White Lotus 19
Tang Xiao drank quite a lot of wine that night.
Although he could just barely pass off as sober, he wobbled unsteadily when he walked, and looked like he was about to fall over at any time.
Jiang Chenting supported him out.
Tang Xiao has already gotten on in years; his arms rested on Jiang Chenting’s shoulders as he staggered.
As for Tang You, she followed along on his right with her head lowered, and went down a flight of stairs.
Xiao Zexing, who was standing to Tang Xiao’s left, suddenly spoke, “Now that Chenting has taken over so much of the business, why not change his surname to Tang, you will also become more like a family then.”
Tang Xiao paused in his steps and fell into deep thought.
He hadn’t thought about this problem before. After all, he had always felt that if he worked hard, Jiang Tao would be able to bear him a son to be his legitimate heir. But who knew, the both of them had tried taking medication, IVF, and sought medical advice, all to no avail, and Jiang Tao’s mental condition only got worse and worse. It was only a few years ago that Tang Xiao began to resign to his fate and gradually began to support Jiang Chenting.
Jiang Chenting had also agreed that in the future, all his children would be surnamed Tang.
Now that Xiao Zexing had said something like this, Tang Xiao also felt that it did make sense. He turned to look at his stepson. “Chenting——”
There were no fluctuations in Jiang Chenting’s expression. “It's too troublesome to change the surname now. There are many procedures, and many contracts and agreements need to be re-signed.”
Xiao Zexing played carelessly with his lighter, smiling, “It's not that troublesome, I can help.”
Jiang Chenting looked steadily at him; when their eyes met, he withdrew his gaze and said in a deep voice, “No need to take the trouble, Mr Xiao.”
Tang Xiao said nothing.
The aftereffect of the alcohol was too strong; he was already unable to speak.
Jiang Shenting helped the drunken Tang Xiao into the passenger seat, carefully fastened the seat belt, and closed the car door.
Tang You got into the car; she deliberately avoided looking at Xiao Zexing.
She heard him and Jiang Chenting saying goodbye to each other.
Xiao Zexing’s voice was slightly deeper; he was most attractive when he spoke with a smile.
For example, like right now.
Tang You closed the car door and rubbed her face, trying to wipe his voice cleanly from her mind.
But a few moments later, the car door opened; Tang You shifted to the side to make room for Jiang Chenting.
Jiang Chenting could hold his liquor well, and he didn't drink a lot of tonight.
He frowned, pressed his temples, and spoke in a deep voice, “Youyou.”
Tang You, “Hmm?”
Jiang Chenting looked at her from the corner of his eyes, a rare expression of severity on his face, “Stay away from Xiao Zexing in the future.”
Tang You thought silently:
Actually, even without your reminder, I will also stay away from him.
This person was really too dangerous.
Tang You nodded. Jiang Chenting misunderstood the startlement on her face, pursed his lips and explained, “This person is scheming and slick, he’s not a suitable person to have a deep friendship with.”
The Tang Xiao in front was already fast asleep and didn't hear the conversation between them.
Tang You nodded her head with great approval.
Indeed.
Jiang Chenting looked at her quiet manner, and comforted in a warm tone, “As for Xiao Weijing… don’t worry too much.”
Tang You smiled. “I'm not worried.”
“Wait for Brother a little longer,” Jiang Chenting wanted to reach out and touch her hair, but held back, his fingers shook uncontrollably for a little bit. “Brother will find a way to set you free.”
She wondered if Xiao Zexing had said something.
Tang You had initially thought that Tang Xiao would definitely delay the transfer of shares for about a fortnight or so. But unexpectedly, Tang Xiao got someone to start drafting the agreement the very next day, and a week later, Tang You signed her name on it without a hitch.
The Qixing that her mother had wanted to leave to her was now finally back in her hands.
During the chairman handover process, the board of directors did not have the slightest objection; Tang You’s first attendance at the shareholders’ meeting went unexpectedly smoothly. No matter whether it was the older members from Su Yuan’ time, or Tang Xiao’s people, no one dared to make things difficult for her nor express any contempt.
After it was over, Wang Yu congratulated Tang You when they were alone and smiled. “Previously, I did think that Mr Xiao could help you out, but I didn't expect him to solve it so neatly once he took action.”
Because of the lessons learned from her past experiences, Tang You cautiously asked another question, “Was it Mr Xiao Zexing?”
“Yes,” Wang Yu said cheerfully. “Since he gave the word, how would those people not dare to help?”
He said to Tang You, “But the grape trellis in your father's backyard seems to have fallen1… When I saw him yesterday, he had several scratches on his neck and face. Ms. Jiang is really fierce and tough huh.”
Wang Yu belonged to Su Yuan's faction. Although he tried to remain neutral afterwards, he still couldn’t escape being squeezed out and suppressed by Tang Xiao in the dark.
Now that Tang Xiao has stepped down, he was exalted and satisfied. He had a few glasses of wine, and was more talkative than usual, “…Last night, Ms. Jiang wanted to leave the house with Tang Nan, but was chased back by your father. They stopped their cars on the highway to quarrel, and all three were taken away by the traffic police. It was Jiang Chenting who went to pick them up… luckily he has already stepped down, otherwise Qixing cannot afford to lose this man.”
While saying this, Wang Yu’s wore a slight expression of mockery which he did not hide. “Only your father would worship Ms. Jiang as if she were his ancestor.”
Tang You fully agreed with Wang Yu's words.
It is said that people in love have an IQ of zero.
When Tang Xiao got together with Jiang Tao, his IQ immediately dropped to negative infinity.
Sometimes his stupidity seemed flare up at just the right points, which made Tang You suspect that Tang Xiao was pretending to be stupid. However, after a long time, she regretfully discovered that he really was stupid.
Tang You knew nothing about business and commerce. Serving as the chairman now, she only had to sign off the final decisions and didn’t have to deal with too many matters.
Wang Yu watched her as she was deep in thought, smiled and took the initiative to offer an invitation, “Your Uncle Liu, Uncle Zheng and I would like to treat you to dinner tonight, what do you think?”
The people he mentioned were all long-time employees of the company. Not long ago, when Tang You wanted to prevent Tang Nan from entering the board of directors, she had called each one up one by one.
Tang You smiled and swirled her wine glass. “Sure.”
She had nothing to do that night. Although she was just the chairman in name, but these people were Su Yuan’s left and right-hand men back then, and they all looked upon Tang You as their own daughter. Now that Tang You was the new chairman, she would naturally also have to maintain a good relationship with these uncles.
These were the most basic ways of human relations.
This was how Tang You felt. But then, she saw Xiao Zexing in the room they reserved.
He had just arrived; he removed his gloves, took off his coat, and straightened his shirt. When he heard the movement, he looked up and met her eyes.
Tang You was startled like a cat with all its hair on its ends; she turned around quickly.
Wang Yu was alarmed by her actions, “Youyou, what's wrong?”
Tang You looked at him with a stunned expression that did not seem to be fake.
She said with some difficulty, “We seem to have gone to the wrong place, Mr Xiao is inside.”
Wang Yu heaved a sigh of relief. “I was wondering what it could’ve been… I’d also invited Mr Xiao.”
At this, he lowered his voice, “Qixing is now cooperating with Mingjian, and you also call him Second Uncle now; you must maintain a good relationship with Mr Xiao alright.”
He looked at Tang You's expression and thought there was some kind of conflict between the two.
Tang You had no choice but to go back in to take a seat.
Fortunately, Xiao Zexing looked as always did. He smiled at her, “Youyou, why have you lost weight again?”
Tang You replied incongruously, “Thank you, Second Uncle, your figure is also getting better and better.”
Luckily, Wang Yu was talking with someone at the door and wasn’t noticing them.
Tang You waited for Xiao Zexing to sit down, then deliberately chose a seat that was far away from him.
Because Xiao Zexing was there, the centre of conversation quickly shifted from Tang You to him.
Tang You didn’t have to entertain them, and she was happy for the chance to stay quiet.
She silently listened; the words went in her left ear and out her right.
She did not look at Xiao Zexing the entire time.
This lasted till the end of the meal; the few men were drunk, and they all supported each other as they left.
Tang You had been following behind Wang Yu, at the turn of the corridor, she was caught off guard by someone behind her who gently held on to her collar. “Youyou.”
It was already late at night, and the corridor was silent and empty.
There was only the faint evening breeze that carried a light fragrance.
Her nerves were tense.
The man behind her quickly let go, and Tang You turned around obediently. She hung her head and called respectfully, “Second Uncle.”
The obedient girl stood in front of him with her head lowered. Among women of her age, she wasn’t considered tall, but she wasn’t short either. It was just when she stood with Xiao Zexing that a gap was obvious; he was tall, and the top of the girl's head didn’t even reach his chin.
She hadn’t changed after the shareholders meeting in the afternoon. Her white shirt and black skirt diminished quite a bit of childishness, but did not make her seem too mature either—there was only a demure and elegant kind of beauty.
Xiao Zexing asked, “Why didn't you speak at all during dinner?”
Tang You’s head remained lowered, looking at his trouser legs that were ironed straight, and the shoes that were so clean there wasn’t a speck of dust. “Second Uncle, the issues you were discussing were too profound, I couldn’t understand them.”
A ‘Second Uncle’ every time she opened her mouth; she had to draw a clear line.
Xiao Zexing said, "You are still angry."
It wasn’t a question, but a conclusion drawn after observation her words and actions.
Tang You didn't speak; she only quietly moved her little feet two steps to the side.
Xiao Zexing chuckled lowly. “You’re young, but your temper is not small.”
Tang You tried to endure, but couldn’t hold back; she titled her face and snapped back, “Well, I’m not as old as you, nor am I as large-minded and good-tempered as you are.”
She finally looked directly at Xiao Zexing's face.
His head was slightly lowered to meet her line of sight; the light in his eyes seemed to be smiling, and at this moment, it seemed even gentler.
But after a glance, Tang You lowered her head resolutely.
She was afraid that she would lose herself in them.
Her small movements were all being observed.
Xiao Zexing was helpless. “I got Qixing back for you, is that not enough to ease your anger?”
Tang You was unwilling to relent; she retorted in a small voice, “Even without you, I will also find a way to get Qixing back.”
……It’s just that it would take much longer and require more effort.
Of course, there was some gratitude.
Just a little, little bit.
“Then, what about helping you break off your engagement?”
The moment these words came out, Tang You instantly stood upright.
Tang You suspected that had an auditory hallucination.
She raised her eyes again.
Xiao Zexing was still smiling, but it was less teasing and more indulgent. “If I help you get out of the engagement, can you forgive me and stop being angry with me?”
Tang You did not say anything.
Xiao Zexing’s lowered his voice, “What about an apology like that? Does Youyou like it?”
Does she like it or not……
Tang You humphed. “Then, I'll accept it reluctantly.”
The truth was.
Tang You didn’t trust this old fox very much.
After all, he had too many tricks up his sleeve.
Elder Xiao was the biggest obstacle in the issue of withdrawing from the engagement.
If Xiao Zexing were to help her, he would definitely upset Elder Xiao.
Tang You didn’t think he would take such a risk for her sake.
With regards to breaking off the engagement… she still had to rely on herself.
She turned it over in her mind; since bullying Wen Ling can make Xiao Weijing have such a great, then, next time, she must bully her deliberately and viciously!
Such actions would definitely make her more detestable to Xiao Weijing!
Moreover, on the elders’ end, she could just cry and act pitifully as usual, and say that she had done something wrong because she loved Weijing too much…
Then, dissolve the marriage agreement without offending the Xiao family.
Perfect.
The idea had just come to her, but before it could be implemented, Zhao Manlan called and invited Tang You to go shopping.
Tang You gladly accepted the invitation, but she didn't expect Zhao Manlan to take her straight to Wen Ling’s gym.
Tang You looked at the storefront outside the car window; people were coming and going; she was momentarily confused. “Auntie, this is——”
Zhao Manlan took out a small mirror, touched up her makeup, and smiled elegantly. “To avenge you.”
Tang You's heart pounded nonstop.
This was simply amazing! She was just thinking of looking for a chance to bully Wen Ling, and the opportunity has come knocking——
Zhao Man Lan gently kept the mirror into her bag and said casually, “It’s all thanks to your second uncle, who reminded me that things between women are best handled by women. Weijing is blind, but I’m not. Since I’ve seen everything clearly, I have to help avenge you.”
Caught off guard by the mention of Xiao Zexing, Tang You froze.
She recalled what Xiao Zexing had said that night.
She calmed herself down, then got out of the car.
Zhao Manlan took Tang You straight to the front desk. Before the receptionist could greet her, she said, “Is Miss Wen Ling here?”
The receptionist was all smiles, “Madam, may I ask what is this about? Is it convenient to give me your name——”
“Nevermind about my name.” Zhao Manlan smiled, her fingers stroking her bag, “My son gave your boss the money to open this gym, what do you think I’m looking for her for?”
The receptionist was stunned; she was frightened by Zhao Manlan's aura. She looked at Zhao Manlan, and then at Tang You; then, with trembling fingers, phoned Wen Ling in low tones.
Within five minutes, Wen Ling came hurriedly over.
A black skirt was wrapped around her body, making her figure seem all the more exquisite. When she saw the looks on Zhao Manlan and Tang You’s faces, she immediately understood they hadn’t come with friendly intentions.
She steadied herself and smiled, “I wonder what Auntie——”
“Who is your Auntie?” Zhao Manlan cut her off coldly. “What rights do you have to call me Auntie?”
Wen Ling's gym was in a good location; it was the weekend today, and there was a lot of traffic. This cry of Zhao Manlan’s startled many people, who all looked over.
Zhao Manlan’s voice was strong and powerful, and with the delicate Tang You next to her, they were very eye-catching.
Wen Ling looked embarrassed. “Let's go in and talk.”
“It's pretty good here,” Zhao Manlan smiled. “Why did this precious pride go when you were throwing yourself at someone else's fiancé? When you did all those things, why weren’t you ashamed to say it?”
!!!
Several customers slowed down and looked over in amazement; even the cleaning aunty began sweeping the same spot back and forth.
Seeing people coming and going, Wen Ling finally couldn't maintain her expression, and even her smile stiffened, “Auntie, what I mean is to invite you in for a cup of tea and take a break; let's talk slowly.”
Zhao Manlan had come with the intentions to teach her a lesson to avenge Tang You; she lifted her chin slightly, “Tea is not necessary. Miss Wen Ling is precious, I'm afraid drinking this tea would give you the chance to somehow play some tricks.”
Wen Ling’s face was burning from her scolding. Seeing that Zhao Manlan wouldn’t relent, she cast her gaze to the silent Tang You at the side, and tried to play the emotional card, “Youyou, we grew up together, how can you think like th——”
Smack!
Tang You held back her "tears", took a step forward, and in full view of everyone, slapped Wen Ling hard.
Tang You used a lot of force; Wen Ling was caught off guard and her face tilted sideways from the impact.
Wen Ling was stunned.
She never thought that Tang You would hit her in public.
——Is Tang You crazy?!
——Does she not want to marry Xiao Weijing anymore?!
The cleaning aunty nearby was so startled she dropped the broom in her hand.
Tang You's voice choked, “You still remember that we grew up together! You covet my fiancé and repeatedly asked him to accompany you… How do you want me to think of you? Huh?”
As she finished, tears came.
When Zhao Manlan saw her cry, she hugged her distressedly, and coaxed gently, “Good Youyou, let's not bother with her, don’t be so angry, good girl.”
Wen Ling was stunned by the blow; she pressed her fingers to her face, slowly look at Tang You.
It hurts.
Her face hurts.
The strange looks of the people around her made Wen Ling feel even worse.
She had always been a prideful person who cared about her appearance, and had always maintained the image of an elegant and strong woman. Now, the customers were all pointing at and talking about her, and even the receptionist was looking at her with some contempt.
Compared with the pain on her face, this was much more unbearable for Wen Ling
Zhao Manlan’s heart ached for Tang You. Looking at her tearful eyes, she immediately disregarded the issue of teaching Wen Ling a lesson. Before hurriedly taking her back, she did not forget to cast Wen Ling a fierce glance. “Don’t think you can marry Weijing with your dirty tricks. Are you worthy?”
Tang You was hurriedly pulled away by Zhao Man Lan; she still felt somewhat resentful in her heart——
Let go of her; she could still slap her a few more times.
But how could Zhao Manlan know what Tang You was thinking? In her eyes, Tang You had always been a well-behaved and quiet girl. Now, she was actually angry enough to hit her—this fully proved Wen Ling’s hatefulness.
When they got into the car, Zhao Manlan spoke gently, wiping her tears while coaxing, “Good Youyou, let's not bother ourselves with the likes of her.”
Tang You had hit Wen Ling with so much force just now that her palms were now red and numb; she nodded and hugged Zhao Man Lan with true affection, “You are so kind.”
Tang You thought regretfully that with such an understanding mother as Zhao Man Lan, plus that old fox-of a second uncle, she didn't know what kind of genetic mutation could’ve led to the birth of such an easily deceived guy like Xiao Weijing.
Was it because he had been too well-protected? Or maybe he’d encountered some kind of blow as he was growing up?
Tang You really wanted to be a stumbling block in his life.
Let Xiao Weijing learn a good lesson about the ways of the world.
In the evening, Zhao Manlan insisted on taking Tang You back to the Xiao residence for dinner. As soon as Tang You stepped into the room, she saw Xiao Weijing, who had gauze wrapped around his forehead.
There was only one light on in the room; only when she got closer did she see that Xiao Weijing not only had a head injury, but also had a bruised eye.
Tang You froze; she held back her laughter and asked with fake concern, “……Brother Weijing, how did you hurt your head?”
Of course, Xiao Weijing refused to say that he had been lectured by Elder Xiao.
He couldn’t look at Tang You's face. He somehow felt that she was completely his type; other than being too delicate, that face really fell perfectly within his aesthetic preferences.
Xiao Weijing would not allow himself to be defeated by beauty.
His voice was cold and indifferent, “None of your business.”
There was no way he could say that it was because after proposing to break off the engagement, he had been violently hammered by Elder Xiao.
That was detrimental to his dignity as a man.
Tang You wasn’t expecting Xiao Weijing to say anything nice; she kept up with her little white lotus image and mumbled, “Does it hurt?”
——Isn’t that nonsense?
Xiao Weijing almost spoke, but when he met her gaze, which seemed to be filled with tears, he swallowed the words completely back into his stomach. “……No.”
To cover up his embarrassment, Xiao Weijing took the cup on the table and gulped a few mouthfuls.
Calm down, don't be overwhelmed by beauty.
Second Uncle was right, character is more important than looks.
He didn't like such weak and boring characters like Tang You.
Don't ever be enchanted by her face.
Xiao Weijing jerked up, put down the cup, ignored her, and walked away.
Tang You secretly sighed with relief.
She seriously suspected that Xiao Weijing’s ability to read women was only at the level of a three-year-old.
He really was toooooooo slow-witted!
Tang You sat down lazily. She felt a little thirsty, and was just about to pour herself a glass of water to moisten her throat when she suddenly heard Xiao Zexing's voice coming from the corner, “Herbal tea causes stomachaches easily.”
Tang You did not expect there to be someone else in the corner. Her hand shook from the shock and she dropped the cup; it fell to the ground and shattered.
She was about to lean over to pick it up when the man had already walked over from out of the darkness.
The large hand wrapped her entire hand in his palm to prevent her from touching the porcelain fragments. Xiao Zexing lifted her hand slightly and said calmly, “Let others clean it up, don't hurt yourself.”
The man's hand was very large, and his fingertips were slightly calloused. At this moment, he deliberately lessened his strength to avoid hurting her. In comparison, Tang You's hand was small, white and soft; even her fingertips were a lovely pink.
Xiao Zexing looked down at her. “Which hand hit Wen Ling?”
Tang You was on high alert. “Why is Second Uncle asking this? Could it be, you want to avenge her?”
“Do you think I'm Xiao Weijing?”
Tang You muttered softly, “It's not like you haven't pretended to be him before.”
As she spoke, Xiao Zexing spread her hands out; after making the right judgement by the slight swelling of her palm, he studied it carefully. “Does your hand hurt?”
Tang You didn’t say anything; she tried to pull her hand away, but couldn’t.
Sensing her resistance, Xiao Zexing let go slightly and sighed. “Hitting people at every turn, do you really think you're a cat?”
Tang You intuited that this kind of contact was very wrong. She took advantage of the opening and pulled out her hand forcefully, then took a step back and solemnly reminded him, “Second Uncle, please pay attention to your words and actions!”
His hand was empty.
Xiao Zexing said indifferently, “What's wrong with that? I’m just ‘showing love for my kin’.”
Tang You was rendered speechless by this sentence. It happened that Xiao Weijing was at the door, calling her, “Tang You, Second Uncle, come out for dinner.”
When she saw Xiao Weijing again, Tang You's heart beat fast.
She felt an inexplicable sense of guilt; she humphed softly, then walked out quickly.
When she brushed past Xiao Weijing, she was so flustered that she forgot to pretend to be affectionate.
Xiao Weijing only smelled a faint whiff of vanilla milk, which dissipated before he could smell it properly.
He only saw Xiao Zexing and Tang You standing very close to each other just now, and did not hear the conversation between them.
He just felt that the atmosphere contained a little bit of abnormality that he couldn’t put into words.
Seeing Xiao Zexing walk out calmly, Xiao Weijing couldn't help but say, “You and Tang You were chatting very happily just now.”
“Mm,” Xiao Zexing said carelessly. “We have a deep uncle-niece bond.”
Xiao Weijing thought for a moment and somewhat approved of it. “So I say, if Grandpa really likes Tang You, why doesn’t he just adopt her as his god-granddaughter——”
“No.”
“Hmm? Why not?”
Xiao Zexing stopped walking and looked at him calmly. “How can one just randomly adopt a relative?”
Xiao Weijing thought otherwise.
Since Elder Xiao likes Tang You so much, he should just adopt her as his god-granddaughter; besides, Xiao Zeyan has already adopted a pair of siblings, what's wrong with Elder Xiao taking in a god-granddaughter?
Xiao Weijing thought for a long time, then suddenly realised.
Could it be that Second Uncle is thinking of him, and doesn’t want to keep Tang You around to be an eyesore to him?
After all, it wasn’t quite appropriate for a former fiancée to become his sister!
Because of the wound on Xiao Weijing's forehead, the atmosphere at dinner tonight was particularly sombre.
Tang You still didn’t know that Xiao Weijing had been beaten up because he had taken the initiative to raise the issue of breaking off the engagement again; she was just extremely careful to not meet Xiao Zexing’s eyes.
Staring at the food in front of her the entire time, she looked like a pupil who was obediently listening to class.
Her right eyelid twitched many times today; Tang You had the vague sense that something big was about to happen tonight.
It may even be something bad.
This premonition was soon confirmed.
After dinner, Elder Xiao put down his chopsticks and asked someone to bring tea to cleanse his mouth. After rinsing, he washed his hands and wiped them clean. Instead of leaving, he continued to sit there majestically.
The maid brought out his ornamental walnuts, both of which were carved into dragons coiled with auspicious clouds, as vivid as they could be.
He gripped them in his hands and cleared his throat.
This was the old man's habit when announcing a major decision.
Tang You pricked up her ears and listened attentively.
“Since returning to China, Weijing has not spent much time with Youyou,” Elder Xiao rolled the ornamental walnuts in his hand, “A part of the reason is that Weijing is busy with work; the other part, is because Weijing and Youyou don't have a deep relationship.”
Xiao Weijing kept a blank expression and did not speak.
Elder Xiao continued, “It is said time reveals a person’s heart. If people are not together every day, there is no way to cultivate their feelings. Anyway, Weijing's apartment is spacious enough——”
The bad premonition in Tang You's heart grew stronger and stronger.
After laying the groundwork, Elder Xiao finally announced his intention, “Starting tomorrow, Youyou, move in and live with Weijing.”
Tang You froze.
No.
She didn't want to live with Xiao Weijing.
Even though he is saying that living in close quarters can help to cultivate feelings, but this ‘living in close quarters’ affords much food for thought. Is it the closeness of living under the same roof, or the closeness of living in the same room and sleeping in the same bed……
The probability of the latter was obviously greater than that of the former.
Tang You’s mind raced to think how to muddle through this.
She didn't want to sleep with Xiao Weijing.
She didn't want to touch a man that someone else had touched.
……
She desperately thought about the reasons she could use to refuse, and remained silent for a while.
Next to her, Zhao Manlan smiled and teased, “Look at Youyou, she’s so happy that she can't even speak. Hurry up and thank Grandpa.”
It wasn’t happiness.
It was shock.
Tang You finally recollected her senses; she braced herself and at the risk of being reprimanded, began to refuse, “Grandpa, I——”
A clear, male voice interjected.
“I don't approve.”
Elder Xiao's smile evaporated into thin air.
There was a vague sullenness.
He had always disliked his decisions being interfered with, interrupted, or reversed without his permission.
Elder Xiao looked at Xiao Zexing with displeasure.
Next to him, Zhao Manlan was stunned.
Xiao Weijing sighed with relief, then felt a vague sense of some unknown regret.
Under the various gazes of everyone, Xiao Zexing was the only one who looked as usual; he calmly placing his cup on the table and clasped his hands, assuming an idle posture.
He stated his reasons methodically, “First of all, the apartment is too far away from Youyou’s school, it's not convenient for her to go to and from class. In case there's an urgent matter at school, she wouldn’t be able to get there in time. Secondly, Weijing’s apartment had not been designed with consideration to the needs of a female owner; most of the spare rooms have been converted for other purposes, like the multimedia room, indoor gym, and so on. It’s not suitable for Youyou to live for a long time.”
As expected of an old fox, even the reasons were so well thought-out.
Tang You looked up at him, and for the first time, felt that Xiao Zexing’s image was so tall and just.
Under her touched and admiring gaze, Xiao Zexing said unhurriedly, “Why not let Youyou move to my house.”
————————————————————————————————————————————
The author has something to say:
Xiao Weijing: After all, it wasn’t quite appropriate for a former fiancée to become my sister!
Afterwards.
Xiao Weijing: Now, I feel that it is even more inappropriate for a former fiancée to become my sister…
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Footnotes:
1 the grape trellis in your father's backyard seem to have fallen: An expression that means a man is being scolded/ punished by his wife. The saying comes from this story:
An official who was afraid of his wife was often beaten and scolded by his wife. Once, his face was scratched by his wife. When he arrived at court the next day, his superior saw his wretched appearance.
The superior asked, "Why is your face like this?"
He had to lie, “The grape trellis fell down in the night and cut my face!”
His superior didn't believe it, and said, “It must be your wife who did this. Yes, there are countless women like this in the world. I will send someone to catch her!”
At this moment, the superior’s wife happened to be eavesdropping in the back hall. Upon hearing these words, she immediately became furious and rushed to the hall full of anger. Seeing that the situation is not good, the superior quickly said to the official: “You better retreat, the grape trellis in my backyard is also about to fall!”
