Chapter 16: Domineering Wife Protector

The store manager was a savvy veteran. Seeing the current situation, she didn’t spare another glance for Tang Qiner, the so-called “regular customer.” Instead, she quickly plastered on a fawning smile and hurried to Li Hanye’s side, her voice more obsequious than usual:

“Master Han, Miss Si was just admiring this ‘Starlit Dream’ bracelet. It’s an absolutely perfect match for her temperament!”

Li Hanye glanced at the bracelet. The deep-blue gemstones shimmered like a galaxy under the lights—refined and elegantly designed, and indeed very fitting for his Tiantian.

Her wrists were slender and fair, skin as soft as silk—wearing this bracelet, she’d shine so bright it might blind someone.

Of course, his girl had impeccable taste.

Tang Qiner stood frozen in place, unsure where to put her hands and feet.
Li Hanye’s complete disregard for her was more humiliating than any direct scolding.

Her prized family background and looks—both seemed laughable in front of him.

Especially that open and unabashed protectiveness he showed Si Tiantian—like sharp needles pricking her over and over, filling her with jealousy and resentment.

She bit her lip and dug her fingers into the edge of her purse, unwilling to give up. Trying to salvage something, she forced herself to speak:

“This store… isn’t it under the Li Corporation?”

At last, Li Hanye’s gaze moved away from Si Tiantian. He gave Shirley a cold glance, then cast an even colder one at Tang Qiner, whose expression was already turning sour.

Shirley’s back went cold, sweat forming at her temples. She bowed at once, her voice quivering:

“Y-Yes, Master Han. ‘The One and Only’ is a very valued brand under the group. Each season’s new designs are…”

“Mm.”
Li Hanye interrupted her attempt at flattery. His tone remained calm but carried an overwhelming pressure:

“Since it’s a Li Corporation property, it should follow Li Corporation’s rules. Not just any stray cat or dog gets to come in and casually criticize Li’s guests.”

“Lin Ke.”

Lin Ke, who had been quietly standing a short distance away, immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully:
“Yes, sir. At your command.”

His expression remained serene and unreadable, as if the storm before him was nothing surprising—and also, fully under his control.

“Inform the brand manager,” Li Hanye said, his gaze shifting back to Si Tiantian’s slightly startled face. His tone turned a degree colder, as if speaking to Lin Ke and indirectly addressing someone else:

“Raise your service standards and client thresholds. I don’t want my guests experiencing even the slightest unpleasantness here. As for certain people… they need not be received again.”

With that sentence, all color drained from Tang Qiner’s face.

There was no need to say who that “certain someone” referred to—it was a public slap to her face, in front of the entire upper circle of Jing City. What’s more, she had just been blacklisted from “The One and Only.”

She could already imagine the news spreading through the elite social circles tomorrow—she, Tang Qiner, would be the joke of the season. Her body swayed slightly, barely able to stay upright.

Off to the side, Yan Chengyang nearly burst out laughing. He quickly raised a hand to cover his mouth, but his shoulders were already shaking from barely restrained mirth.

He couldn’t stop the corners of his lips from curling up.
Cold-blooded Han really nailed it with this one. Kill two birds with one stone: avenge the little sister-in-law and make a strong declaration of ownership. Genius. Truly brilliant!

The atmosphere in the store seemed to freeze. All other customers and staff held their breath, not daring to make a sound.

But Li Hanye ignored them completely. His deep gaze stayed fixed on Si Tiantian.

He reached into the velvet box and took out the elegant bracelet. Under the lights, the diamonds shimmered dazzlingly, so bright it was almost hard to look at.

Taking Si Tiantian’s soft, fair wrist in his hand, he moved naturally and with a dominance that left no room for rejection, ready to personally put it on for her.

Si Tiantian’s cheeks flushed instantly, a wave of warmth spreading across her face as her heartbeat skipped a beat.

She sensed Li Hanye’s intentions. Her delicate hand instinctively pulled back slightly, and she spoke in a soft, timid voice:

“Li Hanye, I… I can buy it myself…”

The bracelet was undoubtedly beautiful, but it was also very expensive—and he was offering it just after standing up for her.

Li Hanye smiled indulgently and didn’t let go of her hand. Instead, he gently squeezed her wrist in a reassuring gesture.

“Mm. Our Tiantian certainly can.”

His voice was low and steady, carrying a strength that made people feel at ease.

“This bracelet… let’s just say it’s a small apology from me.”

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes sweeping past the pale-faced Tang Qiner in the distance. He added casually:

“After all, someone just had no eyes and spoiled your mood.”

His tone was light, but the invisible pressure in his words was palpable.
Tang Qiner felt her face burn with humiliation, and the faintly curious and mocking glances from those nearby made her skin crawl.

Her fingernails dug deep into her palms, the sharp pain barely helping her maintain a shred of composure and dignity. She bit down hard on her lower lip—nearly breaking the skin—her chest rising and falling rapidly, yet she couldn’t muster a single word of rebuttal.

In front of Li Hanye, all the family status and tricks she had been so proud of were utterly meaningless. She could even feel the sales assistants looking at her with a mix of pity and detachment.

After a few seconds of tense silence, Tang Qiner could no longer bear the invisible pressure and the weight of the stares. She suddenly turned and staggered out of the jewelry store, not even managing to leave a polite word behind.

Her retreating figure looked like a defeated dog with its tail between its legs.

Her heels clattered hastily and frantically against the floor, the sound echoing briefly before vanishing beyond the door.

Li Hanye’s words, warm like a current of heat, instantly melted the remnants of displeasure Si Tiantian had felt from being belittled earlier.

She had indeed felt wronged by Tang Qiner’s behavior, even if she hadn’t said so aloud. Her chest had been stuffy with a suppressed frustration.

But now, just like that, his words—and this glittering, beautiful gesture—had swept it all away.

Her cheeks were still warm, especially under his gaze, which was filled with doting amusement.
That phrase “our Tiantian certainly can” held a special tenderness when spoken by him, soothing something in her heart.

A slight tingling sweetness bloomed quietly within her.

Yes, she could buy it herself—but this gesture of protection, this feeling of being cherished, was something no amount of money could buy.

He had chosen the most direct, most effective way to dissolve all her discomfort.

Even the air around them seemed gentler now. The previously prying gazes no longer felt so unpleasant.

She gave him a playful glare—shy, yet no longer resistant.

She let out a soft “Mm,” barely audible, but it was enough to show her consent.

Seeing she was no longer refusing, Li Hanye’s lips curved in satisfaction. He carefully slipped the bracelet onto her slender wrist—the fit was perfect. Under the store’s bright lighting, the diamonds sparkled brilliantly, making her already fair skin appear even more delicate and radiant.

He lowered his head slightly to adjust the clasp with a seriousness and precision that revealed just how attentive he truly was.