{Chapter: 159 Face slapping Ye Feng! Ye Feng's anger!}
The Mei family's villa stood tall and imposing, a true testament to wealth and prestige. It spanned five luxurious floors, each one meticulously designed and extravagantly spacious. It wasn't just a place to live—it was a symbol of status.
Tonight, it served as the venue for one of the most prestigious social gatherings in Jiangbei.
Though every floor was lavishly decorated and staffed with attendants, most of the distinguished guests had naturally gravitated toward the second floor. That level was where the real action took place—the core of the banquet, where the most important people mingled, and where connections were made or broken with just a few words.
As Lin Yuan ascended the staircase and stepped onto the second floor, the atmosphere immediately shifted. Laughter, soft music, and the clinking of glasses blended into a luxurious harmony. Familiar faces quickly came into view.
He easily spotted Qiao Siying chatting with a small group of well-dressed socialites. Nearby stood Gui Qingtong, calm and reserved as ever, and Tang Bowen, trying his best to impress an older businessman. Of course, his gaze was quickly drawn to a particular figure standing with quiet elegance.
It was Yan Ruyue.
The moment she caught sight of him, her eyes brightened with joy, her expression softening into a gentle smile that seemed to light up her entire face. She looked stunning tonight, even among all the well-dressed ladies.
Lin Yuan returned her smile with a subtle nod. He wasn't surprised to see her there—after all, she had arrived early and belonged to this circle.
What did catch him slightly off guard, however, was the appearance of a different person.
Among the clusters of mingling guests stood Ye Feng.
Lin Yuan's expression didn't change, but a flicker of amusement danced in his eyes.
Standing next to Ye Feng was another familiar face—his self-proclaimed older brother, Gu Qingshan. They were surrounded by five or six other guests, all chatting animatedly, laughing as if they'd known each other for years.
Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow.
So Ye Feng showed up early? That's unusual…
Then again, it made sense. After saving the Chen family patriarch, Ye Feng had gained a powerful favor. The Chen family must have used their influence to secure him an invitation to this banquet.
But Lin Yuan hadn't expected him to integrate into the gathering this smoothly or this quickly.
This is the protagonist's halo at work, Lin Yuan thought silently, the corner of his lips twitching in a faint smirk.
In the original storyline, this banquet hosted by the Mei family was a pivotal turning point in Ye Feng's life. It was the event that elevated his social standing and helped him forge connections with the upper echelons of Jiangbei society. After tonight, Ye Feng's reputation and influence would grow by leaps and bounds.
This was the first of many dominoes to fall.
Even with only Gu Qingshan and the Chen family backing him, Ye Feng was already able to attract attention. People were drawn to him—his looks, his confidence, and now his impressive list of connections. His aura exuded promise, making him appear like a rising star in the social circle.
And sure enough, as Lin Yuan quietly observed, Ye Feng seemed completely at ease among the elite guests.
Ye Feng eventually noticed Lin Yuan standing across the room. Their gazes met for a brief moment.
Ye Feng's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, and a cold glint flashed across them.
Across from him, Mr. Wang—an older gentleman with a round face and expensive cufflinks—was speaking enthusiastically with Ye Feng. When he noticed Ye Feng's attention shift, he followed his line of sight.
His eyes landed on Lin Yuan.
Even among a room full of distinguished guests, Lin Yuan stood out effortlessly.
His elegant features, calm demeanor, and composed presence instantly caught the eye. Combined with the Lin family's prestigious name and his own personal charm, his mere arrival had subtly shifted the energy in the room. Nearly half the guests on the second floor instinctively turned to glance at him.
The momentary silence was broken by hushed whispers, as people discreetly identified him.
"That's the Lin family's heir…"
"I heard he's the one who negotiated that big acquisition last quarter…"
"He's even more attractive in person…"
The guests chatting with Ye Feng started paying closer attention. After all, any interaction with Lin Yuan was bound to be noteworthy.
Sensing their interest, Mr. Wang turned back to Ye Feng with a smile. "Brother Ye Feng, do you know Young Master Lin Yuan personally?"
Ye Feng let out a dry chuckle, a sneer tugging at the edge of his mouth.
"Of course I know him," he replied, voice laced with meaning. "How could I not know the Lin family?"
To Mr. Wang and the others, the response sounded casual—even complimentary. They didn't notice the coldness behind Ye Feng's smile or the simmering tension in his tone.
If anything, they were even more impressed.
Mr. Wang nodded enthusiastically. "Amazing! Brother Ye Feng is really impressive. At such a young age, not only did you gain favor from the Chen family, but you also know the young master of the Lin family. So accomplished already!"
The others standing nearby began murmuring in agreement, their attitudes toward Ye Feng shifting subtly.
Though many of the banquet attendees had strong backgrounds, most of them couldn't compare to the heirs of Jiangbei's true powerhouse families—like the Chens or the Lins.
Now realizing that Ye Feng had connections to both, they began to gravitate toward him more closely, hoping to benefit from those ties.
In their eyes, Ye Feng had suddenly become more than just another promising young man—he was a valuable bridge, a person worth investing in.
Many of them, whether openly or subtly, were now trying to get close to Ye Feng for one reason:
To build a connection to the Chen family.
If Ye Feng truly had connections with the Lin family—along with other influential families across Jiangbei—then he was definitely not someone to be taken lightly. That was what many people around him began to think.
Their eyes, full of respect and curiosity, gradually turned toward him.
---
Ye Feng noticed the shift in their gazes, and although his expression remained calm, his eyebrows twitched slightly. He was no fool—he immediately understood the reason.
These people misunderstood. They believed he had a close relationship with Lin Yuan.
It was a misconception, but Ye Feng had no intention of correcting them.
Why should he?
In his mind, this kind of misunderstanding worked to his advantage. So he let the illusion remain. In fact, he silently embraced it.
He looked across the elegant second floor of the villa, his gaze falling once again on Lin Yuan.
You may be above me now, he thought, but soon, I'll rise beyond your reach. Sooner or later, I'll crush your influence underfoot—yours, and the Lin family's.
Even if the Lin family viewed him as an enemy, even if Lin Yuan himself continued to target him, none of it mattered in Ye Feng's eyes.
He would ascend regardless.
Nothing could stop his rise to the top.
Especially not now, when he had the gratitude of the powerful Chen family in his favor. Without them, the Qingshan Gang—or even his brother Gu Qingshan—would never have received an invitation to such a prestigious event hosted by the Mei family.
It was through the Chen family's appreciation, a reward for saving their patriarch's life, that Ye Feng had gained entry to this elite circle.
And now that he stood here, surrounded by power and wealth, he felt invigorated.
Ye Feng looked toward Lin Yuan, who was walking nearby.
'He must be surprised to see me here.' Ye Feng thought with satisfaction. 'He didn't expect me to show up at a place like this so soon, right?'
His mood lightened considerably at the thought, and he decided to take the initiative.
As Lin Yuan passed by, Ye Feng put on a relaxed expression and called out confidently, "Master Lin, it's been quite a while since we last met."
His voice was clear, loud enough for several of the surrounding guests to hear. It was intentional.
Ye Feng wanted people to witness the exchange.
He expected Lin Yuan to show a flicker of discomfort—or at least recognition.
Oo how wrong he was.
Lin Yuan's steps didn't slow. He barely gave Ye Feng a passing glance before frowning slightly, his voice cool and distant.
"Who are you?" he asked, his tone indifferent as if speaking to a complete stranger.
The words fell like a thunderclap in the middle of a quiet room.
Ye Feng's smug expression froze, his confident smile stiffening awkwardly on his face.
The surrounding guests blinked in surprise.
Especially Mr. Wang, who had just moments ago praised Ye Feng for being close to the Lin family. He now looked between the two men in clear confusion, uncertainty flashing across his features.
Ye Feng stood rooted to the spot.
What… What did he just say?
He doesn't know me?
How can he say that!?
His thoughts began to race.
If you really don't know me, Lin Yuan, then why did you go out of your way to set me up?
Why did you arrange for me to be detained back then?
Why have you constantly targeted my brother Gu Qingshan and his gang?
There's no way you don't know who I am!
Ye Feng's fists clenched tightly at his sides as a sharp pang of frustration twisted in his chest.
He's doing this on purpose!
He's pretending not to know me just to humiliate me in front of everyone!
Inside, Ye Feng was boiling with rage, his heart pounding like a drum in his ears. He wanted to shout, to lash out—but he restrained himself. Barely.
He could feel his face turning red.
Lin Yuan, on the other hand, didn't even spare him a second look. He simply walked past him, unfazed, as if Ye Feng didn't exist.
It wasn't anger. It wasn't even disdain.
It was worse.
It was a dismissal.
To Ye Feng, this kind of treatment was more insulting than being punched or cursed at in public. He had tried to use this moment to elevate himself, to flex in front of Jiangbei's elite.
But Lin Yuan had stolen that opportunity and thrown it in the trash—casually, effortlessly.
Now, all eyes were on Ye Feng.
Not with admiration this time, but with skepticism.
Many of the guests who had clustered around him began to step away. The change in atmosphere was subtle, but unmistakable.
Mr. Wang was the first to react. He coughed lightly and gave an awkward smile. "Brother Ye Feng, I, uh… I just remembered I promised to meet someone downstairs."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and left in a hurry.
The others quickly followed suit, murmuring various excuses as they slipped away.
After discovering that the atmosphere between Lin Yuan and Ye Feng seemed to be based on grudges, many guests walked away.
Ye Feng just greeted Lin Yuan and the latter denied knowing him.
There are only two possibilities here, it is either Lin Yuan doesn't really know him or that their relationship is not good. Neither of the results is good in their eyes!
Ye Feng didn't move. He just stood there, his hands clenched tightly into fists, his nails digging into his palms. His chest heaved slightly with restrained fury.
The room around him no longer felt bright and grand. It felt suffocating.
His attempt to show off had backfired. He had wanted to make Lin Yuan look awkward—but now he was the one left looking like a fool.
Lin Yuan hadn't said anything cruel. He hadn't raised his voice or issued a threat.
But by denying him recognition, he had delivered a silent slap across the face. A slap that echoed through the hall and shattered Ye Feng's image in front of everyone.
This bastard…! Ye Feng gritted his teeth.
His shoulders trembled with barely contained anger.
As Lin Yuan disappeared deeper into the banquet hall, completely unfazed, Ye Feng could no longer hold it in.
His voice came out low and venomous.
"Lin! Yu! An!!"
He bit out each syllable as if it were a curse, his eyes blazing with fury and humiliation.