The atmosphere inside the Yang family villa was so oppressive it felt hard to breathe.
Keeping Yang Mian in the Yang household had value for Yang Wencheng and his wife only because she still held crucial utility.
After all, the Huo family’s recent ten-billion-dollar marriage offer was like a dazzling jewel that had made the entire Yang family lose their minds.
It was a fortune capable of changing the fate of the entire clan—how could the Yang family possibly let such fat meat slip away?
“Tch, selling your daughter for glory—you people are absolutely shameless!” Yang Mian shot back fearlessly, her almond-shaped eyes wide with anger.
Her gaze was full of contempt and fury, as if she were looking at the most disgusting creatures in the world.
“You… you unfilial daughter!” Yang Wencheng trembled all over with rage. His face flushed red, like an overripe tomato ready to burst.
He suddenly raised his hand, his large palm cutting through the air—about to slap Yang Mian across the face.
But at that critical moment—
“Ring ring ring!”
A sharp phone call abruptly rang out, like an invisible rope yanking him back.
Annoyed, he pulled out his phone. Seeing that it was the Huo family calling, his expression instantly changed. The ferocity on his face melted into a fawning, ingratiating smile.
“Hello! Old Master Huo! How are you!” Yang Wencheng answered quickly, his voice filled with deliberate respect, his waist bending unconsciously—he looked like he was about to bow all the way to the ground.
“Wencheng,” came Old Master Huo’s deep, authoritative voice from the other end. “Bring your daughter to the Huo family the day after tomorrow. I want to see her personally.”
Each word carried undeniable command.
“Alright, alright! Don’t worry, I will definitely bring her over on time the day after tomorrow! I won’t keep you waiting!” Yang Wencheng nodded and bowed repeatedly, his smile becoming even more obsequious—like a dog wagging its tail.
“Good. I’ll be waiting at home then.” Old Master Huo said briefly, preparing to hang up.
“Yes, yes, please take care, please take care!” Yang Wencheng hurriedly responded until the call ended.
Only after hearing the “beep beep” of the disconnected line did he carefully put the phone away.
That was the Huo family—one of the Four Great Families!
In the entire city, the Huo family stood like a towering mountain, holding immense power and influence.
The Yang family might have some wealth, but compared to the Huo family, it was nothing more than a drop in the ocean—utterly insignificant.
After hanging up, Yang Wencheng immediately turned to Yang Mian and barked, “You! Go upstairs right now! The day after tomorrow, you’re coming with me to the Huo family. Don’t you dare pull any tricks. I’m already furious just looking at you.”
He then added coldly, “Housekeeper Yang, don’t give her dinner today. Let her reflect on her mistakes.”
In his mind, although this daughter still had value, she couldn’t be allowed to become too defiant. Some punishment was necessary, or she would become harder to control in the future.
“Tch.” Yang Mian sneered, her eyes full of disgust.
Without another word, she turned and walked upstairs.
Inside, she thought coldly: I really don’t want to deal with these greedy, disgusting people. When will this absurd, suffocating life ever end?
At the same time, Yang Huan watched the scene unfold, jealousy burning fiercely in her eyes.
Why? Why could Yang Mian become the future young madam of the Huo family?
In her heart, that position should belong only to her—Yang Huan.
That jealousy spread through her like poison.
That night, everything was silent except for Yang Mian’s stomach growling loudly in protest of the unfair treatment.
Helpless, she left her room and headed toward the kitchen in search of food.
Although she was an expert in mysticism, knowledgeable in astronomy and geography, she was completely hopeless when it came to cooking.
Standing at the kitchen door, she stared blankly at the pots and utensils.
The night was dark and windy, the moon hidden behind thick clouds.
An idea suddenly struck her—she decided to climb out through the window to find food.
She carefully opened the window, nimbly descended along the wall pipes, and landed lightly like a cat.
After confirming no one was alerted, she walked out.
Soon, she arrived at a dim and narrow alley.
The air was damp and rotten, moss crawling up both sides of the walls.
Suddenly, chaotic shouts broke the silence.
“Don’t run! Catch him!”
A man was sprinting frantically, his steps rushed and panicked.
Hiding nearby, Yang Mian watched curiously.
At the corner, the man quickly took off his outer coat, pulled a wig from his chest, and put it on.
The movements were so smooth and practiced that Yang Mian narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
Before she could figure out what was happening, the man suddenly rushed toward her, grabbed her hand, and pinned her against the wall in one swift motion.
She didn’t even have time to react.
“Emergency. Help me out,” the man whispered lowly, then leaned in as if to kiss her—clearly acting for the pursuers.
Yang Mian widened her eyes, struggling to break free but afraid of exposing him.
Just then, the chasing group arrived and saw the scene of “two women” intimately embracing in the alley.
“Damn it… no wonder I can’t find a girlfriend. Now I even have to watch out for women?! Women already have girlfriends? How am I supposed to get one?” one of them complained helplessly.
“Stop looking, it’s disgusting. Eye-burning stuff.” another said, covering his eyes in disgust.
Cursing, the group eventually left.
Only then did the man release her and step back.
“Thank you for helping me. My name is Huo Yanshen. I owe you one today. If you ever need help in the future, I’ll repay you.”
Yang Mian straightened her slightly messy clothes and studied him carefully.
He was tall and handsome, but his eyes carried exhaustion and vigilance, and his body faintly exuded a cold, dangerous aura.
Curious, she activated her Heavenly Eye to see through his identity.
But—
Nothing.
It was blank.
What?
She couldn’t see his past or future at all?
Was she too hungry? Had her powers malfunctioned because she hadn’t eaten?
Forget it. Food first.
He probably has money, right?
Yang Mian widened her eyes. “I helped you escape danger, and this is all I get—a bounced promise?”
Her gaze was full of dissatisfaction.
She didn’t want an empty IOU.