"Xiaoman, you should never have let Ye Yu go!" Xu Shuyun's voice, usually gentle and composed, was now filled with bitterness and hatred. She couldn't fathom how Ye Yu, whom she had raised as her own, could commit such a vile betrayal. The mere thought of it only intensified her loathing.
"I've already killed him." Ye Fei's voice was tinged with regret. "It's all my fault. I knew about his ambitions long ago but didn't act sooner. If I had, we wouldn't be facing this tragedy today."
Xu Shuyun wiped her tears as she responded, "It's not your fault. Even if you had tried to stop him earlier, your uncle would never have agreed." But as soon as she mentioned Ye Lingtian, the tears she had just held back began to flow once more.
Ye Fei gently wiped her tears and said firmly, "There were more people behind Ye Yu, and I will find them. I swear I'll avenge Uncle."
Concern flashed across Xu Shuyun's face. If someone as dangerous as Ye Yu was merely a pawn, it meant the true mastermind was someone far more powerful. Her heart clenched with fear for Ye Fei's safety. "Xiaoman, please don't act recklessly. Your uncle is gone, and I don't want to lose you too. The Ye family needs you now more than ever."
Ye Fei wrapped his arms around her, offering comfort. "Don't worry, Aunt. I won't make any moves unless I'm sure."
Hearing his promise, Xu Shuyun finally began to relax. Exhausted from crying, she found some peace in Ye Fei's arms and drifted off to sleep. Across from them, Ye Jing had already succumbed to her own fatigue and was fast asleep.
With the two women, one mature and the other youthful, resting against him, Ye Fei surprisingly found himself free of any impure thoughts. His mind was entirely occupied with plans for the future and how best to protect his family. Deep in thought, he too eventually fell asleep.
---
The next morning, all three of them woke up one by one. Despite having slept sitting up all night, Xu Shuyun and Ye Jing didn't feel discomfort, thanks to the subtle adjustments Ye Fei had made for their comfort.
Liu Yiru waved him over, patting the seat beside her and Xu Shuyun. "Xiaoman, you've really impressed your mother," she said with a smile, her tone filled with pride. Her son had truly come into his own.
Ye Yunying chimed in with her usual playful energy, "Little brother, you've done amazing. I'm not even as good as you! But don't get too cocky—I'll surprise everyone someday." She seemed to have put the earlier tension between her and Ye Fei behind her, speaking to him as casually as she used to.
One by one, the women began showering Ye Fei with compliments, making him feel slightly embarrassed but warm inside.
As night fell and dinner concluded, the women gradually left, though Xu Shuyun and Ye Jing remained. Ye Fei and Ye Yunqi moved from their small courtyard to Ye Lingtian's home to provide support for Xu Shuyun and Ye Jing.
Ye Yunqi wasn't particularly pleased about the move. The courtyard held many memories of passion and sweetness for her, but she was sensible enough to understand that her aunt and cousin needed them now.
With the comforting presence of the women, Xu Shuyun seemed more composed than she had been in the morning, and Ye Jing even managed to share a few jokes with Ye Yunqi. Though sadness still lingered, Ye Fei knew their grief would fade with time.
After some time spent chatting with the women, Ye Fei urged them to rest early. Tomorrow would be a long day—the funeral would demand both physical and emotional strength.
Ye Yunqi had her own room upstairs, but Ye Fei suggested she sleep with Ye Jing. The poor girl needed someone by her side.
Although a little disappointed, Ye Yunqi obediently took Ye Jing to bed. Once Xu Shuyun and Ye Fei discussed the final details of the funeral arrangements, she too retired to her room for the night.
Ye Fei went to his room upstairs, made a quick call to Zhang Yide to ensure everything was in place for tomorrow, and then went to bed. He wanted to be fully rested for the day ahead, ready to face any potential challenges that are certain to appear tomorrow during the funeral.