"Jiang Yi, can you do me a favor?" Father Ye pleaded, his face etched with urgency.
He had put in considerable effort to persuade Xiao Cuiying, and if Jiang Yi refused, it would all be in vain.
"Uncle, you really shouldn't get involved in this matter!"
Jiang Yi stated, "This is between Xiao Cuiying and me. If you get involved, you'll be put in a difficult position, and so will I. Just consider it doing me a favor!"
Father Ye was quite angered by Jiang Yi's words.
He had asked Jiang Yi for a favor, and now Jiang Yi was turning around and asking him for one.
"I'm not going to argue with you. You're going today whether you like it or not!"
Father Ye's brow furrowed.
"I know you were very angry about what Xiao Cuiying did last time, but this matter concerns Yanran and the child she's carrying. That's two lives. If you don't step in to save them, you'll be indirectly responsible for the deaths of Yanran and the child!"
Jiang Yi was left speechless by this.
Father Ye was resorting to moral blackmail.
Just then, Li Ping descended the stairs.
Li Ping glanced at Father Ye and immediately understood why he had come to see Jiang Yi.
"What's going on? Why are you here again?" Li Ping asked Father Ye, her brow furrowed.
Father Ye explained the situation and continued, "Xiao Cuiying is very sincere this time, sending me to invite Jiang Yi over, but Jiang Yi is unwilling to go."
"You go out first. I'll talk to Jiang Yi,"
Li Ping said to Father Ye.
"Alright."
Father Ye nodded and left the hall.
After Father Ye departed, Li Ping's gaze fell upon Jiang Yi, and she said, "Originally, I didn't intend to get involved in this. However, I still want to talk to you. After all, you are my son, and I don't want you to do anything foolish."
Jiang Yi found the word "foolish" utterly exasperating.
Going to see Xiao Cuiying would be the real foolishness.
Clearly, the Xiao family was the one in need. Why should he willingly step forward and allow himself to be dictated to?
Being too proactive would lead to a passive situation.
"I suggest you still go,"
Li Ping advised Jiang Yi, her brow furrowed. "After all, the child in Yanran's belly is yours. Teach Xiao Cuiying and the Xiao family a lesson, but don't escalate the matter. Otherwise, it will greatly affect your reputation."
"Besides, even though you don't say it, I know you're still worried about them, the mother and child, and wouldn't just stand by and do nothing."
Jiang Yi paused, surprised that his thoughts had been so accurately discerned.
"Alright, I'll go then," Jiang Yi said.
Li Ping nodded.
Jiang Yi shrugged and left the hall.
Seeing Jiang Yi emerge from the hall, Father Ye hurried over. "Xiao Cuiying has already arrived at the Royal Hotel and is waiting for you! Many members of the Xiao family are among those attending. Also, the old woman and Ye Xiaofeng will be there. Xiao Cuiying will personally apologize to you then."
"Let's go then!"
Jiang Yi said.
Father Ye was overjoyed that Jiang Yi had agreed.
He could finally relax.
After leaving home, Jiang Yi and Father Ye headed straight to a private room at the Royal Hotel.
There were many people in the room. Upon seeing Jiang Yi arrive, complex expressions appeared on each of their faces.
They had never taken Jiang Yi seriously before, but now, they had to humble themselves and beg him.
They never imagined they would end up in such a humiliating situation.
"Please, sit down,"
Father Ye urged Jiang Yi.
Jiang Yi did not stand on ceremony and directly took a seat.
Xiao Cuiying stared at Jiang Yi, her brow slightly furrowed.
"Since everyone is here, let's begin," Jiang Yi said.
"Jiang Yi, we are here to apologize to you!"
Xiao Jianren poured Jiang Yi a cup of tea and then said with a smile, "As long as you are willing to step in and save Yanran, we will agree to any conditions!"
"Are you mistaken?" Jiang Yi asked calmly.
Xiao Jianren was taken aback by Jiang Yi's words.
"Mistaken about what?" Xiao Jianren inquired.
"I didn't come here to negotiate terms with you. I came to wait for your apology!" Jiang Yi stated.
Xiao Jianren immediately understood.
"Jiang Yi, we of the Xiao family were in the wrong before. We apologize to you here," Xiao Jianren said.
Following that, other members of the Xiao family also stepped forward and apologized to Jiang Yi.
Only Xiao Cuiying remained seated, saying nothing.
"Jiang Yi, so many of us have apologized to you. Should you not agree now?" Xiao Jianren said.
"I cannot agree!"
Jiang Yi sneered. "I came to hear Madam Xiao apologize to me, not to hear you apologize. With your character, you don't even qualify to apologize to me!"
Hearing this, Xiao Jianren was furious.
"Jiang Yi, you are too presumptuous!"
Xiao Jianren's expression immediately changed, and he said to Jiang Yi with a face full of anger, "No matter what, our Xiao family is one of the top families in the capital. You dare to humiliate us like this and disregard the Xiao family. Who do you think you are!"
The other members of the Xiao family also chimed in, one after another.
Their faces were grim, and their tones were filled with anger.
If they hadn't been in need of Jiang Yi, they wouldn't have endured this.
They were all members of the Xiao family, with proud dispositions, and naturally could not tolerate such treatment.
"Is this the sincerity of your Xiao family?"
Jiang Yi sneered.
"I only said one sentence, and so many of you from the Xiao family are ganging up to curse me? If you were in my shoes, would you offer your help?"
These words left Xiao Jianren and the Xiao family members speechless.
"Enough!"
Xiao Cuiying finally spoke.
Seeing Xiao Cuiying speak, Xiao Jianren and the Xiao family members stepped aside.
Today, Xiao Cuiying was the true protagonist.
Xiao Cuiying hesitated for a long time before finally saying to Jiang Yi, "I was wrong about what happened last time. I shouldn't have threatened you or insulted you. I apologize to you."
Jiang Yi sneered upon hearing Xiao Cuiying apologize.
Xiao Cuiying's face was stern, and her tone was sharp. It did not sound like an apology at all.
Furthermore, her tone carried anger and unwillingness.
As a member of the Xiao family with high status, Xiao Cuiying had never bowed her head to anyone before. This was the first time.
If she had any other choice, she would never have lowered herself.
"Your sincerity is not enough!"
Jiang Yi stated directly.
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the Xiao family was greatly angered.
"Jiang Yi, how dare you toy with us!"
Xiao Jianren stared at Jiang Yi with a face full of fury and said, "My aunt has already humbled herself to apologize to you, and you're still making a fuss. You're clearly treating us like fools!"
"So what if I'm toying with you?" Jiang Yi asked coldly.
"You..."
Xiao Jianren trembled with rage.
Xiao Jianren wished he could kill Jiang Yi on the spot.
"Shut up!"
Xiao Cuiying yelled angrily.
Seeing Xiao Cuiying's outburst, Xiao Jianren finally quieted down.