Conquest of Taboo and Debauchery

Chapter 132: 132: Silent Comfort

Zhang Yide nodded in understanding and refrained from discussing the matter further. Instead, he asked Ye Fei, "Master, what should be done about the old master's funeral?"

Ye Fei thought for a moment, sighed, and replied, "I should wait for my aunt to arrive and discuss it with her." Originally, he had considered hiding the truth from Xu Shuyun and Ye Jing for a while, but quickly dismissed the idea.

After all, secrets never remain hidden for long. Given the prominence of the Ye family, word of the former patriarch's death would inevitably spread. It might even be in the newspapers by tomorrow. Letting them find out through such means would only make things worse.

Zhang Yide sighed as well, adding, "I really don't know if they'll be able to bear this blow. Master, you must comfort them well." In this moment, Zhang Yide was not speaking as a senior member of Lingyun Society but as an elder concerned for Ye Fei's family.

Ye Fei's expression turned somber, clearly troubled by how to break the news to his aunt and cousin. His hatred for Ye Yu deepened as he thought about the upcoming conversation. After staring at Ye Yu's lifeless body for a moment, he sighed and said, "Dispose of his body. There's no need to report it to the police—just say he's missing."

His decision stemmed from a desire to protect his uncle's reputation. Though Ye Lingtian had made many mistakes in recent years, Ye Fei didn't want people to mock him posthumously for failing to discern his own son's betrayal.

"This..." Zhang Yide hesitated. Handling it this way could negatively affect Ye Fei's reputation. People might assume he had killed his uncle and brother to take control of the Ye family. In Zhang Yide's view, it would be better to expose Ye Yu's treachery, which would help solidify Ye Fei's hold over Lingyun Society.

Sensing Zhang Yide's concerns, Ye Fei smiled faintly and said, "Let's proceed this way. The truth will reveal itself in time. Let people say what they will."

"Yes, Master!" Zhang Yide responded enthusiastically, pleased by what he had heard. In Ye Fei's confident tone, he could sense the same arrogance that Old Man Ye had once displayed—an unwavering confidence that even Ye Lingtian and Ye Lingyun had lacked. It seemed that the Ye family had found its rightful successor.

After the gang members removed Ye Yu's body, Ye Fei and Zhang Yide carried Ye Lingtian's body to the study. Then they returned to the living room, sitting together in silence.

"Xiaoman, don't be too sad. As long as you manage Lingyun Society well, I'm sure your father and uncle would be proud of you from heaven," Zhang Yide comforted, noticing the worry on Ye Fei's face. With no outsiders present, he spoke more casually.

"Thank you, Grandpa Zhang," Ye Fei replied with a bitter smile. "I'm alright. I'm just trying to figure out how to break the news to Aunt and Jingjing."

Zhang Yide had no easy answer for that. Both men fell into a contemplative silence, the heavy atmosphere thickening in the living room.

It was now noon, and after some time, Ye Jing and Xu Shuyun returned home together. Seeing Ye Fei still there, along with Zhang Yide, Ye Jing's face lit up with joy. She quickly ran over, smiling, "Grandpa Zhang! Brother! You're both here! That's wonderful!"

Zhang Yide had always doted on Ye Fei and Ye Jing when they were young. To the children, who had little memory of their own grandfather, Zhang Yide was like a surrogate. Ye Jing, in particular, had been very close to him, and now that she was older, his rare visits meant even more to her.

Xu Shuyun, however, wasn't as carefree. She sensed something was wrong. Zhang Yide rarely visited their home unless something serious had occurred. Noticing both men's grave expressions, she asked, her voice filled with concern, "Uncle Zhang, is something wrong?"

Zhang Yide opened his mouth to respond but stopped himself. He sighed and said, "Xiaoman, you explain. I need to attend to some gang matters." Without waiting for Ye Fei's consent, he quickly left, not wanting to witness Xu Shuyun's reaction when she learned the truth.

Ye Fei watched Zhang Yide leave in silence, unsure how to begin. Seeing his hesitation, Xu Shuyun's worry deepened. Grabbing Ye Fei's hand, she asked urgently, "Xiaoman, what's going on? Please tell me."

"Aunt... Uncle..." Ye Fei started, but his words trailed off, and tears welled up in his eyes.

Seeing his distress, Xu Shuyun's face paled. Trembling, she asked, "What happened to him?"

"Yes, brother, what happened to father?" Ye Jing joined in, equally anxious. Despite her father's cold behavior toward her over the past year, the bond between father and daughter remained strong. Her concern was palpable.

"Follow me," Ye Fei sighed, unable to find the right words. Instead, he led them to the study, where they hurried after him.

Upon entering the study, the three of them immediately saw Ye Lingtian's body lying on the small bed. His pale, lifeless face and the bloodstains at the corner of his mouth made it painfully clear what had happened.

Xu Shuyun slowly approached the bed, sitting down beside it. She gently touched Ye Lingtian's cold face, her eyes unfocused as she murmured, "What happened?" Meanwhile, Ye Jing had already broken down, sobbing uncontrollably.

"It was Ye Yu!" Ye Fei spat out the name that only brought hatred to his heart. He then recounted everything, including how Ye Yu had poisoned Ye Lingtian.

After hearing the story, Xu Shuyun's grief overwhelmed her. She collapsed onto Ye Lingtian's body, crying bitterly, while Ye Jing's cries grew even louder.

"*Wooh *Wah *Wooh!"

As he watched the two of them weep, Ye Fei felt powerless to offer any real comfort. He could only stand beside them, silently shedding his own tears. Yet, in his heart, he felt a sense of relief. As long as Xu Shuyun was able to cry, she would be fine. He had feared that the shock might be too much for her to bear, but her tears were a release.

Once the two women were too exhausted to cry any longer, Ye Fei gently led them to the sofa, where he sat beside them, holding them close as he whispered soft words of comfort.

Xu Shuyun rested her head on Ye Fei's shoulder, while Ye Jing clung tightly to him. At that moment, feeling lost and helpless, Ye Fei was the only anchor they had left.

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