Seeing the mocking glint in Qian Xin's eyes, Ye Chu narrowed his own and replied indifferently, "I don't have a job at the moment."
Qian Xin feigned surprise. "No way! Junyao is one of Jiangdu's most renowned beauties, and you, her husband, don't even have a job?"
"You don't expect her to support you, do you? Brother, I mean this with all due respect, but as a man, you should take responsibility. How can you let a woman support you?"
The sarcastic tone in his voice irritated Ye Chu deeply. Without hesitation, he shot back, "Mind your own business."
Qian Xin's face stiffened, and at that moment, Jiang Haiyun spoke sharply, "How dare you speak like that?"
Han Mengjuan smiled quietly, saying nothing.
She refrained from commenting only because of Jiang Junyao. Were it not for that, she would have long since exploded in anger.
Ye Chu scowled, "I didn't say anything wrong. He's an outsider. What right does he have to meddle in my affairs?"
Jiang Haiyun rebuked, "Qian Xianzi is only speaking the truth. You, a grown man, can't even support yourself, and you have the audacity to let Junyao take care of you. Don't you like hearing the truth?"
Qian Xin chuckled amiably, "Uncle Jiang, my apologies. I only wanted to urge this brother here, as a husband to Junyao, he can't possibly bring shame to her or the Jiang family. I didn't expect… Well…" He sighed softly, his words trailing off.
Jiang Haiyun, visibly uncomfortable, couldn't help but think of his excellent daughter—who had unfortunately married a man with no capabilities. The thought weighed heavily on his heart.
"Qian Xianzi, this good-for-nothing is just a pile of mud that can't even prop itself up. How could he ever compare to you?"
Jiang Haiyun sighed deeply. At that moment, Jiang Junyao walked into the room from outside the villa.
Qian Xin's eyes lit up, and he quickly approached her, "Junyao, it's been so long!"
Jiang Junyao gave a slight nod of surprise. "It has indeed been a while. I heard you went abroad for studies. When did you return?"
"I just came back. I heard you were awake, so I came straight over," Qian Xin said with a smile. "Junyao, I've reserved a private room at Jianghuai Pavilion. Let's go, we haven't seen each other in ages, we can catch up."
Jiang Junyao frowned slightly, about to refuse, when Jiang Haiyun interjected, "Junyao, Qian Xianzi only arrived in Jiangdu this morning. He came straight to visit you in the afternoon. He's quite thoughtful, you shouldn't refuse his kind gesture."
Noticing Jiang Junyao's reluctance, Qian Xin added, "Junyao, I heard from Uncle that you've been busy with talks about collaborating with the Huangfu family. You can tell me about it on the way—I might be able to offer some assistance."
Jiang Haiyun's eyes brightened. "Junyao, Qian Xianzi's kindness is genuine. You shouldn't turn it down."
Jiang Junyao nodded slightly, unable to refuse, and went upstairs to change her clothes.
Jiang Haiyun looked at Ye Chu, "You stay here. It's better if you don't come along."
He could tell Qian Xin's intentions and didn't want Ye Chu to get in the way.
"What's wrong with Xiao Chu coming along?" Han Mengjuan said, displeased. "Xiao Chu, ignore him and go change your clothes."
Jiang Haiyun frowned, "We're going to discuss serious matters. This boy knows nothing and will only cause trouble."
Just as Han Mengjuan was about to argue back, Qian Xin suddenly spoke, "Uncle, it's no problem. Let this brother come along too."
A sly smile flashed in his eyes. If Ye Chu didn't come, how could he enjoy humiliating him later?
"Alright, we'll go with what you say, Xianzi," Jiang Haiyun immediately shifted his tone and scolded Ye Chu, "What are you standing there for? Go change your clothes."
Ye Chu strode upstairs and soon came back down dressed.
Upon seeing his attire, Jiang Haiyun's face immediately darkened.
Ye Chu was wearing a casual T-shirt and shorts, with flip-flops on his feet.
It was as casual as could be.
"Rogue! You're going out dressed like that? If you don't care about your image, we, the Jiang family, still have a reputation to uphold."
Jiang Haiyun's scolding came swiftly, his eyes filled with disgust.
Ye Chu curled his lips. "It's cooler this way, and anyway, we're not going on a blind date. Why bother dressing up?"
Why should he give face to someone who had designs on his wife?
Jiang Haiyun's face flushed with anger, and he was about to continue his tirade when Han Mengjuan interjected, "What Xiao Chu says makes sense. It's not like we're going on a blind date. Why dress so formally?"
"You…" Jiang Haiyun glared at Han Mengjuan but couldn't refute her. In the end, he could only shoot Ye Chu a resentful glare.
Soon, Jiang Junyao came downstairs, dressed in a red dress that perfectly accentuated her graceful figure, with her long hair styled in soft waves.
She looked both stunning and seductive, exuding a queenly presence.
Qian Xin's eyes went wide, his heart racing, and he silently vowed to win her over.
As for Ye Chu, he was of no consequence.
Ye Chu could easily see through Qian Xin's intentions but paid him no mind.
A mere clown, easily disposed of, wasn't worth his attention.
The group left the villa and got into Qian Xin's car, a long-wheelbase Lincoln.
The car left the villa complex and soon arrived at the city center's Jianghuai Pavilion.
Compared to the Jianghuai Pavilion in the South District, this one in the city center was much larger and more lavishly decorated.
As soon as they entered, a hostess greeted them.
"Good evening, may I check your reservation?"
Qian Xin nodded slightly, taking out his phone to show the reservation details.
"I've reserved the Royal Suite. Please take us there."
After confirming the information, the hostess gestured them forward.
"Please follow me."
Moments later, they arrived at the top floor, where a luxurious suite awaited.
The interior was opulently decorated, and through the large windows, they could overlook the entire Jiangdu city.
It was nearly dusk, and the setting sun cast a warm glow over the distant horizon.
The red sunset bathed the city in a breathtakingly beautiful light.
Jiang Haiyun was stirred, his heart swelling. Though he was from the Jiang family, he hadn't had the chance to dine in the Royal Suite at Jianghuai Pavilion more than a few times.
The last time had been over a year ago, when Jiang Junyao reached a deal with the Huangfu family, and the family had come to celebrate.
Han Mengjuan, though not as visibly excited as Jiang Haiyun, wore a faint smile.
Jiang Junyao, however, was the most composed, sitting at the table, quietly admiring the view outside the window.
"Uncle, Aunt, stop standing. Come sit over here."
Qian Xin greeted them warmly and then turned to Ye Chu with a smile.
"Brother, the window-side seats are for you. The view outside is magnificent, I'm sure you've never been here before. You should enjoy it."
"If you miss this opportunity, it might be a long time before you can come again."
His words were laced with a mocking tone, clearly trying to make Ye Chu feel uncomfortable.
"No need, below are all buildings, what's so special about the view?" Ye Chu waved his hand nonchalantly, unaffected.
"Besides, this place is nothing. I can come here any time."
Jiang Haiyun sharply scolded, "Nonsense! What do you know? This is the Royal Suite. The reservation fee alone costs a hundred thousand, and it's hard to book."
"A meal here starts at a million. Only people of status come here. You, who don't even have a proper job, dare to spout such nonsense? Aren't you ashamed of yourself?"
Han Mengjuan frowned slightly, also feeling that Ye Chu's words were a bit too much.
Jiang Junyao gave Ye Chu a glance, her expression showing subtle displeasure.
It wasn't that being incapable was a problem, but being both incapable and pretentious was the most irritating.
Ye Chu shrugged, "Everything I said is true. What's so shameful about it? Don't talk to me about the Royal Suite—Even the Emperor's Suite is just as unremarkable."