{Chapter: 167 Lin Yuan's terrifying eyes!}
If Ye Feng and the Qingshan Gang were powerful enough—if they had the strength to hold their ground and the backing to fight back—then someone like Chen Meng could step forward and openly assist under the guise of cooperation. With sufficient strength, helping Ye Feng would no longer be seen as a burden or liability, but rather a strategic alliance.
The situation with the Tang Family wasn't quite so personal. Their hostility arose mainly from a conflict of interest. It was a matter of territory, profit, and face. If the Qingshan Gang showed a little humility, lowered its head at the right time, and yielded strategically, the issue could potentially be resolved peacefully.
But things with the Lin Family—especially with Lin Yuan—ran far deeper. The enmity there wasn't just circumstantial or opportunistic. There was personal hatred, wounded pride, and unresolved grudges between them.
If Ye Feng had the means, he wouldn't hesitate.
He would crush Lin Yuan under his feet without remorse, and he would make sure the entire Lin Family suffered for what they had done.
He didn't just want to survive.
He wanted vengeance.
And so, Ye Feng saw this banquet as more than a social gathering. It was a rare opportunity—an open field where power, charm, and social maneuvering could be displayed for all to see. Every handshake, every glance, every whispered word carried weight in a place like this.
He had come with a plan: to make connections, to earn favors, and to turn admiration into influence.
Connections with powerful men were useful.
But connections with beautiful, high-status women? Even better.
Ye Feng was very aware of his strengths. He wasn't just another face in the crowd. He had the kind of looks that made women glance twice—the sharp features, the intense eyes, and a figure honed through years of mercenary training. A man like him, with rugged charm and real strength, had always been popular among aristocratic young ladies and socialites seeking excitement beyond the walls of their sheltered lives.
If he could win their attention—and their hearts—he wouldn't hesitate to turn love into leverage. A romantic relationship with a well-connected lady could open doors faster than any business deal. It could bring him security, allies, and even power.
So far, everything had been going according to plan—until Lin Yuan showed up and flipped the board and kicked him in the gut.
Just when Ye Feng had started gaining attention, when he was beginning to leave a mark, Lin Yuan's presence swept in like a storm and disrupted everything. His cold demeanor, effortless charm, and unpredictable mind stole the spotlight and redirected all eyes.
But now, fate has given Ye Feng another chance to shine.
The piano.
A stage. A performance. A spotlight.
And an audience full of influential people.
Ye Feng wasn't just confident in his looks—he knew his musical skills could win hearts as well. Sitting at the grand piano beneath the elegant chandeliers, he felt a renewed sense of control. This was his domain now.
From his position, he could see the eyes of many socialites and noble ladies lingering on him. Their gazes flicked over his face, his figure, the confident set of his shoulders. Some whispered to their companions, some simply watched in silence, but it was clear—his appearance was doing its job.
His handsome features, combined with his composed presence, were drawing attention.
A smug, satisfied look played across Ye Feng's face as he scanned the room from his elevated position on stage. He noted the subtle reactions, the expressions of curiosity or mild interest from the audience. Most came from families of average status—wealthy, perhaps, but not politically powerful. Still, every connection could be useful.
But Ye Feng's eyes were searching for something more.
He was focused on those with true background and influence—those born into families that could rival or match the likes of the Lin, Yan, or Chen families.
And then, his gaze found her.
Yan Ruyue.
Today, she was more beautiful than ever. The high heels she wore emphasized the perfect lines of her long jade-like legs. Her outfit was tasteful and alluring, and her demeanor poised yet subtly flirtatious. A woman like her was a fantasy come to life—one many men dreamed of pursuing.
But Ye Feng's expression darkened.
Not because of her beauty—but because she didn't glance at him even once.
Her attention, from beginning to end, was fixed on Lin Yuan.
It was as if no other man in the room existed.
Inwardly, Ye Feng cursed her viciously. "You bitch…" he muttered under his breath, his smile twitching slightly. She had once been his goal, a woman he had hoped to win over. But now, seeing her so clearly enamored by his enemy, all he felt was bitterness and rage.
Trying to shake off the frustration, his gaze moved to another woman—Qiao Siying.
She was breathtaking in a different way. Her features were refined, with a delicate and exotic beauty that suggested a mixed heritage. Her figure was graceful, her presence quietly commanding. Unlike Yan Ruyue's overt glamour, Qiao Siying carried herself with understated elegance.
Ye Feng wasn't very familiar with her, but he had heard her name before. She belonged to a family with real weight in the region. Maybe not as flashy as the Yan or Lin families, but certainly not to be underestimated.
And besides, he felt strangely drawn to her.
There was something about Qiao Siying that intrigued him—a pull he couldn't quite explain.
Right now, her attention was on the stage.
Qiao Siying had been looking forward to this banquet for a specific reason. She had heard a rumor that the original singer of "Blue and White Porcelain"—a hauntingly beautiful and iconic song—would be making an appearance.
Initially, she assumed it would be the renowned pianist and composer who had been invited.
But unfortunately, that master musician had taken ill at the last moment and couldn't attend.
And so, to her surprise, the man now seated before the piano wasn't a famous maestro, but someone who had already caused ripples at the banquet—Ye Feng.
She remembered him immediately.
More precisely, she remembered the tension earlier between him and Lin Yuan.
Because Qiao Siying had a certain regard for Lin Yuan—she paid attention to the people he clashed with.
And Ye Feng?
She didn't like him.
Something about his presence felt arrogant, insincere—even predatory. Perhaps it was the way he looked at women, or maybe it was just the smugness in his eyes. Either way, she felt an instinctive sense of distance.
Despite his appearance, despite his poised demeanor on stage, Qiao Siying found herself looking at him not with admiration—but with subtle disdain.
She didn't have a good impression of Ye Feng, even a little disgusted.
Although Qiao Siying didn't get the feeling that Ye Feng was the mysterious singer behind "Blue and White Porcelain," she still gave him the courtesy of her attention. After all, once someone steps onto the stage at such an important banquet, it's only natural for the guests to watch—especially someone as eye-catching as Ye Feng.
Still, deep down, she held onto the hope that the real performer—the one whose keys had touched her heart—would make an appearance tonight.
But if she had to choose between Ye Feng and someone else being on stage, Qiao Siying would much rather see Lin Yuan take the spotlight.
In her mind, Lin Yuan was an arrogant young master with a bad reputation, the kind of spoiled heir who probably hadn't touched a musical instrument in his life. The image of him fumbling through a piano performance was so vivid and amusing in her imagination that it almost made her laugh aloud.
She found herself looking forward to it—less for the music, and more for the possibility of seeing Lin Yuan make a fool of himself.
Still, she was well aware that neither her dream performer nor a bumbling Lin Yuan was likely to appear on the stage anytime soon.
Of course, Ye Feng had no idea what Qiao Siying was actually thinking.
From where he sat, every glance in his direction was interpreted as admiration, every flick of an eyelash as silent praise. When he caught Qiao Siying's eyes brushing past him, he immediately assumed she was drawn to his charm and good looks.
So, with practiced confidence, he smiled at her.
But the moment Qiao Siying realized what he was doing, her expression cooled and she promptly turned her gaze elsewhere, as if looking at him had been a mistake.
The dismissal stung, even if Ye Feng tried not to show it. For a brief second, a trace of awkwardness crossed his face.
But he quickly shook it off.
It didn't matter. In his heart, he believed that once he displayed his talents on the piano—once the music started and emotions stirred—Qiao Siying would undoubtedly look at him in a new light. He was sure that her initial disinterest would melt into curiosity, then admiration… and eventually, perhaps, affection.
Ye Feng's eyes then shifted toward the host of the banquet, the one person whose attention mattered to him the most tonight—Mei Yuxian.
She wasn't like the older noblewomen who tried too hard to maintain their youth with flashy jewelry and overdone makeup. Mei Yuxian possessed a mature beauty that radiated grace and confidence. Every movement she made exuded elegance and power. Even a simple glance from her was enough to stir excitement in Ye Feng's heart.
What truly made her irresistible in Ye Feng's eyes was not just her appearance—it was her authority. Mei Yuxian had full control over the Mei Family, one of the most prestigious families in the region. If he could somehow gain her favor, if she were to support him even slightly, his entire trajectory could change overnight.
A partnership with the Mei family, combined with whatever support he might receive from the Chen family, could become the perfect weapon to counter the overwhelming dominance of the Lin family.
And so, Ye Feng stared at her with what he believed was his most dazzling expression, hoping to catch her eye and perhaps spark a moment of interest.
But all he received in return was a flat, indifferent glance.
Mei Yuxian's attention then shifted back to the young man sitting beside her—Lin Yuan.
Ye Feng's heart sank.
That's when the cruel reality struck again: even though he was handsome and charming, Lin Yuan—his rival—was even more attractive. He had the kind of appearance that could make women fall silent with admiration, combined with a mysterious aura that drew people in.
Jealousy prickled at Ye Feng's chest like thorns.
Out of frustration, Ye Feng looked toward Mei Yuxian's daughter, Gui Qingtong, thinking perhaps he could find an opening there.
But what he saw in her eyes was unmistakable.
Hostility.
Disgust.
She looked at him with the same kind of disdain Yan Ruyue had shown earlier, as if she already knew what kind of man he was—even though they had barely seen each other faces.
Ye Feng clenched his jaw, his frustration mounting.
Finally, his gaze landed on Lin Yuan once more, this time cold and filled with suppressed rage. His eyes narrowed as venomous thoughts churned in his heart.
'So you want to use your background, your status as some second-generation rich heir, to trample me into the dirt? Keep dreaming, Lin Yuan. Sooner or later, I'll soar higher than you ever imagined—and when that day comes, I'll crush the Lin Family underfoot. And your precious women… they'll be mine, under my bed, begging for my dragon.'
But just then, Lin Yuan's calm, frosty gaze turned his way.
There was no fear in Lin Yuan's eyes.
Only indifference.
And that made Ye Feng feel a chill crawl down his spine.
'What the hell is with him?' Ye Feng thought, a flicker of unease blooming. 'Isn't he just some spoiled rich brat who only knows how to flaunt his background? How can someone like him look at me like that—as if he's already won?'
Ye Feng clenched his fists tighter, the fire of resentment burning in his veins.
He knew what he had to do.
'It starts here,' he told himself. 'I'll use this piano performance as my first step. I'll win hearts, turn heads, and show everyone that I deserve a place at the top.'
With those thoughts buried deep within, Ye Feng forced a brilliant smile onto his face and stood up with exaggerated grace. He strode confidently to the center of the stage, the lights casting a warm glow over his figure.
"Good evening, everyone," Ye Feng said, his voice smooth and friendly. "My name is Ye Feng. I wouldn't call myself a pianist by any means, but since the original performer couldn't make it due to illness, I've decided to step up and do my best to entertain you."
He paused, allowing the gentle murmurs in the audience to settle.
"I'd like to play a very well-known piece for everyone tonight. I'm sure many of you have heard it before. Please enjoy—'Ballade pour Adeline.'"