Cousin Yao Ran

She raised her head and met Yang Nian's eyes. There seemed to be a meaningful glint under the calm surface of his gaze.

Yao Tang's hold tightened around the cup, so much so that it almost cracked.

She frowned and spoke slowly. "I am not your fiancée."

"It's all right," Yang Nian said, his tone helpless, his expression ardent. "If you don't want to acknowledge our engagement yet, that's fine with me.

"To tell everyone the truth, the engagement was set before Yao Tang and I were even born, so it's understandable that she had yet to accept me. I had dinner with the Yao family in hopes that I may develop our relationship. As for Yao Ran, I see her as my cousin, and my concern for her springs from my care for Yao Tang."

He swept a gaze at the busybodies who had been discussing their presumptions earlier. "I'm sure you've all seen how Yao Ran's clothes were soaked with red wine. As the host of tonight's event, it is my duty to take care of her.