Chapter 375: Chapter 375

Ye Qian was at a loss for words. Shen Bin was like a piece of wood, completely oblivious to tender feelings, someone who never appreciated the scenery along the way, fixated on following a single path. Such a person is either too clueless or extremely cunning.

"If I call you that in the office, people might think I’ve got special connections," Ye Qian said with a coy smile. "I’ve been here a while now, and being seen with you wouldn’t look good. I’ll be leaving then."

Ye Qian found an excuse and left directly, holding back her emotions as she exited the tent. Her smile faded from her face. She had never felt so humiliated in her life. Ye Ling not only exposed the issue in front of Shen Bin but Shen Bin himself didn’t even change his demeanor towards her. Ye Qian sniffed, thinking, after all, he was just the son of a company leader whose identity wasn’t even publicly announced. He might not be all that good in reality. Ye Ling looked proud now, but Ye Qian was determined to see how long Ye Ling could remain that way.

After comforting herself for a bit, Ye Qian’s face looked better. After dinner, Bai Hehua came to find her. In front of outsiders, Ye Qian was naturally enthusiastic towards Bai Hehua. They found a quiet spot outside the tent to talk.

"I saw you head to the tent today, are the rumors about you and Shen Bin true? I saw them holding hands," Bai Hehua said with a cheerful smile. "I never thought big sister would end up with Shen Bin. I remember when I went on a date with Shen Bin, big sister didn’t know about it yet. Who could have guessed that after several twists and turns, Shen Bin would be with big sister."

Ye Qian gave Bai Hehua a look. "Did my mom talk to you?"

Then, as if confirming, she said, "Since Shen Bin has such a background, why has he kept it under wraps? My cousin is so clever; surely something must be hard to figure out here. Grandma Li doesn’t have children, yet she’d hide a son’s identity. I really can’t understand the reason behind it."

Bai Hehua smiled slightly. "Whatever the reason, it’s their family matter; worrying about it is of no use to us. But seeing Shen Bin with big sister is indeed significant. Them holding hands today was like indirectly announcing the relationship. I’m happy for big sister."

"It’s good to feel happy, but telling me doesn’t help. You can tell my sister yourself. Aren’t you staying in the same tent? You can talk when she returns to the tent." Ye Qian didn’t want to hear this talk and knew Bai Hehua was deliberately trying to irritate her. Naturally, she showed no reaction and instead acted regretful. "I thought your date with Shen Bin had a chance back then. Who knew it wasn’t suitable. Now that my sister is with Shen Bin, if you run into him later, you don’t need to feel awkward. After all, we’re family, so no need to mind past stuff."

Though it sounded like advising Bai Hehua, it was also mocking her.

Bai Hehua had anticipated such situations since knowing Ye Ling was together with Shen Bin, so she paid no mind, laughing, "Don’t worry, little sister, I’m fine. I just wanted to ask if big sister mentioned anything to you. After all, we bumped into each other here. Seems like you and big sister haven’t discussed much. In that case, forget it. I’ll ask big sister when we’re back tonight and let you know if there’s anything."

"Alright." Naturally, Ye Qian wouldn’t appear petty and count these things.

Bai Hehua talked as if she and Ye Ling were closely connected, but Ye Qian wouldn’t let small matters such as these bother her, especially since Bai Hehua had once falsely accused Ye Ling for work, who knew how Ye Ling resented her. Being close with her wasn’t possible.

After separating from Bai Hehua, Ye Qian couldn’t help but let out a mocking laugh. It’s because some things are hard to let go of, and she has no means, hence trying to stir things here. Did she actually think Ye Qian would act on her behalf? Although Shen Bin’s current status is high, it doesn’t change the fact he’s divorced. Liu Zhiyuan may not have as high a background as Shen Bin, but he graduated from a proper university, and his family is wealthy. With Liu Zhiyuan’s support, she’s confident in establishing something within the company.

Returning to the tent, Ye Qian had figured these things out, her mood much improved. Meanwhile, Bai Hehua returned to the tent to find Ye Ling already back, making the bed. She noticed the mattress appeared thicker and uneven compared to others’, guessing extra layers had been added underneath.

Ignoring the gaze of her tentmates, Bai Hehua walked over with a smile, "Big sister, when will we be able to drink at your wedding?"

"What is cousin talking about?" Ye Ling finished with the bed, turned to look at Bai Hehua, and placed a hot water bag under the quilt.

Ye Ling had just noticed the thick feather mattress, planning to ask Shen Bin tomorrow, making sure it wasn’t a mistake. After all, they had gone hunting wild chickens together without separating since returning and Shen Bin wouldn’t have had time to inform anyone about it, in case there was a mistake.

Without turning back, she heard Bai Hehua’s voice, knew what she meant but feigned ignorance, "What’s everyone seeing?" She asked with a deliberate expression of innocence.

Bai Hehua’s smile froze slightly as Ye Ling responded bluntly, "Big sister is shy? Everyone saw it, you’re hiding it from me, treating me as an outsider."

"You call me big sister, how could I treat you as an outsider?" Ye Ling replied earnestly. "I genuinely don’t know what cousin is asking. And what did everyone see?"

Saying the last part, Ye Ling turned back to sweep her gaze over everyone in the tent, making eye contact one by one. Those who met her gaze quickly looked away, recalling Bai Hehua’s statement about Ye Ling being somewhat proud, not approaching her as they would before.

Ye Ling was accustomed to such reactions. Eventually, she locked eyes with Bai Hehua again, "See, no one is saying anything."

The implication being Bai Hehua was gossiping.

Bai Hehua realized Ye Ling outright refused to accommodate her and speaking further would certainly cause her to lose face. "Just because everyone isn’t familiar with big sister, if big sister chooses not to speak, I won’t press. As you said, we’re family; we’ll know eventually. It’s not late. Tomorrow we train; let’s get our rest early." The most update n0vels are published on NoveIꜰire.net

Afraid Ye Ling would speak words that would embarrass her further, Bai Hehua quickly walked away. Only when she reached her bed did she relax, sharing a forced smile as she met her companions’ gaze. Everyone knew her smile was strained, which only made Ye Ling even less likable. Bai Hehua’s attempt at goodwill was obvious, as a family, yet Ye Ling gave no face, earning Bai Hehua sympathy and collective ostracism against Ye Ling.

The next morning, as she heard the call to get up, there was no call for Ye Ling. She anticipated Ye Ling being embarrassed, but despite completing their training, nobody mentioned Ye Ling, leaving them puzzled. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to cast recommendation tickets and monthly votes on Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)