Before Shen Tianyin could speak, Shen Shiyun coldly sneered, "Young Master Zhou, you don't know this gentleman, do you? He is the most renowned appraisal master in Jiangcheng recently, Mr. Ye Fan. His appraisal abilities are extraordinary, perhaps on par with the top appraisal masters in your Zhou family."
Shen Shiyun spoke sarcastically, ostensibly praising Ye Fan, but subtly instigating. If she could ignite Zhou Youde's competitive spirit, today's events would surely not end easily.
As expected, Zhou Youde let out a cold laugh, "An appraisal master? I thought it was some young master from a noble family. I didn't expect him to be merely from the lower ranks."
Most appraisal masters served aristocratic families. Although they possessed skills, their backgrounds were far inferior to those of major clans.
Shen Shiyun chuckled, her demeanor exuding a thousand charms with every smile, capturing the gazes of many men.
Shen Tianyin's expression immediately turned grim, "Young Master Zhou, please mind your words. Don't forget, this is the Shen family's residence, not yours."
In this situation, if she didn't speak up for Ye Fan, not only Ye Fan's face would be lost, but also her own.
Zhou Youde scoffed disdainfully, his gaze arrogantly fixed on Ye Fan's face. "What? Do you only know how to live behind women? If that's the case, I suggest you quit being an appraisal master. Living off a woman is quite a good alternative."
His words were met with a burst of laughter.
Many present knew Ye Fan, but more harbored hostility towards him.
After all, Ye Fan's arrogance at the appraisal convention had angered everyone in Jiangcheng's antique circle.
Except for a few far-sighted individuals, everyone else regarded him as a thorn in their side, someone they wished to eliminate as soon as possible.
Ye Fan was long accustomed to such schadenfreude. However, this Young Master Zhou was rather interesting. As the eldest young master of the Zhou family from Haicheng, his status and position were not to be underestimated.
Moreover, Ye Fan could tell that despite Zhou Youde's outwardly arrogant demeanor, he was deeply calculating and had a hidden agenda.
He was by no means as foolish as he appeared on the surface.
And such a person was worthy of being his opponent!
"Whether I have ability or I'm living off a woman, that seems to be my private affair. And I'm a bit confused. If Tianyin prefers a man like me who lives off a woman over you, Young Master Zhou, doesn't that mean you, Young Master Zhou, can't even compare to me, the one who lives off a woman?"
Ye Fan disliked speaking unnecessary words, but that did not mean he was poor at rhetoric.
Whenever a matter could be resolved through actions, he would not waste his breath.
Zhou Youde's previously smiling face immediately turned grim. "Kid, you're courting death."
Ye Fan shook his head indifferently.
"My life and death are mine to control. You, Young Master Zhou? You are not worthy."
By refusing to give him any face and refuting Zhou Youde so openly in front of so many people, he was essentially slapping him in the face.
Shen Tianyin's eyes were filled with surprise. She hadn't expected Ye Fan's words to be so sharp. Today, Ye Fan had shocked her immensely.
At this moment, Zhou Youde's face was so dark it looked like it could drip water.
"We'll see."
Leaving behind a harsh threat, Zhou Youde quickly left the place.
How could the dignified eldest young master of the Zhou family tolerate being refuted by such an insignificant person?
Shen Tianyin turned to Shen Shiyun with a delighted smile.
"What? The main character has scurried away in shame. Sister, are you still here to humiliate yourself?"
Finally finding an opportunity, Shen Tianyin felt a surge of triumph.
Shen Shiyun curled her lips into a cold smile, unfazed. "Sister, don't think you can be so bold just because you've found a country bumpkin. We'll see."
She swished her skirt and slowly walked away.
"Let's go get something to eat too. After arguing with them, I'm actually a bit hungry."
Shen Tianyin linked her arm with Ye Fan's, smiling.
Ye Fan nodded indifferently, and the two left with grace.
In comparison, Shen Tianyin had won this encounter completely. Not only did she reject Zhou Youde, but she also humiliated Shen Shiyun, killing two birds with one stone.
However, as the second young lady of the Shen family, Shen Tianyin naturally didn't fear retaliation. But Ye Fan was different.
Having provoked these two, either of them possessed the ability to make his life a living hell.
Watching them leave, the crowd immediately began discussing their misfortune with glee.
In a corner, Zhou Youde listened as his subordinate presented the information gathered about Ye Fan, his smile growing wider.
"A nobody like him, I will make him wish he were dead."
After hearing his subordinate's report, Zhou Youde said coldly.
"Double the birthday gift I had prepared. Today, I will show Shen Tianyin that she doesn't have the ability to defy me, Zhou Youde."
"Yes."
The subordinate quickly went to make the arrangements.
A cold glint flashed in his eyes, like the chill of a harsh winter, causing the surrounding temperature to drop instantly.
While leisurely eating pastries, Jiang Zhitao walked over excitedly.
"Brother Ye, you're truly amazing."
He gave Ye Fan a thumbs-up. "That Zhou Youde is the eldest young master of the Zhou family in Haicheng. The Zhou family's foundation is much deeper than the Shen or Jiang families. For years, Zhou Youde has acted with impunity throughout Jiangnan, and no one has ever dared to provoke him. But today, he was treated like a subordinate in front of you, Brother Ye. It was exhilarating, truly exhilarating."
Unable to contain his excitement, the young man babbled on.
Ye Fan shook his head, looking at Jiang Zhitao's excited demeanor. "This person is extremely calculating. I fear retaliation will come soon, and it will be incessant and increasingly fierce."
A deep glint flashed in Ye Fan's eyes, and simultaneously, a powerful aura emanated from him.
In his past and present lives, he had encountered many formidable opponents, but in the end, he had survived, while his opponents had met their demise.
This Zhou Youde would be his first opponent since his rebirth.
"Brother Ye, I know a bit about this fellow's background, and I've already sent people to secretly monitor him and his associates. We'll be aware of any movements immediately. Although the Zhou family is powerful, this is Jiangcheng after all. A strong dragon cannot overcome a local snake. If he truly pushes me too far, I'll have someone take care of him secretly. Then there'll be no evidence, and even the Zhou family can't do anything to me."
Looking around to ensure no one was paying attention, Jiang Zhitao whispered into Ye Fan's ear.
Hearing this, Ye Fan's head shot up. Looking into Jiang Zhitao's sincere eyes, a warmth bloomed in his heart.
He hadn't known Jiang Zhitao for long, but for his sake, he had made such elaborate plans. This thoughtfulness touched Ye Fan.
He picked up a cake and placed it in Jiang Zhitao's hand. "This cake tastes good. Try it quickly before it's all gone."
He didn't reply to Jiang Zhitao, but knowing his intentions was enough.
Just then, a voice announced from upstairs, "The birthday star has arrived...!"