Chapter 227: Hands Are Moving: Qin vs. Dong, Huo Joins the Fray

Current girlfriend!

Those words struck right at Dong Xuan's pressure point—already mentioned, Dong Xuan's Achilles' heel was breaking up with Yu Yanli.

Even after her last conversation with Yu Yanli, learning that Qin Lan had taken advantage of their breakup (from Dong Xuan's perspective), her hatred deepened.

In her heart, if she and Yu Yanli hadn't broken up, Qin Lan would have had nothing to do with him—nor would those messy women like Fan Xiaopang even exist.

The two of them would be living happily together, perhaps already married by now.

Yu Yanli's current state? All because of these foxes seducing him.

Of course, Dong Xuan deliberately ignored why they broke up back then.

Even if she remembered, the blame was always Huang Shengyi's.

It was that little bitch who first led Yu Yanli astray and caused their breakup, triggering all the events that followed—so Dong Xuan hated Huang Shengyi most, her dislike for her far exceeding her combined hatred for Fan Xiaopang and Qin Lan by more than tenfold.

Still, seeing Qin Lan, the other beneficiary of that breakup, jump in here was enough to make Dong Xuan seethe.

Dong Xuan sneered: "Current girlfriend? I've never heard of you."

She turned to Guan Yue for support: "Old Guan, have you heard of her?"

Guan Yue, Dong Xuan's longtime friend, played along perfectly: "Not even a rumor. Who even knows what random street spirit crawled out?"

"You haven't heard of me? I've heard of you."

Qin Lan stared at Dong Xuan, speaking slowly and clearly: "The universally acknowledged ex-girlfriend."

She emphasized the three words "ex-girlfriend," making Dong Xuan's temples throb as she gritted her teeth.

"Whether ex or current, if Yu Yanli accepts you, who the hell are you? Does anyone even know you?"

Qin Lan used "ex-girlfriend" to disgust Dong Xuan; Dong Xuan stabbed back with Qin Lan's invisibility.

After all, Dong Xuan and Yu Yanli's relationship was acknowledged by both, known to everyone.

But Qin Lan and Yu Yanli's relationship? Only whispered among a few, occasionally leaked online with little impact.

So while both knew the truth, publicly speaking, Qin Lan was "unworthy" to face off against Dong Xuan.

Guan Yue, fiercely protective of her friend, stepped forward: "What kind of random flirts are swarming here? Know your place."

Dong Xuan had backup; Qin Lan wasn't alone either—Huo Siyan stepped forward to retort.

"Who are you talking to? Ex-girlfriend is ex-girlfriend—it's all in the past. What's all this drama for?"

If it were anyone else, fine—but Dong Xuan saw Huo Siyan, the little brat she'd already punished, and her tone turned icy.

"Didn't I teach you enough last time? You're asking for another beating, aren't you?"

Huo Siyan still had psychological scars from Dong Xuan and grew nervous facing her; Qin Lan had to step in to protect her.

"What's this, Black Society?"

Watching Huo Siyan wilt, Qin Lan felt genuinely exhausted.

This useless piece of trash brags and incites behind the scenes, but when it comes to action, she's nothing.

Aside from Wang Ou, who always dodged, Qin Lan dragged her into two fights—one against Dong Xuan, one against Fan Xiaopang—and Huo Siyan got wiped out both times, whether from trauma or pure incompetence.

Looking at Guan Yue, brimming with fighting spirit beside Dong Xuan, Qin Lan finally understood the value of a good teammate.

But luckily, today wasn't just Huo Siyan—there was Ma Yili beside her.

Qin Lan gave Ma Yili a look: Old Ma, go.

Ma Yili hesitated—yes, she was Qin Lan's good friend, but she truly didn't want to get involved.

She knew Dong Xuan too, not well, but they'd interacted; she didn't want to speak harshly or offend her pointlessly.

And there was Tong Dawei—she got along well with him, and her role in "Struggle" owed something to his influence; now she'd be directly clashing with his girlfriend—how would they ever work together again?

Huo Siyan was single-minded, fully committed to clinging to Qin Lan's skirt; Ma Yili had her own solid career and good reputation.

Though she was willing to stay on good terms with Qin Lan, it didn't mean she was fully tied to Qin Lan's ship.

After much hesitation, Ma Yili stepped in—but not to help Qin Lan, to mediate.

"We're all here to visit the set; no need to create bad feelings. Give me and Dawei a favor—stay calm…"

Ma Yili didn't just plead herself—she dragged Tong Dawei in too, since both sides had come to visit them; as intermediaries, mediating made sense.

Tong Dawei, reminded by Ma Yili, quickly joined in to persuade.

Earlier, when the women were arguing, as a man he couldn't possibly interfere.

If it were anyone else, he'd side with Dong Xuan and his girlfriend—but Qin Lan's status was too sensitive.

The Qin-Dong conflict was a family matter within Yu Yanli's circle; a few girlfriends backing their friend was understandable.

How could a man like him step in? What if Qin Lan complained to Yu Yanli that he bullied her? What if Yu Yanli couldn't handle those women but took it out on him?

So earlier, Tong Dawei had just stood by, afraid to get involved.

But now Ma Yili offered a way out—he finally had room to act.

He couldn't fight, but he could pull them apart.

Experienced people know: arguments fear bystanders egging them on—the more they cheer, the hotter it gets, until fists fly.

But if someone intervenes to cool things down, except for a few who get more fired up, most people respond to the calming effect.

Qin Lan never wanted to clash with Dong Xuan—she'd been pushed into it, couldn't back down, so she had to force herself forward.

Dong Xuan? Even less so—this was a surprise encounter; she couldn't possibly back down.

After a brief exchange, they both knew the other wasn't an easy target.

Either keep fighting, tearing the place apart in public, or take the easy way out—go home, settle it later.

For Dong and Qin, these two choices weren't hard—they were ready to follow Tong and Ma's lead.

"We're on someone else's set today; don't delay their work. Any debts? Settle them later."

"Fine, I'll give Old Ma and Dawei a favor—but remember, this isn't over."

Dong Xuan and Qin Lan each threw out threats, preparing to leave.

At that moment, a petite girl walked over from the parking lot, surprised to see everyone, and rushed over.

"Wow, everyone's here? What a lively scene."

Li Xiao, a rising star and cast member of "Struggle," loved fun and socializing.

She knew nearly everyone present.

Tong and Ma, of course—same set, closest to Huo Siyan, whom she met through her boyfriend Li Chen; both were sociable, often went out to eat and shopped, got along well.

Qin Lan knew Li through Huo Siyan too, but only once—just a single shopping trip, not close.

Dong Xuan was a bit closer—they met at a college classmate's birthday party, had interacted; Guan Yue also met Li then.

Afterward, Li Xiao had invited Dong Xuan out twice; Dong Xuan accepted, their relationship was decent, but not deep.

That's exactly where things went wrong!

Everyone knew each other, but not well—so Li Xiao assumed she could talk to anyone, yet didn't understand the real situation.

For example, Dong Xuan and Yu Yanli's relationship? She knew Dong was the ex, but not the actual details.

She knew nothing about Qin Lan and Yu Yanli—they'd met once; Huo Siyan, though close to Li, wouldn't spill Qin Lan's secrets.

To cling to a big shot, you keep your mouth shut—Huo Siyan wouldn't casually reveal Qin Lan's business.

Only Xiong Naijin, whom she truly wanted to bring into the sisterhood, had asked Qin Lan's permission before revealing anything—and Zhao Ke, having starred in "The Qing Dynasty's Imperial Harem," already knew the score.

Unaware of the conflict, and having just dropped off her mother who came to visit, she hadn't heard the backstory.

Li Xiao saw the group gathered here, thought they were just chatting and relaxing, and shouted to join.

"Sister Lan, Sister Xuan, long time no see! Don't leave yet—I'll treat everyone to dinner, let's all hang out."

"..."

Ma Yili was stunned—just as they were about to leave, you drag them back together? She hurriedly said:

"Let's get together another time—we're all busy, time to go."

"No way! It's still early! Rare chance to visit the set—you've talked, I haven't even greeted anyone yet—nobody's leaving. I'll ask Director Zhao for leave—we're not stopping till we're drunk!"

Li Xiao was famous and wealthy—her grandfather and father were both producers and directors at August First Film Studio; her mother had been an actress before going into business; her family's connections in the industry weren't top-tier, but far better than average actors'.

Others, including Tong Dawei, were tense around Zhao Baogang—but she, thanks to her father's old connections, could afford to be a little spoiled.

Li Xiao insisted no one leave; Ma Yili couldn't openly reveal the private conflict.

Finally, Dong Xuan, who'd been silent, spoke up and laid it bare.

"LuLu, I appreciate the gesture, but I really can't sit at the same table as certain people. Not this time—I'll treat you next time."

Qin Lan wasn't having it—you reject, but drag me in? She cut in directly:

"Xiao Lu, if someone doesn't want to go, fine—I'll eat with you. People who don't get along? Ignore them."

Dong Xuan glared at Qin Lan: "You go? You grab what others reject? So fond of eating leftovers?"

Qin Lan's brow twitched, sneering: "Oh? At least I don't eat back the grass I spat out—then you're eating scraps? What are you eating? Pig slop?"

"Who are you talking to?"

"I'm talking to you!"

Dong and Qin had just stepped back—but they hadn't cooled off; each had been simmering, planning to confront someone later.

Now Li Xiao's interruption delayed them.

Like blowing hard on a seemingly extinguished fire—ash scattered, embers reignited, fiercer than before—their verbal attacks intensified beyond earlier.

Watching Dong and Qin clash again, Li Xiao was baffled—what even was this? They just started fighting.

But the information was huge.

Ma Yili cursed inwardly, but had to step in again—same words, but the effect was half as strong.

Dong Xuan shoved aside Ma Yili, pointing at Qin Lan's nose:

"I've tolerated you long enough—you little homewrecker, showing off here with me?"

Qin Lan spat at Ma Yi: "I'm seriously dating Yan Li—you're shameless, breaking up but still clinging on—you're the real third wheel."

While the main players were quarreling, their teammates didn't hold back—Guan Yue launched straight into Hu Siyan.

"A broken pot with a broken lid—what kind of person hangs with what kind of person? Born to be a pair of rotten scum."

Hu Siyan had trauma around Dong Xuan, but she wasn't afraid of Guan Yue—so what if Tong Dawei was her boyfriend? She had people watching her back; she wasn't scared of Tong, so she fired back.

"Can't compare to you—shite beetles sworn brothers, stinking together in one pile."

"You little bitch, you dare talk back?"

"Then what are you gonna do? A sidekick—what the hell are you so proud of?"

Dong Xuan and Qin Lan still had some restraint, just hurling insults.

Guan Yue had no patience—once pushed too far, she lunged to scratch Hu Siyan, who didn't back down, charging forward to grab her hair.

Luckily, Tong Dawei stepped in, grabbing Guan Yue and shouting to Li Xiaolu: "You just stand there? Stop them!"

"Oh."

Li Xiaolu replied, stepped forward to pull Hu Siyan, pretending to exert effort—but in truth, she barely used any strength, her eyes gleaming with excitement, hoping they'd all start fighting so she could watch.

Because Li Xiaolu held back, Hu Siyan gained the upper hand; though she didn't land a hit on Guan Yue, she landed a few blows on Tong Dawei.

That made Guan Yue even angrier—how dare that little bitch hit my man!

Ignoring Tong Dawei's attempts to hold her back, she kicked wildly at Hu Siyan; Tong feared she'd fall, so he held and hugged her tightly, letting her kick freely without fear of falling.

Hu Siyan, overeager and reckless, didn't expect this move—got kicked square in the chest.

Li Xiaolu steadied her and whispered: "Use your bag."

Hu Siyan snapped to it, yanked off her shoulder bag, and swung it like a flail at Guan Yue's leg.

On the other side, Dong Xuan saw the fight escalate and noticed Guan Yue seemed to be losing—she rolled up her sleeves and moved to join in; Qin Lan, worried for her best friend, yanked off her bag and charged forward.

Ma Yi was nearly in tears—these goddesses were all more trouble than the last.

Li Xiaolu nearly burst out laughing; on the surface she helped break it up, but inwardly she wanted to sneak in a few kicks herself.

The unluckiest was Tong Dawei—trapped in the middle by women, becoming a human shield; none of the women landed many hits on each other, but most of the damage landed on him.

As the physical conflict intensified, a Mercedes G-Class sped toward them.

"Fuck!"

Li Xiaolu thought they'd be hit—she shouted for everyone to dodge—but when the women saw the car, their expressions darkened.

Ssshh—

The G-Class screeched to a halt a few meters away, and out stepped a tall young man in casual clothes—Yan Li.

He glanced at the scene, especially their disheveled appearances, understood the situation, and his face turned black.

Looking at Qin Lan and Dong Xuan, he forced out: "Go home."

Qin Lan and Dong Xuan exchanged glances, neither moved. Yan Li raised three fingers.

"I'll count to three—if you don't go back, don't come back at all. One…"

"Fine, we won't go back."

Guan Yue resented Yan Li's domineering tone—this whole mess was his fault—and couldn't help snapping back.

Yan Li gave her a cold glance, ignored her completely, then bent his second finger.

"Two."

Guan Yue opened her mouth to speak, but Tong Dawei clamped his hand over it; Ma Yi tugged Qin Lan's sleeve—Qin Lan, seeing Dong Xuan still standing firm, gritted her teeth and held her ground; Dong Xuan, seeing she didn't move, clenched her lips and refused to budge.

"Three."

Yan Li finished counting. Seeing their stubbornness, he said nothing, turned, and headed for the car.

Seeing Yan Li truly meant to drive off, Qin Lan panicked—she couldn't hold back anymore, stepped forward quickly. Seeing her move, Dong Xuan, pushed to her limit, also strode toward the car.

Both fixed their eyes on the front passenger seat—Qin Lan yanked open the door to get in, but Dong Xuan grabbed the doorframe; they glared at each other, neither yielding.

Yan Li looked at them: "Sit in the back."

Qin and Dong exchanged glances, stuck again. This time Yan Li said nothing—he grabbed each by the arm, shoved them into the car, and warned:

"No fighting. No yelling."

After shoving them into the car, Yan Li retrieved their car keys from their bags, turned back to the group, and handed Qin Lan's key to Hu Siyan.

"Drive your Lan's car back."

Hu Siyan nodded—no problem. Yan Li turned to Guan Yue, who said nothing, just reached out and took the key.

No matter how dissatisfied she was with Yan Li, Dong Xuan was already in the car; if she spoke up now, she'd only cause trouble for her best friend—she'd just have to swallow it.

Yan Li looked at Tong Dawei, covered in footprints, patted his shoulder, and said: "Thanks for your trouble."

Then to Ma Yi and Li Xiaolu: "Sorry to make you witness this mess."

"It's fine."

Ma Yi waved it off, adding: "Just a little quarrel, nothing serious. Don't get too worked up—go home and talk it out."

Yan Li nodded, apologized again to everyone, promised to treat them later as compensation, and asked them not to spread family dirt.

After receiving their nods and promises, Yan Li turned and got in the car. Seeing Dong and Qin sitting coldly on opposite sides of the backseat, he honked once and drove off.

…

After Yan Li left, the group exchanged glances and went their separate ways.

Tong Dawei and Guan Yue walked back; Guan Yue brushed dirt off him, mocked Yan Li, yet worried whether Dong Xuan was being mistreated.

"Stop worrying so much—she's willing, he's willing. Just now, Dong Xuan didn't say a word—why did you argue with Yan Li?"

"I can't stand how he acts. Everything started because of him, yet he acts like he's the one demanding justice—what kind of person is he?"

"You need to change your thinking."

Tong Dawei advised his girlfriend: "Don't keep seeing Yan Li as that broke college kid—he's a big boss now. If Dong Xuan keeps pissing him off and he leaves, you'll just hand him over to Qin Lan."

As previously mentioned, Guan Yue had known Yan Li since too early, had watched him and Dong's college days firsthand,

so she naturally saw them as equals, ignoring the vast gap in their current realities.

Though over the past two years, as Yan Li's career soared, Guan Yue's attitude had softened and her tolerance increased, deep-rooted views don't vanish overnight—and today, with her anger still fresh, she'd lost her temper and snapped at Yan Li.

Now, she regretted it, afraid it would hurt Dong Xuan.

Tong Dawei didn't take it seriously—he didn't think Yan Li would blame or resent Guan Yue or Dong over this.

Even if there was an effect, Dong Xuan wouldn't blame Guan Yue—after all, Guan Yue had defended her and even fought for her.

That kind of friendship made him truly anxious—he feared that if he and Guan Yue fought, Dong Xuan would come after him with a vengeance.

He didn't have Yan Li's power!

Thinking of how Yan Li counted to three and Qin and Dong immediately got into the car with him, Tong Dawei's eyes flickered with envy.

"A real man should be like that!"

"What did you say?"

Too quiet—Guan Yue hadn't heard. Tong Dawei forced a smile: "I said, I'm better, right? I don't make you fight."

"Hmph. All men are the same—get rich, turn rotten. You're no better."

Guan Yue sneered, but reached out to rub his arm—someone had scratched him earlier.

Damn, it's not their men—they don't hold back at all…

On the other side, Ma Yi, Hu Siyan, and Li Xiaolu left together, reaching the parking lot.

Seeing Hu Siyan struggle with reversing, Li Xiaolu—who prided herself on better driving—offered to drive her home.

Ma Yi nodded. As Hu Siyan got in, Ma Yi pulled her aside, wanting to say something, but sighed and waved them off.

Whether arguing or fighting, Ma Yi had countless reasons—her actions benefited the bigger picture and Qin Lan.

But they were all best friends—Guan Yue and Hu Siyan jumped in immediately, standing firmly with Qin and Dong, while she stood there pulling them apart. Compared to that, Ma Yi knew she'd lost major points.

Qin Lan's thoughts were unclear for now, but Hu Siyan's attitude toward her had clearly cooled.

"What the hell is this?"

Ma Yi felt she'd suffered pure bad luck—just filming peacefully, then hit with this mess, and now she'd worked hard but gained no favor—so frustrating.

Meanwhile, in the car, Li Xiaolu began gossiping with Hu Siyan about Qin, Dong, and Yan.

She'd understood the general situation while breaking up the fight, but the details were still unclear—she'd offered to drive Hu Siyan home precisely to get the scoop.

Hu Siyan and she had always gotten along well, and during the fight, Li Xiaolu had held back and given her a tip—Hu Siyan now saw her as an ally.

Since Li Xiaolu had already seen Qin and Dong fighting, there was no hiding it—Hu Siyan told her part of what happened.

Of course, Hu Siyan's version was heavily biased—praising Qin, denigrating Dong.

Even though Li Xiaolu hadn't known much before, she sensed something off.

After all, she'd dealt with Dong Xuan—she clearly wasn't the "vile woman" Hu Siyan described.

But Li Xiaolu said nothing, silently listened to the gossip, her expression growing increasingly delighted, asking occasional questions, and finally said with satisfaction and awe:

"Man, what a mess!"

Compared to Qin Lan and Dong Xuan, Li Xiaolu was now far more interested in Yan Li.

Eating from one bowl, eyeing the pot, stepping on two boats, a playboy—he's no good.

But then again, such a bad man is undeniably thrilling.

Thinking of how Yan Li counted to three and they all got into the car, Li Xiaolu's eyes gleamed—her boyfriend Li Chen would never have that kind of aura or guts.

Hmph, he wouldn't even dare step on two boats—if he did, she'd cut it off…

Uncertain of Qin Lan's intentions, Hu Siyan didn't let Li Xiaolu drive her to Qin Lan's—she went home instead.

Li Xiaolu didn't leave after dropping her off—said she was in high spirits and wanted to hang out with Hu Siyan.

Hu Siyan thought Li Xiaolu was loyal, and with so much happening today, she still had plenty to say—she gladly agreed.

The two of them bought cooked dishes, cold cuts, and alcohol, and ate and drank while chatting freely at Hu Siyan's home.

They enjoyed their meal and drink, while Yan Li and the other two, who had been circling aimlessly since leaving the "Struggle" set, were in a tense atmosphere.

Qin Lan and Dong Xuan were in a cold war, silent; Yan Li said nothing too, so they just dragged their feet on the road—he had nothing else to do today anyway.

After more than half an hour passed, Yan Li was even considering stopping to refuel, when they passed a public restroom and Dong Xuan couldn't hold back anymore.

"Stop. I need to use the restroom."

Qin Lan muttered: "Lazy ass, always needing to pee and shit."

Dong Xuan didn't let her get away with it and shot back: "At least I don't just eat without ever going."

Yan Li tapped the center console: "If you two keep squabbling, I'll throw you both out and walk home myself."

Dong Xuan complained: "You keep threatening people nonstop."

Qin Lan added: "Exactly. We were just being polite earlier—you really think we're afraid of you?"

"Fine then. Since there's no one else here, you don't need to spare my feelings. Get out. I'm going home to eat."

Dong Xuan and Qin Lan fell silent. This big fight had gone too far; they weren't sure whether Yan Li was truly angry or just trying to control them.

If he was genuinely angry, and they kept fighting, they'd only be handing victory to Fan Xiaopang.

To be honest, whether it was Dong Xuan or Qin Lan, each considered Fan Xiaopang their number one rival.

That seductive fox had put too much pressure on them!

If today's opponent had been Fan Xiaopang, Yan Li's "three-count" tactic wouldn't have worked nearly as well.

But since Fan Xiaopang wasn't here, they were both in a position to profit from the conflict—and neither dared to gamble.

Not just losing the gamble—even if that seductive fox got the upper hand first, it would be enough to ruin them both.

Seeing them quiet, Yan Li slightly softened his expression.

In such situations, you must know when to press and when to ease up.

These two had just fought, so their confidence was low, but he himself had even less moral ground—he was the instigator of everything, and Yan Li always knew his own limits.

So a bit of intimidation was fine—to deflate their arrogance—but he couldn't keep pressing, or it would backfire and turn the fire onto himself.

"Just hold on a little longer. Come to my place—we'll have dinner with my parents."

Yan Li felt he'd hammered them enough and decided to use this chance to test their limits.

He knew both wanted to be his family's daughter-in-law—but whether they could coexist peacefully as his daughters-in-law was exactly what he wanted to understand and promote.

"..."

Hearing they were going to Yangjiaodeng Hutong, both Qin and Dong felt uneasy, but under Yan Li's pressure and unwilling to show weakness in front of each other, they said nothing.

When they arrived at the Yangjiaodeng Hutong sihe courtyard, only Zhang Hong and Old Yan were home.

They were watching TV—CCTV-6 was airing the movie "Raise Your Hands," where Pan Changjiang's Japanese soldier was being chased by a stone roller.

The couple was laughing loudly when they saw Qin Lan and Dong Xuan walk in together—their smiles froze on their faces.

"Mom, Dad, Huanhuan and Lanlan came to visit you."

Yan Li called Dong Xuan's nickname smoothly enough, but saying "Lanlan" for Qin Lan felt awkward—he rarely used it.

But since he'd used Dong Xuan's nickname in front of his parents, he couldn't call Qin Lan by her formal name, so he defaulted to the pet name.

"Oh, sit down quickly."

Zhang Hong snapped out of it and invited them to sit, chatting with them awkwardly.

How to put it? She'd seen these two daughters-in-law often enough lately—they were familiar—but she'd never encountered them together, so she naturally felt tense and uneasy.

After a few minutes of chatting, Dong Xuan went to the restroom—Yan Li had told her to go when they arrived, but she refused to let Qin Lan go first, so she held out until now.

But as soon as she left, Qin Lan seized the opening and lavished attention on Zhang Hong.

"Auntie, Yan Li said you've been talking about me—I've missed you too. A friend recently gave me a beauty salon card; I'll take you for a treatment soon…"

Zhang Hong smiled. She had mixed feelings about Fan Xiaopang, preferred Dong Xuan, but didn't reject Qin Lan.

How to put it? Though Qin Lan lacked the prestige of being a university professor, Zhang Hong still approved of her personality, appearance, physique, and family background.

In Zhang Hong's heart, she'd ideally want Dong Xuan as her daughter-in-law—but if it were Qin Lan, she wouldn't object either.

As for Fan Xiaopang… if her son truly loved her, she couldn't stop him—but she personally remained skeptical…

After a while, Dong Xuan returned and saw them chatting happily, so she immediately stepped forward.

"Auntie, Yan Li said you've been talking about me at home—why haven't you called me? I can come visit even after work."

Why do I keep talking about you so much!

Zhang Hong glanced at her son—what a little bastard, always dragging her into this mess.

Yan Li cleared his throat: "I'll go find out where Grandma is."

Yan Li slipped out, and Old Yan followed right behind: "It'll be crowded tonight—I'll check if there's enough food."

Zhang Hong: "..."

The Yan family truly had no good people!

But then again, even if Yan Li and his father didn't flee, Qin Lan and Dong Xuan's primary targets were still her or Yan's grandmother.

After all, they came here to build ties with Yan Li's elders—no need to care about Yan Li himself—and Old Yan was the father-in-law, so daughters-in-law couldn't get too close to him. That left only the mother-in-law and grandmother to court.

Zhang Hong had no choice but to endure their flattery.

To be fair, though being surrounded by two daughters-in-law was exhausting, Zhang Hong secretly felt a tiny thrill.

This was what it meant to be a mother-in-law!

Yan's grandmother, throughout her life, never had three daughters-in-law so filial.

Her sister-in-law—Yan Li's eldest aunt—also had a difficult daughter-in-law; Yan Li's cousin Yan Yi was completely dominated by his wife, and the aunt had often complained to Zhang Hong about how her son forgot his mother after marrying.

Her own family was no different—everyone said rural mothers-in-law were cruel, but there were plenty of dominant daughters-in-law too; some even drove their mothers-in-law out of the house.

That's why Zhang Hong favored obedient, well-behaved daughters-in-law—she'd seen too many mothers-in-law bullied and didn't want to end up like them.

But now it seemed she didn't need to worry—her son could handle it, and she could just enjoy the peace.

Yet, after dinner ended, Zhang Hong abandoned this thought.

The sihe courtyard was too cramped—mainly because Qin and Dong were too pampered to share a bed with Yan Li.

So Yan Li planned to take them home—but just like last time when he dropped off Dong Xuan and Fan Xiaopang, the question of who went first became a point of contention between the two women.

Yan Li once again dragged his parents in as witnesses, swearing he'd behave properly.

Dong Xuan blinked and said she trusted Uncle and Auntie, and generously offered to let Yan Li take Qin Lan first.

When Yan Li returned from dropping off Qin Lan and picked up Dong Xuan to take her home, about an hour later, Qin Lan called Zhang Hong, saying Yan Li hadn't called to confirm he'd gotten home safely, and she was worried he'd had an accident.

"Uh, he's back, probably asleep—I'll have him call you tomorrow."

After dealing with Qin Lan, Zhang Hong turned to Old Yan: "Let's pack up and head back to the countryside in a couple days. If we stay any longer, my entire reputation will be ruined."

That little bastard lying to us is one thing—but dragging us in as guarantees, then getting caught? What would we look like?

Old Yan nodded in deep agreement: "Let's go. This little bastard keeps bringing two girls home at once—I can barely handle it."

"Look at the two of you—such weaklings."

Yan's grandmother tapped her cane, glancing disdainfully at her son and daughter-in-law.

Zhang Hong sighed: "If you weren't so terrifying, you could stay alone—but I'll warn you: if those three ever meet up, your old bones won't survive it."

"Exactly."

Old Yan patted his belly: "Besides, I'm sure that little bastard is holding back—he might pop up with a fourth or fifth one any day."

"..."

Yan's grandmother fell silent for a moment, then suddenly said: "Xiaoman is coming soon, then Mangzhong—time to harvest the wheat."

"We don't even grow wheat! And Mangzhong is still half a month away."

Old Yan objected—Zhang Hong slapped him: "My family grows wheat. How long has Yan Li been away from the fields? He's forgotten when to harvest."

Yan's grandmother tapped her cane firmly: "That's settled—we're going home to harvest wheat."

(End of Chapter)