Chapter 27: You Dare to Threaten Me?

As the legitimate heir of a prominent second-tier family in Hangzhou, Gao Yangwei could hardly swallow the humiliation of his engagement being called off. In just a few words, he had already uncovered Ye Fei’s background.

A penniless youth from the mountains, possessing nothing—no family, no connections. In his eyes, Ye Fei was worth less than a stray dog by the roadside. His only support was a senior from the Ancient Group, and even she was about to be pushed down by the masses.

What would Ye Fei have left then? Compared to him, how could Ye Fei possibly measure up? That was precisely why Gao Yangwei dared to ridicule him so brazenly. Had this been a few days ago, with Lin Qiqing by Ye Fei’s side, perhaps he would have shown some caution. But now, that was entirely unnecessary.

Gao Yangwei sneered at Ye Fei, his eyes brimming with disdain. “Vice President Lin, didn’t we agree that this auction is strictly private?” he said. “Exactly, everyone signed a non-disclosure agreement,” echoed another. “If someone sneaks in and leaks information, who will take responsibility?” “Who will bear the consequences?”

Murmurs of doubt from the business magnates echoed around him. At first, they had been preoccupied discussing their own affairs, paying little attention to the commotion at the entrance. But with the appearance of Vice President Lin, all eyes turned to the scene.

“That kid’s in serious trouble now,” someone whispered. “The Tenglong Chamber of Commerce isn’t a place to be trifled with, and he’s offended Gao Yangwei—he’s in for a rough time.” “Poor fellow. If anyone’s to blame, it’s his lowly birth.” Some shook their heads in pity.

“Sir, you heard them. This is a private auction. Without permission and an invitation, you can’t enter,” Vice President Lin said coldly. “You have two choices: either show your invitation immediately, or I’ll have security remove you.”

He made no effort to spare Chen Yu any embarrassment.

“To be honest, I didn’t receive an invitation,” Ye Fei replied with a faint smile.

The crowd erupted in an uproar. Chen Yu, who had been about to lose her temper, hesitated upon hearing Ye Fei speak. From the look in her eyes, it was clear that the renowned socialite was about to explode with anger.

“Well, Vice President Lin, was I wrong?” Gao Yangwei said, a smug smile on his face. He looked down at Ye Fei as if regarding an insignificant ant. “Get out, stray dog!”

Sun Shiyun, watching the scene unfold, looked at Ye Fei with a tinge of pity.

“Chen Yu, you brought someone in without permission. That’s against the rules. Let him leave,” Vice President Lin said, his expression darkening, his gaze toward Ye Fei filled with contempt.

Before the auction, his superior had warned him: every attendee must sign a confidentiality agreement—no outsiders allowed. If Chen Yu were still the influential heiress she once was, perhaps he might have bent the rules, and his superiors would have understood. But now, she was nothing more than a pitiful figure cast out by her family. Why should he show her any courtesy?

“Let’s see what he does now.” As all eyes shifted to Ye Fei, Gao Yangwei felt a surge of satisfaction, as if intoxicated by the moment.

Sun Shiyun couldn’t help but shake her head and say, “Why put yourself through this? If you’re not part of this circle, you shouldn’t try to force your way in. You’ll only make yourself a laughingstock.”

Ye Fei remained motionless, while Chen Yu’s face grew stormy, on the verge of an outburst. Vice President Lin, unwilling to waste any more time, turned and shouted, “Security! Send two men over and throw this fellow out!”

The onlookers withdrew their gazes, losing all interest. In their eyes, Ye Fei’s expulsion was already a foregone conclusion. Who would dare speak up for him now? Against the likes of Gao Yangwei, Sun Shiyun, and Vice President Lin, even those with powerful backgrounds would think twice.

Gao Yangwei smirked. To him, dismissing someone like Ye Fei was trivial—a single word, and Ye Fei would be gone. What right did someone of Ye Fei’s status and background have to challenge him?

Two burly security guards stormed in, exuding an intimidating presence. Gao Yangwei stood tall and scoffed, “Kid, you and I are worlds apart. With your status and background, trying to gain a foothold here is pure delusion. I can throw you out with a word. And you? What can you do?”

The security guards approached Ye Fei.

“Don’t you dare!” Chen Yu finally snapped, glaring at Vice President Lin like a furious kitten. “Vice President Lin, you and my second uncle have known each other for years. Can’t you give me this much respect? Don’t forget, this is Hangzhou—my second uncle’s territory!”

“Oh? Are you threatening me?” Vice President Lin’s face grew colder. “A discarded daughter, thrown out by her own family—do you think you have the right to threaten me? If you keep this up, I’ll have both of you thrown out. Even if your second uncle himself walked in here today, I wouldn’t give him this courtesy!”

“You—” Chen Yu hadn’t expected such trouble today. Just half a month ago, she would have been treated with the utmost respect anywhere in Hangzhou. But now, among this gathering of luminaries, the upper crust showed her no deference.

She turned her head to see Ye Fei standing alone, his eyes cast down, motionless, lost in thought. To outsiders, it seemed as if he had already accepted his fate.

But—

At that moment, a deep, icy voice rang out at the entrance: “I’d like to see who dares throw out my niece and the man who saved my life!”

Everyone turned toward the voice, the crowd parting like waves. A stately old man in a white suit, leaning on a cane, his back slightly bent yet exuding an imposing aura, strode forward.

Though he appeared to be past fifty, his gaze was as fierce and imperious as a hawk soaring the skies. With a glance, he dominated the entire hall.

“Who’s that? How dare he talk back to Vice President Lin?” someone whispered. “Yeah, who’s this old man? He looks sickly enough—what makes him think he’s important?”

Some of the younger heirs began to murmur among themselves.

But then—

Someone nearby recognized the old man and turned pale, hurriedly whispering to his companion, “Are you crazy? Watch what you say! That’s Chen Yu’s second uncle—a major figure in the Chen family! That’s Chen Bozhong!”