White Lotus 30

As Tang You finished speaking, Xiao Weijing opened the door. The bedsheets and pillows were all scattered on the floor, and Tang You stood on the blanket with her cheeks and ears bright red.

Xiao Zexing, on the other hand, looked neat in his shirt. He stood just half a meter away from her, calmly glancing at Xiao Weijing.

Why would his second uncle be here?

Xiao Weijing was startled, and a slightly terrifying possibility immediately came to his mind.

He pursed his lips and placed the food tray on the table.

Before he could say anything, Xiao Zexing frowned and asked him, “How did a rat end up in the room?”

Xiao Weijing was confused. “Huh?”

“Just now, Tang You was so scared that she cried miserably. I came over and saw a huge rat.” Xiao Zexing looked at him disapprovingly. “I thought you might be playing some childish prank.”

Stunned, Xiao Weijing uttered, “There’s just no way, right?”

He cast a quick glance at Tang You, noticing the slight redness of her eyes and nose. She did not appear to be embarrassed, but upon closer inspection, it appeared as though she had been driven to tears out of distress and anger. Still, Xiao Weijing was unable to completely shake a nagging feeling.

How could a rat show up here, of all places?

Even though the house was built ten years ago, the property staff would not be so careless as to—

“How could there be a rat here?” Xiao Zexing asked, giving him a meaningful look. “Weijing, you’re no longer a child. Do not tell me this is one of your little tricks.”

Xiao Weijing was startled by the accusation and immediately refuted it, “I didn’t do it.”

Why does Second Uncle seem to think that I was the instigator of this prank?

While it was true that he was quite mischievous as a child and had once scared people with his small pet hamster, he had done so at the time because he had heard some rumors. According to the gossip, his Second Uncle, who was only two years older than him, had come to contend with him for the family inheritance.

Being a very young child at the time, Xiao Weijing had no idea what the term “family inheritance” actually meant. His only concern had been that some kid his age would one day come and snatch half of his toys and possessions. Because of this, he despised Xiao Zexing and decided to scare him away with his pet hamster. In the end, he was unceremoniously defeated and was even beaten up by the enemy.

From that moment on, Xiao Weijing was completely under Xiao Zexing’s mercy, and later, he quickly became his follower.

Those things had happened a long time ago, back when he was still a child. He was not that immature to pull the same prank twice.

Xiao Zexing remained silent, but his eyes stared at Xiao Weijing reproachfully.

Xiao Weijing was shocked and hurriedly explained, “I haven’t been here for some time. I only returned home this evening. Also, Second Uncle, you know me. Would I do something like that? Those childhood pranks are long over. I haven’t done anything like that since I grew up.”

Glancing at Tang You, who was still covering her face and staring at the ground with her ears and neck flushed red, Xiao Weijing couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for her.

This feeling was quite strange.

Xiao Weijing had always thought he wasn’t someone who doted on others easily.

His taste had always been for lively, confident women; these women rarely cried, and they remained optimistic no matter what happened.

These character traits were the complete opposite of Tang You, who cried easily.

But now, Xiao Weijing finally understood why some people gravitated toward delicate, tender girls.

Comforting her and listening to her soft, gentle sniffles was quite a pleasant experience.

Due to her fragile appearance and her natural trust in him, Xiao Weijing’s throat felt dry. He slowed down his voice, saying, “Tang You, don’t be afraid. I’ll have someone get you another room right away.”

Tang You’s voice sounded muffled. “Thank you.”

Seeing her finally speak, Xiao Weijing recalled his initial purpose. “Mom knows you have a habit of drinking milk before bed, so she asked me to bring you some warm milk.”

It was just an excuse; his intention was not to bring her milk but to chat and spend time with her.

Usually, Xiao Weijing would have declined directly, but now, all he wanted was to stay with the current Tang You.

Tang You covered her face and murmured, “Thank you.”

She didn’t dare to let go, afraid that she would burst into laughter.

Heaven, Xiao Weijing was too easily fooled!

He had been manipulated by Xiao Zexing since he entered the room.

It was exactly like when she was deceived by him in the past.

Xiao Weijing wanted to continue speaking, but Xiao Zexing tugged at his arm and pulled him outside.

The news of the mouse incident in Tang You’s room soon alarmed Zhao Manlan. Hearing that Tang You was petrified to tears, Zhao Manlan gave Xiao Weijing a heavy punch on the chest, scolding him, “Have you gone crazy? It’s already this late, and you’re still picking on Tang You! I guess you don’t want a wife anymore.”

Xiao Weijing covered his chest, suspecting that his mother had secretly trained herself iron palm techniques behind his back.

He felt helpless. “Mom, I really didn’t do it this time.”

Zhao Manlan didn’t even bother to listen to him and glared at him in anger. Then she turned around and went to comfort Tang You, who was still feeling guilty. “It’s okay, Dear. Did you get a good look at what that rat looked like?”

Infuriated by his foolishness, Zhao Manlan only shot him a glare. She did not bother to pay attention to a word he said and instead turned around to check on Tang You with a distressed look on her face.

At this time, Tang You had already been given another room. In order to ensure there were no unwanted small animals hiding, the staff thoroughly cleaned and searched every nook and cranny of the room. 

During Xiao Weijing and Xiao Zexing’s conversation, Tang You had been listening at the side, nearly suffocating as she held in her laughter. Therefore, when Zhao Manlan came over to comfort her, it undoubtedly caused her to feel a twinge of guilt, especially after feeling her sincerity. 

“It’s okay, Auntie…”

Tang You could only force a smile and make up a description. “It was a large, gray rat.”

She had no idea how big a normal rat should be, so she gestured vaguely.

Zhao Manlan was shocked by her description. “That big?”

At that moment, Xiao Zexing and Xiao Weijing entered the room side by side. Xiao Zexing casually asked, “What’s so big?”

Zhao Manlan replied, “The rat.”

Xiao Weijing couldn’t help but ask, “Second Uncle, didn’t you see it? What did the rat look like?”

Xiao Zexing kept a straight face. “It looked somewhat like a golden hamster.”

Tang You was shocked!

Oh no, this was terrible! Now, the testimonies wouldn’t match up!

The  truth was about to be revealed!

Zhao Manlan looked confused. “That’s not right. Didn’t Tang You say it was a large, gray rat?”

As they were talking, Zhao Manlan tried to gesture again, saying, “It can’t be that big. There’s no way it was a golden hamster.”

Xiao Zexing remained composed and smiled calmly. “Perhaps we saw different rats.”

Zhao Manlan became even more anxious and stood up, saying, “Oh my, could there be a rat’s nest?”

Xiao Weijing corrected her, “The size difference is too big. It can’t be from the same rat’s nest. There should be at least two nests.”

Zhao Manlan was even more afraid. “It’s not spring now, and the rats are already mating?”

Xiao Weijing added, “These rats are too bold. They’re not not even afraid of doing it in broad daylight.” 

Xiao Zexing chuckled. “Perhaps it’s true love.”

Tang You still remained seated on the bed, not daring to look at Xiao Zexing. Her ears and cheeks were burning.

Zhao Manlan frowned, pacing back and forth. Finally, she stopped and said decisively, “No, we must have someone who specializes in exterminating rodents come and take a look tomorrow.”

Tang You tried her best to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.

She was really afraid of revealing anything by accident.

She felt like a quail right now, sitting obediently and gently.

For fear that the young girl had been horribly frightened by the experience, Zhao Manlan wrapped Tang You in her arms and comforted her while gently brushing back her hair. 

Deep down, Tang You only felt an overwhelming sense of guilt.

Zhao Manlan was being very good to her, even treating her like her own daughter.

As the two men watched the two ladies talking, they walked out of the room in unison.

Xiao Weijing was still thinking about Tang You’s expression just now. “Actually, I find Tang You quite pleasing to be with.”

He spoke from the heart.

She was far from the spoiled girl he had initially thought she was.

Xiao Zexing glanced at him. “Then, what about before?”

Xiao Weijing’s face showed a hint of embarrassment. “Before… I didn’t understand her.”

“I don’t think you understand her much even now.” Xiao Zexing smiled, still gazing at the night sky. “Weijing, you’re still too young and don’t know what you truly want. It’s normal to have gains and losses when you’re hesitant.”

At this point, Xiao Zexing turned to look at him. “About Wen Ling… Are you sure she was the one who saved you back then?”

Xiao Weijing was taken aback.

Xiao Zexing patted his shoulder and said, “What you need to learn most now is not to be swayed by appearances.”

“You’re too easily deceived.”

The next day, Jiang Chenting came to pick up Tang You and take her home. She sat in the car, holding her phone and feeling drowsy, about to close her eyes.

Jiang Chenting noticed her exhausted look and asked, “Tang Tang, what’s wrong with you?”

As he was about to reach out and check her temperature, he remembered that she had avoided his touch last time and silently retracted his hand.

“It’s nothing.” Tang You didn’t notice his movement and yawned. “Oh, by the way, do you have any plans for this afternoon?”

“No, why?” Jiang Chenting asked.

“The teacher told us to choose the topics in the afternoon, and there’s also a discussion about our graduation project.” Tang You was still very worn out and not too enthusiastic. “After we have lunch, can you take me back to school?”

It was Jiang Chenting’s birthday that day.

If it weren’t for that, Tang You wouldn’t have gone back to Jiang Tao and Jiang Xiao’s home.

That place belonged to them, not her.

Although Tang You could drive, she hadn’t slept well the night before, and her mental state wasn’t that good right now. For safety reasons, it was better not to drive.

“I thought it was for something important.” Jiang Chenting chuckled lightly. “Everything is on me.”

Tang You yawned and played with her phone for a while.

She wasn’t good at competitive games, so she played the simplest ones like Bubble shooters and Match-3 games. Eliminating those little squares could help pass the time.

As she played, Tang You curled up and slowly fell asleep.

The scattered sunlight fell on her face, only highlighting her light makeup. Her brows and eyes looked particularly gentle, though she did seem a bit fatigued with faint dark circles under her long eyelashes.

Jiang Chenting couldn’t help but temporarily stop the car, gazing at her intently.

Tang You’s clothes were all intact.

Jiang Chenting carefully checked her neck, wrists, and arms—any visible areas. Fortunately, there were no suspicious marks.

It should be that she had slept late, and there was no way Xiao Zexing dared to bully her in Xiao Weijing’s house.

He shouldn’t have stooped so low.

Light blinked from the phone Tang You held loosely in her hand, and Jiang Chenting caught sight of three words on the screen—Xiao Zexing.

His temple throbbed, and his face darkened. He carefully took the phone from her hand.

Xiao Zexing: I’m sorry about last night.

Jiang Chenting stared at the message for a long time.

Without hesitation, he deleted it immediately.

When Tang You woke up, the car was still moving. She rubbed her eyes, turned her head, and asked Jiang Chenting, “How long did I sleep?”

“Less than twenty minutes.” Jiang Chenting grinned as he continued, “Sleeping in the car must be uncomfortable. Did you not sleep well last night?”

“It’s alright.”

Tang You’s neck felt stiff. She stretched her hand to massage it as she looked at the increasingly familiar scenery outside.

They had arrived home.

Before getting out of the car, Tang You finally found her phone by her feet. It must have fallen when she was sleeping so soundly.

Jiang Chenting remained silent, stood beside her, and took the initiative to open the car door for her.

Jiang Tao and Tang Nan hadn’t returned yet.

Jiang Chenting intentionally made them stay out so Tang You wouldn’t feel uncomfortable.

In the living room, Tang Xiao looked somewhat dejected. Hearing the door, he remained seated on the sofa and shot Tang You a dark look before sneering coldly, “You finally know to come home.”

He still treated Tang You as a mere vase. Using his arms to support himself as he stood up from the sofa, he grabbed several pictures from a display cabinet and said, “All these people were chosen for you by your aunt. Take a look. In a while, she’ll arrange a blind date for you.”

Tang You lowered her head and stared at the pictures, flashing a sarcastic smile. “Are you in that much of a hurry to find me a boyfriend?”

“Otherwise?” Tang Xiao glared at her. “Do you think you’re in high demand or something?”

Speaking of this, he was annoyed again.

Tang You didn’t pay him any mind and carefully scrutinized the photos. She picked one up and lifted it up. “If I’m not mistaken, the kid from this one’s ex-wife is already two years old, right?”

Tang Xiao said, “Older men know how to take care of people.”

Tang You neither agreed nor disagreed and picked up another photo. “I’m pretty sure I’ve heard that this man is a gambler.”

“Who doesn’t have some hobbies?” Tang Xiao retorted, “He’s the youngest in his family. Their family is wealthy. After the elders pass away, even a tiny leak from their inheritance will be enough for you to live a lifetime.”

Tang You picked the last one and grinned. “If I remember correctly, isn’t this one Tang Nan’s ex-boyfriend?”

“How is that possible?” Tang Xiao was infuriated. “My sister has always been a good student and has never had a boyfriend.”

“Is that so?” Tang You didn’t argue either way. She dropped the photos and clapped her hands. “You don’t need to make these random arrangements for me. I won’t go on blind dates, and I certainly won’t follow your plans.”

Tang Xiao got even angrier. “You’re picky now, but why didn’t you pick Xiao Weijing back then? Did you think there was someone better than him? Huh?”

This topic couldn’t be pursued any further.

Tang You turned and sighed. “I’m sorry, brother. It seems I won’t be able to attend your birthday today.”

“It’s okay,” Jiang Chenting said as he took the car keys. “I’ll take you back.”

As Tang You was about to leave, Tang Xiao’s suppressed emotions finally burst out. “Tang You, why can’t you just be sensible? I’ve worked so hard to raise you. Why is it that all that you can do is to make me angry? If only you were like your sister—”

Suddenly, Tang You turned around and shot a cold glare at him. “You want me to be more like Tang Nan who’s been going around cheating and having casual flings? Do you really think you’ve been a successful father?”

Tang Xiao was stunned by Tang You’s words. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

“Maybe you should find out by yourself if it’s truly nonsense,” Tang You retorted coldly. “Do you really think that Tang Nan is your obedient, well-behaved daughter? Do you actually believe you’ve been a great parent? What have you taught me since childhood? You’re even willing to give away the company my mother left for me to your stepdaughter. Are you shameless enough to say that I’m the one who doesn’t understand anything? Is the skin on your face as thick as a rhinoceros?

Tang Xiao had never been reprimanded like this before and trembled with anger. “I think you’ve gone mad. Without my help, how are you going to find a good man in the future? By relying solely on yourself? Do you really think your grandmother will genuinely protect you? She doesn’t even want her own son!”

Tang You didn’t bother to look at him. She walked away.

Once she was far enough, Jiang Chenting caught up with her. There was a wet patch on his shirt decorated with tea leaves sprawled over the damp splotch. It seemed that Tang Xiao had taken out his anger on him.

Even though he was just soaked with tea, Jiang Chenting’s expression remained calm. “It’s still early. Do you want me to take you back to your apartment?”

“Let’s head straight to the university,” Tang You replied in a low voice. “I’m sorry.”

Jiang Chenting was momentarily puzzled, only then realizing that her apology was referring to Tang Nan.

She had just revealed everything Tang Nan had done.

With Tang Xiao’s character, he would probably thoroughly investigate the matter, and Tang Nan would likely suffer.

“It’s okay,” Jiang Chenting said with a deep gaze. “In my heart, there will always be only one sister, and that’s you, Tangtang.”

Even though Tang Nan also shared the same surname, Jiang Chenting would only call Tang You “Tantang.”

Tang You was still thinking about her recent argument with her father. She closed her eyes as her temples throbbed.

Jiang Chenting chuckled self-deprecatingly. “If only people could choose their parents.”

Tang You put on a baseball cap and pulled the tip down.

Yes, if only people could choose their parents.

She also wanted a father who could truly love her.

Miao Jiaxi returned to school early.

During lunch, she noticed that Tang You didn’t look too well and didn’t hesitate to comfort her. “It’s just something on the internet. It’s all fake. Just relax, and don’t take it seriously.”

Tang You was eating her tofu pudding in small bites but froze when she heard that. “What?”

Miao Jiaxi scratched her head in bewilderment. “Huh? Aren’t you upset because of Cherry Xiao Xuemei¹? She caused some trouble online, right?”

As soon as Tang You heard who was being mentioned, her head began to ache. She put down the spoon, took out her phone, and tried to log in to Weibo. “What happened to her?”

“Just take a look, and you’ll know.” Miao Jiaxi was also quite puzzled. “I’m not exactly sure of the details, but it seems she’s having a fight with some of your fans.”

Tang You took out her phone, scrolled down the trending topics, and slowly read through them.

She finally understood.

Just the day before, Cherry Xiao Xuemei¹ uploaded an oblique Weibo post that angered some of Yuko’s fans. A few die-hard fans decided to question her intentions directly on her Weibo account, asking what she meant by insinuating something about Yuko.

If Cherry Xiao Xuemei¹ had just ignored them, the matter would have ended there since such comments were common. However, to everyone’s surprise, she replied on Weibo, claiming to have been cyberbullied and picked on by “seniors” and announcing that she would be taking a break from the internet for a while. She even subtly provoked her fans to start arguing with Yuko’s fans.

Although Cherry Xiao Xuemei¹ cherry primary school girl was still attending school, she had already signed with a company and had a highly professional team that handled public relations, fan wars, and PR moves expertly. Many official accounts from various companies quickly joined in, masquerading as impartial commentators but implicitly siding with Cherry Xiao Xuemei¹.

Tang You scrolled through Weibo, laughing mockingly. “These official accounts’ comments are quite interesting. ‘Let me say some fair words.’ Isn’t that just saying that they’re on her side?”

Miao Jiaxi peeked over and couldn’t help but laugh too. “It’s like they’re saying, ‘I was hired by the army but have a message for you.'”

After laughing, Miao Jiaxi asked Tang You, “Have you offended anyone recently?”

“It seems so,” Tang You replied nonchalantly, tasting the tofu pudding. “Several marketing companies have been constantly calling me for the past week, wanting to sign me.”

Most likely, it had something to do with Cherry Xiao Xuemei¹.

Tang You’s recent interaction had mainly been with Cherry Xiao Xuemei¹.

“Really?”

“The most aggressive one is the ‘Jiayu Culture’ company, which Cherry Xiao Xuemei¹ is from,” Tang You added lazily. “Their actions seem to suggest that if they can’t have me, they will ruin me.”

Miao Jiaxi pondered for a moment. “It’s also possible that they want to push you to a dead end and then present you with a tempting offer. They want to use public pressure to cause Yuko’s mental collapse and then propose a fake reconciliation along with a tempting contract. It’s like hitting you with a stick and then giving you a sweet jujube.”

Speaking of which, Miao Jiaxi expressed her concern for her friend. “What will you do?”

“I’ll hire a professional PR team tomorrow to handle it and try to establish my personal studio as soon as possible.” Tang You put down her phone and continued eating her tofu pudding slowly. “But, for now, I don’t have any concrete plans.”

The power of public opinion was slightly more formidable than Tang You had expected.

Under the name of Jiayu Culture, the marketing accounts were creating a negative atmosphere around her. Although it was challenging to deceive the general public, Yuko’s prolonged absence from the spotlight left room for speculation about her true appearance.

Rumors became increasingly absurd, with some even claiming that Yuko didn’t exist and that this account was being operated by multiple people.

After all, body proportions could be easily manipulated through editing.

“I thought her waist-to-hip ratio looked a bit exaggerated. Who even has such a slim waist?”

“She’s been absent for so long. There must be something fishy going on.”

…

On her way back from class, Tang You received a phone call.

It was from a company that had previously maintained good cooperation with her. They politely informed her that, due to a risk assessment, the advertising shoot plan for the next two months had been temporarily canceled.

Tang You calmly expressed her understanding.

However, after hanging up the phone, she was furious.

In the past, she had always considered herself an unbothered blogger, remaining unperturbed even when faced with criticism or attacks, but now, Tang You had been thoroughly provoked by Cherry Xiao Xuemei¹ and the company supporting her.

She ate less for dinner, and Meng Yunqiu noticed, gently stroking the cat in her arms as she asked with a smile, “What’s bothering you today?”

Tang You held the spoon, unable to resist asking her, “Grandma, if I want to establish a personal studio, would you have any advice for me?”

“You don’t have much understanding of this industry, so why not find a reliable talent agency to collaborate with and invest in? It’s much better than starting from scratch on your own.” Meng Yunqiu calmly provided suggestions, adding with a smile, “Your second uncle invested in a few talent agencies. You could ask him.”

Find Xiao Zexing?

Absolutely not.

No way.

Tang You was still angry and didn’t want to seek help from him.

Even if she had to pay a huge price, she wouldn’t go to this cunning old fox for help.

The commotion on Weibo was still ongoing. The quarrel was never-ending, and just as Tang You was about to call the PR department to deal with it, Xiao Zexing’s phone call suddenly came.

Her phone was ringing, but she did not pick it up. 

She simply kept staring at it and allowed it to ring for a few more seconds before finally pressing the answer button. 

“Youyou, Aunt Meng has already told me about the studio. Do you have some time tomorrow? If so, let us meet and talk it over in detail,” Xiao Zexing said in his usual tone of voice, no different from how he usually sounded. 

Tang You responded without missing a beat, “No, I don’t have the time.”

What if this is another trap set by this old fox?

Given the way Xiao Zexing was acting, she might end up having two children in five years if she actually allowed him to help her set up her studio. Who knew if this would give way for more opportunities for that to happen between them.

She was still resentful.

It was strange. Back when she regarded him as an elder, she didn’t have these myriad of thoughts. Now that she saw through his true intentions, Tang You couldn’t help but want to “sort things out” with him.

Perhaps because his image of being her elder had completely disappeared?

Xiao Zexing sighed, and through the phone, his voice sounded slightly lower, tinged with helplessness. “Why are you still acting childish?”

It wasn’t childishness, but rather, the fact that he had deceived her time and time again.

Tang You retorted with fury, “If you think I’m still a child, you should be more merciful and take a closer look at the ‘Law on the Protection of Minors.’ Don’t keep targeting me. I’m just a child. Thanks!”

She rattled off her words and decisively hung up the phone.

The screen lit up, indicating a new message.

Huo Xunan: My wife told me that you’ve faced some trouble today. Do you need help?

Tang You immediately sat up, about to reply, but his next message quickly followed.

Huo Xunan: With your current fan base, it’s better to establish a personal studio.

As expected of her respected childhood role model. He had hit the nail on the head and pointed out the problem.

It perfectly matched her grandmother’s opinion and her own thoughts.

Huo Xunan: My former company, Hua Lun Entertainment, is currently interested in investing. If you need help, I can introduce you.

Tang You couldn’t believe that her childhood role model would offer her such an excellent opportunity. It was truly a timely help.

Excited, Tang You replied, “Thank you, Uncle.”

Realizing her typo, she quickly retracted the message, attempting to correct it: “Thank you, Brother Nan.”

Huo Xunan replied swiftly, “You’re welcome. It’s just a small favor.”

Half an hour later, Huo Xunan sent her the detailed address and contact information.

The person Huo Xunan recommended to assist her in establishing the studio was named Meng Yuan, and he was referred to as Yuan.

They agreed to meet at ten o’clock the next morning.

Tang You couldn’t help but exclaim that she had never made the wrong choice during her childhood; Huo Xunan was the perfect role model who was worthy of her admiration.

She expressed her blessings for his everlasting love for his wife.

The next day, at ten o’clock, Tang You wore a classic Chanel suit with satin high heels embroidered with a pure white camellia. After carefully checking her appearance in the mirror and confirming that everything was perfect, she finally felt relieved.

Coincidentally, Ah Mai’s social anxiety had eased a bit, and after learning about Tang You’s plans, she volunteered to be her assistant temporarily.

However, Ah Mai hadn’t interacted with people for a long time and still felt very anxious. She asked with worry, “Tang You, what if this fails?”

“It won’t fail,” Tang You said firmly. “Don’t worry, I bet my life on it. It’ll be a success.”

She didn’t want to continue to be at the mercy of others.

With an appointment, it was easy to enter the building. A female assistant led Tang You to the reception area with a smile and said, “Manager Meng is currently in a meeting. Please wait here for a moment.”

Tang You thanked her.

As she placed her phone back in her bag, it vibrated gently. She took it out and saw a message from Xiao Zexing. “Do you need my help with the studio?”

Tang You typed vigorously in response, expressing her firm stance. “No matter if I’m being attacked all over the internet or if my account gets deleted and rumors spread, I’ll never seek your help, and I won’t say a word to you.”

After sending the determined message, she heard footsteps approaching less than a minute later.

The conference room door opened, and conversations echoed. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a pair of polished black leather shoes.

Tang You immediately put away her phone and stood up with Ah Mai. Meng—.”

Xiao Zexing, dressed in a suit, walked out.

Following behind him was the person he had recommended, Meng Yuan.

Tang You froze.

This was her first time seeing Xiao Zexing in public. He had all the buttons on his shirt fastened and his tie neatly in place. He exuded an air of strict discipline. He seemed different from the usual him.

Meng Yuan was chatting with Xiao Zexing. “Why are you so happy?”

“Nothing.” Xiao Zexing’s voice held a tinge of happiness as he replied calmly, “I accidentally annoyed the little cat at home, and now it’s ignoring me.”

“In that case, you’d better coax it.” Meng Yuan glanced at Tang You and finally stopped the chitchat. He looked directly at her with a smile. “You’re Tang You, introduced by Xunan, right? Yuko? Today, Chairman Xiao is also here. He’s very interested in your proposal and would like to have a proper conversation with you.”

Xiao Zexing slightly bent down, smiling as he extended his hand toward Tang You. “Hello, I’m Xiao Zexing.”

Ah Mai looked at Tang You with puzzlement. She clearly didn’t understand why the usually eloquent Tang You was silent at this moment.

Meng Yuan was also somewhat surprised.

Seconds passed slowly.

No matter if she was attacked all over the internet or even if her account gets deleted and rumors spread, she would never seek help from Xiao Zexing, and she wouldn’t say a word to him!

The resolute words she sent to him still played in her mind.

She, Tang You, would not change her name or hide her identity.

With an ironclad determination, she had never gone back on her words from childhood until now.

Her sense of pride had never been stronger. Even if the mountains collapsed, the seas surged, and the volcanoes erupted, she would never bow her head to the old fox in front of her.

Tang You extended her trembling hand like a rigid robot and placed it in his warm palm. “Chief Xiao, it’s nice to meet you.”