A Dish Best Served Cold (The Man In Rage)

"Yes. If you manage to contact him, please pass along my message. I would like to request a meeting with him," Zhang Nanhai said respectfully, showing deep respect for Ye Fan.

However, Jiang Yuqing found this confusing. "Nanhai, given your current position, you can directly summon someone through War God Castle if you want to meet them. Why talk about requesting a meeting?"

She added, "My cousin, despite his formidable strength and global fame, is no longer on the same level as you. Moreover, you created the Titan Formation. Ye Fan would undoubtedly be no match for those titans. Therefore, there's no need to be so humble in front of him."

Yet, Zhang Nanhai shook his head. "Yu Qing, you're not part of the martial arts world, so there are aspects you don't understand. In reality, it's not just you. Many people in this world have misconceptions about Mr. Chu. Throughout these years, it was actually Mr. Chu who consistently led the charge in this world. Even I have merely followed in Mr. Chu's footsteps, navigating my way forward. While I created the Titan Formation, it's accurate to say that I ventured in a new direction. However, Mr. Chu's accomplishments are no less significant than mine."

Zhang Nanhai spoke with sincere conviction. However, it was clear that Jiang Yuqing didn't grasp these nuances.

She understood that over the years, Nanhai had devoted himself tirelessly to the cause of saving the world. He persistently researched and refined the Titan Formation to help humanity confront the impending doomsday crisis.

As for her cousin, it was ironic that people once regarded him as the world's strongest when, over the years, he had been preoccupied with thoughts of escape, contemplating how to relocate his family and friends.

Without her persistent resistance, Jiang Yuqing feared she might have been forcibly taken away by Ye Fan's associates years ago.

Back then, Li Er had mentioned the impending doomsday, expressing a desire to take them to a secure place where they could survive, even if the world faced destruction.

Regardless of the truth behind Li Er's words, even if it were true, Jiang Yuqing had no inclination to hide away and simply endure.

She was unwilling to be a deserter, and more importantly, she refused to give up on this world.

Therefore, she steadfastly chose to stay, fighting alongside the people of this world.

It was precisely for this reason that Jiang Yuqing's attitude toward Ye Fan was somewhat awkward.

She consistently held the view that, regardless of Ye Fan's abilities, he didn't deserve the title of a 'hero' in her eyes.

From her perspective, a genuine hero should resemble Zhang Nanhai-assuming responsibility for the world, sharing life and death with all living beings!

Observing that his words weren't making an impact, Zhang Nanhai decided not to press further.

He knew that individuals like Chu Tianfan cared little about worldly opinions, having long transcended the ordinary realm. The man consistently followed what he believed was right, indifferent to misunderstandings from others.

Nevertheless, Zhang Nanhai reiterated to Jiang Yuqing the importance of keeping an eye on Ye Fan's whereabouts.

Jiang Yuqing verbally agreed, but in her heart, she believed that if someone of Zhang Nanhai's stature couldn't locate Ye Fan, her chances were even slimmer.

While she was nominally related to Ye Fan, the reality was that their connection was merely in name. From childhood to adulthood, they had exchanged only a few words. How was this relationship any differen from that with a stranger?

Unexpectedly, upon returning home from Zhang Nanhai's place, Jiang Yuqing found her parents had prepared a table full of food.

"Mom, what's happening? Why is there such a lavish spread? Are we expecting guests?" Jiang Yuqing entered the room, swapping her shoes while asking with a smile.

The aroma of the food on the dining table was enticing, and she, already hungry, felt her stomach growling.

Without bothering to wash her hands, she dashed barefoot to grab a piece of meat.

"Hey, wash your hands first!" Ye Xilan, Jiang Yuqing's mother, reached out and lightly patted the back of Jiang Yuqing's hand.

Jiang Yuqing chuckled and, after washing her hands, eagerly inquired about who was coming.

After all, Yanjing was a place where her parents had recently settled, and she couldn't recall them having any friends there.

"Actually, he isn't some outsider. We're expecting your cousin, Ye Fan."

Clatter!

The chopsticks in Jiang Yuqing's hand promptly fell to the ground.

"Ye Fan? Hasn't he been missing for many years? Why has he reappeared and is now coming to our place? What is he coming here for?" Jiang Yuqing expressed some displeasure. "What's with that tone? What's the matter? Aren't you pleased to see your cousin? He's a big shot now. If he comes over, and you maintain this attitude, watch out, I might just hit you! Every inch of land in Yanjing is worth its weight in gold. We're fortunate to live in this mansion, all thanks to your cousin's influence. You must learn to be grateful! Moreover, Ye Fan is your eldest aunt's son!" Ye Xilan scolded. Clearly agitated, Ye Xilan couldn't understand why her own daughter was treating Ye Fan with such chilly indifference. She started recounting the kindnesses that Ye Fan had shown, urging her daughter to remember and reciprocate these favors.

However, Jiang Yuqing grumbled, "Mom, this house was clearly a gift from Nanhai to our family. What does it have to do with Ye Fan?"

Upon learning this, Ye Xilan undeniably grew more uneasy. "Why is it so difficult for you to understand? Ye Fan arranged for someone to escort us out of Jiangdong. Despite your uncle and others leaving, you adamantly declined to leave, persisting in pursuing your education. In consideration of your well-being, your father and I had no choice but to stay. We even left our hometown, navigating the unfamiliar grounds of Yanjing. We had limited connections here, but fortunately, your cousin Ye Fan had some acquaintances."

Continuing her account, she added, "During that time, we were aware that the War God Castle in Mount Yan owed Ye Fan a favor. Seeking assistance, we approached the castle, hoping they could help us secure a residence near your school. It was Mr. Mo Wuya and Mr. Zhang Nanai who greeted us then. Upon learning that we were relatives of your cousin, Ye Fan, they promptly arranged housing for us. All our needs were met, from sustenance to clothing, lodging to transportation. They provided us with a mansion valued in the hundreds of millions and even supplied us with bodyguards for our safety." "Indeed, this house was a generous gift from Mr. Zhang. However, at that time, we had no familial or marital connections. If it weren't for your cousin, why would they have shown such remarkable kindness to us when we first met?" Ye Xilan expressed her frustration with evident anger.

After her speech, Ye Xilan couldn't help but sigh. "I suppose your distant attitude is because you and Ye Fan weren't close, and that's my fault. I should have allowed you two more time together when you were younger. From childhood to adulthood, you barely exchanged a few words. Now, it feels like you're strangers, without any familial bond."

"Ye Fan has made a considerable journey to be here tonight. As his cousin, it's your responsibility to make a positive impression. Building a closer relationship with him only brings advantages, no disadvantages, my dear!" Ye Xilan continued with her guidance.

Simultaneously, a pang of regret echoed in her heart. She regretted not urging Jiang Yuqing to spend more time with Ye Fan during their childhood.

Xu Lei, only a godsister, but due to her close connection with Ye Fan, he promptly elevated her to the prestigious position of the Queen of Yanjing.

If Jiang Yuqing had shared a similar closeness with Ye Fan, wouldn't she, at this very moment, have already achieved remarkable success in her endeavors? Perhaps she would have carved out a distinguished reputation and reached great heights.

While the mother and daughter were engrossed in their conversation, the doorbell rang.

"Ye Fan has arrived!" Ye Xilan expressed a hint of excitement, hurriedly leading her entire family to greet him at the door.

As the door swung open, there stood the slender figure of Ye Fan, just as expected.

"Aunt Xilan, Uncle Yang, I wasn't sure about your preferences, so I picked up some fruit for you," Ye Fan greeted his younger aunt and her family, holding a few gifts in his hands.

"No need for formalities, Ye Fan. We're all family here; there's no need to bring anything," Ye Xilan remarked. She then turned to her daughter, scolding, "Yu Qing, don't just stand there, greet your cousin quickly."

"Ye Fan." Only then, with a blank expression on her face, did Jiang Yuqing call out to Ye Fan, as if fulfilling a duty.

At this, Ye Fan found himself quite surprised.

After all these years, it was the first time he had heard Jiang Yuqing acknowledge him.

He remembered his younger female cousin, always an exemplary student since childhood, a person of remarkable talent and popularity.

Among all their relatives, back then, Ye Yuyan was the only one whom this younger female cousin willingly engaged in conversation with.