“And this is?” Yang Yuan blinked and seriously scrutinized the young man in front of him.

The guy in front of him seemed about the same age as him, but he was extremely handsome, the type that stands out in a crowd.

At first, Yang Yuan really thought the guy might have something to do with his cousin, but as a passionate CP fan, upon closer inspection, he didn’t see any signs of ambiguity between the two, so he knew he was mistaken.

Qin Yao introduced: “His name is Ye Leyao, he’s Huo Yan’s younger brother, and also my… variety show colleague?”

Upon hearing Huo Yan’s name, Yang Yuan immediately understood Ye Leyao’s identity.

It seems the Huo family does have an adopted son who rarely attends banquets, but who would have thought he’s so handsome!

Yang Yuan, who loves making friends with handsome guys, directly walked up to Ye Leyao, beaming: “Hello, hello! I’m Yang Yuan, Brother Yao’s cousin.”

Ye Leyao, not used to people suddenly getting close, took a step back and smiled politely: “Hello.”

He looks even more handsome when he smiles! Yang Yuan immediately wanted to be friends with Ye Leyao.

Ye Leyao, not knowing what Yang Yuan was thinking, found his constant smiling a bit baffling:

[Still smiling? If you don’t go upstairs soon, your collection will be destroyed. Let’s see if you can still smile then!]

Indeed, they couldn’t delay any longer.

Qin Yao said: “Let’s go, let’s head upstairs.”

Yang Yuan quickly agreed, leading the two of them upstairs.

The Huo family watched Ye Leyao and the others walk away, looking at each other.

“Should we… follow them?” Huo Jing asked softly.

Huo Yan was eager: “Of course we should!”

Watching the excitement up close is a must!

Papa Huo looked at Mama Huo.

What would be a suitable reason to give?

Mama Huo thought for a moment, then said: “We don’t necessarily need a reason.”

The three Huo family men looked at her in unison.

What do you mean?

Mama Huo smiled brightly: “At a house banquet, guests wanting to explore the villa isn’t a big deal, right?”

The Huo family men suddenly understood.

Indeed, it’s not a big deal!

They could even tell the host and have them lead the tour!

Mama Huo always has a way!

Huo Yan immediately prepared to follow Ye Leyao, but Papa Huo called him back.

Huo Yan turned around, puzzled.

He saw Papa Huo and Mama Huo smiling brightly: “Let’s go find Mrs. Yang together.”

Although they could explore on their own, it wouldn’t be right to exclude the host from such an exciting event.

Huo Yan, anxious: “Then let’s hurry, we need to go quickly!”

Time waits for no one, and Huo Yan didn’t want to miss any exciting moments.

Papa Huo and Mama Huo felt the same, and without hesitation, they headed towards Mrs. Yang.

…

Meanwhile, under Yang Yuan’s guidance, Ye Leyao and Qin Yao followed him to the fourth floor.

The Yang family’s old house had a somewhat vintage décor. The four-story villa had no elevator, with all the stairs made of red sandalwood, and even the floors in each room were wooden.

[No wonder the villa could be set on fire so easily, everything along the way is flammable.]

Ye Leyao couldn’t help but quietly remark.

Yang Yuan, being chatty, kept talking with Ye Leyao and Qin Yao during the short walk upstairs.

Ye Leyao was surprised to encounter such a passionate fellow anime enthusiast, feeling a bit overwhelmed by his enthusiasm, but fortunately, Qin Yao was there, reducing the pressure.

Finally, they reached the fourth floor.

“That’s your room?” Qin Yao pointed to a room.

Ye Leyao followed his gaze and was instantly startled:

[The door is open!]

[Is Yang Tian that fast?]

[Aaaah— is the collection okay? Yang Yuan, why are you still chatting with Qin Yao!]

Yang Yuan nodded, and upon lowering his head, noticed his room door open, puzzled: “Yes, that’s my room, but who opened my door?”

[Your room door is open, and you’re this calm! Go in and check!]

As Ye Leyao finished his thought, Yang Yuan pushed open the door.

Yang Yuan’s room was a suite. As soon as the door opened, there was a living room with a floor-to-ceiling window offering a great view. Sunlight streamed in, making the wooden floor look warm and inviting.

Ye Leyao was the first to enter, quickly scanning the room and feeling puzzled:

[Hey, isn’t Yang Tian here?]

Qin Yao followed closely, his eyes carefully scanning every corner of the room.

Everything looked like normal furniture.

Where’s the collection?

Ye Leyao also realized that there wasn’t a single piece of anime-related decor in the living room:

[Could it be that Yang Yuan keeps his collection in a separate room?!]

[For a collector, displaying the collection is a must; hidden collections have no soul. So— where does Yang Yuan keep his collection?]

The large suite, over a hundred square meters, had a nearly fifty-square-meter living room, one bedroom, and three other rooms.

[Which room is it!]

Ye Leyao, anxious, was about to ask directly when Qin Yao suddenly pointed to one of the rooms and asked: “What is that room for?”

Yang Yuan followed Qin Yao’s gaze, his expression stiffening for a moment but quickly recovering as he looked at Qin Yao in surprise: “Ah, Cousin, are you really here to tour my room?”

He thought Qin Yao had come up to avoid the banquet and take it easy!

Qin Yao thought to himself, of course, it’s not for sightseeing, it’s to protect your collectibles.

But he didn’t say this out loud and instead walked directly towards that room.

Since he didn’t know which room it was, he might as well check each one.

Yang Yuan didn’t expect Qin Yao to walk directly towards his room and was startled, quickly moving to block the door, looking particularly nervous: “No! You can’t go in this room!”

Ye Leyao saw Yang Yuan’s strong reaction and was certain:

[It seems like this is it, Yang Yuan’s collection is in this room!]

Qin Yao looked at Yang Yuan blocking his way, frowning slightly, not understanding: “Why can’t we go in?”

Is the collection so shameful?

Yang Yuan was almost breaking out in a cold sweat.

How was he supposed to explain this!!

This room was full of his “wives,” how could he just casually let people see?!

Yang Yuan was tongue-tied, but Ye Leyao understood perfectly:

[Hmm… indeed, for an otaku, besides the computer desktop, the one thing they can’t show outsiders, especially family, is the room full of anime stuff.]

[With so many rare collectibles, Yang Yuan must be a seasoned otaku. In this room… hmm, there are probably a dozen life-size standees, and they’re probably dressed quite revealingly?]

Ye Leyao’s face turned bright yellow just thinking about it:

[That would be… so mortifying.]

Life-size standees?

In a flash, Qin Yao seemed to finally understand what “collectibles” really were.

Qin Yao’s expression instantly became complicated.

It’s not that he wanted to see Yang Yuan’s anime wives, but his anime wives might currently be in danger!

“Cousin,” Yang Yuan took a deep breath, regaining his voice and speaking in a negotiating tone, “Can’t we visit another room?”

There’s no need to see his wives right off the bat!

Qin Yao was racking his brain for a reason when Ye Leyao suddenly spoke: “Hey, I think I heard something inside?”

“Huh?” Yang Yuan and Qin Yao both looked over.

Qin Yao was confused.

What sound?

He was so close, how come he didn’t hear anything?

Then he heard Ye Leyao quietly complain in his mind:

[I just made up an excuse, it should fool Yang Yuan, right?]

Qin Yao: “…”

If it didn’t fool me, do you think it would fool Yang Yuan?!

Then, the next second, Qin Yao saw Yang Yuan become extremely nervous: “What sound? My wives aren’t in trouble, are they?!”

In a panic, he couldn’t care less about Qin Yao and Ye Leyao being there and turned to open the door.

Qin Yao: “…”

Yang Yuan actually believed it!

To properly preserve his entire collection, Yang Yuan not only installed an intelligent humidity controller in his anime room but also kept the air conditioning on year-round to keep the room dry.

Hearing Ye Leyao say there was a sound in the room, he thought his intelligent controller was broken and was instantly frightened.

When the door opened, there was no surprise, except there was a stranger in the room.

Ye Leyao immediately recognized the chubby boy:

[Sure enough, Yang Tian came!]

Then his eyes began to scan Yang Yuan’s entire anime room, exclaiming:

[These collectibles could probably buy another house, right?]

Qin Yao, also looking at the collection, was startled by the remark.

They’re that… valuable?

Yang Yuan couldn’t believe that there was a stranger in his precious anime room. He stared at Yang Tian for a few seconds before shouting angrily: “Who are you?”

Yang Tian was standing in front of a glass display case, in front of which was a nearly half-meter tall limited edition figure. At that moment, his hand was gripping the main figure.

Ye Leyao’s breath hitched for a moment:

[Aaaah, make him let go of the figure!]

Yang Tian, hearing the commotion, glanced at the group and then continued fiddling with the figure as if nothing was wrong.

Yang Yuan exploded, striding quickly into the room: “I asked you, who are you? Who the hell let you into my room and touch my figures?”

Without thinking, Yang Yuan grabbed Yang Tian’s hand and tried to pull him away.

Yang Tian, always accustomed to getting what he wanted, turned his head and bit Yang Yuan’s hand.

Startled, Yang Yuan quickly let go.

This gave Yang Tian an opportunity. He swiftly broke the figure’s head off and ran out.

Ye Leyao exploded:

[What is he doing?!!!]

Yang Yuan was even more incredulous: “Are you crazy?!”

Yang Tian was nonchalant, even looking back at Yang Yuan provocatively.

Seeing his figure beheaded and this brat’s arrogant attitude, Yang Yuan couldn’t suppress the fury in his chest.

[I need to help—]

Ye Leyao was about to step forward when Qin Yao suddenly reached out to stop him.

Ye Leyao was puzzled.

[Hey? Why are you stopping me?]

Then Ye Leyao saw something flash by, and with a “bang,” the chubby kid who had been standing in front of them was suddenly slammed to the ground, letting out a wailing scream.

Just as Mrs. Yang arrived on the fourth floor with the Huo family, she paused in her steps.

“Why does this crying sound so familiar?”

The expressions of the Huo family members instantly became excited.

Has it already started?

Right in front of them was Yang Yuan’s room—could they just go in and see?!

Inside the room.

Ye Leyao stared in shock at Yang Tian lying on the ground wailing, then looked at Yang Yuan sitting directly on his back.

[What… just happened?]

Qin Yao explained: “My cousin was too naughty as a child, so my uncle sent him to the Shaolin Temple,” Qin Yao met Ye Leyao’s astonished gaze and continued, “He lived at the Shaolin Temple for five years, learning martial arts. After returning, he also learned wrestling and judo, and even has a black belt in taekwondo.”

Not to mention a plump little kid like Yang Tian.

Even if there were five more burly men like Yang Tian, they might not be able to beat Yang Yuan alone.

[Yang Yuan is actually… this good at fighting?]

Ye Leyao was stunned.

The next moment, Yang Yuan easily pried open Yang Tian’s tightly clenched hand, ignoring Yang Tian’s cries, and took the figure’s head from his hand.

After carefully inspecting it and confirming that there was no damage to the figure’s head, Yang Yuan let out a heavy snort: “Thankfully my wife is fine, otherwise—”

He would have given this little brat a good beating on the spot!

Yang Yuan stood up from the chubby kid, carefully reattached the figure’s head.

At this moment, Mrs. Yang’s voice came from the doorway: “Xiao Yuan, what’s going on?”

Not getting the toy he wanted and being thrown to the ground, Yang Tian’s cries intensified upon hearing someone coming.

Mrs. Yang walked in first, followed by the Huo family.

As soon as they entered, they saw Yang Tian lying on the ground wailing.

The corners of the Huo family members’ mouths uncontrollably lifted at this moment.

Hmm.

Well done, they had already found this chubby kid annoying.

Yang Yuan had just put the figure back and closed the glass cabinet door. Hearing Mrs. Yang’s voice, he turned around, his face somewhat grim: “Mom, who is this person?”

She knew her son well.

Seeing Yang Tian lying on the ground, Mrs. Yang didn’t need an explanation from Yang Yuan to understand everything.

It was normal that Yang Yuan didn’t immediately recognize Yang Tian. After all, their family had long severed ties with Yang Jie’s family, and Yang Yuan hadn’t seen Yang Tian for a long time.

Although Mrs. Yang didn’t like Yang Tian either, today was Old Master Yang’s birthday. Just now, Yang Kun had quarreled with Yang Jie. If the brothers started fighting again because of Yang Tian, what would the old master think?

So even knowing that Yang Yuan was in the right, Mrs. Yang still tried to mediate: “He’s your uncle’s son. Help him up quickly.”

Yang Yuan’s expression changed instantly, suddenly feeling that he had hit too lightly just now.

But he also knew this was not the time to be stubborn. He reached out to pull Yang Tian up.

Yang Tian, however, refused.

Not getting the toy he wanted and being beaten up, he was now in pain all over. He flailed on the ground, crying and making a scene, refusing to get up.

Not only that, he glared at Yang Yuan fiercely: “How dare you hit me, you’re done for! I’ll get my dad to beat you up—”

Knowing Yang Yuan’s absolute strength, Ye Leyao couldn’t help but laugh at these words.

[Is it possible that even with your dad, you wouldn’t be able to beat Yang Yuan together?]

The Huo family, who had just arrived, hadn’t heard Qin Yao’s previous explanation and were somewhat surprised.

Is Yang Yuan really that good at fighting?

What a pity they missed seeing it.

Mrs. Yang looked at the flailing Yang Tian, feeling a headache. She stepped forward to persuade: “Xiao Tian, get up quickly, the ground is dirty…”

As she spoke, Mrs. Yang was about to pull Yang Tian herself.

Unexpectedly, just as her hand reached out, Yang Tian suddenly got up and punched Mrs. Yang in the shoulder. She let out a cry of pain, and cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

[He’s so cunning!]

Yang Yuan was startled: “Mom?”

“Are you alright, Aunt?” Qin Yao also stepped forward quickly.

Seeing his plan succeed, Yang Tian had a smug smile on his face and was ready to pounce on Mrs. Yang again.

Qin Yao quickly pulled Mrs. Yang back, avoiding Yang Tian’s attack.

Seeing this, Yang Yuan exploded: “Yang Tian, how dare you hit my mom? Are you crazy?!”

“So what if I did?” Yang Tian was extremely arrogant.

[Ah, I can’t stand it, I’m so angry!]

Yang Yuan was even angrier. He stepped forward with a stern face and put Yang Tian in a perfect chokehold, not giving him any chance to fight back, and dragged him out: “Fine, then I’ll hit you.”

Seeing this, Mrs. Yang hurriedly said: “Xiao Yuan, don’t—”

Before she could finish, a cry louder than before rang out.

Ye Leyao, who had been standing outside, saw the entire scene clearly.

[Well done!]

[Yes, yes, hit him on the butt, even if it swells up, it’s no big deal!]

Huo Yan burst out laughing.

Papa and Mama Huo, mindful of Mrs. Yang, covered their faces to hide their smiles.

Yang Yuan was truly angry.

When they were younger, before their family cut ties with Yang Jie’s family, this chubby kid used to come to his room every now and then to mess with his figures.

Back then, his grandparents and parents persuaded him to let it go, and thinking he had plenty of duplicates, he endured it.

The limited edition figure wasn’t damaged just now, which wasn’t a big deal, but Yang Tian shouldn’t have laid a hand on his mom!

Since his useless uncle wouldn’t discipline his son, as the older cousin, he would do it!

Yang Yuan found a strap from somewhere, tied Yang Tian’s hands and feet, then opened a drawer and took out a palm-wide plastic knife, and started spanking Yang Tian’s butt!

Yang Tian immediately let out a piercing wail: “Ahhhh—let me go! How dare you hit me!”

Yang Yuan retorted, “Why wouldn’t I dare?! I’m your older cousin. If your dad doesn’t discipline you, I will!”

As he spoke, Yang Yuan swung his hand even faster, targeting only Yang Tian’s butt.

Yang Tian was genuinely terrified now.

With his butt continuously getting hit, he trembled in pain and cried out, “It hurts—ahhhh… let me go! Let me go! Waaaah…”

Ye Leyao chuckled inwardly.

[The reason for this beating is indeed very reasonable. An elder brother is like a father!]

Papa and Mama Huo couldn’t hold back either, their lips curling into smiles.

Mrs. Yang was helped out of the room by Qin Yao. Yang Tian’s punch had hit her shoulder with full force, making it so painful she couldn’t lift her arm.

Hearing Yang Tian’s wails from outside as he was being beaten, Mrs. Yang felt both relieved and helpless.

Relieved because, after all these years, someone was finally disciplining Yang Tian.

Helpless because if Yang Jie and his wife found out later that their son had been beaten by Yang Yuan, family conflicts would surely escalate again.

The only consolation was that Yang Yuan was beating Yang Tian in his own room on the fourth floor.

The soundproofing here was good, so Yang Jie and his wife downstairs probably wouldn’t come up quickly.

Mrs. Yang didn’t stop him because she also felt Yang Tian needed discipline now. If not, society would have to discipline him later.

Yang Yuan was precise in his actions, making Yang Tian cry out without actually injuring him. While hitting, he asked, “Do you know you were wrong? Do you know what you did wrong?”

“I’m not wrong!” the chubby kid shouted even louder, “I… ow ow ow—”

With a “smack,” Yang Yuan hit even harder.

“Being stubborn?” Yang Yuan laughed angrily, “Let’s see whether your stubbornness or this plastic knife is tougher?”

Seeing Yang Yuan about to continue beating him, Yang Tian finally showed fear in his eyes. He struggled on the sofa, “Let me go, waaah… I’ll get my dad to beat you! Waaah, let go—let go—”

Unable to escape, Yang Tian started cursing Yang Yuan, raising his bound hands to flip him off: “You son of a bitch, bastard…”

Hearing Yang Tian’s increasingly foul language, Yang Yuan’s movements paused.

Ye Leyao frowned.

[He’s been completely spoiled.]

[No wonder he resorted to arson as revenge.]

With each curse, Yang Yuan’s anger grew.

He raised his hand high, ready to strike Yang Tian’s butt again when a sharp female voice rang out—

“What are you doing?!”

Ye Leyao turned back just in time.

[Oh no, his mom’s here already?]

Jiang Fang hadn’t seen Yang Tian for a while and, worried, went to find him.

Hearing that Yang Tian had gone upstairs, she followed. She had just reached the third floor when she heard Yang Tian’s cries from above. Jiang Fang rushed upstairs, not wasting a second.

Upon arriving, she saw her precious son tied to the sofa, with Yang Yuan about to hit him again. She was so angry she trembled, pushing Yang Yuan away: “Yang Yuan! Are you crazy?! Why are you hitting Xiao Tian?”

Seeing his mother, Yang Tian instantly found support. He stopped crying and began wailing to Jiang Fang: “Mom! They hit me! They threw me on the ground and tied me up to beat me—they’re all hitting me… waaaah, it hurts all over, waaaah…”

Jiang Fang’s eyes reddened upon hearing this. Yang Tian had never been hit, not even scolded harshly, his whole life.

And today, Yang Yuan had tied him to the sofa and spanked him!

Jiang Fang quickly knelt before the sofa to untie Yang Tian, glaring at Yang Yuan with teary eyes: “He’s your cousin. What did he do to deserve this—”

“He broke into my room, took my figures without permission, and hit my mom. I just disciplined him a bit. Is that a problem?” Yang Yuan’s tone was cold.

Ye Leyao chimed in:

[Yeah, a man’s got a big butt; what’s wrong with a spanking?]

Qin Yao almost burst out laughing.

Huo Yan struggled to keep a straight face.

Fortunately, only their family could hear Ye Leyao’s inner thoughts.

If Jiang Fang heard—

Wouldn’t she direct all her anger at Ye Leyao?

Jiang Fang had untied Yang Tian and, upon hearing Yang Yuan’s words, looked around the room and saw so many people, including Mrs. Yang standing next to Qin Yao. Her anger intensified: “Over such a small matter? Xiao Tian is just a child. How much could his hits hurt? But you, an adult, are actually picking on a child? And you, sister-in-law, you didn’t even try to stop it?”

As she spoke, tears streamed down Jiang Fang’s face.

Yang Jie had just come upstairs and heard his wife’s cries. His heart tightened, and he hurried in: “What’s wrong? What’s wrong?”

Seeing Yang Jie, Jiang Fang hugged Yang Tian and cried even louder: “Yang Jie! If you don’t give me an explanation, I’ll divorce you!”

Ye Leyao couldn’t help but laugh:

[Is there really such a good thing?]