White Lotus 32

Tang You felt that life was unbearable.

Xiao Zexing casually put down his phone, clasped his hands together, and placed them in front of him. “Do your private conversations always involve such concerning topics?”

Tang You didn’t want to get out of the water.

She wanted to drown herself in this pool.

Right now, she felt that being in the swimming pool was particularly pleasant.

It was cooling and refreshing to the core; it perfectly matched her current mood.

Tang You blurted out stiffly, “It’s like wanting to sleep with Chen X. It’s just something said in passing—an unattainable, lofty goal.”

Xiao Zexing interjected, “Your small goal is quite easily achievable.”

His right leg crossed over his left, pulling his crisply ironed pants up slightly. It hinted at his well-toned body, exuding an indescribable sensuality.

Physical attraction could not achieve the highest level of sensuality.

It was about restraint, abstinence, and the allure of beauty.

Tang You struggled to resist the temptation and shook her head vigorously. “No, no, no… I think it’s better not to achieve it.”

During the previous time in the swimming pool, she had sensed a sort of unrestrained emotion from this man. Afterward, she dreamed about it several times—breathing in the fresh petrichor from the grass and trees and watching the sunshine pour down on the earth as she sat on the ladder by the poolside with the disheveled Xiao Zexing holding her ankle, forcing her to bump into his waist.

Now, Tang You stood in the shallow water, refusing to take another step forward.

She was going to die. She really was going to die.

She had casually mentioned that she was infatuated with Xiao Zexing’s body before. How could Miao Jiaxi, the pervert, remember it so clearly?

Besides, wasn’t this supposed to be a topic discussed late at night? Why did Miao Jiaxi text her this early in the morning, asking about websites and progress? What did she mean by all this?

Xiao Zexing propped his forehead with his fingers, smiling as he looked at her. “Why are you so far away? Are you worried that I might eat you?”

Tang You choked. “It depends on what context of ‘eating’ you’re implying. You’ve also had some impure thoughts.”

After the “pool incident” last time, Tang You had been on guard. Her swimsuit this time was a navy blue one-piece, covering almost her entire body.

Sunlight streamed in through the transparent glass, casting a golden glow on her shoulders. Tang You lifted her chin slightly as she stood in the water. The rippling water reflected a sparkling radiance on her fair skin, making her particularly enchanting.

Xiao Zexing chuckled. “You’re so afraid of me now, but how did you have the courage to sleep next to me?”

Tang You crouched slightly, burying her face in the water. She denied vehemently, “No!”

She felt uneasy, sensing that something was off. She hurriedly explained, “That was just banter. Nothing but playful banter. Don’t you understand? It was just a joke. How could I possibly want to sleep with you?”

Tang You, at most, had only thought about it in her mind.

It was exactly like how girls might fantasize about their favorite male celebrities in their minds. Upon seeing the real person, they might be excited enough to want an autograph, but they would never dare entertain any impure thoughts.

Tang You was just that adaptable and cowardly.

If Xiao Zexing were just an ordinary person, it would be one thing, but considering his current identity, it was impossible for her to make a move.

Tang You didn’t want to become involved with her ex-fiancé’s uncle in that way, at least not for the time being.

It was such a visible trigger for a family drama.

If she really slept with Xiao Zexing, how would Grandpa Xiao and Grandma Xiao perceive her in the future? How would Zhao Manlan see her? Tang Huhu, Jiang Chenting, the old man guarding the apartment entrance, that guy who could barely be called her father…

How could she continue living?

Xiao Zexing stood up, startling Tang You, who instinctively shrunk back into the water as if she was attempting to use some sort of water escape technique.

Only her round, shiny eyes were visible as she looked at him.

Xiao Zexing chuckled. “Not afraid of the water now?”

Hmm?

Following his reminder, Tang You suddenly realized that her fear of water had diminished significantly.

Her heart was racing now, but the feeling of tightness in her chest was gone.

Perhaps it was because the terrifying Xiao Zexing was standing on the shore.

Was this a legendary “fight fire with fire” situation?

Tang You lifted her face and stared at him, issuing a warning, “Don’t forget the vow you made. If you dare touch me, you’ll be alone for the rest of your life!”

“I haven’t forgotten.” Xiao Zexing looked up, checked his wristwatch, and added, “There’s an issue over at Weijing. I need to go there. Can you handle being on your own here?”

Tang You snorted. “I’m even better off when you’re not here.”

Xiao Zexing neither confirmed nor denied her claim.

Coincidentally, Tang Huhu came over with a ball in her mouth. Xiao Zexing bent down and gently patted Tang Huhu’s head. “Good Huhu, I’ll take you for a run tomorrow.”

Tang Huhu barked cheerfully. “Woof!.”

Tang You buried her face in the water and exhaled, forming bubbles over the surface.

That sly old fox…

It seemed like Tang Huhu no longer recognized her as her mother!

Watching Xiao Zexing leave, Tang You finally emerged from the pool, picked up her phone, and carefully checked her messages.

After reading all the messages sent by Miao Jiaxi, Tang You felt as if she was about to self-destruct right there and then.

Xiao Zexing had only read two of them aloud.

In reality, Miao Jiaxi had sent several more.

Miao Jiaxi: I saw a picture. The height difference between them is huge. I feel that it suits you and Xiao Zexing. The posture’s pretty exciting too.

The picture was large and in high-resolution. It was a piece of artwork by an artist. A tall man in a suit was holding a petite girl, the rim of her eyes red from being bullied as if she were about to cry. Her little mouth was slightly open, and she was pressing the man’s hand helplessly, trying to stop him from moving his hand down her waist.

The lower parts of the image couldn’t be described explicitly.

Under normal circumstances, Tang You might have been interested in and appreciated it.

However, just for that day, she only glanced at it briefly.

She had been quite open about such things before, considering her phone was always with her. Who could have predicted that things would go so awry?

Tang You prayed that Xiao Zexing hadn’t seen the last message.

She sent Miao Jiaxi the link she wanted after removing every item from her phone that didn’t adhere to socialist core values.

When Meng Yunqiu returned home in the evening, she noticed that Tang You seemed visibly downcast, like a flower that had been battered by a storm.

“What’s wrong?” Meng Yunqiu observed her expression and questioned, “Did your second uncle bother you?”

“No.” Tang You took a couple of bites of her meal and repeated like a broken record, “No.”

It was her own secret that had been exposed by Xiao Zexing.

Meng Yunqiu, being the older one, had a light dinner. She put down her spoon and had someone bring over a cat. She petted its fur calmly. “Why do you seem unhappy as soon as he shows up?”

The quiet, well-behaved cat lay in her owner’s arms, enjoying the massage.

She couldn’t tell such an embarrassing thing to Meng Yunqiu. Tang You lowered her head and stuffed a few bites of rice into her mouth before she gloomily said, “I find Second Uncle to be pretty calculating. It’s kind of scary.”

Meng Yunqiu didn’t take her words seriously. “If he wasn’t calculating, he wouldn’t have made it this far.”

Tang You lifted her face.

Meng Yunqiu smiled. “Zexing and Weijing are not the same. From my perspective, being shrewd is not a drawback for him.”

Tang You slowly swallowed the food in her mouth.

Meng Yunqiu noticed her wavering expression and continued to pet the cat. “Your second uncle cares about you a lot. If it weren’t for him coming to me, I might not have gotten involved in your affairs with the Xiao family’s child.”

“Huh?”

“I used to think you were like your mother, a naïve woman trying to win a man’s heart just by being close to him,” Meng Yunqiu elaborated. “Then, your second uncle came to see me, convincing me that you definitely weren’t the kind of girl who would sacrifice herself for Xiao Weijing. He asked for my help.”

At this point, Meng Yunqiu pinched the cat’s ears and rubbed them a couple of times. “Your second uncle isn’t usually this considerate towards others.”

Tang You remained silent, quietly picking at her rice and eating cautiously.

The next day, due to issues at the studio, Tang You went to Hualun Entertainment to see Meng Yuan early in the morning. Unexpectedly, she ran into Xiao Zexing. 

Xiao Zexing wasn’t wearing a black suit but rather a textured, sophisticated shade of blue.

He rarely wore this color, and the pattern of his tie was different.

Tang You couldn’t help but glance over a few more times, finding the outfit strangely familiar.

Wait a minute.

Tang You remembered.

Xiao Zexing’s suit and tie were exactly the same as the man in the image Miao Jiaxi had sent her the day before!

Tang You froze.

That explicit image appeared in her mind, but now, she couldn’t replace the couple in the image with herself and Xiao Zexing.

Meng Yuan grinned and asked, “Miss Tang? What’s wrong? Why are you staring at Director Xiao?”

Tang You’s eyes were vacant. “Nothing.”

After a two-second pause, she came to realize her cold attitude and quickly tried to save it with flattery. “Director Xiao, you look exceptionally handsome today. If being good-looking could make money, you would definitely be the richest person in the world by now.”

Xiao Zexing remained composed. “If that’s the case, Miss Tang, the title of richest should rightfully belong to you.”

The matter was nearly settled. Xiao Zexing had been in a good mood these days, and Meng Yuan was also more relaxed. Xiao Zexing couldn’t help but guffaw. “Miss Tang, your way of speaking is quite interesting.”

Tang You managed an awkward smile.

After leaving the meeting room, Tang You received a message from Xiao Zexing.

Xiao Zexing: Why are you so sweet with your words today?

Xiao Zexing: Here’s a daily question. Does little sweet Youyou want to accomplish her little goal today?

Tang You’s ears turned red, and she typed, “Don’t want to.”

Tang You: Why did you dress so nicely all of a sudden today?

Xiao Zexing: Economic downturn. I have to rely on selling my looks to survive.

Tang You stared at her phone screen for a while before smirking.

Based on Xiao Zexing’s face and physique alone, if he ever fell to the point of needing to sell his looks to survive, Tang You would happily support him for the rest of her life.

Since Xiao Zexing’s return that night, Xiao Weijing has begun to feel that something was amiss.

Having been away for over a month, Xiao Zexing spent a long time chatting with the old man in his room.

After having too much to drink at a social event that day, Xiao Weijing had been resting since dinner. Only the next day did Xiao Zenian mention that the old man seemed to be discussing matters regarding a wedding with Xiao Zexing.

Startled, Xiao Weijing sobered up from his hangover. He removed the ice pack from his forehead and asked, “Is my second uncle getting married? To whom?”

Xiao Zenian was similarly puzzled. “I’m not sure. Your grandfather mentioned it casually, estimating that it might happen next year.”

“Why estimate?” Xiao Weijing was perplexed. “Could it be that he doesn’t want to get married?”

“It’s not about your second uncle. It seems that the woman is still in school.” Xiao Zenian was equally uncertain. Usually, in such matters, the old man would be more than happy to share. However, this time, he kept the information sealed, refusing to reveal even a single detail. “I don’t know the specifics, but she might still be studying abroad. After all, your second uncle hasn’t spent much time in the country, so maybe it’s a girlfriend of his from abroad?”

“No, no, no,” Xiao Weijing immediately dismissed it. “During those years abroad, I never saw my second uncle show interest in any woman.”

Having spent four years working closely with Xiao Zexing, Xiao Weijing had witnessed the fiery passion of Western girls.

On the whole, their views on sex were more liberal than those in China.

Xiao Zexing was tall, appearing slim in clothes but having plentiful meat on his bones when undressed. This combination was universally admired in both Eastern and Western aesthetics. He received advances from colleagues and other women, and many actively pursued him. Yet, Xiao Zexing declined each and every one.

Even those who explicitly offered themselves for a night or brought up a physical relationship were all firmly rejected by him. 

To be frank, in the face of straightforward declarations of love or hints from girls, Xiao Weijing had a bit of a twisted mindset. However, after seeing Xiao Zexing’s pure heart and determination, reason overcame his emotions, and he gave up such thoughts.

“The old man didn’t give any details. Who knows?” Xiao Zenian sighed, also rather helpless. “In this family, only he and your second uncle would know. You know how your second uncle is; he’d never let slip a single word unless he was absolutely certain.”

Hearing his father’s words, Xiao Weijing felt somewhat emotional. “I always thought that my second uncle would be attracted to women who were equal to him. I never imagined he’d be interested in someone still caged in an ivory tower.”

Regardless of age, if someone was still confined to education and had not entered society yet, they were akin to a blank sheet of paper in the eyes of people like Xiao Zexing. One glance and he would know.

“If that girl is enrolled in a postgraduate program, her age wouldn’t be too far from yours.” Xiao Weijing’s father pondered over it deeply. “If she’s still in college, then… maybe around the same age as Youyou? Would it be odd for you to call someone so young your auntie?”

Xiao Weijing didn’t mind. “She probably isn’t too young. My uncle avoids trouble as much as possible. How could he possibly go for someone so much younger? There might be communication barriers.”

Xiao Weijing didn’t think his second uncle would take a young girl as his wife and keep her by his side.

Xiao Zexing didn’t seem like someone who would focus his attention on women.

His ideal partner should be someone refined, like a carefully grown rose.

Speaking of Tang You, Xiao Weijing’s father recalled something and gushed to Xiao Weijing with enthusiasm, “By the way, I sensed from your grandfather’s tone that he might be trying to set you up with Tang You again.”

Xiao Weijing’s heart tightened. “How did you figure that out?”

His father chuckled. “I overheard your grandfather and Ms. Meng discussing hiring a wedding gown designer. Your grandfather even mentioned that he’s had a jewelry merchant keep an eye out and will have a necklace made for Youyou. Not long ago, he even bought a sapphire at Christie’s.”

At this moment, Xiao Weijing’s father patted his shoulder with significant meaning. “It’s rare for your grandfather to care so much. You should clean up your act with Wen Ling.”

Xiao Weijing remained noncommittal.

He had never started anything with Wen Ling, so there was nothing about their relationship that should be resolved.

However, given the situation, it seemed that Tang You was aware as well.

She really did still love him deeply.

***

An evening social gathering awaited Xiao Weijing and Xiao Zexing, both of whom were cordially invited.

The mastermind orchestrating this event was none other than Hao Yun, with the primary objective aimed at Xiao Zexing, while Xiao Weijing played the intermediary role.

In recent days, Xiao Zexing had been trapped by his demanding professional commitments, leaving Xiao Weijing with scant opportunities for interaction.

After a considerable effort to seize a moment, Xiao Weijing’s burgeoning curiosity finally compelled him to pose a discrete question to Xiao Zexing. “Uncle, have you heard the rumor of an impending marital union?”

Xiao Zexing cast a measured gaze and inquired, “From whose lips did you glean such information?”

“It was my father,” Xiao Weijing responded. “He spoke to our venerable patriarch, claiming that you harbor matrimonial intentions for the coming year.”

Xiao Zexing, his voice subdued, disclosed, “Indeed, I have been considering such aspirations.”

“Is it truly so? From which distinguished family does the prospective bride hail?”

Xiao Zexing, discreetly evading a direct response, adjusted his necktie and remarked, “I shall inform you when matters are settled.”

Observing his uncle’s enigmatic demeanor, Xiao Weijing’s countenance grew deeply perplexed. “Could it be that the esteemed young lady in question has yet to provide her assent?”

“Indeed,” Xiao Zexing affirmed.

Restless with uncertainty, Xiao Weijing pried further, “Are her standards for men so high that not even you, dear uncle, have managed to meet them?”

Xiao Zexing chuckled. “Affairs of the heart are impervious to the force of mere compulsion.”

Xiao Weijing’s desire to delve deeper into the matter was abruptly truncated by the intrusion of a ringing phone. Xiao Weijing promptly answered, “Hello?”

“Mr. Xiao,” said Wen Ling from the other end, her tone infused with warmth. “Two urgent documents require your signature. Might I inquire about your current whereabouts? Shall I deliver them to you?”

Xiao Weijing maintained his silence.

Ever since discovering Wen Ling’s ill-fated self-harm, Xiao Weijing had entrusted her with the role of his personal assistant.

Wen Ling’s educational background was modest; her earnings from the gym were scarcely enough to cover her tax obligations, let alone her accumulated savings over the years.

Having saved his life, Xiao Weijing was morally obliged to prevent her descent into destitution.

Xiao Weijing’s compassionate heart could not remain impervious to her situation. The stark reality of Wen Ling’s self-inflicted wounds had momentarily tempered his judgment of her “momentary lapse of reason.”

In earnest remorse, Wen Ling attested that her actions were hasty and impulsive. As for the accident, she was entirely unaware of the subsequent involvement of Tang You’s vehicle.

Fatefully, Xiao Weijing found himself without a personal aide, and thus, the provisional assignment of assistantship was extended to Wen Ling.

As circumstances permitted, he intended to identify a more fitting role for her that aligned with her true talents before transitioning her onward.

Xiao Weijing provided his present location.

Given the simplicity of the task—a mere signature—Wen Ling promptly arrived.

Currently ensconced as Xiao Weijing’s assistant, her sartorial choices gradually gravitated toward a more refined wardrobe befitting a professional.

As she entered bearing the documents, Xiao Weijing, somewhat inebriated by Hao Yun’s dubious machinations, gestured for her approach.

Xiao Weijing had planned for her to leave as soon as he finished signing the documents. 

The people beside them hooted with laughter. “Oh my, Weijing’s little lover is here.”

Everyone knew that Xiao Weijing had someone with beauty against mainstream aesthetics who he took special care of. What they didn’t know was whether that special care extended to the bedroom or not. 

Hao Yun, too, succumbed to the effects of intoxication; his speech slurred as he jovially remarked, “To have Weijing overlook the succulent fruit that is Tang You, and now, observing Miss Wen Ling, it’s clear that she stands out from the crowd. Not only is she adept in her professional realm, but she also exhibits great competence in her personal life. She surpasses the role of a mere ornament.”

Xiao Zexing had initially considered lighting a cigarette, but upon casting a discerning gaze at Hao Yun, he redirected the ember’s path, extinguished it, and snapped the cigarette before discarding it into the wastebasket.

Subtle sinews protruded from the back of his hand.

As if she had shut her ears off from the external dialogue, Wen Ling proceeded to present the documents to Xiao Weijing with a deferential air. “Mr. Xiao.”

Xiao Weijing cast his gaze upon the documents, and his brow furrowed. “Does this matter warrant such urgency?”

The gravity Wen Ling attributed to the situation seemed to diverge from Xiao Weijing’s interpretation of its importance.

In a hushed tone, Wen Ling muttered, “Apologies, Mr. Xiao. I’m still not entirely familiar with these matters.”

“You’ve already spent a month as my assistant, and yet you still struggle with such simple tasks? Do you truly find it fitting to excuse your inexperience?” A frigid masculine voice interjected, and a pallor washed over Wen Ling’s countenance upon recognizing Xiao Zexing’s presence.

Though the room’s illumination remained subdued, Xiao Zexing’s presence exuded an undeniable charisma.

In stark contrast to Xiao Weijing, Xiao Zexing possessed an air of maturity.

When his temper flared, Xiao Zexing eclipsed even the formidable Xiao Weijing.

He directed his attention back to Xiao Weijing and inquired, “Have your expectations for an assistant descended to the level where you could just pick one up from a waste bin?”

Xiao Weijing’s expression revealed his discomfiture as he sought to clarify, “Uncle, Wen Ling once saved me.”

“Must you always resort to this explanation regardless of her transgressions? Is this all your eyes perceive?” Xiao Zexing’s voice remained composed as he scrutinized Xiao Weijing. “Would you, too, save her from the law if she committed murder?”

Xiao Weijing’s face alternated between crimson and pallid hues under Xiao Zexing’s probing. “No.”

“Indeed, Wen Ling.” Xiao Zexing turned to her. “Weijing persists in the reasoning that you rescued him. Therefore, elucidate the manner in which you saved him from jeopardy.”

The abruptness of Xiao Zexing’s inquiry caught Wen Ling off guard. Her pallor heightened as she recounted, “During the summer vacation after the first year of junior high, I joined the city’s youth swim team. My family’s modest means precluded enrolling me in a swimming facility, so I frequented the free-access beachside for my aquatic pursuits. Rescuing Mr. Xiao was entirely serendipitous. Never once did I contemplate reaping any form of recompense.”

“Never once?” Xiao Zexing’s incredulity resonated in a slight scoff. “Your actions suggest otherwise. Departing from the swim team, establishing a fitness center, and resorting to self-harm as a means of manipulation. A rather voracious appetite, it would seem.”

With this declaration, Xiao Zexing flung his lighter forcefully upon the table, turning his attention to Xiao Weijing. “You’ve traversed more than two decades of existence. Surely your discernment has matured. Have you truly been ensnared by such artless deceit over the past five years? Has your intellect been devoured by canines?”

Caught off guard by Xiao Zexing’s sudden surge of anger, Xiao Weijing found himself momentarily stupefied.

Why was his seemingly composed uncle unyielding in his pursuit of Wen Ling’s narrative?

Hao Yun, harboring the closest rapport with Xiao Weijing, hastened to defuse the awkward atmosphere. “Hey, Weijing, take some time to investigate this matter. We should repay our debts as the situation warrants. When the time comes, mend things with Tang You. Given her deep affection for you, a little appeasement should suffice. After all, when dealing with women, a gentle touch is often more effective.”

Amidst the company, whose faculties were clouded by inebriation, an acquiescing chorus ensued. “Indeed, indeed. As the adage goes, what happens between a couple behind closed doors can be solved, even the fiercest disagreements. Weijing, stand your ground, and a single night with Tang You should suffice. Given her petite stature, she’s unlikely to withstand—”

The sentence was left unfinished as Xiao Zexing, his face austere, rose from his seat and advanced purposefully. Seizing the offender’s collar with a firm grip, he effortlessly pulled him from his seat, delivering a swift blow to his cheek.

Caught off guard by the unexpected punch, the individual tumbled to the ground, his nose and teeth throbbing painfully.

As his head met the floor, a pang of agony surged through his body. The warmth of blood flowing from his nose accentuated his disorientation. He tentatively wiped his face, noting the presence of blood. He gazed up at Xiao Zexing. His voice trembled as he called out, “Uncle… Uncle Zexing?”

Xiao Zexing delivered a forceful kick to the man’s chest and then leaned over, his commanding presence bearing down on him. “What nonsense are you spewing?”

Xiao Weijing was left dumbfounded, never having imagined that one day he would witness his own uncle engaging in physical confrontation.

Hao Yun, startled, quickly intervened with conciliatory words. “Uncle Zexing.”

Finally lifting his foot, Xiao Zexing turned his gaze and directed his inquiry at Hao Yun. “What impelled you to spread baseless rumors about Tang You and Weijing?”

Hao Yun, having been reprimanded by Xiao Zexing, barely managed to muster his composure. “Uncle Zexing, I was mistaken.”

The man on the ground, still nursing his pain, dared not even emit a whimper. His hand was pressed against his chest, resembling a startled quail.

Initially, he had come to ask for Xiao Zexing’s assistance. Who could have foreseen that he would antagonize the elder?

Hao Yun swiftly poured a glass of wine with his trembling hands, presenting it to Xiao Zexing with the utmost respect. “Uncle Zexing, we’ve all had a bit too much to drink, and our words may not be prudent. It was just drunken, unintentional banter. Please do not take it to heart.”

Xiao Zexing regarded him with a piercing gaze, his facial muscles taut and void of any amusement.

Hao Yun earnestly continued, “I will henceforth regard Tang You as my sister and ensure that no further gossip circulates.”

Xiao Weijing, too, sought to mediate. “Uncle Zexing.”

The display deeply moved Xiao Weijing.

He had long known of his uncle’s protective nature, but he never expected Xiao Zexing to assume such a dutiful role in safeguarding his former fiancée’s reputation.

Even in such a setting, Xiao Zexing tirelessly championed her honor, ensuring it remained unblemished.

Xiao Zexing cast a cold glance at him and then picked up his wine glass. He drained it in one gulp and set it down forcefully on the table.

At that moment, Xiao Weijing realized that the look his uncle had just given him seemed somewhat dissatisfying.

A heavy silence hung in the air.

On the sidelines, Wen Ling was utterly terrified, her face pale as she stood in a corner.

Since Xiao Zexing had broached the matter from the past, Wen Ling felt as if she were being roasted over hot coals.

Her heart trembled with trepidation.

That jade bracelet was never actually a gift from Xiao Weijing.

Having just been chastised by Xiao Zexing, Hao Yun’s thick skin was somewhat emboldened, yet he still couldn’t entirely save his dignity. Having imbibed a bit too much alcohol, he felt uncomfortable and, upon Xiao Zexing’s sudden outburst, broke into a cold sweat.

Now that he had regained his wits, he sensed an urgent need to relieve himself.

Indeed, the earlier blow had almost made Hao Yun lose control of his bladder.

With Xiao Zexing’s mood appearing to somewhat improve, Hao Yun released a quiet sigh of relief, helped the fallen man to his feet, and headed toward the restroom.

Upon opening the door, he was taken aback, exclaiming involuntarily, “Hey, Tang You! What are you doing here?”

Xiao Zexing looked up.

In a subtle motion, he retrieved a tissue, wiped his hands clean, and discarded it in the wastebasket.

Straightening his slightly loosened tie, he turned his gaze toward the man he had just punched. The imprints of his shoe and traces of blood were conspicuously evident on the man’s attire.

Xiao Zexing’s brow furrowed in displeasure. “Take off your clothes, cover your face, and go wash up properly. Don’t frighten anyone else.”

The man was speechless.

Then, why did he strike so forcefully?

Xiao Weijing, who was closest to the door, stood up and moved past Hao Yun.

Suddenly, Tang You spotted Xiao Weijing and was taken aback.

She wore a vibrant red dress, and her eyes were particularly luminous. Her hair cascaded gently over her shoulders, and she stared at him in astonishment.

A surge of warmth welled up within Xiao Weijing.

As Hao Yun had mentioned, Tang You still cared for him.

After harboring affection for him for so many years, how could she simply give up?

Despite this stirring in his heart, Xiao Weijing refrained from displaying his emotions.

He couldn’t coddle her too much, especially when it came to a delicate, demure girl like Tang You. Spoiling her excessively would be unwise.

However, at this moment, Xiao Weijing couldn’t help but want to treat her a little better.

With a composed countenance, Xiao Weijing blocked the doorway and inquired Tang You, “What brings you here?”

Tang You was momentarily stupefied.

Even without her saying a word, Xiao Weijing could easily discern her intentions.

Aware that he disliked pretense, she was now inclined to adopt a more candid, straightforward approach.

She might say something like “I came to see you” or, perhaps more subtly, “just dropping by to say hello.”

Ultimately, she was attempting to foster a connection with him.

Upon reflection, Tang You wasn’t bad at all. Her previous gentle, delicate demeanor was quite endearing. While Xiao Weijing typically admired robust, forthright women, he unexpectedly found himself drawn to her tranquility.

As he contemplated her background, Xiao Weijing couldn’t help but pity her. Her father’s behavior was deplorable, her stepmother was malicious, and her disposition was likely a result of her upbringing. It was not entirely her fault.

Xiao Weijing felt he might have been too aloof with her.

After all, she was still young and had limited life experience. After they married, he would surely guide her, helping her rectify any negative traits. When they had children in the future, they would raise them well.

Perhaps he should extend a helping hand.

After all, Tang You had taken the initiative to come to him.

Standing at the doorway, Xiao Weijing looked down at her, his tone softening. “It’s not very convenient to talk here.”

Tang You interrupted him, “Excuse me, please move. I’m looking for Xiao Zexing.”