Chapter Ten: Moving Out of the Su Family Villa

The following day, the entire Su Rulan family took a day off, preparing to move out of the Su family villa and rent a new place elsewhere.

At first, Old Master Su refused to consent, but considering the young master of the Ye family had shown interest in Su Rulan and personally lent her his support, he could not make things too ugly. Realizing they could not stay at the villa forever, he reluctantly agreed.

Through the guidance of a real estate agent, they arrived at a pleasant, mid-range neighborhood. Accompanied by Ye Tianlin, they spent two hours viewing several apartments before Su Rulan settled on a cost-effective two-bedroom unit, ready for immediate occupancy.

They gradually moved their belongings in and cleaned the apartment. By the time everything was tidy, noon was approaching.

To celebrate securing the new project, Su Rulan personally shopped for groceries and cooked a lavish meal, inviting her family to sit down together.

Just then, the landlord announced she would be coming over to verify the utilities. The family set aside their chopsticks, deciding to wait until the inspection was finished before eating.

Yet, as the landlord arrived and saw them face-to-face, Su Rulan was stunned.

The owner of this two-bedroom apartment was none other than her university classmate, Song Meili!

Song Meili wore heavy makeup, dressed fashionably, and radiated an air of superiority. With a critical gaze, she sized Su Rulan up and down.

Then, Song Meili laughed oddly, saying, “What a coincidence, Su Rulan. Even when renting, you end up with my place. It’s been years since we last met—how did you end up like this?”

“I didn’t expect it either. What a twist of fate,” Su Rulan replied, standing awkwardly in the doorway, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Since graduating, Song Meili had married into wealth, becoming a true lady of high society, with a husband reputed to have immense assets and powerful connections. At every alumni gathering, Song Meili was the focus of flattery and praise.

As for Su Rulan, she had not contacted any classmates since getting married. Her knowledge of Song Meili was limited to snippets from their alumni group chats.

Song Meili strode in on high heels, glanced at the dishes on the table, then let her gaze linger on Ye Tianlin.

“This must be your husband, Ye Tianlin? I haven’t kept in touch much, but I’ve heard plenty about him. They say your husband has... issues up here.” Song Meili gestured at her temple.

Su Rulan’s expression froze, her discomfort deepening.

Su Weimin and Gao Yulan, sitting at the table, felt a surge of shame. Inwardly, they cursed Ye Tianlin for always being a burden and a source of ridicule wherever they went.

“Rulan, look at you—pregnant, too! How pitiful. I never thought you’d end up so miserable after graduation. Not like me... Married into a wealthy family, I own this entire floor!” Song Meili boasted openly.

“You own the whole floor?” Su Weimin exclaimed.

“How much does that cost?” Gao Yulan instinctively counted her fingers, unable to hide her envy.

Seeing their reactions, Song Meili became even more smug. She sat down, laughing, “It’s nothing, really. My husband bought it so I’d have something to do. After all, he’s the nephew of the chairman of Tiandu Chamber of Commerce and the CEO of Tangren Group!”

Su Rulan drew a sharp breath, utterly shocked. She never imagined Song Meili’s husband would be so influential, the CEO of Tangren Group.

Su Weimin quickly poured tea and water, fawning, “Ah, I didn’t realize you were Mrs. Tang, the CEO’s wife. Forgive my ignorance!”

Gao Yulan chimed in, “Rulan happens to be working with Tangren Group. She just secured their advertising contract. I hope you’ll put in a good word for her with Mr. Tang.”

Song Meili frowned, displeased. “Why haven’t I heard of this? And why would Tangren Group’s advertising project fall into your hands?”

Seeing there was no way to hide it, Su Rulan explained the situation.

Song Meili listened, but scoffed, “Don’t be ridiculous. Why would the young master of the Ye family give the Su family a betrothal gift, or choose anyone from your family? You should look in the mirror.”

“Madam Tang, it’s true we got lucky this time, but there’s no need to be so harsh,” Su Weimin muttered in frustration.

Song Meili snorted, “I’m speaking facts. Something so big—I’d know about it. The Ye family’s young master is not someone you could ever reach.”

“I think you’re just making things up. Su Rulan, you’ve fallen so far, yet you still try to put on airs in front of me? What’s the point?”

“Su Rulan, you were never my equal in school. Just admit it—it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Su Rulan was mortified, unsure how to respond, knowing that Song Meili’s background was not to be trifled with.

At this moment, Ye Tianlin spoke up, “Tiandu Chamber of Commerce has not only arranged for Tangren Group but will soon assign most of its subsidiaries’ business to Su Rulan. This is so the Su family can covet what they can never have and ultimately face reality.”

“All of you must be out of your minds, spouting nonsense,” Song Meili laughed, her body shaking with mirth.

“It’s not nonsense. I am the young master of the Ye family. All these arrangements are mine. The betrothal gift was for Rulan, not Su Yixue. If you don’t believe me, just wait and see,” Ye Tianlin explained.

“Ye Tianlin, shut up! Are you crazy? Do you know who she is?” Su Weimin yelled, furious.

“Eat your food!” Gao Yulan wished she could kick Ye Tianlin right then.

Song Meili stopped laughing, clicked her tongue theatrically, “Su Rulan, with such an idiot for a husband, you really do have a hard life. Out of pity, I’ll waive your rent next month.”

She paused, giving a meaningful look. “As for Tangren Group, I’ll ask my husband when he’s home.”

With that, Song Meili slung her purse over her shoulder and left.

“It’s over, we’ve offended her now. Even if the contract was thanks to the Ye family’s young master, Song Meili’s husband is the CEO of Tangren Group!” Su Weimin fretted anxiously.

“If Tangren Group wants to, they could ruin us in a heartbeat. Ye Tianlin, you’re always causing trouble,” Gao Yulan exploded, terrified the project would fall through.

Su Rulan, too, was shaken, especially by Song Meili’s expression as she left, which gave her a sense of foreboding.

Her life had only just begun to improve, and she dreaded being forced back to her old ways.

But looking at Ye Tianlin, she couldn’t bring herself to blame him. She could only say, “Mom, Dad, don’t be angry. Tianlin exaggerates because of his condition, but he only wants to protect me.”

“That Song Meili obviously dislikes you. And Ye Tianlin, so oblivious, confronted her right in front of us. Of course she’ll target you now,” Su Weimin huffed, retreating to his room and slamming the door.

Gao Yulan sighed, “Rulan, I told you to give up on that idiot, but you wouldn’t listen. Now look at the trouble he’s caused. I can’t bear to watch.”