Great families have their pride, but when that pride is trampled, it quickly turns into anger.

The Shen family was furious; they felt that Shen Xue had trampled on their pride.

Their anger was intensified by the fact that Shen Xue was doing this because of Yang Yi, a man they looked down upon, making it even harder for them to accept.

At this moment, Shen Yue, the second sister, spoke calmly, "Xiaoxue, I know what happened back then... but over the years, you've suffered so much, endured so many hardships. It's all his fault. He abandoned you and your daughter back then without a second thought. What kind of man does that? One without responsibility! Have you really thought this through?"

When the others heard Shen Yue's words, their eyes lit up. This was a good angle to take!

Immediately, without waiting for Shen Xue to respond, Shen Wu looked at her with a "you should know better" expression and said, "Third Sister, we all cared for you so much back then. You know that, right? You managed the entire family business, but then that bastard abandoned you and your son! Are you really going to forgive him so easily? Was all your suffering for nothing?"

Shen Hong added, "Yes, Third Sister, think about it. You two were never a good match to begin with, and now, who knows what kind of person he really is? He deceived you back then, took advantage of your body and your feelings. Now that he can't make it out there, he's come back to you. Don't let him fool you again!"

...

The Shen family began attacking Yang Yi from every angle, trying to persuade Shen Xue to reconsider and cut ties with him once and for all.

To be honest, Yang Yi didn’t get angry listening to their words.

He actually felt they were just scolding him on Shen Xue's behalf, and he deserved it.

"Enough!"

Suddenly, Shen Xue shouted in anger. She coldly scanned the room full of people, gritting her teeth, "My feelings are my own to decide. You all claim to be thinking of me, but how have you actually treated me over the years?"

The crowd looked angry. They believed they were acting in Shen Xue's best interest, so she should listen. If she didn’t, she was being ungrateful!

Shen Xue continued coldly, "Alright, you don't need to interfere in my affairs anymore. This is my condition: agree, and I'll stay. If not, my family and I will leave immediately!"

"This..."

The group frowned. They had summoned Shen Xue today to clean up the Shen family's mess and make money for them. They couldn't let her go!

But how to persuade her? That was the problem.

However, admitting to this marriage, or even planning a wedding—absolutely out of the question.

The rumors about the third miss of the Shen family giving birth to an illegitimate child had already spread far and wide. If they went ahead with the marriage, the Shen family would be a laughingstock!

While everyone was frowning and pondering, the head of the Shen family, the old master, looked at Yang Yi and said calmly, "We understand Third Miss's feelings, but you..."

He shook his head and continued, "You want to marry the third miss? Hmph, I bet you can't even afford a proper betrothal gift. You have no skills or abilities. A man like you is unworthy of her. But since the third miss likes you, I won’t say more. You can marry into the family."

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Boom!

The old master’s words exploded like thunder in the hall, leaving everyone stunned and in disbelief.

But after thinking it over, they had to admit the old master was clever, truly clever!

A man with any self-respect would never agree to marry into his wife's family.

Marrying into a family was akin to abandoning one's ancestors—a grievous sin, tantamount to betraying one's heritage. How could one face their ancestors after death?

If Yang Yi were a real man, he would definitely refuse. Then it wouldn’t be the Shen family’s fault for not giving him a chance. After all, how could he blame anyone else if he couldn’t afford to marry into the Shen family? He’d have to give up!

For a moment, the Shen family members all looked pleased.

Even the eldest grandson, Shen Ning, who had remained silent, spoke up, "What kind of man can't even marry the woman who’s waited for him for five years and given birth to his children?"

"Exactly! Either marry into the family, or get lost!"

"Hmph, our Shen family women aren't for lowly people like you to covet!"

One by one, they sneered at Yang Yi.

At this moment, Shen Xue’s face was very pale. She gritted her teeth and looked at the old master, her eyes welling with tears. She couldn’t understand—was she not part of the Shen family? Why were they treating her like this?

Moreover, the Shen family was already falling apart. Did they not realize that?

Suddenly, Shen Xue stood up, her voice icy, "If you keep pushing me, I..."

"Well said!"

At that moment, Yang Yi slowly rose. He gently patted Shen Xue’s shoulder, signaling that everything was fine. Then, he looked at the Shen family members, his voice calm, with a faint smile on his face, "Without any skills, I certainly wouldn't be worthy of Xue'er."

As he spoke, he held his daughter Tiantian and looked at the old master, "I heard you signed a contract with the Zhou family. Now that Zhou Wanyou and his useless son are dead, things must be tough for you. How about this? I'll have Xue'er take charge again, and by the end of today, we'll sign a new contract with Zhou Group. What do you think of that?"

There was a brief moment of silence, but soon, Shen Ning was the first to jump out, "Who do you think you are? Watch your mouth! Signing a contract today? What a joke!"

"Arrogant talk! You’re just bragging. Now I know how you tricked the third miss back then. Get out of our Shen family!" Shen Hong said coldly.

Shen Wu rolled her eyes, "I might as well claim the Zhou Group for myself! Can you be any more ridiculous?"

The hall was filled with mockery, with each Shen family member looking at Yang Yi as if he were a fool—disgusted and scornful.

But Yang Yi just smiled, then handed Tiantian to Shen Xue, saying, "Don’t worry, trust me."

Shen Xue bit her lip, her eyes filled with apology. "I’m sorry."

Yang Yi gently caressed her face and shook his head, "Don’t say such silly things."

He then pulled out his phone and walked out of the hall.

"Look at him, still pretending! I refuse to believe it. He’s just a nobody, how could he possibly make it big!" Shen Wu said, glaring at Yang Yi's retreating figure in disgust.

"A clown. Let's see how long he can keep this up!" Shen Hong frowned.

The others also wore disdainful expressions. When they looked at Shen Xue, their hostility had diminished, replaced by pity!

They all thought Yang Yi was just putting on a show.

Yes, the Zhou family had fallen, but they still had people left. The Zhou Group was bound to collapse, but it wasn’t something just anyone could take over.

That was a feast for the powerful—at least first-tier families would dare to reach for it. Anyone else who tried would be doomed!

And Yang Yi? They had investigated him thoroughly five years ago. He was just a mercenary who had fled to Zhongjing to escape a death sentence. How could a person like that be anything but a lackey of some powerful figure? They didn’t believe Yang Yi could turn things around.

In the Shen family’s eyes, if Yang Yi could succeed, their family would already be first-tier!