C17 Twenty Thousand

During dinner, Fang Fang took a sip of the fish soup and pursed her lips. "The soup is a tad bland today; it lacks the usual zest. Please remind the kitchen to pay more attention," she commented.

"Of course, Madam," the maid serving the dishes responded with a nod.

"Lanyou, if there's anything specific you'd like to eat or if there's something you're not fond of, feel free to let me know," Fang Fang offered with a warm smile.

"Okay," Yi Lanyou replied subtly, raising an eyebrow.

Fang Fang kept up her smile and added, "You bought so many things today. If you're running short on cash, don't hesitate to tell me."

"I have enough money," Yi Lanyou said, her lips curving slightly. That was probably what Fang Fang was getting at.

"You must have spent at least ten to twenty thousand today. It's perfectly normal for a young woman to treat herself to things she likes. If you need more, don't be shy about asking," Fang Fang continued, while discreetly observing Yi Haoen and Yi Weihai's expressions. Noticing Yi Haoen's slightly furrowed brow, she contentedly sipped her soup again.

"Today, I spent 17,000 on shopping," Yi Lanyou informed, turning to Yi Haoen. "Father, am I expected to report every single expense to you?"

"There's no need," he replied. He didn't require Yi Lanyou to do so, though he was indeed displeased with her frivolous spending.

"Okay," Yi Lanyou nodded. "Thirty thousand a month is just right for my current needs."

Yi Rui'er scoffed, "You obviously splurged on a lot of unnecessary luxuries."

Yi Lanyou chose not to explain herself and simply ladled herself a bowl of soup.

Watching Yi Lanyou ignore her, Yi Rui'er grew increasingly irritated. Then, with a twinkle in her eye and a sly smile, she said, "Father, Cousin Yuanyuan mentioned she'll be visiting us tomorrow."

Yi Lanyou's spoon clattered into her bowl. Masking her emotions, she forced a smile, "Slip of the hand." She then picked up the spoon and continued to sip her soup.

"I made it clear to her that now isn't a good time, but she just wouldn't listen. I've spoiled her too much in the past," Fang Fang said with feigned difficulty.

Yi Haoen cleared his throat and spoke, "Rui'er, when the time comes, bring your sister along to meet Fang Yuan. You two are around the same age; you should get along well."

"Sure, Dad!" Yi Rui'er said with a mischievous glance at Yi Lanyou. "Cousin Yuanyuan and I will take great care of Lanyou."

Yi Lanyou's lips tightened, and a flicker of resentment shone in her eyes. After setting down her spoon, she said, "I'm full. Please, continue eating." She then stood up and returned to her room.

Once she had shut the door, Yi Lanyou punched the wall, the physical pain in her knuckles paling in comparison to the bitterness in her heart.

Fang Yuan.

She vividly recalled every insult and torment Fang Yuan had inflicted on her in her past life. She could still feel the icy chill of the wine poured over her head, the humiliation of Fang Yuan brandishing her nude photos, laughing as she circulated them in front of others. She remembered the sting of a needle piercing her fingertip, a pain that seared into her very soul.

"Where's my needle?" Fang Yuan demanded, standing arrogantly by her piano. "What brings you here?"

Memories of the past surged before Yi Lanyou's eyes. She clenched her jaw. She was determined to ensure Fang Yuan would reap what she had sown.