Chapter 981: Changing His Surname

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Why?” Huangfu Ruixiang blurted out, but as soon as he met Ye Leng’an’s sharp gaze, he couldn’t help but falter. His voice dropped several degrees. “Sister-in-law, Brother is our family head. Once he speaks, the Zhongyu family will surely comply.”

To him, this seemed like a simple matter.

“But why does Ling need to bring this up?” Ye Leng’an scoffed, her expression disdainful. “What does the Zhongyu family’s affair have to do with our Huangfu family?”

“How could it have nothing to do with us?” Huangfu Ruixiang urgently interjected. “Mother is from the Zhongyu family. Strictly speaking, both Brother and I carry half of the Zhongyu family’s blood.”

His willingness to discuss this matter stemmed from his good relationship with several uncles from the Zhongyu family. Over the years, they had indeed provided him with considerable help.

Moreover, the Zhongyu family, being his maternal relatives, also had a good relationship with him. Hence, the prosperity of the Zhongyu family would undoubtedly benefit him.

“Oh, is that so?” Ye Leng’an looked at Huangfu Ruixiang with a smirk. “In that case, why don’t I inform Ling and suggest that you adopt your mother’s surname from now on? I doubt Ling would object.”

Huangfu Ruixiang and Zhong Yating’s faces immediately turned ashen.

Especially Huangfu Ruixiang, whose complexion turned gray and unflattering. His lips quivered, and his voice seemed to struggle out of his throat. “No, that’s impossible.”

He wasn’t foolish. He knew well the disparity between the Huangfu and Zhongyu families. Despite the Zhongyu family’s prominence, it paled in comparison to the Huangfu family. Furthermore, regardless of the strained relationship, the current head of the Huangfu family, whether in the Hidden World or in the mortal world, was his own brother.

Even if their personal relationship wasn’t good, it couldn’t negate the fact of their blood ties. But if he were to change his surname, all of that would vanish.

What frightened him was the possibility that if Ye Leng’an did propose it, Huangfu Ruiling might actually agree. That was the most terrifying prospect.

“Sister-in-law, Ruixiang didn’t mean that,” Zhong Yating hastily explained. “He’s just following Mother’s wishes, nothing more. Please don’t misunderstand. Ruixiang has no intention of changing his surname.”

If Huangfu Ruixiang were to change his surname, his future position within the Huangfu family could easily be inferred. And as Huangfu Ruixiang’s wife, she could foresee the consequences.

As a couple, if Huangfu Ruixiang didn’t fare well, neither would she. Thus, under no circumstances could she allow Huangfu Ruixiang to be coerced into changing his surname.

Ye Leng’an paid no heed to Zhong Yating, her gaze fixed on Huangfu Ruixiang. “Why not? I think it’s a splendid idea. Haven’t you always wanted to advocate for the Zhongyu family? Your deep sentiments for them are quite evident! You even mentioned that half of the Zhongyu family’s blood runs through your veins. It seems my proposal isn’t too far off, after all.”

After hearing Ye Leng’an’s words, Huangfu Ruixiang abruptly stood up, his expression alternating between pale and flushed. “No, you can’t do that. I’m a member of the Huangfu family. It’s impossible for me to change my surname.”

Although he voiced these words, his heart raced with anxiety. He was well aware of how significant Ye Leng’an was to Huangfu Ruiling. Thus, he knew that if Ye Leng’an truly proposed it, Huangfu Ruiling might disregard his wishes and agree directly.

“Well, you can give it a try and see if I can do it!” Ye Leng’an propped her chin with one hand, smiling as she spoke. “Furthermore, I’m not consulting with you right now; I’m merely informing you.”

Since Huangfu Ruixiang seemed to have such a fondness for the Zhongyu family, her suggestion was quite fitting, wasn’t it? If he wished to foster a good relationship with the Zhongyu family, then he should do so wholeheartedly. Strengthening ties further wouldn’t hurt, right?

Hearing that, Huangfu Ruixiang abruptly stood up, his complexion drained of color. It was evident he had suffered a severe blow.

“Sister-in-law, what we said earlier didn’t have any ulterior motive.”

Observing Huangfu Ruixiang’s state, Zhong Yating tugged at his sleeve, then glanced at Ye Leng’an before continuing, “We merely felt that Mother, being advanced in age, shouldn’t be troubled by such trivial matters. We didn’t request Brother to intervene. Surely, there’s no need to strain the brotherly bond between Brother and Ruixiang over such a minor issue, right?”

She hadn’t anticipated matters escalating to this point. Especially not Ye Leng’an suggesting that Ruixiang change his surname. Had they known it would offend Ye Leng’an, they would’ve never broached the subject.

Their only recourse now was to apologize swiftly and, most importantly, dissuade Ye Leng’an from pursuing this notion.

Ye Leng’an looked at Zhong Yating with a smirk before continuing, “You two started this, didn’t you? I’ve reiterated multiple times before that it’s absolutely impossible. Yet, you persist, leading me to believe that Huangfu Ruixiang is even more eager to join the Zhongyu family!”

“It’s not like that,” Zhong Yating hastily interjected, “Sister-in-law, our attitude earlier was inappropriate. Out of consideration for Father and Mother, please don’t hold it against us. Regarding matters with the Zhongyu family, we won’t interfere anymore.”

As she spoke, she continued to tug at Huangfu Ruixiang’s hand, signaling him to speak.

Seeing Ye Leng’an’s smug demeanor, Huangfu Ruixiang seethed with resentment. Yet, the thought of changing his surname momentarily suppressed his discontent. Gritting his teeth and taking a deep breath, he finally spoke, “Sister-in-law, I spoke impulsively earlier. I hope you won’t take it to heart. I’m sorry.”

“You’re not apologizing because you acknowledge your mistake.” Ye Leng’an shook her head, a sardonic smile on her lips. “You’re just afraid of having your surname changed.”

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