{Chapter: 160 The heroines' disgust!}
Ye Feng's eyes burned with fury, locked tightly onto Lin Yuan's retreating figure. His entire body trembled slightly as his fists clenched until his knuckles turned white. His chest rose and fell with rapid, shallow breaths, as if he were restraining a wild beast inside.
He couldn't bear the humiliation of being ignored. Not in front of everyone.
To Ye Feng, Lin Yuan's cold indifference wasn't just arrogance—it was a deliberate insult, a slap across the face in front of Jiangbei's elite.
He wanted to lash out. To punch, kick, or do anything that would wipe that calm, dismissive expression off Lin Yuan's face.
But Lin Yuan, unbothered and serene, simply continued walking forward with steady, graceful steps—completely unaffected.
He didn't even glance back.
He didn't need to.
Because he knew one thing clearly: Ye Feng wouldn't dare attack him. Not here. Not now.
And even if he did... Lin Yuan had no fear.
Although Shi Shengnan, his loyal and powerful bodyguard, wasn't by his side today, Lin Yuan didn't consider himself defenseless. Far from it.
Over the past year, he had polished his combat skills to a divine level. Not just flashy moves, but real-world experience, technique, and brutal efficiency.
While Ye Feng's physical strength might outmatch him in raw power and speed, Lin Yuan's mastery of fighting techniques would more than make up for it. He could handle himself.
And deep down, Ye Feng knew it.
As tension rippled through Ye Feng's body and veins began to bulge on his arms, a firm grip caught his wrist.
"Brother!" Gu Qingshan's voice came low and urgent. "Don't act on impulse! We didn't come here to cause trouble. This banquet is a golden opportunity for us to gain allies and support. If you mess this up, it'll all be over."
He leaned in closer and added in a hushed voice, "Besides, security here is ridiculously tight. You'll never get out unscathed. Calm yourself!"
Gu Qingshan's words were like a bucket of cold water poured over Ye Feng's burning rage.
Ye Feng stared at Lin Yuan for a few more seconds, his jaw clenched so tightly that it seemed like it might crack. Then, with a sharp flick of his sleeve, he scoffed loudly, turned around, and stormed off in the opposite direction.
The tension in the hall slowly began to ease.
But the damage was already done.
Those who had gathered around Ye Feng earlier, those who had once seemed eager to connect with him, were now hesitating—reevaluating.
They had all seen what just happened.
It was obvious that Ye Feng and Lin Yuan were not on good terms. The relationship between them wasn't just strained—it was antagonistic.
And Lin Yuan wasn't just anyone. He was the proud and powerful heir of the Lin family, one of Jiangbei's most elite families. His influence and reach were not something to be taken lightly.
Making friends with Ye Feng might mean offending Lin Yuan.
Was that a risk they were willing to take?
The answer, for most of them, was no.
One by one, the guests who had been chatting with Ye Feng before began to slip away. Many even pretended not to see him as they passed by, their previous warmth now replaced with cold indifference.
Ye Feng's eyes darkened. His nostrils flared as he watched the people who had just moments ago been flattering him now treat him like a plague.
"These lowly dogs… They'll pay for this," he muttered under his breath, his face contorted in anger and humiliation.
But in truth, it wasn't just Lin Yuan's act of ignoring him that had turned the tide.
Ye Feng's volatile temper—his clear intent to resort to violence at the drop of a hat—had left a sour impression on many guests.
This was a prestigious banquet, held by the noble Mei family. The kind of event where etiquette, composure, and subtlety were valued above all else.
Yet Ye Feng had nearly thrown a punch in public, over nothing but a perceived slight.
That was more than enough to make many people uncomfortable.
And he wasn't the only one being watched.
From the second-floor balcony, Yan Ruyue had been quietly observing the situation. Her face tensed when she saw Ye Feng nearly attack Lin Yuan.
Although she didn't know exactly what had transpired between them, she couldn't help but worry.
Even if she didn't say it out loud, she couldn't deny that she didn't want Lin Yuan to be hurt.
Elsewhere in the room, Qiao Siying had also noticed the confrontation.
Although she personally didn't like Lin Yuan—still resenting his past arrogant behavior—she wasn't blind.
Having spent years abroad and being exposed to Western education and culture, Qiao Siying had developed a preference for refinement and restraint.
Ye Feng's crude, impulsive behavior instantly rubbed her the wrong way.
She found him distasteful.
Gui Qingtong, too, had watched the entire interaction unfold. Although this was her first time seeing Ye Feng in person, she instinctively disliked him.
From his aura, his posture, and his actions—everything about him screamed arrogance and volatility.
As the atmosphere shifted once again, a series of notifications echoed in Lin Yuan's mind.
[Ding! Plot reversal successful! Ye Feng's relationships with the banquet guests have been negatively impacted! Reward: 400 Counterattack Points!]
[Ding! Yan Ruyue's hatred toward Ye Feng has intensified! Reward: 200 Counterattack Points!]
[Ding! Qiao Siying is repulsed by Ye Feng's behavior! Reward: 200 Counterattack Points!]
[Ding! Gui Qingtong has developed a strong aversion to Ye Feng! Reward: 500 Counterattack Points!]
[Ding! Mei Yuxian expresses dislike for Ye Feng! Reward: 200 Counterattack Points!]
Lin Yuan's lips curled into a subtle smile. The corners of his mouth lifted as he heard the stream of system prompts.
He hadn't even needed to lift a finger.
Originally, he had no plans to bait Ye Feng into anything tonight. He had simply ignored him, treating him like background noise.
But to Lin Yuan's mild surprise, Ye Feng had taken the bait all on his own—consumed by his ego and rage.
This was the advantage Lin Yuan had now.
In the original novel's timeline, Ye Feng was portrayed as the "mercenary king," a ruthless and powerful figure from overseas who solved problems with violence and fear.
But here?
Here, Lin Yuan was dismantling that halo, piece by piece.
And Ye Feng, blinded by pride, was making it all too easy.
The Mei Family Banquet was not just a gathering of elites—it was also set up as a critical climax in the original narrative of the novel.
How many counterattack points Lin Yuan could accumulate tonight depended entirely on what Ye Feng was supposed to gain in the original storyline. In essence, the more Ye Feng was meant to shine, the more Lin Yuan could take away by reversing the tide.
And yet, this was just the beginning of the evening's festivities, and Lin Yuan had already effortlessly earned over 2,000 counterattack points.
What had just transpired between him and Ye Feng not only tarnished Ye Feng's reputation among the banquet guests but also left a lasting impression of disgust among several key female—heroines from the novel who originally would have been favorably inclined toward Ye Feng and became his future wives and lovers.
Lin Yuan could easily understand why Yan Ruyue, Qiao Siying, and Gui Qingtong were visibly repulsed by Ye Feng's behavior. But what caught him a bit off guard was Mei Yuxian's reaction.
However, after glancing subtly in Mei Yuxian's direction, Lin Yuan immediately grasped the reason behind her disdain.
Today wasn't just any event—it was a grand and formal occasion of the Mei Family, one of the most influential and powerful families in Jiangbei.
To cause trouble here, in such a setting, especially as a newcomer without any solid backing, was not only a disgrace—it was akin to publicly slapping the Mei Family in the face.
And Ye Feng, a man with no name or status in these circles, was precisely the kind of person who had no room for such foolish arrogance.
Naturally, no one would take kindly to such behavior, especially not the proud and noble Mei Yuxian.
Once Ye Feng stormed off, defeated and humiliated, a new presence began to draw attention.
Yan Ruyue stepped forward gracefully, her eyes quietly scanning the room as she made her way toward Lin Yuan.
Tonight, she was the epitome of elegance and allure.
She wore an exquisite black strapless evening gown, intricately tailored with subtle embroidery and layered with translucent tulle draped over her graceful shoulders. Fine tassels at the hem swayed gently with each step she took, enhancing her fluid, captivating gait.
Her long, silky hair was left flowing freely down her back, glistening under the banquet hall's soft lighting. A pair of dazzling crystal drop earrings hung delicately from her snowy white earlobes, glimmering with each movement. Around her neck rested a radiant ruby necklace, the crimson gemstone sitting like a fiery jewel atop her porcelain skin, subtly drawing the eye toward her elegant neckline.
Her makeup was refined and expertly done—soft and light, yet accentuating her natural beauty to perfection. Her expression bore the same frosty detachment she was known for, her eyes clear as autumn water, her lips tinged with a faint blush like spring peach blossoms.
Everything about her—from her aura to her posture—was magnetic.
Yet for many onlookers, it was not merely her face or dress that captivated their attention. Their eyes were drawn, almost involuntarily, to her flawless legs.
Long, smooth, slender, and perfectly shaped, Yan Ruyue's legs seemed almost sculpted by the gods. The addition of strappy high heels made them even more dazzling. Her calves were firm and symmetrical, her stride full of silent confidence.
Every man in the hall was mesmerized, while many women couldn't help but glance enviously at her figure. Her legs alone were enough to stir desire in men and admiration—or jealousy—in women.
She truly lived up to her reputation as one of the Four Great Beauties of Jiangbei.
Tonight, she was without a doubt one of the most striking figures at the banquet.
The area around her was crowded with admirers—young masters from prestigious families, all trying to catch a glimpse or speak a few words to her.
There were all kinds: tall and handsome, short and confident, fat and jovial, lean and charming—each hoping to win a smile or a glance from the icy beauty.
But Yan Ruyue, as always, maintained a cold and distant expression. Her eyes were calm and unrevealing. Not a single one of them received a meaningful look or word in return.
She had long since grown accustomed to such attention, and instead of flattery, it only deepened her disdain.
She was tired of the wolfish stares, the rehearsed words, and the fake smiles. In her heart, she had no interest in any man in the room.
Especially with the eyes of these people checking on her, she felt even more disgusted.
Except one.
The only exception was Lin Yuan.
The only man she doesn't hate and have a good impression of is Lin Yuan.
Unlike the rest, Lin Yuan stood tall and calm, unfazed and collected. That alone set him apart in Yan Ruyue's heart and mind.
Meanwhile, the other young men surrounding her continued to hover nearby like moths around a flame, hoping to impress her despite her lack of response.
They understood her reputation—Yan Ruyue was known as the ice-cold beauty president, famous for her aloof demeanor and disdain for men. Most didn't dare approach her directly and instead kept a respectful distance, smiling politely from afar, hoping that their subtle charms might catch her attention.
Then something changed.
The moment Yan Ruyue laid eyes on Lin Yuan standing across the room, her expression shifted slightly.
Her previously indifferent gaze sparkled with light. A trace of warmth bloomed on her usually emotionless face.
Her delicate lips curled slightly, the corners of her mouth rising into the faintest of smiles.
Some of the men around her mistakenly thought the smile was for them and eagerly returned it with their most charming grins.
But the truth was cruel—they weren't even worth a glance.
Without sparing them another look, Yan Ruyue lifted her head, her gaze still fixed on Lin Yuan. Then she moved.
With a graceful step forward, her long legs carried her elegantly toward the man who held her attention like no other.
Lin Yuan.