It was just past noon.

A Mercedes-Benz G-Class was parked in the outdoor lot of the Chen family's residential complex.

Chen Yinuo led Ye Youyou up front, with Ye Chen following behind.

"Hey, isn't that the Chen family's daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter? And they came in a Benz?"

"That car that looks like a train box—I've heard my son mention it. It's called a G something, maybe G-Wagon? Even the cheapest one costs over one or two million!"

"But isn't her husband just a gambling drunkard? Did he strike it rich by gambling?"

"Come on, I heard he's always getting chased down by loan sharks. Just the other day, Old Chen and his wife were trying to find a new match for their daughter! If their son-in-law could afford a Benz, why would they be looking for a replacement?"

"Exactly! You must be mistaken. Do you know how much capital it takes to win enough for a Benz? That son-in-law of theirs doesn't have it in him!"

"Mistaken? No way. I'm pretty sure that's Chen's daughter and her husband."

Across the street, under the shade of a tree, a group of elderly neighbors chattered away.

Amid their distant gossip, Ye Chen's family of three arrived at the Chen household.

The front door, left slightly ajar, was pulled open by Chen Yinuo as she led the way inside.

"Big sis, you're here!"

From the kitchen came sounds of bustling, but no one could lend a hand.

Sitting on the sofa and smoking, Chen Yihao jumped up with a grin when he saw his sister walk in holding Ye Youyou's hand.

"Uncle!"

Though she disliked her grandparents, Ye Youyou was very close to her uncle. With a cheer, she ran toward him.

"Ha! Come here, let Uncle hug you! Let me see if you've put on some weight!"

But the moment Chen Yihao scooped up Ye Youyou, he spotted Ye Chen entering.

"What the hell are you doing here? Who let you in?"

His previously sunny expression clouded over instantly as he glared daggers at Ye Chen, his hostility palpable.

"Yihao!" Yinuo quickly stepped forward, anxious to defuse the situation.

"Big sis, why did you bring him along?" Chen Yihao gritted his teeth. He wasn't just angry at Ye Chen—he was angry at himself.

Back then, if he hadn't helped Yinuo and Ye Chen elope, his sister wouldn't be in her current predicament. He had even stolen the household registry from their parents' room to help them get married.

"Yihao, Ye Chen is different now! He's truly turned over a new leaf this time!" Yinuo hastily explained.

"Changed? Him? How many times have you told me that, and how many times has he proven you wrong? I must have been blind to help you defy Mom and Dad for this scumbag!" Yihao's face turned red with rage.

"This time, it's real! I swear it's the last time! Trust me, Yihao!" Yinuo pleaded.

"Uncle, stop scolding my dad, or I won't play with you anymore!" Youyou broke free from his arms, her small face scrunched in displeasure.

"Big sis, after all these years of pain, how are you still not giving up on him? Has he brainwashed you again?" Yihao demanded, trembling with frustration.

"If you keep this up, Yihao, I'll leave!" Yinuo bit her lip, her voice resolute.

Her firm stance shocked Yihao into silence. He knew his sister well enough to realize she would follow through if he pressed further.

"Yihao, I know I've wronged Yinuo in the past. I have no excuses. But as your sister said, this is the last time. You don't have to trust me—just trust her," Ye Chen said gravely as he stepped forward.

But before he could finish, Yihao cut him off with a cold sneer. "Save it. I trusted you once, and my sister ended up like this. Don't talk to me about changing; I've heard it all before. If you ever hurt her again, I swear I'll make you pay."

Ye Chen could only offer a bitter smile. He couldn't blame Yihao—if the roles were reversed, he might feel even more resentful.

Just then, Liu Xueqin emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands.

"Yihao, why hasn't Xiaoqian arrived yet? Lunch is almost ready—call her to hurry up!" she said before noticing Ye Chen and Yinuo.

Her expression darkened instantly. She opened her mouth to scold Ye Chen but swallowed her words, remembering the 300,000 yuan he had recently given them. Forcing herself to hold back, she directed a pointed hum at Yinuo instead.

"Perfect timing, huh? Waiting until we've done all the hard work to show up. Why not just come when the food is served?"

Yinuo was unfazed, her heart hardened after years of mistreatment. Before she could respond, Yihao jumped in, "Mom, why are you complaining? No one asked you to cook all this. You're the one who insisted!"

"You ungrateful little brat!" Liu Xueqin seethed, but knowing Yihao's temper, she begrudgingly dropped the matter.

Soon, a young woman sauntered in, exuding an air of arrogance.

The strong scent of Yves Saint Laurent perfume clashed with her fake Chanel bag, counterfeit Gucci dress, and flashy heels. Though her heavily made-up face was passable, it was clear that without the cosmetics, she would be quite plain.

Ye Chen couldn't help but wonder, Who gave her the audacity to act so haughty?

"Xiaoqian, you're here! Come, sit! Lunch is ready!" Liu Xueqin greeted her warmly, her smile overflowing with enthusiasm.

Despite her son's indifference toward Wang Qian, Liu Xueqin adored her, believing that marrying her would elevate the family's status.

During the meal, Wang Qian finally revealed her family's demands: an 18,000 yuan dowry, a 100-square-meter apartment, and a Mercedes-Benz A-Class car.

Everyone fell silent, the tension thick in the air.