After Redeeming the Obsessive Villain Again (Quick Transmigration) - Chapter 14

Night fell as glamorous men and women moved in and out of the Lu family’s ancestral gates, their faces adorned with hypocritical masks as they engaged in small talk.

“Where is Seventh Brother? Why is he not here yet?” The speaker was Lu Shang, Lu Yinshen’s third elder brother.

“Xiao Yi just sent a message saying they are almost here.” Yan Yi’s adoptive mother, Lin Rong, dressed in a purple gown, lightly toasted Lu Shang from a distance with a glass of champagne, her posture elegant.

“What an ego, making us elders wait for them,” Lu Cai, Lu Ye’s father, barked coldly.

“Big Brother, that is no way to put it. Seventh Brother has difficulty moving, so I had Xiao Yi accompany him. It is only natural for there to be a delay on the road. Besides, the banquet has not even officially started yet. Why be angry?”

As soon as Lin Rong spoke, Lu Cai sneered. “A cripple and an orphan, two broken things. It is expected they would be slow.”

Lin Rong’s delicate brows furrowed as she suppressed her anger. Her tone remained airy. “Some people cannot even protect the family business despite having healthy bodies; instead, they rob Peter to pay Paul and rely on family subsidies. Others are like flawed jade. Their talent is simply so outstanding that it invited the heavens’ jealousy.”

“Furthermore, our Xiao Yi did manage to get into A-University. What about your son, Big Brother? I heard he is currently entangled with a man.”

Thinking of his own family situation, Lu Cai could not maintain his composure, yet he had no way to refute her. His face darkened, and he whipped his sleeves back in a huff.

Yan Yi arrived right on time.

He had been busy with Lu Yinshen’s rehabilitation training all of yesterday and today; he truly did not want to waste much time on this family banquet. Arriving exactly on the dot was already showing plenty of respect.

Yan Yi wore a deep blue haute couture suit that highlighted his tall, upright stature and handsome features. Looking at his adoptive parents, his lips curled into a smile as he greeted them obediently, “Dad, Mom. I have arrived with Uncle.”

Though he saved her contact as “Auntie Lin,” she would be unhappy if he actually called her that. To Yan Yi, it was just a title, and he did not mind the formality.

Seeing his appearance, his adoptive parents were immensely gratified. Lin Rong covered her mouth and laughed. “Our Xiao Yi is truly a fine young man. I am sure many socialites and heiresses will be fond of you. Seventh Brother, would you not agree?”

Lu Yinshen’s expression remained indifferent. “Second Sister-in-law is right.”

Yan Yi lowered his eyes and remained silent, but behind Lu Yinshen’s back, he pressed his hand against the man’s nape, secretly offering comfort.

Watching this scene of “filial harmony” and seeing that his own son still had not arrived, Lu Cai’s face grew as dark as ink.

Seeing this, Lin Rong smiled like a blooming flower and threw Lu Cai’s earlier words back at him. “How has Big Brother been raising his son? To be late for a family banquet and make us aunts and uncles wait, is that not a complete lack of respect for one’s elders?”

Lu Cai could not save face and found it hard to argue, standing aside with a livid expression.

The hall was bustling until Old Master Lu descended from the third floor via the elevator, at which point silence returned.

Old Master Lu was nearly eighty now. Although his health was still relatively robust, his once-sturdy frame had finally hunched, and he leaned on a cane. He looked at the children and grandchildren before him with inward satisfaction.

As one grows old, one wishes to enjoy the happiness of having family gathered around. Old Master Lu had been a philanderer in his youth, marrying several wives in succession, which led to discord among his children. This was a regret, but in his presence, these people would at least restrain themselves and act out the roles of harmonious siblings.

Observing his sons, Old Master Lu was privately satisfied. The eldest was a failure, but his youngest son, aside from his physical disability, was far more capable than any of his brothers.

He scanned the room and noticed one person was missing. He might not have noticed anyone else, but Lu Ye was his first-born grandson, and his affection for him was naturally deeper.

Frowning, he struck his cane heavily against the floor. “Eldest, where is that brat Lu Ye?”

The previously arrogant Lu Cai now lowered his voice, his lips trembling. “Dad, Xiao Ye is sick. That is why he did not come.”

Old Master Lu seemed to believe him. “Is that so?”

“Grandpa!” A loud shout rang out. Everyone looked toward the main entrance to see the son Lu Cai claimed was “sick” arriving in perfectly good health.

Beside him stood a delicate, pitiful-looking man. The onlookers’ gazes shifted between them with curiosity.

Lu Cai’s expression was a sight to behold; his face turned as black as charcoal.

Lu Ye was completely oblivious. Instead, he led the person beside him forward and introduced them happily: “Grandpa, Dad, we are here.”

Old Master Lu gave a cryptic smile but did not say much. He turned his back while leaning on his cane. “Fine. Since everyone is here, let us eat. A family banquet should be a time for reunion and excitement.”

The banquet was meticulously arranged with various sections, including a liquor area, a dessert area, and other partitions.

Before coming, Yan Yi had already eaten with Lu Yinshen, so they were not hungry. However, they still had room for a few sweets.

Before Yan Yi could pick up a plate of pastries, a sarcastic remark drifted into his ear.

“Some people really have no upbringing, failing to even greet their elder brother.” Lu Ye had no idea that his tardiness had displeased both his grandfather and father; he was still in the mood to stir up trouble.

Yao Si stood weakly by his side, casting a pitiful gaze toward Yan Yi.

His hand pausing in mid-air, Yan Yi felt it was absolutely necessary to change the script of this world as soon as possible, lest the protagonist “shou” and “gong” keep bothering them.

Yao Si tugged at Lu Ye’s sleeve. “Brother Ye, do not be like that. I am sure they did not mean it.”

The corners of Lu Yinshen’s mouth quirked up slightly as he watched this mediocre farce with interest.

Yan Yi truly did not want to deal with their hypocrisy. With a cold sidelong glance, he prepared to lead Lu Yinshen elsewhere.

At that moment, Yao Si leaned in eagerly to strike up a conversation, saying to Yan Yi, “Classmate, did you know? A lot of people online like you now.”

As he spoke, his eyes became filled with mock affection.

Yan Yi knew he was referring to the “Most Handsome School Grass” trending topic on Weibo. This was originally supposed to be a stepping stone for the protagonist shou before he entered the entertainment industry to become a top star, but now, the subject of the trend had become Yan Yi.

Seeing that Yan Yi was ignoring him, Yao Si’s expression turned aggrieved. “Why will you not talk to me?”

Yan Yi leaned halfway down, adjusting the coat draped over Lu Yinshen’s legs. He leaned into the man’s ear and whispered, “Uncle, there is a fly buzzing incessantly. Is it bothering you?”

Although he did not name names, Yao Si knew exactly who he was talking about. His face stiffened, but he could not lash out, so he could only maintain a fake, strained smile.

Lu Ye did not have such reservations. Seeing that Yan Yi dared to mock them so subtly, he prepared to strike back in a rage.

Just then, Lu Ang walked over with a grin and patted Lu Ye on the shoulder. “Big Brother, Grandpa wants you in the study.”

Lu Ye’s expression shifted repeatedly. He could not guess why his grandfather wanted him, but he did not dare disobey. He said to Yao Si, “Sisi, I am going to the study first. Wait for me here.”

Yao Si nodded obediently, his expression soft in a way men tended to find attractive. “Okay, Brother Ye.”

Lu Ang’s eyes darted around before landing on Yan Yi. “Second Brother, I did not expect you to come with Seventh Uncle.”

Lu Ang was the son of Lu Yinshen’s third brother. He had a flighty personality and was the other “gong” who would eventually clash with Lu Ye. In the original plot, the catalyst for him falling for the protagonist shou was this very banquet.

However, with Yan Yi’s presence, the variables had increased. No one could say for sure how the plot would unfold now.

When Yan Yi was first adopted, Lu Ye was the only grandchild born, making him the eldest and Yan Yi the second in that generation’s ranking. Thus, there was no issue with Lu Ang calling him “Second Brother.”

Lu Ang continued, “By the way, Seventh Uncle, I heard there is a medical team abroad that is very effective. Do you want to use them?”

Though he was a bit of a playboy, he had not “blackened” yet, and his nature was still relatively kind.

Yan Yi thanked him on Lu Yinshen’s behalf. “No need. Uncle has his own ways.”

Lu Ang did not push it. He just looked at them and suddenly remarked with a sigh, “Second Brother, you and Seventh Uncle really have a great relationship.”

At the mention of Lu Yinshen, Yan Yi’s expression softened. “Yes. My relationship with Uncle is indeed very good.”

Watching this, Yao Si bit his lip in frustration. Their conversation was so warm and intimate that it made him feel like a complete outsider.

Lu Ang’s gaze shifted to Yao Si. “You are Big Brother’s boyfriend, so should I call you Big Sister-in-law or Big Brother-in-law?”

Yao Si blushed and glanced at Yan Yi in a panic. “Do not talk nonsense. Brother Ye and I are just, just friends. There is nothing else.”

Lu Ang nodded, looking as though he truly believed it. “Oh, friends.”

Yao Si’s entire face turned red, looking strangely delicate and moving. “Really, just friends.”

For a moment, Lu Ang actually stared blankly.

Yan Yi’s eyebrows arched. The protagonist’s halo had just flickered. Was Lu Ang still being influenced by the plot to start liking the protagonist shou?

Yan Yi did not want to meddle in others’ business, so he pushed Lu Yinshen past them toward another area.

Some presumably “discreet” gazes in the hall followed them, though it was unclear if the onlookers were marveling at the deep bond between uncle and nephew or simply looking for gossip.

Yan Yi looked down at Lu Yinshen’s face and asked, “Uncle, would you like some dessert?”

The dessert section featured an entire row of cakes, chocolates, and candies.

Lu Yinshen scanned the area and gave a slight nod. “Mm.”

Seeing that he wanted to eat, Yan Yi decided to get him some chocolate. Cake was too filling, and since they had just finished dinner, there was no need to eat too much, especially since Lu Yinshen’s appetite was not great lately.

The chocolates were arranged on exquisite small plates. Compared to dark chocolate, the white chocolate was sweeter. Yan Yi picked up a piece of white chocolate and held it to Lu Yinshen’s lips to feed him.

A red tongue darted out, and the chocolate instantly vanished from Yan Yi’s fingertips.

“Is it good?” Yan Yi asked.

Lu Yinshen did not answer for a long time. The corners of his eyes flushed red, and a hint of intoxication filled his gaze.

Yan Yi’s heart skipped a beat. Realizing something was wrong, he took a piece of the same chocolate he had just fed Lu Yinshen.

Upon biting into it, liquid flowed out.

It was a liqueur chocolate, and the alcohol content was not low.

Lu Yinshen had zero tolerance for alcohol. Forget normal liquor; even fruit wine could knock him out, let alone a high-proof chocolate.

Looking again at the deep crimson flush at the corners of his eyes and his dazed state, it was clear he was truly drunk.