White Lotus 29

Tang You's cheeks were still wet, and her lips were reddened by his kiss. Her face was flushed too.

 

Xiao Zexing's hand didn't let go.

 

Tang You stared at his face.

 

Just now, she suddenly realized that Xiao Zexing had intentionally let her take the wallet last time, right?

 

He deliberately made her see the photos and the pajamas just to observe her reaction.

 

Because she didn't show too much extreme behavior, did he now escalate things?

 

Right now, it was just a kiss. If she didn't do anything about it and remained passive, would it become more intimate next time?

 

Tang You bombarded him with questions, "Can you let go of me now?"

 

"Isn't it unreasonable for you to bully someone so much younger than you?"

 

"How do you explain your behavior just now?"

 

Xiao Zexing stepped back slightly, finally releasing his grip, and said calmly, "Licking the calf deeply."

 

Originally, Tang You had intended to use this phrase to retort to Xiao Zexing, but now he used it back on her.

 

Tang You retorted in anger, "Others may lick the calf deeply, but they don't go overboard!"

 

"Because I am different from others."

 

"What's different about you?"

 

He smiled with a slight dimple on his cheek and said, "I'm shameless."

 

Tang You: "…"

 

His response was so reasonable that she couldn't find any words to refute it.

 

Xiao Zexing placed both hands on the pool's edge, enclosing her and trapping her in this small world.

 

Her back was against the cold rock wall, and she felt like a rabbit caught by a sly fox with no room to escape.

 

Xiao Zexing squinted his eyes and asked, "Now that you've found out, what should we do?"

 

Tang You looked wary as she replied, "Are you planning to protect your reputation and silence me?"

 

After a brief pause, Xiao Zexing laughed, saying, "In your eyes, am I really worse than a beast?"

 

Tang You didn't hesitate to reply, "Yes."

 

Xiao Zexing felt helpless and spoke softly, "Tang You, try not to treat me as your elder."

 

Tang You retorted coldly, "If I didn't treat you as an elder, I would have called the police by now."

 

She gritted her teeth and pushed Xiao Zexing away. He didn't resist, and she was able to move freely.

 

Standing in the pool, he still indulged her, smiling with his eyes and brows.

 

Tang You shivered as she climbed out of the pool, went back to her room, and wrapped herself tightly with a towel. She put on slippers and even didn't drink hot water before hurrying away.

 

Thank goodness.

 

She was so scared just now that her legs went weak.

 

There was no one else at the poolside. With Xiao Zexing's previous actions, if he had acted a bit more aggressively, he could have done something to her right there.

 

Tang You didn't dare to shower at Xiao Zexing's place. She put on her dress hastily and left quickly.

 

Fortunately, their houses weren't far apart.

 

Meng Yunqiu had arranged for special nursing and was taking care of her in a dedicated room.

 

Tang You trembled as she went upstairs and returned to her room. She hid under the covers and began to message Miao Jiaxi.

 

Tang You: I have a friend.

 

Tang You: She doesn't have cancer, is living well, and doesn't want to watch videos or need any links.

 

Tang You: She's facing some emotional problems. A non-blood-related male she treats as an elder has some kind of inappropriate feelings for her, and he proved it with his actions.

 

Tang You: I just want to add that the man's appearance and physique completely match my friend's standards.

 

Miao Jiaxi replied promptly: My friend said she doesn't believe it unless you tell all the details of the inappropriate actions.

 

Tang You was forced to remember bit by bit and replied with clenched teeth: He kissed me.

 

Miao Jiaxi sent back an emoji with a dumbfounded panda head on top and "Is that so?" at the bottom.

 

Miao Jiaxi: What does your friend think?

 

Tang You: I don't know yet; I haven't figured it out.

 

From her childhood until now, Tang You had never known what it meant to be moved or experienced the feeling of loving someone to the point of losing oneself, unable to think of anything else.

 

But today, in the swimming pool, Xiao Zexing made her feel a hint of danger.

 

Miao Jiaxi: How much older is your elder?

 

…Not much of a generation gap, just a small one.

 

Anxiously, she sent the reply. In less than five seconds, Miao Jiaxi's phone calls came in frantically.

 

Tang You was startled by the ringing and answered tremblingly, "Jia Jia?"

 

"Tang You! Is the elder you mentioned Xiao Zexing?"

 

That one sentence shocked Tang You so much that she had to move her phone a bit away from her ear. "Yes."

 

Miao Jiaxi wailed, tearing at her heart, "Tang You! You're too ruthless! You're blatantly leading single dogs to their doom! Forget about lemon essence; my whole house is now filled with lemon trees!"

 

After Miao Jiaxi vented, Tang You asked, "Jia Jia, what does it feel like when you like someone?"

 

Miao Jiaxi's spirits lifted. "I want to see him every day! I want to show him my best and most beautiful side! He's always in my heart!"

 

Tang, You confirmed in silence.

 

She currently only liked Xiao Zexing's looks, and they hadn't reached such a noble level yet.

 

Miao Jiaxi keenly sensed Tang You's thoughts and urged her, "Then why don't you try being together? Since you're idle anyway."

 

Tang You firmly refused, "I decline."

 

She thought for a moment and explained to Miao Jiaxi, "I'm a bit cowardly. I'm afraid of trying things that have risks."

 

Miao Jiaxi tried to console her: "Isn't there a saying that some girls are so persistent that they'll keep scratching even when they've reached the word 'thanks,' until they scratch 'thank you for your patronage'? Learn from their spirit, give it a try, and maybe you'll scratch out Xie Mingyun."

 

Xie Mingyun was a recently popular top-tier actor, and his wife's fans could hold hands and encircle the Earth.

 

Tang You dismissed it, saying, "What if I scratch out Xie Guangkun?"

 

Miao Jiaxi fell into thought and said, "You have a point."

 

Tang You held her phone, slowly organizing her thoughts. "Jia Jia, think about it carefully. Xiao Zexing is eight years older than me, which means there's a significant age gap and generational difference between us. When he was in junior high school, I might still have been playing with mud while wearing diapers. When he talked about project investments, I might still have been biting my pen to solve trigonometric functions."

 

Miao Jiaxi retorted, "Age is not a problem."

 

"It's not about age; it's about experience and other differences." Tang You said seriously, "You're aware of my situation. I was engaged to Xiao Weijing before, and Xiao Zexing is Xiao Weijing's uncle. He should know how small the chance of our future success is. As someone as rational as him, he shouldn't make such shallow mistakes. Besides, who knows if he wants to be with me or simply wants to sleep with me?"

 

Miao Jiaxi had an epiphany: "You're right."

 

"And I've known Xiao Zexing for less than a month. In such a short time, how can there be true love?" Tang You hugged her knees, with her hair still dripping, and said, "I don't want to engage in a reckless relationship based solely on momentary pleasure. Marriage is about being evenly matched. People are fickle; how can I guarantee that Xiao Zexing's current interest in me will last?"

 

Miao Jiaxi was stunned. "You're thinking so far ahead."

 

Because Tang You always acted nonchalant, Miao Jiaxi had never thought that she would think about these things privately.

 

After all, Tang You had never discussed her views on relationships and marriage before.

 

This was the first time.

 

Tang You sat on the bed, staring at her feet, and finally revealed her greatest fear: "Because I'm no match for Xiao Zexing."

 

Xiao Zexing was skilled in Texas Hold'em and poker.

 

In playing cards, besides luck, the most crucial factors were calculation ability, reaction speed, and the ability to accurately grasp people's psychology.

 

Tang You didn't consider herself exceptionally clever; she had always had an average intellect.

 

Even if she was dealt a good hand, she couldn't beat Xiao Zexing.

 

Based on their recent interactions, she was afraid of falling deep into it.

 

She had already dipped one foot into it.

 

She should still be able to pull back in time, right?

 

S&C quickly posted an official Weibo post, mentioning Song Yu's Weibo account and announcing her as the brand's image ambassador for the Chinese region.

 

The post immediately caused a stir.

 

S&C had more than one image ambassador in the Chinese region; there was another one, a popular actress who recently gained fame from a fantasy TV drama.

 

No matter from which perspective one looked, having Song Yu as the image ambassador seemed a bit strange.

 

Internet celebrities' fans weren't as fanatical as fandoms, and there were many comments questioning why Song Yu was chosen as the image ambassador for the Chinese region. But when a marketing account reposted Song Yu's family background, the confused fans immediately understood.

 

At the same time, just after Yuko posted a new outfit, marketing accounts once again dragged her out for comparison.

 

The microblog account that specialized in criticizing Yuko was going crazy, but to its disappointment, no matter how deep they dug, they couldn't find detailed personal information about Yuko.

 

They managed to dig up footage of Cherry Elementary School Sister's livestream, mentioning Yuko, but even though Yuko herself didn't appear on camera, the account continued to criticize the hand that did appear in the footage.

 

"Look at this wrist; it's so thick, they probably photoshopped all the previous pictures."

 

"Anyone who looks normal can become a goddess with Level 10 beauty filters. This person doesn't even dare to use any filters; I guess their looks are so terrifying that even beauty filters can't save them."

 

"Earning so much money, they should just get plastic surgery."

 

…

 

It was unclear who paid for the trending topic, but in the afternoon, Yuko's entry surpassed the news of Song Yu becoming the S&C ambassador. However, when people clicked on it, they were bombarded with derogatory information and fake images about Yuko. The uninformed bystanders, seeing this, unconsciously believed it to be true.

 

Cherry Elementary School Sister also took the opportunity to post a Weibo to ride the wave of popularity, but she deleted it two minutes later. However, some netizens managed to capture screenshots of the post and began speculating on its meaning.

 

Cherry Elementary School Sister: "Actually, it's not bad, but how should I put it? There's a slight gap between character and appearance. But no one is perfect, and it can be forgiven."

 

This ambiguous statement sparked people's imagination.

 

What did it mean? Was it good-looking but of bad character?

 

Or good character but bad-looking?

 

Although she didn't directly mention anyone or add any topics, the implicit meaning was probably aimed at Yuko.

 

Tang You was currently in Zhao Manlan's car, looking at her phone for a moment, then turning it off.

 

Rubbing her forehead, Tang You started to seriously consider setting up her own studio.

 

After establishing her own studio, she should be able to hire someone to handle public relations. But setting up a studio wasn't as easy as she had imagined; there were many things she needed to consult about.

 

Tang You wasn't worried about the money; she was concerned about her lack of relevant experience.

 

Today was Zhao Manlan's birthday, and she strongly invited Tang You to join her for dinner. Over the past few years, regardless of how things were between her and Xiao Weijing, Zhao Manlan had always taken good care of her, and Tang You couldn't refuse her invitation on both personal and moral grounds.

 

However, Tang You didn't expect to encounter Xiao Zexing again.

 

It had been almost a week since the kiss in the swimming pool.

 

During this week, Xiao Zexing continued to wake up early and go jogging with Tang Huhu, but Tang You subconsciously started to sleep in and skip breakfast.

 

With this deliberate avoidance, there was no interaction between them in their daily lives.

 

As Tang You was thinking about things while passing through the corridor, she nearly bumped into someone at a corner. Apologizing repeatedly, she looked up and saw Xiao Zexing's indifferent expression.

 

He was dressed in the same black suit and white shirt as always, exuding a faint aroma of cedar, just like before.

 

Xiao Zexing briefly supported her arm, and once she steadied herself, he withdrew his hand, very properly, and said, "Be careful; don't rush."

 

The same smile as before.

 

Seeing him again now was especially bewildering.

 

Tang You's heart skipped a beat. "Thank you, Second Uncle."

 

Xiao Zexing didn't respond further and left directly.

 

Zhao Manlan's birthday celebration was kept very simple, mainly with family gathering for a meal.

 

But for the past four years, Xiao Weijing had not returned home, and it had been only Zhao Manlan and Xiao Zeyan celebrating together.

Now, with Xiao Weijing back, there were Xiao Zexing and Tang You at the table again.

 

At the dinner table, Xiao Weijing couldn't help but frequently glance at Tang You. Since they called off the engagement, Tang You has started wearing these brightly colored clothes. He used to remember her liking to wear white cotton dresses, looking clean and tidy like a little white flower but often shedding tears.

 

Now, Tang, yYou've had started wearing warm-colored dresses. Xiao Weijing wondered if it was an illusion, but her makeup seemed exceptionally radiant. She seemed like a different person.

 

Xiao Weijing had always liked girls who were elegant and generous. When Tang You was still his fiancée, she was always crying and rarely looked so elegant. Yet now, even though they were no longer involved, he couldn't help but pay frequent attention to her, like a nervous boy experiencing something strange.

 

Zhao Manlan noticed Xiao Weijing's gaze and felt somewhat pleased. But when she saw Tang You focusing on eating, never once glancing at Xiao Weijing, her heart couldn't help but ache. It seemed like destiny brought these two together, but they were destined to be apart.

 

Zhao Manlan still tried to make one last effort to see if she could bring them together.

 

Tang You had practically grown up in front of her eyes. She was gentle, well-behaved, and highly regarded by the elder. As for Wen Ling, she was no longer acceptable after the incident of trying to frame Tang You. Zhao Manlan couldn't help but dislike her.

 

Zhao Manlan smiled and suggested, "Oh, by the way, I heard that the amulets from Asakusa Temple are very effective, especially for peach blossom luck. Since Xiao Weijing is on vacation these days, why not go there together and seek the amulet?"

 

Peach blossom luck? Asakusa Temple? That meant they had to go to Japan together.

 

Tang You put down her spoon and wiped her lips with a tissue. She hadn't figured out how to politely decline when Xiao Zexing interrupted Zhao Manlan, "No need to seek any amulets."

 

Zhao Manlan didn't expect him to object and asked, "Why, Zexing?"

 

Xiao Zexing calmly said, "Japanese deities can't influence Chinese people."

 

Zhao Manlan was immediately frustrated. No wonder Xiao Zexing had been single for so many years; he couldn't even understand the hidden meaning behind her suggestion. The focus was not on the amulet but on creating an opportunity for Tang You and Xiao Weijing to be alone and develop their feelings. Yet he was so unromantic; which girl could stand him?

 

Zhao Manlan had to reluctantly smile and say, "What you said is also true."

 

Tang, You felt a sense of relief. She couldn't help but steal a glance at Xiao Zexing, who still didn't look at her, lowering his gaze to sip tea slowly.

 

After dinner, while chatting together, Zhao Manlan enthusiastically invited Tang You to stay overnight. "It's so late, and your place is so far away. Why not stay here and rest properly?"

 

Tang You worried that staying would cause further complications and instinctively declined, "No need to trouble you…"

 

Xiao Zexing calmly interjected, "Tang You can ride in my car, and I'll drop her off on my way."

 

No way!

 

Tang You quickly changed her response,: "No need to trouble Second Uncle; it's more suitable for me to stay here."

 

Xiao Zexing glanced at her but remained silent.

 

Zhao Manlan immediately stood up, happily arranging a guest room for Tang You.

 

Tang You sat obediently, focusing on her toes.

 

Xiao Zexing went out to take a phone call.

 

When he returned, his expression was serious: "The driver isn't feeling well."

 

Zhao Manlan was always caring and considerate, so when she heard this, she said, "Doctor Zhao, who ilives not far from here, I'll call him to come over."

 

"No need," Xiao Zexing smiled, "The driver has stomach inflammation, so I asked him to drive to the nearby hospital. It's an old problem, nothing serious. He'll take some medicine and rest."

 

Hearing that it wasn't a serious problem, Zhao Manlan relaxed and said, "That's good."

 

Xiao Zexing continued nonchalantly, "It's late, and it's not appropriate to ask the driver on night duty to come and pick me up. So, I'll have to trouble you all tonight."

 

Zhao Manlan immediately smiled and said, "Don't be silly. How can we not let you stay?"

 

Xiao Zexing exchanged a few more words with her and then followed the servants upstairs, composed and calm.

 

After he left, Xiao Weijing, holding a bottle of wine, stood at the doorway and looked around. Not seeing Xiao Zexing's figure, he couldn't help but ask, "Where is Second Uncle?"

 

Zhao Manlan poured flower tea for Tang You. The formula mainly included roses to soothe the eyes and calm the spirit. She glanced up and said, "Your Second Uncle went to rest."

 

Out of the corner of his eye, she saw the bottle of wine in Xiao Weijing's hand and chuckled, "Why? You still want to drink with Second Uncle at this hour?"

 

"I have to work tomorrow; how is that possible?" Xiao Weijing casually placed the bottle nearby and said, "Second Uncle likes strong alcohol, and this was specially brought by a friend."

 

Tang You didn't understand alcohol but couldn't help but recall the two previous times when they had drunken kisses. She cautiously asked Xiao Weijing, "Does Second Uncle often get drunk?"

 

Xiao Weijing was taken aback. Since they called off the engagement, this was the first time that Tang You had asked him something so gently.

 

Her quiet demeanor was actually not unpleasant. Upon closer thought, even when she looked pitiful before, she was still quite moving.

 

Xiao Weijing unconsciously provided more details: "No, Second Uncle has always had a good alcohol tolerance. Apart from my father, hardly anyone can get him drunk. The times he gets drunk are also very few. Even during business gatherings, he rarely gets drunk."

 

Tang You's eyelids twitched. "Does Second Uncle have a good toleranceaste in alcohol?"

 

"It's pretty good," Xiao Weijing replied. "He's the same when drunk as he is when sober."

 

Tang You hesitated for a moment before saying, "Thank you."

 

Xiao Weijing felt somewhat uneasy and looked away, saying, "You're welcome."

 

But at this moment, Tang You was in great shock.

 

Let's not mention the two times afterward.

 

—The first kiss, she thought Xiao Zexing was drunk.

 

But now it seemed clear that he wasn't.

 

He was most likely sober at the time and still kissed her.

 

Xiao Zexing knew her identity; he knew she was his nephew's fiancée.

 

At that time, they had only met a few times.

 

Xiao Zexing had already set his sights on her and even taken her first kiss.

 

This realization infuriated and frightened Tang You.

 

Tang You suppressed her anger and chatted with Zhao Manlan for a long time until she could finally return to her room in Zhao Manlan's company.

 

All the rooms were decorated according to Zhao Manlan's taste, entirely in a traditional Chinese style with ink landscape screens, redwood tables, and even canopy beds.

 

It had a touch of antiquity.

 

Tang You closed the door and had just sat on the bed, taking off her shoes, when she heard someone call her, "Tang You."

 

Tang You's hand trembled as she saw Xiao Zexing.

 

He was still wearing the same outfit from dinner—a white shirt and black pants—looking proper and disciplined beyond belief. He stepped out from behind the screen and said, "We need to talk seriously."

 

This man had been playing with her for so long, and now he dared to secretly hide in her room.

 

Before she could react, Tang You had a pillow in her hand, and she threw it at him.

 

The vases on the nearby table were all Zhao Manlan's cherished items, and she couldn't bring herself to throw them away.

 

So she could only throw things that wouldn't break.

 

Xiao Zexing easily caught the pillow and took a few steps forward, saying, "Calm down."

 

Tang You had just learned the truth and couldn't possibly calm down.

 

She glanced around, looking for something less noisy to throw.

 

Tang You stood up without hesitation and wildly threw the bedsheet at him while scolding him in a lowered voice, "How can you, as an elder, take advantage of someone like this? Are you really so shameless as to set a trap for a young girl? Does your conscience and morals not hurt at all?"

 

As Sshe threw the bedsheet with more forceharder, and her foot slipped slightly and, almost toucheding the blanket. Xiao Zexing extended his hand subtly and cushioned it .

 

Tto prevent her delicate knees from getting hurt while kneeling on the floor.

 

Tang You kneeled directly in his warm palm, still furious and unaware, she lifteding her fist and gritteding her teeth. "You kiss me pretending to be drunk! How can you do this? If I were to set a trap for you like this, wouldn't your conscience and morals hurt too?"

 

Xiao Zexing didn't say anything but smiled and allowed her to vent her anger.

 

Even when angry, she was so adorable, trying to hit him with her little fist.

 

Her small white foot rested on his thigh.

 

It seemed like she wanted to kick him.

 

Xiao Zexing sensed something amiss in her angry eyes.

 

His expression changed slightly, and he had to roll over, pressing down on her legs and firmly controlling her wrists, scolding her gently, "Stop messing around."

 

Tang You was so angry that she hadn't noticed he had tsooken away her initiative so easily. Her face turned red, and before she could say anything, she heard a series of urgent knocks on the bedroom door.

 

Xiao Weij King's voice sounded slightly muffled from outside: "Tang You, open the door. Mom asked me to bring something for you."

 

Tang You's mind cleared up instantly.

 

She looked at Xiao Zexing.

 

His grip on her wrists was still firm, and her legs were easily restrained. She lay on the blanket, her hair and dress disheveled from her previous actions.

 

The whole scene looked absolutely terrible.

 

Not to mention the messy bedsheet and pillow.

 

Despite this situation, Xiao Zexing's face remained composed. He lowered his head, looking at Tang You, and smiled gently.

 

"Tang You," his shallow dimples enticed her, "If you give me a kiss, I'll help you."

 

Tang You was stunned for a couple of seconds.

 

Xiao Zexing sincerely made a concession: "Even a kiss on the cheek will do."

 

Outside, Xiao Weijing knocked on the door again, sounding puzzled and uneasy. "Tang You?"

 

Tang You turned her head in the direction of the bedroom door and mustered all her strength to shout, "Just come in; the door's not locked!"