Chapter 37: His Fiancee

A sudden hush fell over the party hall. The lively chatter died, glasses stilled mid-air, and every pair of eyes turned toward the entrance.

Two figures stood there, their presence so striking it felt as though celestial beings had descended upon the mortal realm.

Together, they were perfection—an ethereal match so breathtaking it defied reason.

Ping Xiaoyue frowned. Why had the atmosphere shifted? Why was everyone so silent?

Following their gazes, she turned toward the entrance—only for her expression to twist from delight into something utterly unsightly.

It was him.

And beside him…

Airport Bitch?!

Even with only the lower half of her face visible, Xiaoyue recognized her instantly. That posture, that aura—there was no mistaking it.

Why is she here? Why is she with my cousin-brother?!

Lillie and Ethan entered the hall with the Li family following behind them, moving with effortless grace, exuding power and elegance.

Ethan, inwardly amused, resisted the urge to smirk. He wanted to announce it now—that the radiant goddess beside him was his wife-to-be.

The entire Li family was in attendance—his parents, grandparents, and even Yifei, his sister, who rarely bothered with such events. But since her future sister-in-law was coming, she had obviously tagged along.

Ethan's grandparents, seeing Lillie in person for the first time, had expected a woman as formidable as the rumors suggested. And she was—cold, aloof, unreadable.

Yet, she was also something the rumors never mentioned.

She was polite. Humble. Respectful.

Not once did she flaunt her power or status, unlike those other so-called elite daughters who endlessly boasted about their supposed greatness.

This was the woman their grandson had chosen?

Perfect.

And the fact that their son and daughter-in-law had arranged their marriage? Even better.

Oh, if only Ethan knew just how eager they were for the wedding. And for great-grandchildren.

Ping Linhua, the Li family's old matriarch, stepped forward, her voice warm. "Happy birthday, Brother."

"Ah, Hua'er! It's good to see you and your family again." Ping Wen's joy was evident as he embraced his younger sister.

He had always adored her, pampering her since childhood.

"Brother, I'm already this old, and you still treat me like a child," Ping Linhua playfully glared at him, but Ping Wen only laughed.

"In my eyes, you're still that troublesome little girl who always clung to her big brother's arm." His voice held nothing but affection.

"Granduncle!"

A bright voice chimed in before Li Yifei rushed forward, throwing her arms around Ping Wen

Ping Wen feigned surprise. "Oh my! Who is this beautiful young lady? Where's my Little Fairy?"

Li Yifei giggled. "Granduncle always knows how to make me happy."

"Of course." Ping Wen chuckled, patting her head. Then his gaze shifted, landing on Ethan—before moving to the stunning woman beside him.

Then—

"Cousin-brother!"

Ethan's expression darkened. That voice.

An instant later, something collided into him, delicate arms wrapping tightly around his own.

Ping Xiaoyue.

Ping Wen frowned. "A'Yue, mind your manners."

If his assumptions were correct, the woman beside Ethan was no ordinary guest. And he would not allow his granddaughter to cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

"Sorry, grandfather," Ping Xiaoyue said sweetly, her voice carrying a deceptive innocence. "I just missed cousin-brother so much."

Her grip remained firm, as if she had every right to cling to him.

Ethan's sister, Yifei, chose that moment to step forward, her expression mischievous. "Oh, right, granduncle! There's someone I want you to meet."

With a quick motion, she pulled Lillie forward.

"This is my sister-in-law—brother's fiancée."

She made sure to emphasize every word. Loudly.

A gasp rippled through the hall.

Ping Xiaoyue froze.

Ethan, suppressing his amusement, wasted no time in yanking his arm free from Ping Xiaoyue's grasp—only to gently take Lillie's hand instead.

If looks could kill, Ping Xiaoyue's expression alone would have shattered the entire venue.

But no one was paying attention to her anymore.

All eyes were on her.

Lillie Bai.

The real future Mrs. Li.