Chapter 25: Zhou Manyun’s Confession

When Ye Tian returned from the restroom, he was greeted by a sea of eager, fawning smiles.

"Welcome back to Zhongdu, Master Ye!"

These patriarchs of the great families, usually so aloof and dignified, now bowed low, scrambling to curry favor, some even looking as though they wished they could kneel at his feet.

"Master Ye, our families have always been close allies of the Ye clan. Now that you have returned to Zhongdu, we believe you must harbor the grand ambition of restoring your family’s glory."

"The Wang family!"

"The Situ family!"

"The Jiang family!"

...

"We, the lesser houses, wish to pledge our full support!"

With that, the leading families from every part of the city stepped forward one after another, offering their gifts in greeting:

"This is the Supreme Black Card of our Zhongdu Chamber of Commerce, issued and guaranteed by the twenty-eight heads of our families."

"This card comes with a credit limit of one billion, and at any establishment under the Chamber’s name, you’ll receive a fifty percent discount!"

The first to present his gift was the head of the Yun family from the western part of the city, who approached respectfully, holding the card with both hands.

Ye Tian accepted the black card without hesitation. Its surface was of a unique material, and a five-clawed golden dragon sprawled from one edge to the other in embossed relief, so lifelike it seemed ready to spring from the card. The design alone was worth a fortune.

"Thank you for your generosity. Please, everyone, be seated," said Ye Tian.

"Of course!"

Seeing Ye Tian accept such a grand gift, the family heads finally relaxed. For the past five years, these middling families, having abstained from the plot to eradicate the Ye clan and refusing to collude with the three great houses in dividing up the Ye family’s assets, had been relentlessly squeezed out and left in dire straits. Many were on the verge of bankruptcy.

They had heard news of Ye Tian’s return days earlier, but at that time, he was just a remnant of the Ye clan, powerless and alone. They did not dare openly support him.

But today, Ye Tian had demonstrated miraculous ability, snatching Old Master Tang from death’s grasp, and in doing so, had become the most influential man in Zhongdu.

They knew their chance had come.

The families organized themselves and arrived in force to pledge their allegiance.

"With Master Ye here, those three great houses will no longer be able to monopolize power and stir up trouble!"

"At last, we lesser families will have our day in the sun!"

Some of the family heads could barely contain their excitement as they boasted.

"After today, Master Ye will be famous throughout Zhongdu. His skill in medicine alone would make even the renowned doctors of the capital tremble!"

"Exactly! Not to mention, he’s returned Old Master Tang to life. Now his future is limitless—he’s on the rise!"

Listening to their flattery, Ye Tian realized he had been mistaken. He had thought Zhou Manshan was a master of empty boast, but these patriarchs were even more shameless, spinning their flattery without a second thought.

"You exaggerate," he quickly interjected.

He knew they were here only to please him, hoping he would shake up Zhongdu and give their marginalized families a chance to breathe.

"I understand your hopes. Since you are willing to support me in my quest for vengeance, if you need my help, I will not refuse."

At this, the families were overjoyed, their faces lighting up with delight.

"With your word, we can rest easy!"

"Thank you, Master Ye!"

"Master Ye, why not come to my house for tea? We have excellent black tea..."

...

After some effort, he finally managed to send the sycophants on their way. The countless gifts were carried off by the Zhou family’s attendants and loaded onto Zhou Manyun’s luxurious SUV.

"Brother Ye, you’re quite the celebrity now. Just selling all these gifts off at a discount would fetch you tens of millions," Zhou Manyun said with a teasing tone. "I wonder if this big star will remember my sister and me in the future."

Rain had begun to fall, but Zhongdu’s rainy season was always warm, so the young woman wore only a camisole, her arms crossed, her ample figure putting many young women to shame.

"Ahem, we’re all friends—no need for sarcasm," Ye Tian said, turning away awkwardly, unable to meet her gaze.

She certainly knew how to attract attention.

The damp weather and the misting rain had left her hair slightly wet, adding to her allure. Any red-blooded man would find it hard not to be tempted.

Especially Ye Tian.

"Brother Ye, why won’t you look at me?" Zhou Manyun’s voice was muffled with grievance as she watched him turn his back.

"It’s improper to look at what one shouldn’t," he replied.

This man really could restrain himself. Was she not attractive enough?

Zhou Manyun pouted, doubting herself. Like her younger sister, she was innocent and lively, and she admired men who were handsome, capable, and bold. Yet, as the eldest daughter of the Zhou family, she often had to suppress her true nature and shoulder responsibilities, even if it meant marrying someone she didn’t love for the sake of an alliance. Refusal was not an option.

But this time, the man her family most wanted to win over happened to be the one she liked.

Her father had told her to do whatever it took to bring Ye Tian into their fold, even if it meant sacrificing herself.

In truth, she wanted it even more than her father, for she realized she had fallen for this man, who seemed to be a few months younger than herself.

It was a perfect match.

But Zhou Manyun wavered. In front of such an outstanding man, she felt a pang of inferiority. Her status as a cultured, elegant heiress seemed to pale in comparison to Ye Tian.

She could not retreat any longer. Now was the best moment!

Zhou Manyun steeled herself.

Even if she was rejected, at least she would have tried.

"Brother Ye, you know I like you, don’t you?"

Hearing the plaintive tone behind him, Ye Tian sighed inwardly. It had come to this, after all.

"Yes, it’s pretty obvious," he replied.

"Shameless!" she spat, her cheeks quickly flushing crimson.

"What do you think of me?"

"You’re wonderful—beautiful, generous, clever, and calm. With your talents, you’ll surely make a name for yourself."

"But I don’t want achievements. I want you."

With those words, Zhou Manyun could no longer bear it. She covered her face in embarrassment and crouched in a corner. "Why don’t we give it a try?"

Amused by her shy demeanor, Ye Tian laughed. "No."

"Why not?!"

"Uh..." He hesitated, then decided to be honest. "The truth is, I’m not destined to have just one woman. If you’re with me, you’ll have to accept that."

Ye Tian explained everything about his changed heart and his unusual impulses.

"Pfft!" Zhou Manyun burst out laughing. "What kind of man worries about being too strong in that respect?"

Then, turning serious, she said, "I don’t feel wronged at all. A capable man should have several wives. Marry me first, and in the future, if you fall for someone else, I’ll help you choose!"

Ye Tian’s face darkened at her words, and he bolted out the door.

Damn it, this woman was far too open-minded!