C8 For the Time Being This Is How It Is

"Your car hit mine. Shouldn't you at least come out, apologize, and offer to pay for the damages?"

"…"

Ye Feng wanted to argue that the accident wouldn't have happened if they hadn't braked so suddenly. And it wasn't really his fault, but rather the fault of the gold chain.

But the person was already gone, and now he was powerless to change the situation. He deeply regretted letting the gold chain go. If he had kept it, he could have had someone to corroborate his story.

Yet, Ye Feng knew it was too late for explanations. Bringing it up now would only seem like he was making excuses.

"Can't think of anything to say? An apology is the least you can do."

Ye Feng was puzzled by the woman's behavior, and Susan, standing beside him, was equally confused. He had no idea who this woman was.

He turned to Susan, seeking answers with his eyes.

Susan simply shook her head.

"I can apologize, but if you hadn't braked so suddenly, how could I have possibly hit you?"

"You did brake suddenly, but you should have been able to stop in time. Look at the damage to my car; you're responsible for the costs."

Listening to her, Ye Feng felt something was off. He couldn't pinpoint why, but her tone seemed oddly seductive.

"Even though it was a rear-end collision, it wouldn't have happened if you hadn't stopped so abruptly. And I don't see any damage on your car. Why should I compensate you?"

"You know you're liable regardless, right? You might not see any damage, but the paint is scratched. Repainting this car is going to cost a lot."

Ye Feng inspected the rear of the car closely but couldn't find any scratches. He was unsure whether the woman was telling the truth or not.

"I see no damage on your car. Are you trying to scam me?"

The woman laughed lightly. "Accusing me of a scam? Take a good look at your car. Selling it wouldn't even cover the cost of one part on mine."

"..." While her words held truth, Ye Feng couldn't help but feel deeply insulted.

Susan was at his side, gripping his arm tightly, fearful that he might charge forward in a fit of rage. After all, the background of the woman before them was a mystery to everyone.

"Looking at you, it seems you lack both ability and influence. I'd suggest you steer clear of places like this in the future. Otherwise, you might meet an end without even realizing how, Ye Feng."

Ye Feng had initially thought the woman merely wanted to exchange a few words, but to his surprise, she knew his name.

Having only just returned to the Ye family, it was impossible for anyone to know him by name. Yet, she had called him out with such precision; she must have had prior knowledge of his identity.

"Who exactly are you? How is it that I don't recognize you?"

"The long-lost young master of the Ye family has finally returned. You may be oblivious, but I'm well aware. I suspect you're still in the dark about your own heritage, though it's common knowledge to most by now. I suggest you make a hasty retreat from here. Otherwise, you might find yourself caught in a maelstrom, clueless to your own demise."

Her words seemed like advice, but Ye Feng understood that she simply didn't want him to reclaim his place in the Ye family. His return had evidently posed a threat to the other families.

"If you're aware of who I am, then you must also realize that my return to the Ye family is rightful and justified. It would be improper for me not to."

"Indeed, but your strength doesn't appear to be all that formidable. If you're set on returning, you'd better prepare and train diligently. Should trouble arise, I doubt anyone could shield you."

"You can't judge my strength just yet. This is merely the beginning. Today's incident may have been unforeseen, but without that gold chain, none of this would have occurred."

"I'm not sure what you're getting at, but it would be wise for you to keep your distance from here. You clearly lack a grasp of the business world. The Ye family likely summoned you back just for the sake of tradition. Whether they actually need you is another matter entirely."

Hearing this, Ye Feng bristled. Who was she to say he understood nothing? He might not be a business expert, but he had his competencies. Plus, he had already discussed with the eldest sister of the Ye family about finding someone to guide him.

"You all have no idea what I've been through since my return. So, I'd advise you not to set your sights on me right now. I might not seem particularly important to you, but I still carry some weight within the Ye family."

Ye Feng himself found his own words somewhat unconvincing, but he was left with no choice. Without these words, he had nothing to intimidate them with.

Taking the opportunity, Ye Feng scrutinized the woman before him. She was scantily clad, yet strategically covered, suggesting she wasn't alone.

He was curious about who was in the driver's seat, but the woman kept blocking his view.

Just then, Director Qi returned.

"Director Ye, your car is ready. You can take it and go," he said.

Ye Feng nodded, about to discuss the woman with Director Qi, but when he turned around, the car was already gone.

The woman must have realized that Director Qi was not someone to mess with and that the Ye family wasn't to be taken lightly.

With the person gone, there was no longer a need to bring it up with Director Qi. Ye Feng decided to let the matter rest for the time being.

He figured there was no rush to delve into this issue until he had a firmer grasp of the Ye family's affairs.

Right now, the priority was to return home. His family had organized a welcome banquet, and he was already running late. He could only imagine their growing concern.

"Let's keep the matter with Susan from the family for now. And my eldest sister, has she only been informed about the Gold Chain?"

Susan gave a nod. Indeed, she had only mentioned the Gold Chain to the Ye family's eldest sister and hadn't yet had the chance to report back in full.

Ye Feng also nodded in agreement. Since the matter hadn't been discussed, it was best to leave it be for the time being.