brother got along well with Qin Mei, the Qin Family’s second young master, and he was also aware that his seemingly mature brother always squabbled with Qin Mei when they were together.

"Yes, he has come. Later, rein in your temper and don’t cause a fuss with the second young master of the Qin Family."

Lu Yichen snorted with a laugh, "It’s not that I stirred trouble with him, but he clearly provoked me first."

He said it without a trace of guilt, as if he wasn’t the one who always teased Qin Mei.

Lu Han cast a stern glance at his younger brother, his expression solemn, "Yichen, the Qin Family will no longer be the same after today. With today’s events, the Qin Family will not be what it used to be. The political situation in the Capital City is complex and unpredictable. A slight misstep could bring misfortune upon any family. They might even be driven out of the Capital City like the Nangong Family."

A look of slight astonishment crossed Lu Yichen’s face, followed by a forced chuckle, "It can’t be that serious."

Seeing that he had taken his words to heart, Lu Han spoke in a light tone, "Don’t provoke the Qin Family on purpose."

"I know," Lu Yichen said guiltily as he touched his nose.

When the Lu brothers reached the drawing room, Huo Junxin had arrived a step earlier, hand in hand with his wife, Long Wei.

Huo Junxin no longer carried the authoritative air he had in the Cabinet. Instead, he wore a smiling face that was as refreshing as a spring breeze, "Uncle, sorry to have kept you waiting. My grandfather and father are gathering with old friends and asked me to invite you over. Ayao and Anqi are there too."

As in-laws, it was not the Huo Family’s etiquette to leave the elders waiting. Huo Junxin, as the eldest in the family, came to personally invite Qin Anguo, showing the Huo Family’s regard for the Qin Family.

As soon as he heard that the Qin Family had arrived, he immediately went to invite them as his grandfather had instructed beforehand.

Qin Anguo’s eyes narrowed slightly. Smiling, he gestured to Huo Junxin, "I’m old and don’t like to join the bustle. I’ll stay here, but where are Yunjiao and Ruanruan?"

The old master of the Huo Family was a notable figure. The people around him were all dignitaries of the Cabinet, most of whom had been significant public figures. A small businessman like him joining in would just be asking for embarrassment.

Huo Junxin sat beside Qin Anguo and his two sons with Long Wei in tow, "My sister-in-law will be here in a moment. Today is her birthday. Since the Qin Family is an honored guest of the Huo Family, please forgive us if our hospitality falls short in any aspect."

Qin Anguo sighed, "Ruanruan hasn’t had a birthday celebration since returning to the Qin Family. It eases my regret that the Huo Family is hosting a grand celebration for her."

Long Wei continued with a smile, "My sister-in-law, though cold on the outside, is warm on the inside. She probably didn’t want to bother."

She was aware that since Qin Ruan had returned to the Qin Family, her identity had not been announced publicly. This was Qin Ruan’s own wish, though it was also deliberately obstructed by her stepmother and stepsister.

The men of the Qin Family respected Qin Ruan’s wishes and were unwilling for her to be judged by strangers. They had let others know through their channels that Qin Ruan was, indeed, a true daughter of the Qin Family.

However, there were evildoers causing trouble. Even though some people knew the truth, they still spread rumors for the sake of excitement.

Some stories, even if they are false, become true as they are passed along.

Qin Ruan was indeed cold-natured. She had the same distant aloofness as Huo Yunjiao.

Long Wei could hardly believe that she had lived in West City for eighteen years. She was neither demonically deceptive nor pretentious, making her comfortable to be around.

Thinking back to the time he had just brought his daughter home, Qin Anguo followed up on the conversation, "Exactly. Last year, when she said she wanted a birthday celebration, the girl just walked away when I agreed. Later, her older and second brothers inquired and found out, Ruanruan doesn’t want to deal with strangers. I think she is just lazy..."

Qin Jingcen’s handsome face revealed an indulgent expression as he said affectionately, "Ruanruan is indeed somewhat lazy and carefree."

Huo Junxin and Long Wei paused slightly upon hearing this.

Ever since Qin Ruan had entered the Huo Mansion, she couldn’t be said to be busy all the time, but she was out every two or three days, sometimes even returning late at night.

Hearing such words from the Qin Family’s eldest brother, Huo Junxin nodded, "My sister-in-law and my third brother complement each other well, and they make a good pair."

Qin Jingcen’s eyes sparkled with a foxy smile, seemingly oblivious to the unusual expressions of Huo Junxin and Long Wei.

He also knew that his younger sister’s circumstances had changed from before. Catching a ’puppet’ with another ’puppet’, she had already stepped into the Metaphysics Circle without him knowing.

Knowing how lazy Qin Ruan used to be, how could he, as her eldest brother, be unaware?

It must be said, her family knew Qin Ruan best. If not for her need to collect Evil Qi to sustain her life, she might have stayed at home indefinitely, content to be a couch potato.

Qin Anguo nodded and spoke up, "Then nothing could be better. As long as they live well as husband and wife, we can all rest assured."

"Uncle Qin."

Lu Han approached with his brother, greeting him warmly.

Qin Anguo had seen both Lu Han and Lu Yichen before, and Qin Mei, who often interacted with Lu Yichen, had seen them even more.

Knowing that the status of the Lu brothers was exalted beyond words and aware of their father’s current position, Qin Anguo still beckoned to them like one would to juniors.

Lu Han and Lu Yichen joined the group, and the conversation continued around Qin Ruan.

Most of the time, it was Qin Anguo speaking, while Huo Junxin, Lu Han, and others listened, occasionally responding with a word or two.

Qin Mei glanced up at the person sitting beside him, a hint of confusion rising in his eyes, "You’re not yourself today."

Lu Yichen pressed his lips together, took a deep breath, and turned to face him with a smile, "You seem excessively honest today, too, Second Young Master Qin."

Second Young Master Qin snorted, in these circumstances, it wouldn’t do not to be well-behaved. Would he want to embarrass his sister and have others say the Qin family lacks decorum?

Not getting the usual retort from Qin Mei, Lu Yichen raised an eyebrow, "You seem quite frustrated. Come on, tell your brother and let me comfort your wounded little heart."

"Fuck off!"

Qin Mei raised his hand and thumped Lu Yichen on the shoulder.

The latter didn’t mind and a trace of teasing glint hid in his eyes.

Qin Mei seemed to recall some memory, and his face darkened instantly. Grabbing Lu Yichen by the collar, he lowered his voice angrily, "When are you going to delete that photo for me?"

Lu Yichen glanced at the others who were still chatting and seeing that no one was paying attention, he replied to Qin Mei with a smile, ""That photo is too beautiful. I can’t bring myself to delete it. Even if the photo is gone, I still have the negatives."

"Lu Yichen, I’m going to destroy you!"

Qin Mei barely held that sentence back.

Qin Anguo, Qin Jingcen, Huo Junxin, Long Wei, Lu Han, and a few others who had arrived heard it clearly, including Huo Yunjiao and Qin Ruan.

Seeing his younger brother’s collar grabbed by Qin Mei, and the way the two seemed close to fighting, Lu Han’s eyes twitched fiercely.

Sensing everyone’s gaze, Lu Yichen quickly smoothed things over for Second Young Master Qin, consolingly saying, "Alright, alright, what’s the rush? It’s just a keepsake; I won’t let anyone else see it."

Qin Mei’s face grew darker, "I don’t trust you!"

"Who are you calling ’old man’!" Qin Anguo came over, grabbing the back of Qin Mei’s collar and pulling him away from Lu Yichen, "What kind of place do you think this is? Don’t mess around here."

Meeting the eyes of Huo Junxin, Lu Han, and others, Qin Mei suddenly grinned.

The speed of his mood swing was startling.

He wrapped an arm around Lu Yichen’s neck, laughing playfully, "Yichen and I are so close, roughhousing is just second nature to us. You didn’t think we were really going to fight, did you?"

Everyone looked skeptically between Qin Mei and Lu Yichen, doubting the credibility of his words.

Lu Yichen reached up and tousled Qin Mei’s hair as the two acted like chummy brothers, "Qin Mei has a bad temper, and he’s younger than me. Sometimes teasing him is quite amusing."

Their words diffused the earlier tension and signs of conflict.

"Get lost!"

Qin Mei pushed him away as if annoyed, yet it was clear from the smile in his eyes that he was just playing with Lu Yichen.

Lu Yichen patted Qin Mei on the shoulder, "Alright, I won’t provoke you. Long Xinzhao and Ling Xiaoxuan are here, along with quite a few other acquaintances of yours. Fancy a drink or two?"

Qin Mei asked, "Is Rong Jing here?"

Lu Yichen: "He’s here. Looking for him?"

Qin Mei nodded without denial, "Got something to discuss with him."