Suddenly called out in public, Murong Ye frowned, a sense of foreboding creeping into his heart.

But just as he was about to pretend he hadn’t heard, Mrs. Gao rushed over and grabbed his arm.

"Mr. Murong! You’re here! Perfect. You be the judge! Isn’t the way they’re treating me outrageous?!"

Murong Ye’s expression soured, and he instinctively tried to pull free. To his surprise, Mrs. Gao was so agitated that her grip was incredibly strong, and she refused to let go.

In front of such a large crowd, Murong Ye couldn’t very well get physical. He suppressed his annoyance and said, "Madam Ye, Yunlai Tavern does require reservations. Since they’re fully booked, perhaps you should come back another day."

"That’s not an option!" Hearing him say the same thing, Mrs. Gao’s expression changed instantly. "It’s one thing for others to need a reservation, but I’m Ye Chutang’s aunt! How could she treat me like this?!"

Many in the surrounding crowd exchanged furtive glances.

’This Mrs. Gao really has some nerve. How dare she bring up their family connection?’

’The Ye Family’s drama had caused a huge stir. They had caused trouble for Ye Chutang time and again, but she never seemed to hold it against them. Who would have thought that Mrs. Gao, far from showing any remorse, would actually double down and cause a scene right at the tavern’s entrance!’

’She was hurting their business and causing a public nuisance. Who could be happy about that?’

Murong Ye grew even more irritated.

’Forget Mrs. Gao—even he had waited nearly a month for this reservation!’

’He had specifically invited a few friends to Yunlai Tavern today, planning to drink their fill. Who would have thought he’d run into Mrs. Gao of all people!’

’It would be one thing if she were just making a scene on her own, but to drag him into it!’

The image of Ye Shixian’s delicate, captivating face flashed through his mind. Murong Ye reined in his temper and said patiently, "You don’t look very well. Why don’t you go home and rest for today?"

Mrs. Gao’s reaction was instantaneous and even more hostile.

Ever since her face was ruined, she had smashed every mirror in the house and had not once looked at her own reflection.

’For Murong Ye to say such a thing now, wasn’t he openly mocking her!?’

"I’m not leaving!" Mrs. Gao shrieked. She then plopped right onto the ground and snarled through gritted teeth, "If I don’t get in today, this tavern can forget about doing any business!"

In the past, a woman like Mrs. Gao, who cared so much about her reputation, would never have stooped to this.

But now she had nothing left to lose. Even if it meant sacrificing the last of her dignity, she was determined to drag Ye Chutang down with her!

The unending whispers from the crowd felt like needles on Murong Ye’s back. He was completely engulfed in immense embarrassment and shame.

’He’d never been so humiliated in his life!’

The friends accompanying him could only look at one another in bewilderment.

One of them opened his mouth and hesitantly suggested, "...Murong, why don’t we just invite Madam Ye to join us?"

A rush of anger went straight to Murong Ye’s head. "Absolutely not!"

’These were men from prominent families, people he was trying to build connections with. What would it look like if he brought Mrs. Gao along!?’

Another man chimed in quickly, "It’s a last resort... Besides, she’s Miss Ye’s mother. It’s only natural that you’d have to be polite and respectful, Murong."

The others all nodded in agreement at his words.

"Yes, yes, don’t worry, Murong. We understand completely."

"It’s no trouble, really!"

"With everyone watching, it’s not appropriate to remain at a standstill. We’d better..."

Murong Ye’s temples throbbed violently. He felt like he was about to explode with rage!

The more they said things like that, the more utterly humiliated he felt!

Every single word felt like a vicious slap across his face!

He forced out, "I do have feelings for Shixian, but—but—"