Chapter 107: He Is Not Trash

"Uncle Lin, Xue’er, please sit down." Xiao Ran completely dropped his previously frivolous attitude. He politely invited Lin Guodong and Lin Aoxue to take their seats, even acting the perfect gentleman by pulling out Lin Aoxue’s chair for her.

Seeing Xiao Ran act so attentive toward his daughter, Lin Guodong was overjoyed. The more he looked at Xiao Ran, the more satisfied he felt. The Xiao Family was powerful, influential, and wealthy, and Xiao Ran himself was strikingly handsome. He was thousands of times better than that Ye Xuan.

"Daughter, apologize to Young Master Xiao. What happened last night was all a misunderstanding," Lin Guodong said, nudging Lin Aoxue to signal her to apologize.

Lin Aoxue was clearly unwilling, her lips pressed tightly together as she remained silent.

"Uncle Lin, I was in the wrong last night. How could you blame Xue’er? I should be the one apologizing." Seeing that Lin Aoxue still harbored resentment toward him, Xiao Ran waved his hand and offered a faint smile.

"Xue’er, I am so sorry about last night. I let my emotions get the better of me.

"I’m truly sorry for hurting you. Tell you what, I’ll punish myself by drinking three glasses.

"I hope you can let the past go and give me another chance."

Without missing a beat, he downed three glasses of wine in quick succession. Lin Aoxue didn’t even have a chance to stop him.

Xiao Ran had humbled himself to apologize and laid his feelings bare. If she didn’t accept his olive branch, she feared she might anger him again. Considering the many consequences, Lin Aoxue could only grit her teeth and let the matter slide.

"Young Master Xiao, I appreciate your feelings for me, but I already have someone I like.

"We are deeply in love, and I don’t want to do anything that would betray him.

"So let’s just be friends from now on. I’m sure you have no shortage of good women around you," Lin Aoxue said, looking earnestly at Xiao Ran and stating her position with absolute clarity.

These words infuriated Lin Guodong. He yanked Lin Aoxue’s arm hard, his eyes full of warning.

"What nonsense are you spouting?! Who do you like?!

"I’m warning you, don’t you dare contact Ye Xuan again! A piece of trash like him will never be allowed to cross the Lin Family’s threshold!"

Xiao Ran just looked at Lin Aoxue with an understanding smile, entirely unbothered. After returning home last night, he had thoroughly investigated the relationship between Lin Aoxue and Ye Xuan. He never imagined that the grand number one War God of Huaxia had actually been a live-in son-in-law for the Lin Family for so many years. Furthermore, it seemed the Lin Family had no idea of Ye Xuan’s true identity.

That was why they had been so eager to force Lin Aoxue to divorce Ye Xuan the moment their marriage contract expired. But this worked out perfectly. As long as the Lin Family believed Ye Xuan was nothing but a useless piece of trash, they would absolutely never allow Lin Aoxue to remarry him. Xiao Ran was determined to make this woman his.

"Uncle, it’s fine," Xiao Ran said, stopping Lin Guodong’s reprimand. He then turned his gaze back to Lin Aoxue, his expression tender.

"I know you like Ye Xuan, and I don’t mind.

"I believe that absolute sincerity can crack even the hardest of stones. We can start as friends, and over time, you’ll naturally discover my good qualities.

"I am very confident that I can make you forget Ye Xuan and fall in love with me."

Seeing that Xiao Ran wasn’t angry, Lin Guodong finally let out a heavy sigh of relief. He then spoke with a sycophantic expression.

"Of course, of course. Young Master Xiao, comparing you to Ye Xuan is like comparing the heavens to the mud.

"Ye Xuan is just a worthless loser. He’s good for nothing except a few household chores.

"Xue’er is only temporarily blinded by him. Given time, she will naturally see your sincerity, Young Master Xiao."

Although Xiao Ran knew Lin Guodong was just flattering him, it still worked like a charm. The events of last night had made Xiao Ran thoroughly despise Ye Xuan. Whether it was Ye Xuan’s position as the Cyan Dragon Chief or the Four Palaces’ status in Jingcheng, he was going to snatch everything from Ye Xuan’s hands, one by one. Naturally, that included his woman.

"Dad! Ye Xuan isn’t what you think! He is responsible, gentle, and considerate! He isn’t useless!" Uncomfortable hearing Lin Guodong belittle Ye Xuan so viciously, Lin Aoxue frowned and immediately retorted.

"He’s a grown man with no money and no ability! Can being gentle and considerate put food on the table?

"I really don’t know what kind of magic potion that loser fed you to make you so utterly devoted!

"Don’t forget what your grandmother said! If you continue to associate with Ye Xuan, don’t blame the Lin Family for being ruthless!"

A ball of fury instantly ignited in Lin Guodong’s heart; he never expected Lin Aoxue to talk back to him over Ye Xuan. Back when the Old Master had defied everyone’s objections and forced Lin Aoxue to marry Ye Xuan, Lin Guodong had completely looked down on the man. Now that they had finally divorced, he thought the Lin Family was rid of this useless son-in-law for good. He never expected Lin Aoxue to have actually fallen for him. What an unmotivated fool!

Lin Guodong glared at Lin Aoxue, resentful that she failed to meet his expectations. He wondered what his usually proud and aloof daughter actually liked about Ye Xuan.

"Oh, Uncle, please don’t scold Xue’er.

"With such a beautiful view, why discuss irrelevant people?

"Come, taste this red wine. It’s a vintage stored by the royal family of Country F for nearly thirty years.

"It’s practically impossible to buy at any price. Xue’er, how about you have a little as well?"

Seeing that Lin Aoxue and Lin Guodong were on the verge of an argument, Xiao Ran quickly stepped in to smooth things over. As he spoke, he gestured for the nearby waiter to fill their glasses.

They were currently sitting in the open-air restaurant of a luxury cruise ship. From here, they could see the entire nightscape of Jianghai City in one sweeping glance—brilliantly illuminated by dazzling neon lights. The aroma of premium foie gras, caviar, and exquisite wine filled the air.

Lin Guodong instantly lost himself in the extravagance. *This* was the kind of luxurious life his daughter was meant to live. Even if that trash Ye Xuan struggled for a lifetime, he would never be able to afford it.

"Daughter, you must offer a proper toast to Young Master Xiao.

"If it weren’t for Young Master Xiao, how could we afford such precious food or sit here enjoying such a beautiful view?

"This is a life that countless people can only envy. You must seize this opportunity."

Seeing her father’s snobbish behavior, Lin Aoxue felt a wave of helplessness and disgust. She ignored Lin Guodong’s instructions and didn’t even pick up her wine glass. The events of last night had left a dark shadow in her mind. She didn’t dare casually drink any wine Xiao Ran offered her again.

"Xue’er, don’t worry. I absolutely haven’t added anything to this wine.

"I’m apologizing with absolute sincerity and hoping to earn your forgiveness.

"If you don’t believe me, I can have someone bring over a new bottle of red wine and open it right in front of you."