The Rise of a Special Forces Soldier Abandoned by a Wealthy Family

Yan Ruge gently stirred the coffee in her cup, the silver spoon making a soft clinking sound against the cup.

"Easier said than done. But then what? Let the Zeng family become the laughingstock of the whole city again?"

"You want me to kick the Yan family when they're down? To give those who're just watching the show something new to talk about?"

Her calm analysis made Su Xiaotang a little anxious: "But you can't just throw yourself into this like this!"

Yan Ruge withdrew her gaze and looked at her sisters, a faint yet exceptionally firm light flashing in her eyes:

"This isn't about risking my own life. I'm just waiting for a more opportune moment, a... clearer outcome."

"Instead of me, a 'victim,' being so eager to tear up a marriage contract that has long lost its meaning."

"That would put the Zeng family in a difficult position and would be like rubbing salt into their wounds."

Her words were clear and logical, and she was so calm that she didn't seem like a sixteen-year-old girl at all.

Behind this calm demeanor lies immense grievance and a heart that has long since given up.

"As for that 'real prince'..." Yan Ruge's lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

"Whether he lives or dies is beyond my control. Even if he returns one day, must my fate, Yan Ruge's fate, be tied to that of another stranger, the 'Young Master Zeng'?"

Her question stunned her girlfriends present.

They suddenly realized how proud and opinionated this seemingly fragile girl was.

What she resisted was perhaps never any specific person, but rather this fate of being arranged and used as a bargaining chip.

Just then, a slight commotion arose at the entrance of the café.

Chen Yifeng, the young master of the Chen family, walked in with several young men from equally prominent families, chatting and laughing.

Chen Yifeng, dressed in a well-tailored casual suit, wore a perfectly timed, deceptively gentle smile and exuded elegance, making him the undisputed central figure among this group of young, privileged youths.

His gaze casually swept across the coffee shop before settling on the booth where Yan Rugo was.

A barely perceptible glint flashed in his eyes—an appreciation for Yan Rugo's beauty and temperament, but more profoundly, a calculation based on family interests and personal ambition.

The Chen family had been trying to prevent the marriage alliance between the Zeng and Yan families, but now that the Zeng family was in dire straits, it was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of their weakness.

In Chen Yifeng's view, whether it was family background, talent, or personal ability, he far surpassed that imposter or even the unknown real prince. Winning Yan Ruge's heart and then bringing the Yan family under his wing was a natural thing.

He composed himself, flashed what he considered a flawless smile, and walked straight toward Yan Rugo's table.

"What a coincidence, Sister Ruge, are the other beauties here too?" Chen Yifeng's gentle and polite voice broke the slightly heavy atmosphere. "I didn't expect to meet you all here."

His henchmen greeted him, but their eyes couldn't help but linger on several young women from extraordinary families with outstanding looks.

Yan Rugo's close friends nodded slightly in politeness. But Yan Rugo's own reaction was quite different.

She didn't even stand up. She simply raised her eyelids slowly, her clear yet cold eyes looking at Chen Yifeng. Her face was expressionless, showing neither surprise nor disgust, only a chilling detachment and indifference.

She merely nodded slightly as a greeting, then her gaze returned to the coffee cup in front of her, showing no intention of continuing the conversation.

That gesture clearly said, "I've said my thanks, you can leave now."

Chen Yifeng's smile froze slightly.

He was used to being the center of attention, especially from women. Yan Rugo's direct and undisguised indifference made him feel embarrassed and awkward.

But he was very shrewd and quickly regained his composure.

"It seems Ruge isn't in a good mood today?" He tried to ease the awkwardness with a lighthearted tone.

He leaned forward slightly, closing the distance a little, and asked with concern, "Is something bothering you? Perhaps I can..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yan Ruge looked up again.

This time, her gaze held a clear and undisguised aversion.

That gaze, like an icicle, instantly pierced through the gentle facade Chen Yifeng had created.

"No need for that." Yan Ruge's voice was even colder than before, even carrying a hint of dismissal. "We sisters are just having a private chat. Please make yourself at home, Young Master Chen."

The words were polite, but the order to leave was anything but tactful.

His eyes clearly said, "I know what you're thinking, stay away from me."