C10 Fck Off!

The welcoming banquet had already been announced to the other relatives, so by the time it started, the Ye family home was bustling with kin. For Ye Feng, it was his first encounter with so many relatives at once. Previously, living with Cao Mei, they had relied heavily on each other.

However, the day before, Ye Feng's five older sisters had filled his head with various thoughts, so he wasn't feeling particularly resistant to the gathering.

"Mrs. Ye, how have you been feeling lately? I heard you were under the weather recently?"

"Yes, I had a bit of a health scare, but it's nothing serious. I'm feeling much better now."

"You must take good care of yourself, especially after a bout of illness. You can't afford to neglect your health. Now that your son has finally returned, you all can relish the joys of family."

Ye's mother acknowledged the comment with a nonchalant nod. Despite the apparent concern in the person's words, they left her feeling uneasy.

"Speaking of your son, why haven't you brought him out to meet everyone?"

"He's currently catching up with his five sisters. He'll join us shortly. There's no rush; we'll introduce him properly in due time."

Having established her authority within the Ye family over the years, Ye's mother's words were enough to quell any further inquiries.

And with that, the polite exchange drew to a close.

Meanwhile, Ye Feng was indeed getting ready inside the house, surrounded by his sisters.

"Don't worry about stepping out later. If anything comes up, someone will be there to back you up, and Mom's outside too," Ye Yimei, the eldest sister, reassured him, sensing his anxiety.

"You've all taught me well, what's there to be afraid of?" Ye Feng replied with newfound confidence.

"That's the spirit! I knew our Director Ye had the most courage," Yimei beamed with pride.

"Cut it out, Fourth Sister," Ye Feng chuckled, as Ye Dong'er, always the playful one, continued her light-hearted banter. Ye Feng, not often in the company of women, found it a rare comfort to engage in such easy conversation with his sisters.

"Just remember, the people outside are our relatives. You might not know them well now, but you'll get there. And don't feel obliged to be overly cordial; many of them are just looking out for their own interests," Ye Dong'er added with a wink.

"Ah?"

Ye Feng was a bit perplexed. Aren't relatives supposed to be close-knit? Why did it seem like everyone was motivated by self-interest here?

"Does it strike you as odd why your relatives are all making sacrifices for you? It's because the place where you originally lived is different from your current environment. If you had grown up in this setting, you wouldn't find it strange at all. In fact, you might find close relationships to be the oddity."

Ye Feng nodded absentmindedly, acknowledging the truth in those words. Had he been raised in such an environment from the start, it wouldn't seem unusual to him.

He continued tidying the room for a bit longer, each of his five sisters taking their turn to fuss over him.

"Is there anything about yourself you're unhappy with?"

Ye Feng vigorously shook his head. In the past, any dissatisfaction would have led to a complete makeover.

Particularly with these five sisters, it wasn't enough for him to be content; they all had to approve, and each had different tastes. This meant Ye Feng found himself sprucing up almost every minute.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Feng, how's it going?"

Ye's mother entered the room. She had been entertaining relatives outside and was now seeking respite from the fatigue.

"…"

Ye Feng wanted to respond, but he felt awkward. He had always depended solely on his foster mother, and suddenly having another mother figure was something he couldn't easily vocalize.

Ye's mother understood that Ye Feng wouldn't easily call out to someone, so she didn't press the issue. Besides, Ye Feng had lived away for many years, never having been a part of his life before.

"Come here, let me have a look," Ye's mother said, taking Ye Feng's arm and spinning him around for inspection. "Hmm, you certainly look dashing and distinguished!"

While Ye Feng was accustomed to his sisters' compliments, this was the first time he was hearing such praise from Ye's mother.

"It's really thanks to my sisters who each took their turn grooming me. It would be hard not to look good."

"Indeed, your sisters have an excellent eye for style. Well, now that you're all set, let's head out."

After finishing her statement, she took Ye Feng by the hand and led him out the door.

"Today, we're hosting a welcome banquet for my son, Ye Feng. Due to a family tragedy years ago, we had no choice but to send him away. Now, we've finally brought him back, and this banquet is in his honor."

Now that Ye Feng had made his appearance, it was time for him to mingle and chat with the other relatives.

Meanwhile, Ye's mother was busy discussing business matters with her partners.

Ye Feng felt somewhat out of place, but he understood that he was now a member of the Ye family. No amount of nerves could change that; he had to face the situation head-on.

Once Ye's mother had stepped away, the relatives started to mock Ye Feng. They had held their tongues in her presence, but with her gone, they felt emboldened.

Yet, they didn't mock him to his face; they made snide remarks within earshot.

"Is he really the Ye family's son? He doesn't seem to fit the bill."

"I agree. Maybe they just picked up some kid from an orphanage?"

"It can't be, but he does seem like a child they just randomly brought home."

"A biological child? He looks more like a mongrel to me."

This was Ye Feng's first time facing such hostility, and he was at a loss for words. He was about to defend himself when he realized he had no standing.

They probably felt encouraged to speak this way because of the scene unfolding before them.

Fortunately, Ye Feng's five sisters quickly came to his defense.

"Ye Feng is our parents' flesh and blood. What gives you the right to make such claims?"

"Do you have any proof to back up your accusations? If he weren't our brother, why would we bring him home?"

"Would we bring home someone who isn't related just to squabble over inheritance? We five sisters might not be concerned with that, but do you think our parents would be indifferent?"

"Some of you need to watch your words. If you're eyeing our family's wealth, I suggest you abandon that thought right now. Better to put that effort into your own endeavors."

"If you're so convinced he's not a blood relative, where's your evidence? If you have any, present it."