Chapter 945: Birthday

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

After the lawsuit concluded, the school promptly issued its punishment, just as Zhou Cui’an had anticipated, a severe demerit.

However, what troubled Zhou Cui’an the most wasn’t the school’s disciplinary action but her current predicament.

Due to the lawsuit with Ye Leng’an, almost the entire school now knew her name, which was far from ideal. Wherever she went, she was subject to whispers and stares.

Furthermore, the school seemed intent on using her case as an example, continually stressing the importance of civilized behavior on forums.

Most significantly, with Huangfu Shaohua cutting ties and no longer footing her hotel bills, she had no choice but to slink back to the dormitory.

Despite receiving a million from Huangfu Shaohua upon their breakup, the court’s ruling mandated she pay Ye Leng’an a hundred thousand in emotional distress. Suddenly, her funds were depleted by ten percent, leaving her wary of reckless spending. After all, she was bound to spend the next three years in the capital. This money was her lifeline, ensuring a somewhat comfortable existence.

Therefore, squandering it on hotel stays was out of the question.

Thus, she began exploring off-campus housing options. The thought of remaining in the dormitory was unbearable.

She found herself at odds with her dorm mates, feeling increasingly suffocated and constrained.

Meanwhile, Ye Leng’an, unaware of Zhou Cui’an’s plight, continued her leave of absence following the lawsuit’s conclusion.

The school, perhaps understanding her emotional state, granted her leave without further inquiry, advising her to rest at home.

Observing the school’s leniency, Ye Leng’an was torn between laughter and tears. Nevertheless, having secured her leave, further scrutiny seemed unnecessary.

During her days at home, Ye Leng’an devoted most of her time to alchemy. However, this was limited to daylight hours, as Huangfu Ruiling returned in the evenings.

On this particular day, Huangfu Ruiling skipped work, and Ye Leng’an abandoned her alchemy studies. Together, they returned to the ancestral mansion.

Today was Huangfu Jingzhang’s birthday. Despite their strained relationship, Huangfu Ruiling still returned for the occasion, acknowledging his status as his biological father.

Upon entering the mansion, they found almost everyone had gathered, including Li Yiran, with only the two of them missing.

Huangfu Jingzhang noticed Huangfu Ruiling’s arrival, his smile vanishing the moment Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an stepped in.

In the past, he would have celebrated lavishly on such occasions, gathering everyone for the festivities. However, now that his own son had usurped his position as family head, he felt like a laughingstock, disinclined to make a fuss.

Thus, while it was his birthday, the atmosphere was subdued, limited to a family dinner.

Seeing Huangfu Ruiling, the cause of his woes, how could he be in good spirits?

However, despite his aversion to Huangfu Ruiling, he knew he needed his presence to save face. Otherwise, their strained relationship would become public knowledge, further humiliating him.

Huangfu Jingzhang’s demeanor was frosty, matched by Huangfu Ruiling’s indifference. Upon entering, he merely nodded to the occupants in greeting.

Observing his behavior, Huangfu Jingzhang grew even more displeased. “Have you no manners? Don’t you know to greet your elders upon entering?”

Upon hearing Huangfu Jingzhang’s words, Huangfu Ruiling couldn’t help but furrow his brows, then spoke, “If you find us displeasing, we can leave.”

He hadn’t harbored any expectations for coming here today. However, today happened to be Huangfu Jingzhang’s birthday, so he still came to show his regards.

But if Huangfu Jingzhang didn’t want him here, he could leave immediately.

Upon hearing Huangfu Ruiling’s words, Huangfu Jingzhang, who had only been slightly annoyed at first, was now even more angry. “What’s that attitude? Where did I go wrong? This incident was your fault from the beginning. It’s my birthday today, and when you came in, not a single gift was brought. And you speak so harshly. Huangfu Ruiling, do you still acknowledge me as your father?”

Hearing this, Huangfu Ruiling couldn’t help but furrow his brows. “Then what do you want?”

Sitting nearby, Ye Leng’an nearly burst into laughter at Huangfu Ruiling’s response. She could sense Huangfu Jingzhang’s frustration!

Seeing the tension, others quickly intervened.

“Ruiling, don’t take your father’s words to heart. He means no harm,” Huangfu Jingxian reassured with a smile. “You know him; he’s just stubborn. Deep down, he cares for you as his son.”

Hearing this, Ye Leng’an silently applauded his second uncle’s skill at deception. It was truly a masterclass in deceit! He probably didn’t even believe his own words!

However, such platitudes were suitable for the occasion.

Zhongyu Liuying also chimed in, urging Huangfu Jingzhang to let go of his anger. “Ruiling came back after a long time. Are you really going to drive him away? It’s your birthday. Don’t ruin it over a trivial matter.

With a cold snort, Huangfu Jingzhang fell silent.

He understood that if the situation persisted, Huangfu Ruiling would leave.

And when that happened, he would be the one losing face. After all, he was no longer the head of the Huangfu family.

And so, the minor spat came to an end.

The atmosphere in the living room regained its liveliness, everyone chatting and laughing, the semblance of a birthday celebration restored.

Just then, a servant entered to report the arrival of a guest.

Huangfu Jingxian frowned. “Who would visit at this hour? Today is our family banquet. Who lacks the sense to come uninvited on such an occasion? And did they not even ask beforehand?”

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