The temperature in the backyard seemed to drop by two degrees.
A sheen of sweat formed on Qin Changhai's forehead.
Ye Zhentian nodded repeatedly.
"You're right to reprimand me, Mr. Chen." He smiled bitterly. "I was presumptuous."
The commanding air he had developed from years in power vanished completely before Chen Lin. The absolute gap in their strength left him without even the courage to argue.
Seeing that his purpose had been achieved, Ye Zhentian tactfully rose to his feet.
"We won't disturb your cultivation any further, Mr. Chen." He cupped his hands. "We'll take our leave."
Qin Changhai and Ye Pianran rose as well.
Qin Churan prepared to follow her family out.
She had barely taken half a step.
"Chu Ran."
Ye Pianran suddenly stopped and turned to look at her daughter.
A meaningful smile played across her face.
Qin Churan's heart skipped a beat.
"Mom?"
"Your father and I are taking your grandfather to visit an old comrade he hasn't seen in years." Ye Pianran's tone was casual, as though she were discussing something perfectly ordinary. "It's not convenient to bring younger family members along when the elders are catching up."
Qin Churan's eyes widened.
"Then I can go back to work at the station!"
"Didn't you take the whole day off?" With a single sentence, Ye Pianran cut off her escape.
She glanced at Chen Lin, then turned back to her daughter, her tone carrying an unmistakable command.
"Mr. Chen saved your life. That's an enormous debt of gratitude. Stay here today and help him out, serve him tea and water, and properly thank him."
"But, Mom, I..."
Qin Churan panicked.
Ye Pianran completely ignored her daughter's shocked, pleading look.
"It's settled."
With that, Ye Pianran pulled Qin Changhai along and supported Ye Zhentian as they hurried