Chapter 1029: The Drama Ended

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Li Yi, who had kept quiet till now, couldn’t bear seeing Li Yiran’s distress. He clenched his jaw and stood up. “Today’s mess isn’t her fault. It’s on me. I set her up.”

As soon as he spoke, everyone’s attention shifted to Li Yi.

Li Yiran felt conflicted. She’d known Li Yi had feelings for her, but she’d only used him. To be blunt, she didn’t see him as anything more than a tool. When she realized she couldn’t marry Huangfu Ruiling, she turned her attention to Huangfu Ruixiang.

She’d treated Li Yi well because he was useful to her. But now, he was taking the fall for her without hesitation. She didn’t know what to make of it.

“Bullshit.” Huangfu Ruixiang sneered at Li Yi, his eyes filled with malice. “You’ve been in cahoots with her for a while. Of course, now you’re trying to protect her. You can’t fool anyone with that story.”

“No, I’m telling the truth,” Li Yi insisted firmly. “All this time, Miss Yiran treated me like a brother. She only met with me for that reason.”

No one bought Li Yi’s defense.

“Do you even understand what you’re getting yourself into?” Huangfu Ruiling chimed in. “You’ll lose your cultivation, get kicked out of the Huangfu family, and lose all your wealth. You’ll be penniless for the rest of your life.”

His fate wouldn’t be much better than a traitor’s. Even if he left the Huangfu family, he’d be shunned.

But Li Yi remained unfazed. He knelt down. “Master, I’m not lying. I take full responsibility. It’s got nothing to do with Miss Yiran. Please spare her. She loves Young Master Ruixiang, not a servant like me.”

He knew the consequences of his actions. But if he didn’t take the fall, he knew Li Yiran’s fate would be just as bleak.

Huangfu Ruiling glanced at Li Yi with little emotion in his eyes.

On the sidelines, Ye Leng’an wore a smile, mixed with a hint of admiration when she looked at Li Yi. She respected Li Yi for taking full responsibility, even in the face of dire consequences. It was a sign of true character.

But beyond admiration, there wasn’t much else.

Her history with Li Yi wasn’t pleasant, so she was only focused on the situation, not the person. Pleading for mercy wasn’t an option.

Seeing Li Yi shoulder the blame, Zhong Yating remained unfazed. She knew Li Yiran couldn’t stay in the Huangfu family no matter who took the fall. Huangfu Ruixiang would never accept her after this betrayal.

With rage still burning in his heart, Huangfu Ruixiang stayed silent, deferring to Huangfu Ruiling’s authority. He’d have his say later, but for now, he had to hold his tongue.

After a long silence, Huangfu Ruiling turned to Huangfu Ruixiang and asked bluntly, “What’s your plan? Will Li Yiran stay?”

“No way!” Huangfu Ruixiang snapped without hesitation. “I want her gone. I can’t stand the sight of her.”

Li Yiran stood there, her face drained of color, lost in thought. It wasn’t clear whether she’d accepted her fate or was scheming a way out.

Li Yi attempted to speak up, but a glance from Huangfu Ruiling stifled his words.

Huangfu Ruixiang remained resolute, refusing to believe Li Yi’s words.

Finally, after some pressing, Li Yiran was expelled. Li Yi faced consequences too. His cultivation was crippled and he was kicked out of the Huangfu family. But oddly, Huangfu Ruiling didn’t banish him. Whether it was out of leniency or indifference, Li Yi couldn’t tell.

The drama ended, but its impact lingered.

In the living room, Li Yi and Li Yiran were gone, but Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an remained. Their presence kept everyone else seated, unsure of what to say under Huangfu Ruiling’s cold gaze.

The atmosphere turned tense and awkward.

Even Ye Leng’an was puzzled by Huangfu Ruiling’s lingering. It wasn’t like him to stay so long, especially with no affection for Huangfu Jingzhang and Zhongyu Liuying.

After a while, Zhongyu Liuying attempted to break the silence. “Uh, Ruiling, we…”

But before she could finish, Huangfu Ruiling cut her off. “I didn’t return today to address trivial matters. I have important things to discuss and reminders for you all.”

With that, everyone’s attention shifted to Huangfu Ruiling, eager to learn the purpose behind his return.