Chapter 18: Replacing Your Life (18)

Tong Ling’s dilemma quickly vanished.

With her genuine boyfriend Ye Huan by her side, Tong Ling didn’t need to agonize over any three-way choice. Ye Huan arranged for a professional stylist and prepared multiple evening gowns for her to try on spotaneously. From the moment he decided to bring her to the banquet, he had meticulously planned everything for her.

Recalling how, in the original plot, the substitute was carelessly dressed in a dress resembling Yu Yurou’s style before attending the gala, Tong Ling couldn’t help but feel increasingly satisfied with assuming Yu Yurou’s identity. The white moonlight is indeed the white moonlight; how could the treatment of a mere substitute compare?

Tong Ling chose a champagne-colored satin gown, not because it was the most expensive, but because the smooth satin felt incredibly comfortable against her skin. After changing into the dress and standing before the mirror, she couldn’t help but appreciate the luxurious aura that money brings.

Ye Huan had truly changed from his past self. With newfound ambition in his career, even his approach towards women matured significantly. In the old days, Ye Huan never showed such thoughtful attention when taking Yu Yurou to banquets. This time, however, he patiently waited nearby, watching as she got styled—a testament to his utmost consideration.

Once Tong Ling’s preparations were complete, Ye Huan’s eyes lit up at the sight of her. He couldn’t help but genuinely praise her, “You look absolutely stunning tonight.”

Tong Ling linked her arm with Ye Huan’s and said sweetly, “My Ah Huan looks particularly handsome today too.”

Ye Huan’s heart skipped a beat, his gaze filled with tenderness, “Yurou…”

“Wrong,” Tong Ling gently reminded him, “In public, please call me Yu Ling. Madam Shen is attending the banquet tonight as well; we don’t want her to notice anything amiss.”

Considering the potential distress for his girlfriend, Ye Huan became conflicted immediately. “Perhaps…we should skip the banquet tonight. It’s just a celebration for the Song family’s young master entering university, there’s no compelling reason we must attend…”

“No way.” Tong Ling couldn’t let the male lead deter her from advancing the plot. “The Song family takes this event very seriously. As you’ve just taken over the company, maintaining necessary social connections is crucial. For your career’s sake, avoid saying such childish things.”

“And…” Tong Ling swayed gently on Ye Huan’s arm, her voice coquettish, “I want everyone to see us together openly, regardless of our status. I insist that your only companion be me.”

With Tong Ling’s possessive statement, Ye Huan’s hesitation vanished completely. His heart felt as if it were immersed in warm water, utterly contented. “Of course, I will make sure everyone knows you belong to me.”

As expected of one of the top aristocratic families, luxury vehicles lined the parking area outside the banquet hall, and attendees included prominent figures from the business world.

Handing over their invitation, Tong Ling shed her casual demeanor. Her gait and smile seemed meticulously calculated, exuding the aura of a high-society debutante. Even Ye Huan, with his elite upbringing and natural air of nobility, appeared somewhat overshadowed standing beside her.

Noticing this, m-577 became increasingly curious about its host’s past identity. It recalled that during the contract signing, the host had been surrounded by several cold-faced men, appearing vastly more pitiable compared to those exceptional individuals. It was precisely Tong Ling’s vulnerability and obedience that led m-577 to establish the destiny pact, transporting her to another location. Yet, who could have anticipated…

Reflecting on those events now, they were truly unbearable to revisit. In hindsight, it seemed as though the real victims might have been those few men.

M-577 felt a wave of regret for hastily signing the contract without properly investigating Tong Ling’s background. Observing her stark contrast from the expected substitute character in the plot, even her speech carried hints of resentment: [How are you anything like a substitute?]

[And… aren’t you a noble young lady from the capital city of U-A78 Star System? Your demeanor at this banquet is far too practiced!]

“Noble young lady?” Tong Ling internally scoffed, “I’ve only attended a few imperial court banquets hosted by the empire. If you believe anyone attending such events must be a noble young lady, then go ahead with that assumption.”

Pausing to consider, Tong Ling jabbed at the system again, “Could it be that even now… you haven’t figured out my identity?”

Feeling utterly humiliated, m-577 responded indignantly: [I suspect even your name might be fake! I’ve searched through all personnel records in the U-A78 Star System, and there’s no trace of your name anywhere!]

Tong Ling, having gauged its reaction, smiled. “We’re already permanently bound together. Why can’t you just settle down?”

M-577 shrank slightly: [I-I just wanted to know who you truly are…]

“There’s no need to waste energy on such matters,” Tong Ling said. “All you should know is that I’ll be your best partner and will fulfill the plot requirements as demanded by your Main God.”

[m577 remained silent.]

No, it precisely doubted her identity which led it to act this way! It wanted to find this woman’s weakness, but then…then it didn’t even know what to do next. Why had m-577 initially set such lenient contract terms, leaving itself with no leverage over its host? The situation filled m-577 with genuine despair.

Even the system nearly mistook Tong Ling for a noble young lady, let alone the people at the banquet hall. Everyone present were influential elites from the top tier of this small world, their discernment far more critical than average. They could instantly gauge whether someone belonged to their social class or lacked standing.

Due to the grand scale of the Song family’s banquet, those who received invitations brought along companions—either dates, younger relatives, business partners, or attractive paramours. Some notable celebrities, distinguished by their exceptional appearance, could also be spotted among the guests.

Even celebrities with countless fans and adoring followers outside this circle were merely seen as decorative playthings at such gatherings—the reality of the elite social sphere. Gaining acceptance within it was no easy feat.

In the original plot, the female protagonist Yu Yurou had exerted immense effort to integrate herself into this high society. Yet her struggles paled in comparison to the lasting impression Tong Ling made with just one appearance.

Unaware that he had inadvertently become a foil for Tong Ling, Ye Huan felt numerous gazes, ranging from awe-struck to curious, fixate on his girlfriend from the moment they entered the banquet hall. This left him somewhat discontented.

Song Xingyi had been eagerly waiting since before the banquet began.

The young Song scion donned a white suit today, his light chestnut curls neatly styled, and his face clean without any excessive makeup. Without his usual flamboyant attire, this formal ensemble made him appear particularly well-behaved, like a prince straight out of a fairy tale, instantly endearing to those who saw him.

Seeing their most cherished youngest son eschew eccentric outfits and conduct himself gracefully yet appropriately at the banquet brought great comfort to Mr. and Mrs. Song’s hearts.

In the past, Song Xingyi had no interest in attending banquets; he would often show up even in casual sportswear and frequently slip away midway, leaving his parents helpless.

This time, seeing their youngest son so obedient, they truly felt he was growing up.

However, Song Xingyi didn’t dress this way merely to please his parents. He chose this suit specifically to match with his sister. Besides, his sister had told him that his small curls felt lovely, advising against dyeing them any other color. She also mentioned that white attire suited him well. Following her suggestions, he believed his sister would definitely appreciate it!

Apart from Song Xingyi, who arrived early at the banquet hall, Lu Yue unexpectedly showed up ahead of schedule as well.

He did not bring a female companion and avoided acquaintances at the gathering, choosing instead to quietly stand in a corner by himself. Despite his low profile, several women still approached him, attempting flirtation.

Lu Yue’s reputation for promiscuity preceded him, and now each former lover equaled one more current annoyance. He couldn’t fathom how his past self had the patience to engage with such uninteresting women, losing all enthusiasm for socializing. Currently, he found it immensely irritating.

With a cold expression, Lu Yue dismissed each woman one by one, paying no heed to their disgruntled reactions.

Even he found it puzzling; his relationships with these women were never serious, and the terms had always been clear from the start. Previously, when they parted ways, none of them expressed anger. So why now did a few harsh words seem unbearable to them? Did they genuinely believe there was still a chance for something more?

As yet another woman stormed out, visibly upset, Wei Wei, holding a glass of champagne, raised her eyebrows triumphantly at her girlfriends nearby. “See? I told you they didn’t stand a chance. That bastard Lu Yue doesn’t mince his words - approaching him is just asking for trouble!”

“Is Lu Yue perhaps having a bad day?” one of Wei Wei’s friends, who knew Lu Yue fairly well, offered an excuse. “Among all the men here, Lu Yue has always been the gentlest towards women. He’s never known to embarrass or humiliate anyone, especially not during social gatherings.”

“True, if only Lu Yue weren’t such a flirt; countless women would be after him,” another girl chimed in. “Even with his flirtatious nature, he’s still incredibly charming.”

Wei Wei knew that those who hadn’t experienced it firsthand wouldn’t believe how despicable Lu Yue truly was. Even among these wealthy debutantes beside her, each had harbored some secret feelings for him at one point. Their restraint likely stemmed from not wanting to offend her, given their past interactions. “If you don’t believe me, feel free to try your luck yourselves.”

The girls exchanged glances. “Weiwei, since you like Lu Yue, we wouldn’t dream of competing with you,” one of them said.

Wei Wei chuckled at their insincere gestures. “I haven’t liked him for a long time now. Whoever fancies him can go ahead and give it a shot. Don’t worry, I won’t hold any grudges against you.”

Hearing this, the wealthy young ladies couldn’t help but become intrigued. Soon enough, they found various excuses to approach Lu Yue, eager to test their own allure on him. Wei Wei wasn’t surprised by their actions; instead, she felt an overwhelming longing for Yu Ling. Unlike these superficial high-society friendships, Yu Ling genuinely cared for her, making her a true friend!

As Wei Wei thought about Yu Ling, whispers began to circulate around her.

“Is that the Ye Family’s eldest young master? Who’s the woman beside him?”

“Which family’s daughter is she? She certainly has an exceptional presence.”

”…Isn’t that Lu Yue’s fiancée? I’ve seen her at Young Master Lu’s company before; our business collaboration was even negotiated with her. She truly possesses outstanding abilities, and even Lu himself acknowledges it.”

“How can Lu Yue’s fiancée be accompanying the Ye Family’s eldest young master?”

Has Yu Ling arrived? Wei Wei excitedly turned towards the banquet hall entrance, but before she could approach, another commotion arose.

“Lu Yue’s fiancée, Ye Huan’s companion, and now connected to the Song family’s young master too?!”

Even Wei Wei was startled by the scene unfolding before her eyes. She watched as the handsome young scion of the Song family disregarded all etiquette, swiftly darting through the crowd to reach Yu Ling—a literal dash over.

The intensity of his rush alone indicated their unusual relationship, further emphasized when he spoke with fervor:

“Sister, why aren’t you wearing the dress I gave you?” Song Xingyi deliberately ignored Ye Huan standing next to Tong Ling, his head drooping dejectedly, “Is the dress not good enough? Do you not like it?”

Not only was the young Song heir gifting dresses to women, but he also openly questioned why she wasn’t wearing it. The implications… were clear to everyone present.

The instinct for seeking drama seemed ingrained deep within their nature. Despite maintaining neutral expressions outwardly, internally, the crowd eagerly anticipated this unfolding spectacle.

Some astute individuals began pondering whether future collaborations between the Ye and Song families would still proceed smoothly. By disregarding Ye Huan’s feelings and attempting to charm his companion in public, the young Song heir displayed gross disrespect.

Ye Huan’s expression darkened instantly, and he sternly replied, “Song, if you want to gift dresses, do so elsewhere. Don’t create trouble for my girlfriend.”

Song Xingyi had already been discontent with Ye Huan, and upon hearing this remark, he rolled his eyes immediately. “I’m talking to my sister; what business is it of yours, Ye Huan?”

As the host and the young heir of the Song family, Song Xingyi held no fear when facing Ye Huan. Everyone knew that the Ye Family was not as influential as before, thanks to the illegitimate son Ye Xu who had left them fractured. People relished any further chaos within the Ye Family, hoping to gain advantages amidst the turmoil.

Although Song Xingyi was young and not yet involved in his family’s business affairs, this didn’t mean he was oblivious to the dynamics of the business world. Growing up immersed in such an environment, with guidance from his parents and elder brother, Song Xingyi possessed more insider knowledge than most.

For this banquet, Song Xingyi had specifically invited Ye Xu just to witness the spectacle of the brothers’ falling out. He wondered what Madam Shen, the true power behind the Ye Family, thought about their strained relationship.

Song Xingyi’s lack of deference towards Ye Huan further stirred excitement among the guests.

Were they about to see a rift between these two families? Regardless of whether it stemmed from a woman, such a situation would provide ample fodder for analyzing the potential advantages and disadvantages for both the Song and Ye clans.

Before Ye Huan could lose his temper, Tong Ling, embodying her role as the “perfect girlfriend,” spoke up. Her expression turned cold, and she shook her head disapprovingly at Song Xingyi. “That’s incredibly rude. Apologize to Ye Huan!”

“Hush—”

A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd once again.

No one anticipated someone would reprimand the young master of the Song family during their own banquet. Just what kind of background did this woman have, daring to speak to the Song heir like that?

Song Xingyi’s face instantly paled. In the past, his sister had always indulged him, and even when she disciplined him, it was with a teasing tone. He never imagined that she would address him so sternly, especially for another man!

“Song-shao?” Tong Ling frowned.

Song Xingyi pursed his lips tightly, looking deeply aggrieved.

“Forget it.” Ye Huan’s anger had completely dissipated; instead, he felt incredibly pleased. Seeing his girlfriend defend him so assertively while rebuking Song Xingyi brought immense satisfaction to his heart, just by observing Song Xingyi’s expression.

In the past, Yu Yurou often told Ye Huan that Song Xingyi was merely a child and she considered him like a younger brother, urging Ye Huan not to take issue with a mere boy. Honestly, Ye Huan had been growing discontent for some time but maintained a facade of magnanimity, saying nothing. Who wouldn’t want their girlfriend to reject all other members of the opposite sex solely for them? It greatly stroked his ego.

Feeling reassured that his girlfriend upheld his trust, Ye Huan’s heart swelled with sweetness. “An apology isn’t necessary. Just ensure you don’t harass my girlfriend again in the future.”

“Harass your girlfriend?” At this moment, Madame Song approached, immediately scoffing at Ye Huan’s words. “How could our Xingyi possibly harass your girlfriend?”

As soon as she saw her younger son lavishing attention on a woman, Song’s mother had taken notice. In her eyes, Song Xingyi was still young, and she strongly disapproved of any unsuitable women attempting to seduce him. When she realized how familiar this woman looked, a wave of fury at feeling deceived engulfed her.

“Isn’t that Teacher Yu Yurou?” Song’s mother exclaimed, both shocked and outraged. “As Xingyi’s private tutor, I must ask, how exactly has he been bothering you? Or were you shamelessly enticing my son instead?”

Discovering that her youngest son had fallen for his tutor, whom she had praised and felt deeply grateful towards, naturally ignited her anger and indignation.

Had it not been for the inappropriate setting, she would have cast aside her refined demeanor and unleashed a torrent of scathing words directly at the woman.

Despite striving to maintain composure, the tone of Song’s mother’s words carried unmistakable harshness.

“Mom! Can you please act normal!” As soon as Song’s mother appeared, Song Xingyi instinctively stepped in front of Tong Ling. He wouldn’t let anyone, even his own mother, disrespect his sister!

“Sister isn’t that kind of person. It’s my own feelings for her; I pursued her relentlessly—it has nothing to do with her!” Song Xingyi took full responsibility onto himself, openly expressing his affection without restraint.

He believed that if it weren’t for Ye Huan’s unwelcome interference, he and his sister would have already become a couple given their closeness.

Seeing how fiercely Song Xingyi defended Yu Yurou only fueled Mrs. Song’s anger further. “What do you mean ‘it has nothing to do with her’? Your youth and naivety might be excusable, but this woman was clearly invited as our teacher. How dare she make advances on her student?”

“A disgraceful seductress, a cunning fox…” Before Mrs. Song could finish her scathing remarks, Ye Huan rudely interrupted, “Mrs. Song, I hope you can show some respect to your guests.”

Ye Huan had anticipated potential unrest at the banquet, but he didn’t expect issues to arise right upon entering. He glared venomously at Song Xingyi, utterly disgusted by the young master’s lack of discretion in causing trouble: “And please control your son!”

“You—”

Just as the argument threatened to escalate further, two more individuals entered through the door.

Upon stepping into the banquet hall, Shen Man immediately sensed the unusual tension in the air. When she saw her son Ye Huan and another woman who shouldn’t be present among those drawing everyone’s attention, her brow deeply furrowed.

How could Yu Yurou be here? It was impossible; that woman was still abroad, and there’s no way Shen Man would remain unaware if she had returned. Every transaction on the bank card given to Yu Yurou indicated overseas expenses, suggesting she remained outside the country. Shen Man couldn’t believe that woman could slip from her control and appear beside Ye Huan!

As one of the last arrivals, Ye Xu took in the scene inside the hall without hesitation and promptly walked over to Tong Ling, concerned. “What’s going on? Did something happen?”

Ye Xu’s involvement intensified the crowd’s scrutiny even more.

Everyone knew Ye Xu was the illegitimate child of the Ye Family, and his relationship with Ye Huan had always been distant. His recent dramatic departure from the Ye household effectively severed ties with them completely.

Could it be that this woman, who received a public confession from the Song family’s young master, had connections with both brothers of the Ye Family as well?

Eager to devour such sensational gossip, everyone perked up their ears, fully focused on listening to the conversation unfolding between the group.

“Nothing,” Tong Ling began by smiling at Ye Xu before turning to Mrs. Song and explaining, “Mrs. Song, there seems to have been a misunderstanding. I am not Yu Yurou; I am her sister, Yu Ling.”

“Yu Ling?”

“The doppelgänger?”

“The substitute Ye Huan found, remarkably similar to his ex-girlfriend?”

The power of gossip is formidable. It took no time for the news shared by Tong Ling with Wei Wei to spread to the ears of various high-society ladies attending the banquet. As soon as they heard Tong Ling’s revelation, they eagerly discussed it among themselves, further amplifying the whispers throughout the crowd.

“A doppelgänger? She’s actually a doppelgänger?” The men were astounded. For someone with such striking beauty and poise to serve as a substitute? What man could be blind enough to need a stand-in like her?

Under the scrutinizing gazes of the crowd, Ye Huan felt compelled to continue the lie. “Yes, she isn’t Yu Yurou.”

Among those present were young scions from affluent families, close friends of Ye Huan’s circle, who were well-acquainted with Yu Yurou. Initially, they had mistaken the person beside Ye Huan for Yu Yurou herself and even remarked how much more attractive she seemed compared to before, stirring their hearts. Little did they expect… it was actually Yu Yurou’s sister!

“Ye Huan is truly despicable,” spat Jiang Chenrui, one of Ye Huan’s closest friends, his eyes still lingering on Tong Ling. “Having Yu Yurou isn’t enough; he wants both sisters? What a sleaze!”

“I used to think his feelings for Yurou were genuine, but now…” another friend, Hong Jun, couldn’t help but curse, “Playing with lookalikes? How can there be any true affection when resorting to such substitutes? It’s just finding excuses to cheat openly! Ugh, what self-deception!”

“Do you think Yu Ling, the younger sister, has been deceived? She looks quite naive, probably tricked into being a stand-in.”

“Exactly, that no-good Ye Huan must have fooled her. With her appearance, why would she need to settle for less?”

Jiang Chenrui declared, “Ye Huan cannot betray Yu Yurou. We must make him realize this.”

Hongjun chimed in, “We must also help Miss Yu Ling see through this; she shouldn’t be deceived by such a scoundrel!”

After quietly discussing among themselves, they decided to wait for an opportunity to speak with Miss Yu Ling privately.

M-577 observed their reactions closely. The plot was indeed unfolding as expected, with the scenario monitoring device showing a deviation of zero. However, despite these indicators, something felt distinctly off about the situation!

The intentions of those wealthy young masters, aiming to separate Yu Ling from Ye Huan, were severely skewed. Behind closed doors, they vilified Ye Huan as a scumbag while excessively idealizing Yu Ling—a clear departure from proper conduct!

“What do you mean ‘stand-in’?” Song Xingyi was the most bewildered among them. He knew his sister had assumed Yu Ling’s identity domestically, but what did stand-in have to do with it?

Tong Ling hadn’t revealed the stand-in aspect to Song Xingyi, aware that he wasn’t as mature as Lu Yue or Ye Xu. Upon learning that Yu Yurou willingly served as a substitute for Ye Huan, he would undoubtedly be the least accepting among everyone. This revelation would shock him profoundly, further fueling the desired tension.

Choosing to reveal this information at the banquet was also strategic, ensuring the smooth progression of future events. Tong Ling eagerly anticipated witnessing the growth of her little puppy.

Even Song’s mother was taken aback by the revelation, her eyes fixed intently on Tong Ling for several moments before finally acknowledging that she had mistaken one person for another.

Once she separated this woman from Yu Yurou, Song’s mother noticed their differences. At heart, Yu Yurou was just an inexperienced college student; previously, Song’s mother hadn’t given her much thought. However, Yu Yurou’s supposed sister was different. When Song’s mother heard her youngest son express his affection for this woman, she genuinely became concerned.

Having encountered numerous attractive women within social circles, none compared to the captivating presence before her now. This woman seemed inherently destined to be the center of attention. Setting aside any bias, purely from a woman’s perspective, even Song’s mother found Tong Ling exceptionally impressive.

The elegance exuded in every movement was truly pleasing to the eye. Yet, as a mere substitute…with such complicated emotions involved, Song’s mother still couldn’t accept it!

“Mrs. Song, you don’t need to worry.” As if reading Mrs. Song’s thoughts, Tong Ling swiftly distanced herself from any association with Song Xingyi. “I’m not really acquainted with Young Master Song, and he isn’t my type at all. Rest assured, I have no intention of being involved with him.”

After delivering this blunt statement, Tong Ling turned towards Ye Huan with a deeply affectionate demeanor. “My heart belongs to Ye Huan. Even if it’s just as his substitute, I only wish to be by his side.”

Tong Ling’s words sparked a wave of commotion among the crowd.

The men felt both jealous and envious of Ye Huan’s newfound favor, while the women lamented Tong Ling’s foolishness.

As for the rejected young master of the Song family, he looked… truly pitiable.

From his vantage point in the corner, Lu Yue stepped forward, positioning himself perfectly to observe the scene unfold. A mocking smile flickered across his face. Foolish? How could that woman possibly be foolish? Didn’t they see how profoundly moved Ye Huan was, completely ensnared by her words?

By publicly rejecting the young master of the Song family and making such declarations, who would doubt her sincerity towards Ye Huan?

Lu Yue glanced at the devastated Song Xingyi, thinking to himself that had he been equally impulsive like Xingyi, he likely would have met the same outcome.

That woman had no heart; anyone obstructing her plans would only be pushed further away. Perhaps as she suggested, they might have been more compatible as friends. But Lu Yue couldn’t bring himself to do that; from the moment he gifted her the dress despite knowing it would be rejected, he realized he was truly deeply ensnared.

Fortunately, among everyone present, he alone knew her true nature. She didn’t love Ye Huan for who he was, but rather for his family’s wealth and status. What if the Ye Family were to fall…

Lu Yue thought darkly, In such a scenario, she might just choose someone else.

The wealthy debutantes, initially intending to engage with Lu Yue, became engrossed in the spectacle and completely forgot about him. They occasionally glanced at the young Song heir, their eyes filled with sympathy.

Standing in the hall, Song Xingyi’s face was deathly pale, feeling as though stripped naked amidst freezing snow, shivering uncontrollably. “We’re not close”? “Won’t be together because I’m not your type”? With all his willpower, Song Xingyi resisted the urge to flee on the spot, gritting his teeth so hard he tasted blood.

His dignity lay brutally trampled underfoot, causing a piercing pain that spread throughout him. Song Xingyi felt like he was about to die from this agony!

He had been so obedient and well-behaved, believing she liked him, willing to do anything for her. But what did his compliance earn him? It seemed he truly became nothing more than a dog, summoned at will and dismissed just as easily. He should have cast this woman aside, ensuring she would never enter his sight again, yet he couldn’t even manage that simple act!

Song Xingyi felt heartbroken over Tong Ling’s self-deprecation, referring to herself merely as a substitute. Was Ye Huan really that exceptional? Did he deserve such sentiment from her? Song Xingyi was consumed with jealousy, nearly driven mad by it.

How could Song Xingyi’s mother not understand her child’s thoughts? Seeing Song Xingyi trembling uncontrollably with red-rimmed eyes broke her heart. She wanted to give him everything he desired. Isn’t it just a woman? Forget that she’s only a stand-in; even if she were genuinely involved with Ye Huan, why should the young master of the Song family be denied anyone he wants? How dare this woman reject her son?

“What is there not to like about my Xingyi?” Song Mother asked indignantly, “How dare you treat him this way?”

Initially, she had wished for this woman to stay far away from her son, but now, Song Mother longed for her to obediently remain by his side. This sudden shift in perspective caught even her off guard.

Before Tong Ling could respond, Shen Man, who had been observing from the moment they entered the banquet, stepped forward to interject.

Given that she had a son as grown-up as Ye Huan, Shen Man was naturally no longer young. However, she had been a beauty in her youth and maintained her well-being diligently. Even now, she appeared as a graceful and elegant woman with enduring charm.

Unlike typical affluent ladies, Shen Man possessed ambition and cunning. Her years navigating the business world made others wary of underestimating this powerful woman, even members of the influential Song family deferred some respect to her.

“It’s not that your Xingyi is inadequate; it’s simply because my Ye Huan is exceptionally outstanding.” The corners of Shen Man’s lips curved slightly. “Let the children handle their matters themselves; we elders should refrain from interfering, don’t you agree, Mrs. Song?”

Shen Man’s statement held a subtle irony, given her own controlling nature—after all, she was the one who sent Yu Yurou abroad. Yet, when employing double standards, no one could truly fault her.

Mrs. Song, being adept at maintaining appearances, recognized that further escalation would be unbecoming for both parties. She seized upon Shen Man’s words and responded sourly, “Your son indeed stands out.”

“Speaking of which, congratulations are also in order. Xingyi getting admitted to Jing University is quite remarkable—a feat my Ye Huan cannot match yet,” added Shen Man.

“It’s the result of his own hard work,” Shen Man responded, as if nothing had transpired between them earlier. She continued with a smile, “Xingyi always achieves what he sets out to do; he has that capability.”

Song’s mother glanced at her younger son and noticed that Song Xingyi had composed himself, hiding any trace of distress. Silently nodding, she acknowledged it was time for Xingyi to grow up. As a member of the Song family and the host of this banquet, regardless of how difficult it might be, he must not show weakness or invite ridicule by breaking down!

The dramatic scene quietly subsided, with all guests pretending as if nothing unusual had occurred. In business circles, maintaining appearances is a fundamental skill.

Guests gradually approached Song’s parents to congratulate the young Song heir on his university admission. Standing beside his parents, Song Xingyi expressionlessly accepted everyone’s well-wishes.

Amidst the clinking glasses and lively chatter, the banquet resumed its festive atmosphere.

However, this did not mean people had forgotten the incident. Tong Ling distinctly felt more furtive glances directed her way, suspecting those gathered in small groups were likely discussing her “substitute declaration.”

“Are you feeling unwell?” Ye Xu was aware of the numerous discreet gazes observing them. He didn’t mind being the subject of others’ conversations, but he didn’t want Tong Ling to feel uncomfortable. “If you’re not feeling well, I can take you away from here.”

“I…”

Before Tong Ling could respond, Ye Huan pulled her close, determined to prevent further spectacle. Suppressing his irritation, he whispered lowly, “My girlfriend doesn’t need your concern.”

“Girlfriend?” Ye Xu also lowered his voice, responding with cold sarcasm, “Your girlfriend is abroad; the one standing here is just a substitute.”

“If she were truly my girlfriend, I would never hide behind her, making her bear the pressure for me.”

Ye Huan’s expression twisted momentarily, “What do you mean by that?”

“Nothing,” Ye Xu replied nonchalantly, “I simply find it objectionable.”

“You can only object,” Ye Huan sneered with a forced smile, “after all, no one would willingly do such a thing for you.”

The sharp exchanges between the two men left Tong Ling barely able to interject. Fortunately, they maintained their composure, ensuring no one else overheard their heated conversation.

Upon Shen Man’s arrival, both men swiftly stopped their conversation. Until they gauged her stance, they maintained a united front in protecting Tong Ling.

“Yu Ling?” Shen Man’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Are you Yu Yurou’s sister?”

Tong Ling nodded and replied, “Yes, Madam Shen.”

“You sisters truly are intriguing,” Shen Man chuckled. “One after another, setting your sights on the Ye Family. Tell me, is my foolish son too gullible, or do you simply not take me seriously?”

Feigning innocence, Tong Ling responded, “Madam Shen, I don’t understand what you mean… I genuinely love Ye Huan. I know he likes my sister, but I-I don’t mind; I just want to be by his side.”

Shen Man hadn’t encountered such an interesting situation in a long time. Normally, she would dismiss this scheming woman as she had done with Yu Yurou, but curiously, she didn’t feel inclined to act that way.

“Was it Yu Yurou who sent you to be close to Ye Huan?” Shen Man speculated. “A woman like her wouldn’t give up easily. Unable to have him herself, she likely pushed her sister forward so she could still reap benefits indirectly.”

“Mom, how could you say such things about Yurou!” Ye Huan frowned deeply, unable to bear his mother denigrating his girlfriend right in front of her.

“It seems you still haven’t woken up.” Seeing that Ye Huan’s feelings for Yu Yurou remained unchanged, Shen Man’s expression turned stern. “I’ve witnessed firsthand just how insatiable your girlfriend is. Do you truly believe she liked you? If she did, she wouldn’t have left you solely for money!”

Ye Huan couldn’t possibly believe what Shen Man was saying; after all, his girlfriend stood perfectly fine beside him. However, Shen Man’s words indicated that she genuinely saw his girlfriend as a substitute, which brought a slight relief to Ye Huan’s mind.

“You don’t believe me?” Shen Man had anticipated her foolish son’s reaction long before. She promptly retrieved a document from her handbag and handed it to Ye Huan. “Here’s her spending record, see for yourself.”

Originally, Shen Man didn’t want to resort to this, but blame lay squarely on Yu Yurou’s excessive greed—asking for money twice, treating her like a personal ATM? Had Yu Yurou stayed contentedly abroad, Shen Man might have overlooked the additional expenses. But now that she returned, Shen Man was determined to make sure Yu Yurou would repay every penny, with interest!

“This…” As Ye Huan scanned the detailed transactions, he was taken aback.

Tong Ling leaned over to glance at the records and marveled at Yu Yurou’s spending prowess. She wondered what had spurred the protagonist to splurge so extravagantly, even more than Tong Ling herself could manage.

It should be noted that Tong Ling held control of Yu Yurou’s account, receiving monthly transfers from Ye Huan, and also enjoyed the patronage of the wealthy Wei Wei. With three sources of income, she had only managed to obtain around a dozen VVIP beauty membership cards, occasionally indulging in full-body treatments and experiencing the lavish lifestyle of the upper class. Yet despite all this, her expenditures still fell short compared to the protagonist’s!

“Am I living too frugally?” Tong Ling muttered to the system, “How come I can’t outspend the female lead when it comes to money?”

m-577: 【 Have you got the audacity to call yourself frugal? 】

The AI was truly exasperated by Tong Ling’s shamelessness: 【 You freeload off Lu Yue’s company for food and drinks, after work Wei Wei covers your expenses, and whenever going out with anyone, how often do you actually pay yourself? 】

“But if I can’t even outspend her, won’t I never finish spending my money?” Tong Ling set herself a small goal: “Three years, within three years, I must spend it all! Not leaving a single cent for anyone else!”

Speechless, m-577 responded: […How ambitious.]

In a syrupy tone, Tong Ling apologetically said to Ye Huan, “My sister… she really spends too much, I’m sorry…”

“This isn’t Yurou’s fault,” Ye Huan reassured Tong Ling.

Ye Huan’s comforting words clearly furthered Shen Man’s misunderstanding. “You’re beyond redemption!” After scolding Ye Huan, Shen Man turned to Tong Ling and asked, “Have you seen how irresponsible my son is? Do you truly want to stay by his side as just a substitute, a mere plaything without any respect?”

Tong Ling remained silent but gleefully whispered to the system, “Look, key dialogue achieved - passed the Shen Man banquet scenario.”

[…]

Is that it? These words lack any insult and rather sound like persuasion. How does this count as a heart-wrenching plot for a cannon fodder female character?

M-577 checked its equipment again; even this rigid machine couldn’t detect any issues and obediently fell silent.

“To be honest, this banquet is filled with many talented young individuals. Choosing anyone else would be better than him,” Shen Man’s words stunned Ye Huan.

“Mom! What are you saying!” Ye Huan had never seen Shen Man speak so kindly to any woman before. Clearly, Yu Yurou was always by his side—why such drastically different treatment now?

Earlier, she wanted to drive away Yu Yurou, but now she seeks to push him aside. It made no sense!

On the sidelines, Ye Xu couldn’t suppress a laugh. “I wholeheartedly agree with Madam Shen.”

“Ling, you can choose someone else,” Ye Xu added, twisting the knife further. “This man isn’t worth your devotion.”

“Ye Xu, stay out of it.” Shen Man could criticize her own son, but she wouldn’t tolerate others doing the same. “Aren’t you also fond of Yu Yurou, just like Ye Huan? Forget about Tong Ling; I’ve set my sights on her.”

Tong Ling’s eyes widened as she watched their exchange.

“What? Surprised that Ye Xu and I can get along so well?” Rarely showing patience, Shen Man explained, “The rumors outside aren’t wrong; Ye Xu has indeed caused significant troubles for the Ye Family.

“But in business, there are no eternal enemies, and I greatly appreciate capable individuals.”

Shen Man smiled at Tong Ling. “The same applies to you. I don’t mind ambition as long as one possesses the capabilities to match it; then, I will certainly provide opportunities.”

Tong Ling’s interest in Shen Man grew further. “May I ask, Madam Shen, why didn’t you give my sister a chance?”

“Her?” Shen Man had no favorable impression of Yu Yurou. “She was too greedy.”

“She wanted much but lacked the ability to grasp even a fraction of her desires. Instead of knowing when to refuse others, she couldn’t say no. Why should I offer opportunities to someone like that?”

So this was the reason behind Shen Man targeting Yu Yurou! In the original plot, after returning from her studies abroad, Yu Yurou significantly improved her skills and influence. At that time, Shen Man indeed caused her little trouble. Now, it remained uncertain whether the current Yu Yurou still possessed the composure to enhance herself…

“You’re different from your sister,” Shen Man praised Tong Ling. “You know what you want, have clear goals, and can resist temptations. With such determination, your future achievements will undoubtedly be significant.”

It seemed Shen Man still underestimated her.

How could Tong Ling possibly resist temptation? She desired far more than anyone, being even greedier than Yu Yurou. Her refusals were merely another form of seeking what she wanted. After all, an adult’s choice is naturally to have it all, isn’t it?