Before Wu Fan could finish his sentence, Li Feng, seething with rage, hurled him—and the flowers—out of his office. Once Wu Fan was gone, the vast room fell silent, leaving Li Feng alone.

Tranquility always invited reflection. Unconsciously, Li Feng began seriously weighing the feasibility of Wu’s suggestion.

*It’s not the first time…*

*It should be fine…*

But the moment this thought unfurled like a banner in his mind, Li Feng was startled. Like a heroine in those NTR stories slowly succumbing to a blond rival’s schemes, he realized he’d been swayed by honeyed words—his principles had silently shifted.

“No! This can’t continue!”

Li Feng straddled the sofa, fingers clawing at his scalp. His bloodshot eyes locked onto the contract before him—the joint development agreement he’d prepared for House of Yu. Everything had been proceeding perfectly. Power was within reach; glittering wealth lay just ahead.

This was a win-win! What was House of Yu hesitating over? Could it truly be as Wu Fan claimed…?

Li Feng suddenly recalled Wu’s words: House of Yu had already chosen a new fiancé for Yuchuge. He, Li Feng, was merely the best of the backups.

Li Feng’s gaze darkened. He gripped his phone tightly and dialed.

“Arrange a car to House of Yu. Now.”

…

Thus, Li Feng arrived at House of Yu for the third time. But he carried none of Liu Bei’s sincerity, nor did he come to recruit Yuchuge. Today, he was here to claim her.

Inside the Yu estate, Madam Yu was mobilizing her people for one final search. If Yuchuge remained missing, House of Yu would have no choice but to accept reality.

Before her teams could even step outside, Li Feng blocked the entrance. His cold eyes swept over the armed men. After a long standoff, he spoke flatly, “Madam Yu, this hardly looks like a picnic.”

Spotting him from the back, Madam Yu stiffened, then forced a smile. “Mr. Li! You should’ve given us notice—we’re unprepared for guests.”

“Spare me the pleasantries. I want to know where House of Yu is sending such an army.”

No polite exchanges. No probing. Li Feng’s blunt demand made Madam Yu realize he wouldn’t be placated. Her smile vanished. She settled onto the sofa, crossed her legs, and sipped tea. “Such aggression, Mr. Li. Outsiders might think House of Yu wronged you.”

*The pot calling the kettle black.* Li Feng pushed through the crowd and sat opposite her. “Enough games. I’m here to see my fiancée—and set the wedding date. The sooner, the better.”

Madam Yu glanced at the old butler, who swiftly retreated. “As I said last time,” she replied coolly, “my daughter is still on vacation. Not back yet.”

“Vacation? Or house arrest? Half a month motionless in a seaside resort?” Li Feng dropped the pretense. He’d investigated House of Yu’s movements—and he dared them to challenge it.

Madam Yu wasn’t surprised. She’d expected his scrutiny. These details could still be explained away—as long as he didn’t know Yuchuge was already…

“Is the young mistress of House of Yu already in another man’s bed?”

Li Feng rose slowly, malice coiling around him. He jabbed a finger at Madam Yu. “What have I ever done to deserve such disrespect from your house?!”

“How dare you!”

A frail but furious shout echoed from upstairs. Everyone turned. An elderly man, leaning on a dragon-headed cane, shuffled down the stairs to Madam Yu’s side. She rushed to support him, guiding him gently to the sofa.

This was Madam Yu’s husband—the true head of House of Yu. Relief washed over her; household matters were her domain, but crises required his authority.

Li Feng had met the old man before, but never as an adversary. His pride refused to bow to anyone—not when they treated him as a backup option.

“Mr. Yu,” Li Feng said tightly, “I know my visit lacks courtesy. But I demand an answer.”

“An answer? To what?” Mr. Yu slammed his cane down, sneering. “You’re here about Yuchuge? A worthless girl—and you lose your dignity over her? We were blind to choose you.”

Madam Yu shrank back. Among their candidates, Li Feng *was* the best.

Mr. Yu scanned the room, reading every face. Then he declared loudly: “Since you force my hand—House of Yu disowns Yuchuge! There is no ‘young mistress’ anymore!”

Li Feng frowned. “What do you mean?”

“It means Yuchuge is dead! Leave! House of Yu has no use for you!” Mr. Yu raised his cane to strike the floor again—but halted at the sound of laughter behind him.

Li Feng covered his face, mirth seeping through his fingers. His eyes gleamed with something unhinged.

“House of Yu…”

“Where is your pride now?”

“You have no worthy successor left, do you? Hahaha!”

The polite mask shattered. Beneath it snarled a demon.

Madam Yu paled. Mr. Yu trembled with rage, finger shaking as he pointed at Li Feng. “Shameless wretch! Who gave you leave to slander my house?!”

“Am I wrong? Who will take over after you? Your second son—a womanizing fool. Your third—a gambling addict. The younger generation, raised under their parents’ influence, amounts to nothing. Except Yuchuge.” Li Feng’s words pierced like blades. “You sought a son-in-law to shoulder your burdens, didn’t you, Old Mr. Yu?”

The truth struck deep. Mr. Yu’s aged body convulsed. Pain clawed at his chest. Darkness swallowed his vision—and he crumpled.