White Lotus 34

Before she could take the shirts away, Tang You felt a gentle tug on the tail of her sleep dress.

 

She turned around hastily.

 

Xiao Zexing lowered his gaze at her. "Could you bear to let me go out like this?"

 

Tang You tried to move herself away from him. She turned her face away and retorted firmly, "Wasn't it you who told me to pick the one I most wanted to take off? Since they're all meant to be taken off, then why bother wearing any?"

 

As she spoke, her ears had already turned crimson. Even her fair neck was tinged with a faint pink hue.

 

Xiao Zexing chuckled. "Tang You, what are you thinking?"

 

His tall stature was imposing. Even though there was no physical contact, he still made Tang You's heart race and tremble.

 

He still held the fluffy little tail of her dress in his hand. He had an almost unbelievable height advantage over her despite being barefoot.

 

Tang You didn't dare look back at him, afraid she might inadvertently turn into a hungry wolf and do something utterly improper. She turned her gaze to the side and froze.

 

In the nearby mirror, the current scene was perfectly reflected; Xiao Zexing stood behind her, his pants neatly and meticulously worn, yet his upper body remained completely bare. His broad, even shoulders were slightly hunched, gripping the fluffy tail of her dress. Despite the dress's considerable length, he still managed to pull it up, exposing her knee pit.

 

It was an oddly ambiguous atmosphere.

 

Though both of them were acting proper, the mirrored reflection made it seem like they were about to devour each other.

 

Xiao Zexing's gaze was now fixated on her knee pit.

 

Tang You felt that the situation was becoming a bit awkward.

 

Wait, would he actually lift up her dress, place her on the table, and engage in that indescribable act?

 

However, the height difference was too significant. If they were to do it standing, would she need to stand on a box?

 

Xiao Zexing smiled, breaking her chaotic thoughts. "Why have your ears become so red?”

 

Tang You stammered, "N—No reason…"

 

Her throat felt dry.

 

And uncomfortable.

 

Why did such a wonderfully handsome person, someone who perfectly matched her aesthetics, actually exist? Why did he have to be Xiao Weijing's uncle?

 

Tang You struggled to speak. "I was wondering when you'd let go of me."

 

If Xiao Zexing really didn't let go, could she… Or should she just decline straightforwardly?

 

Reason and emotions were fiercely battling in her mind. Her body was yearning to make contact with him, but her rationale told her that sleeping with Xiao Zexing would be an incredibly unwise decision.

 

Before Tang You could fully comprehend the situation, Xiao Zexing released his grip.

 

Huh?

 

Releasing her was a good sign; after all, Xiao Zexing wasn't the type to force her into doing something she didn’t want to. If he really did, things might not end well in the future.

 

Despite that, why did she still feel a bit thrilled by his momentary coercion?

 

Right now, she wasn't Tang You, nor was she Huang-Xin You¹. 

Instead, she was Tang ‘Huang-Xin’ to the point she was like a salted duck egg leaking You². 

 

As Tang You's inexplicable anticipation fell through, Xiao Zexing took a step forward, enveloping her in an embrace. He casually picked out a shirt from the ones she was holding against her chest, tugged on it a bit, and flashed a rueful smile. "Why are you holding onto it so tightly? Be a good girl and loosen up a bit. Can I wear it now?"

 

He towered her as he leaned in, encircling her in his embrace. His voice was deep, slow, and incredibly tender; it was nothing but a perfectly innocent sentence, but under the current ambiance, it became unusually alluring to her ears, stirring her imagination.

 

Tang You felt an urge to scream like a groundhog.

 

Even though she knew Xiao Zexing was talking about the shirt, why did strange, bizarre scenarios suddenly begin to flash through her mind?

Even though she was teetering on the brink of collapse, she still suppressed her impatience and coaxed him patiently. She gently wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes, alternating between tough patience and an irresistible unruliness.

 

Tang You turned around, held her breath, and shoved all the shirts into his arms. She forced herself to keep a stern expression. "Hurry up and put them on. I'll wait for you outside."

 

Fleeing once again.

 

Her avoidance felt shameful.

 

But it was effective.

 

In the living room, Tang You downed a glass of warm milk in one breath and began contemplating a question seriously.

 

To ensure Uncle's purity, should she reduce unnecessary contact?

 

She felt things might spiral out of control if they continued developing like this. Throughout these past few days, she couldn't help but think about pouncing on him or the other way around.

 

At this point, Tang You could no longer ignore Xiao Zexing's attraction to her.

 

It was too intense.

 

It was more intense than her love for hot pot, crayfish, and all her favorite foods combined.

 

In a state of unease, Xiao Zexing, now dressed again, walked over.

 

He looked much more dignified and proper. He hadn't worn his tie, and there were a few wrinkles on the shirt's edges from how she had handled it earlier, which he didn't seem to mind.

 

Tang You dared not look at him. Instead, she fixed her gaze obediently on the food on the table.

 

Being able to enjoy Chinese cuisine here was a rare treat. The dishes weren't extravagant but rather quite simple, featuring crab soup dumplings, blanched prawns, sautéed broccoli, pan-fried tofu, and red bean porridge.

 

She eyed the pan-fried tofu; its surface was golden, sprinkled with minced scallions, and drizzled with well-seasoned sauce.

 

Tang You took a small bite. The crispy outer layer crackled as her teeth sank into the inner bits that were soft, fresh, and tender. A sweet and spicy flavor seeped into her taste buds, and it was incredibly delicious. 

 

Her eyes lit up.

 

Xiao Zexing smiled at her. "Is it good?"

 

Tang You took another bite, her cheeks bulging. She nodded with delight.

 

It was delicious!

 

This was the first time she had tasted pan-fried tofu this good!

 

"I made it."

 

Tang You looked at Xiao Zexing in surprise.

 

Was he skilled in cooking too?

 

Was Uncle really this amazing?

 

Tang You finished the entire piece of tofu before sincerely complimenting him, "Second Uncle, your tofu is delicious³."

 

Xiao Zexing gazed at her.

 

Tang You remembered the bed incident the night before and quickly added, "What I mean is, the tofu you made is really delicious."

 

Xiao Zexing chuckled. "I wanted you to eat my tofu."

 

Tang You choked.

 

Xiao Zexing casually picked up a spoonful of crab roe tofu and added, "Eat the tofu I made."

 

Tang You lowered her head and took a bite.

 

Sweet and spicy.

 

Sigh… Regardless of whether it was the tofu that he made or his own tofu, she had the slight desire to eat them all. 

 

The auction would start at ten in the morning, and it wasn't even seven-thirty yet.

 

Tang You had almost devoured all the food for breakfast. She had eaten too much, and her stomach didn't feel great, so she lightly massaged it to alleviate the discomfort.

 

Fortunately, no matter how much she ate, Tang You wouldn't gain weight, otherwise, with her current state of indulgence, maintaining her figure would be impossible.

 

After eating and drinking her fill, Tang You sat on the sofa. She was about to change her clothes when she unexpectedly received a video call request from Jiang Chenting.

 

Startled by the ringing, she quickly sat up and answered the call, "Brother?"

 

Jiang Chenting appeared somewhat weary. He was dressed in a suit and tie, and from the background, it seemed like he was in his office.

 

Since the last incident in the area he was responsible for, he had been a busy bee. Tang You couldn't be of much help, but she knew that his work was putting a lot of pressure on him.

 

Rubbing his temples, Jiang Chenting asked her, "Why are you going to bed so early today, Youyou?"

 

Tang You paused for a moment, realizing the time difference between the two locations.

 

Before she could explain, Jiang Chenting caught sight of Xiao Zexing behind her through the video call.

 

Jiang Chenting's expression changed, and he asked with a stern tone, "Why are you with Xiao Zexing?"

 

Xiao Zexing was properly dressed while Tang You was in her pajamas, her hair rather disheveled. At this time of day, it was hard for Jiang Chenting not to have any suspicions.

 

His heart tightened. "Youyou?"

 

Tang You had to explain the situation to him. "Uncle and I are attending an auction together. We're returning tomorrow."

 

Obviously, this explanation lacked any persuasive power. Jiang Chenting's face turned serious as he straightened up and told her firmly, "Youyou, book a flight and come back now."

 

Tang You didn't understand why he had become so decisive all of a sudden. Before she could answer, Xiao Zexing calmly sat down beside her, his smile directed at Jiang Chenting through the screen. "Chenting."

 

Jiang Chenting's chest heaved with intensity, his gaze icy. He suppressed his anger and spoke to Xiao Zexing, "Uncle, Youyou is still young and naive. You're much older. You shouldn't indulge in her recklessness."

 

Xiao Zexing lounged on the sofa, his finger supporting his forehead as he chuckled. "Youyou has always been well-behaved. I really like that about her."

 

He really liked that about her?

 

Tang You glanced at Xiao Zexing.

 

He was obsessed with the plush tail… This furry maniac!

 

Jiang Chenting clenched a pen in his hand and then suddenly released it. "I want to talk to him alone, Youyou."

 

Xiao Zexing sought Tang You's opinion with a glance, and she nodded, curious as she watched him.

 

Jiang Chenting had praised Xiao Zexing's character before but had changed his stance out of the blue, urging her to stay away from him. In retrospect, he probably realized Xiao Zexing's intentions, right?

 

Tang You hadn't noticed at the time and had still fallen into that trap.

 

Now that she realized she had fallen into a pit, she found it quite a challenge to climb out of the pit she had fallen into.

 

As she watched Xiao Zexing take his phone and enter the adjacent room, Tang You endured for a while but ultimately couldn't resist. She followed him, pressing her ear against the door to eavesdrop.

 

Her moral standards had really plummeted, but she was genuinely curious about what her brother and Xiao Zexing were going to discuss in private!

 

The room had excellent soundproofing; she could barely hear a thing. After much thought, Tang You lay on the floor, leaning onto the gap under the door, an effortful struggle to eavesdrop.

 

Xiao Zexing's voice was low, and Tang You was almost pressing her entire being against the door to catch his words.

 

"It's still better than secretly deleting messages as a way out."

 

Tang You leaned in closely, but the door unexpectedly swung open from the inside. Xiao Zexing lowered his gaze and gazed at Tang You, who was practically clinging to the floor. "What? Peeking wasn't enough for you, so you've switched to eavesdropping."

 

As she got up and straightened herself, Tang You took a hasty step back. "No, I was just doing yoga!"

 

She moved her wrists and looked at Xiao Zexing, who handed her the phone. She couldn't help but ask, "Why did Brother hang up the video call?"

 

Xiao Zexing shrugged nonchalantly. "Nothing much. He just got so frustrated that he felt like his sanity was crumbling."

 

Tang You raised an eyebrow.

 

Jiang Chenting was usually patient. Back when she was a kid and didn't know any better, she used to tease him a lot, and he never got angry or annoyed. How could he be pushed to the brink of insanity by Xiao Zexing?

 

Just as Tang You was about to ask more about Jiang Chenting's situation, Xiao Zexing subtly reminded her, "Youyou, you should change your clothes. Your brother is upset right now. You can wait and call him later."

 

That was true.

 

Tang You placed the phone aside and started selecting from the new dresses that had been delivered in the morning. The dresses were now neatly arranged for her to choose from.

 

Tang You stared at the array of dresses intently.

 

Xiao Zexing asked, "Which one do you like?"

 

She liked every single one of them.

 

Each dress seemed perfectly aligned with her aesthetics.

 

Tang You browsed them twice, finding it hard to decide. "Uncle, help me pick one."

 

With a touch of arrogance, she added, "Choose one that you wouldn't want to take off."

 

Xiao Zexing casually replied, "Then, don't wear anything."

 

Tang You: “…”

 

Was he saying he wanted to take everything off her?

 

Caught off guard once again by his blunt response, Tang You didn't dare protest. He was truly an old fox who kept his tail tucked tightly away to continue pretending to be human. She took a classic little black dress and its matching shoes, and hugged them tightly as she entered the bedroom.

That conversation was far too terrible. 

When changing, Tang You was scared witless that Xiao Zexing would suddenly charge in, push her against the wall, and go crazy. 

The hormones in the air were slightly excessive. 

It forced her to ceaselessly indulge in some fantasies. 

Once she obediently finished changing, she found Xiao Zexing facing the mirror tying his tie. He seemed quite clumsy-handed today; even after several attempts, he couldn’t tie it properly. 

After a pause, Xiao Zexing faced her. “Youyou, come help me tie this.”

Before he even finished talking, he was already sitting on the couch with a relaxed posture. Seeing how she still didn’t move, he smiled. “Be good.”

She only helped him out once, but it seems he got addicted. 

Tang You dilly-dallied over and reluctantly stood between his legs before earnestly tying a large butterfly bow for him. 

En, its contrast against that handsome face tied everything together quite well. 

It was a bit like gift play⁴.

Xiao Zexing lightly placed his hands against her waist. With the dress between his hands and her skin, he didn’t go any further. With gently squinted eyes, he asked, “Why are you being naughty?” 

Frightened, Tang You immediately untied the butterfly bow and obediently tied it again. Only after she took a few steps back did she realize that the color of his tie matched the color of her dress. 

No wonder he wasn’t wearing a tie just then; he wanted to wait and match with her. 

Hmph, what a scheming man. 

Even in these small matters, he was deliberately taking advantage of her.

***

 

Tang You participated in an auction for the first time. Being unfamiliar with the process, she had to obediently follow Xiao Zexing's lead. She watched him pick up his bid number and hand it over to his assistant.

 

There was a special resting area on the second floor. Proxy bidders sat downstairs, raising their paddles to bid, while Xiao Zexing used Bluetooth earphones to communicate with them.

 

Tang You didn't expect to encounter someone she knew here.

 

Deng Jue was sitting at her table with a beautiful girl in his arms. He greeted her happily, "Hello, sister-in-law!"

 

Sister-in-law?

 

Tang You nearly choked, and she covered her mouth lightly.

 

Xiao Zexing handed her a tissue, patted her back gently, and cast a reproachful look at Deng Jue. "Don't scare her."

 

Deng Jue touched his nose and laughed awkwardly, but he stubbornly stuck to the term. "Is everything alright, sister-in-law?"

 

Tang You quickly regained her composure and hastily intervened, "Don't call me that. It sounds weird."

 

Deng Jue refused to listen. Addressing her in that way easily reminded Tang You of what had happened on the ship. Thinking about it, she couldn't help but shoot Xiao Zexing a condemning look.

 

He had spun her around in circles last time and made her believe him so pitifully.

 

He was nothing but a crafty, cunning old fox.

 

Xiao Zexing took a sip of his drink and put down the glass.

 

Meeting his gaze, Deng Jue had to change his tone and introduce himself more formally, "Miss Tang, I'm Deng Jue, Deng from Deng Lijun, and Jue as in a jade pendant."

 

With pride, he introduced the girl next to him, "This is Xu Ying, my wife."

 

Tang You had met her during their card game and smiled at her.

 

Excited, Xu Ying gripped Deng Jue's leg tightly.

 

Deng Jue, well aware of his young wife's intentions, said to Tang You, "Little Ying is your fan."

 

Xu Ying's eyes lit up. "When I saw you last time, I felt like I recognized you, but since you were always with Brother Xiao, I didn't dare to guess."

 

Her eyes shone brightly. "I didn't expect you to really be Yuko."

Deng Jue looked indulgently at his young wife and added, "Any item you've ever worn, little Ying must have the same one… How about this? Let's make a deal. Next time you want to buy something, can you buy two? It saves me from running around for her clothes at my age."

 

Tang You chuckled. "Sure."

 

As they chatted, Tang You found out that Xu Ying was born in the same year as her. Xu Ying had started school a year earlier and even skipped a grade. She had graduated the year before with a degree in electronics and was currently working at a bank.

 

Since Tang You was worried about her final project, the two girls of the same age quickly found common ground to talk about.

 

Deng Jue felt like smoking and pulled Xiao Zexing along to the smoking room. However, when they got there, Xiao Zexing refused the cigarette he had offered to him.  

Deng Jue looked puzzled. "Xiao, have you quit smoking?"

 

"I'm in the process of quitting," Xiao Zexing replied casually. "Youyou doesn't like the smell of smoke."

 

Deng Jue clicked his tongue and, hearing this, put out his cigarette. "I thought you were concerned about the quality of your sperm."

 

Xiao Zexing chuckled. "That's also one of the reasons."

 

Deng Jue didn’t hesitate to ask, "You haven't caught up with Youyou yet?"

 

Xiao Zexing smiled at him. "Why are you more anxious than I am?"

 

"Should I not be anxious?" Deng Jue sighed. "Among our friends, you're the only one still single."

 

After finally seeing Xiao Zexing show interest in someone, Deng Jue added, "The first time I saw the way you looked at Youyou, I could tell something was off. I also heard that your grandfather has started arranging your marriage. You're quite something."

 

Deng Jue prided himself on being a keen judge of character. He saw Xiao Zexing's unusual gaze toward the girl at the time. He also regretted that she turned out to be Xiao Zeyan's adoptive daughter, and a minor at that. Little did he know that just a few days later, the situation would change.

 

She wasn't an adoptive daughter but Xiao Weijing's fiancée.

 

Deng Jue never imagined that Xiao Zexing would really manage to outmaneuver his own nephew. Not only had he taken the girl, but Xiao Weijing was still grateful to him and had no idea that he had been surreptitiously labeled as cuckolded.

 

Deng Jue joked, "What if you can't win her over? Are you going to handle the wedding all by yourself?"

 

Xiao Zexing glanced at him lightly. "As long as you don't drop the ball."

 

Deng Jue stood at attention and saluted him formally. "I promise to complete the mission."

 

Deng Jue had many emotions in his heart.

 

Should he pity Xiao Ge? Pursuing a girl meant pursuing stability and casting a long line to catch a big fish. Poor little Youyou; now she had fallen into Xiao Ge's trap and didn't even know it yet.

 

Unaware that she was being manipulated, Tang You enthusiastically offered fashion advice, "Your limbs are slender. Since it's getting colder, you should wear cashmere or similar materials with slightly looser sleeves to show a bit of your pale wrists.

 

Xu Ying was earnestly taking notes when a figure approached. She thought it was Deng Jue and raised her head, only to be taken aback. "Weijing?"

 

Tang You was surprised by Xu Ying's reaction and followed her gaze, spotting Xiao Weijing.

 

He didn't look too well. His expression was somewhat desolate, and he fixed his gaze on Tang You. "Youyou."

 

Tang You found this encounter odd.

 

Wasn't Grandmother's message that Xiao Zexing would be representing Grandfather? So why was Xiao Weijing here?

 

Seeing Xiao Weijing about to sit next to her, Tang You instinctively stopped him. "Sorry, this seat is for Uncle."

 

Xiao Weijing looked embarrassed. "My apologies."

 

Tang You signaled a waiter to bring another chair.

 

After all, he was her former fiancé.

 

Thinking about the numerous times Xiao Weijing had endured Grandfather's wrath to dissolve the engagement, Tang You couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

 

Tang You merely performed the basic courtesy, but in Xiao Weijing's eyes, it wasn't so simple.

 

Tang You could still communicate with him so gently and calmly.

 

She truly couldn't bring herself to reproach him.

 

Xiao Weijing sat down and asked her, "Why did you come with Uncle?"

 

Just the night before, Zhao Manlan had deliberately called him to inform him that Tang You had accompanied Xiao Zexing to the jewelry auction. She urged him to catch up and use the opportunity to bond with Tang You.

 

In the past, Xiao Weijing would have dismissed such a suggestion. However, his mindset has changed now. He subconsciously wanted to make amends with her.

 

Rather, he wanted to mend the rift in their previous relationship, hoping that Tang You would still be the same as before.

 

Xiao Weijing had come to realize his mistakes and was determined to make it up to her. He was willing to go to great lengths to make her happy.

 

Tang You, acting as she had in the past, wasn't so bad after all.

 

Tang You lowered her head to read the descriptions of the auction items. Accidentally, she picked up the wrong glass and took a sip from Xiao Zexing's glass. The fiery sensation of the alcohol made her tongue tingle, and tears welled up in her eyes. "Grandmother asked me to come here."

 

Xiao Weijing noticed her eyes turning red, and his heart quivered. He felt helpless and spoke gently, "Youyou, don't cry."

 

At that moment, Xiao Zexing heard this and coldly pulled out a chair, his face tense. He looked at Tang You and asked, "Youyou? What's wrong?"

 

Tang You replied, "I accidentally drank from the wrong glass."

 

Xiao Zexing's expression eased slightly as he lifted a glass of milk and brought it to her lips.

 

Tang You held onto his wrist and naturally sipped the milk he offered, taking small sips.

 

Her face was almost the size of Xiao Zexing's palm.

 

It was as if he could cover her face with just the stretch of his palm.

Xiao Weijing felt slightly uncomfortable as he stood by the side.

 

Wait.

 

Normal uncles and nieces shouldn't be this intimate, right?

 

However, he remembered that he had fed his little cousin milk formula in a similar manner, even though she was only five years old. Maybe it was because Uncle didn't have children, so he poured all his paternal love on Tang You.

 

After the burning sensation subsided, Tang You looked at Xiao Weijing next to her. "What exactly do you want to say? Spit it out already. Stop beating around the bush."

 

She felt that Xiao Weijing was becoming increasingly unpleasant.

 

Xiao Weijing froze.

 

Xiao Zexing looked at him indifferently. "The table can't accommodate five people. Weijing, find another seat."

 

Xiao Weijing felt as if his head was about to explode.

 

Why was Uncle so determined to keep Tang You away from him? He had genuinely repented for his past actions.

 

Xiao Weijing lowered his voice and asked, "Uncle, I'm your nephew-"

 

"And there may come a time you are not." Xiao Zexing remained unmoved. "Change your seat. You're in the way."

 

Xiao Weijing thought that Xiao Zexing was still blaming him for the previous incident. After all, the mistake in the project was unintentional on Xiao Weijing's part. Plus, he had been deceived by Wen Ling for so long.

 

Xiao Zexing had always put a lot of effort into nurturing him. Now, after he had let Uncle down, Uncle's disappointment in him was completely justified.

 

Tang You probably still held a grudge as she kept her eyes on a catalog, ignoring him.

 

Her cheeks were peachy red.

 

How come he hadn't noticed how cute she was before?

 

Deng Jue smiled warmly and whispered in Xiao Weijing's ear, "Don't worry. Give Youyou and your Second Uncle a bit more time. I estimate that, in about a month, you won't have to worry about pursuing Youyou anymore."

 

After all, he’d soon have to call Youyou his ‘Second Aunt’.

 

Xiao Weijing knew he couldn't force it. He paused and whispered his thanks, "Thank you, Uncle Jue."

 

He moved to another table but continued to gaze intently in their direction.

 

After Xiao Weijing left, Xiao Zexing finally lowered his head and asked Tang You, "Do any of these interest you?"

 

Tang You pointed to the catalog, looking puzzled. "You mean Grandfather wants to buy some jewelry as a gift for the bride?"

 

"Yes." Xiao Zexing gazed at her, a deep dimple forming in his cheek. "What do you think would be suitable for the wedding? What should the bride wear?"

 

Tang You was in a dilemma. "Actually, I don't know much about jewelry."

 

The Tang family couldn't compare to the Xiao family in terms of wealth. Although Tang You had some decent jewelry accessories, they were rarely that exquisite.

 

"It's okay. As long as you find them beautiful." Xiao Zexing flashed a smile. "Whatever you like, we'll buy it."

 

Tang You's heart skipped a beat at the use of the word "we".

 

His tone made it sound like they were preparing jewelry for their wedding.

 

Quickly pushing aside this untimely thought, Tang You casually pointed to a piece in the catalog. "This one looks nice."

 

She flipped to another page and pointed again. "These two seem good too."

 

Torn between these three options, Tang You didn't know which to choose.

 

Just as she was struggling, she heard Xiao Zexing calmly instructing someone through his earpiece downstairs, "Numbers 2, 7, and 8. Yes, no limit."

 

Tang You was left dumbfounded as she mulled over the three pieces of jewelry.

 

Ah, the privilege of being able to buy whatever she chose. 

 

She felt so incredibly fortunate. If these were being bought for her, she would be beyond happy—blissfully exploding with happiness.

 

Xiao Zexing lowered his gaze toward her. "Are there any others you're interested in?"

 

Tang You shook her head. "No."

 

The price of just this one jewelry piece was enough to leave her speechless. If they were to buy a few more…

 

Goodness.

 

The auction proceeded quickly, and many items went unsold. However, the three pieces Tang You had liked were successfully won by Xiao Zexing.

 

The final prices left Tang You gasping in astonishment.

 

She felt that she must look quite uncultured right now.

 

But really, they were so, so expensive!

 

She could buy so many cute dresses, pajamas, and plush toys with that money. She could have numerous hot pot and crayfish feasts.

 

Tang You couldn't help but think that she was indeed a poor person.

 

Perhaps she really wasn't a suitable candidate for marrying into the Xiao family.

 

Having signed the necessary paperwork, Xiao Zexing had his assistant retrieve the items. He turned to Tang You with a smile. "What would you like for lunch?"

 

Tang You answered, "I want some lemons."

 

Her mouth now felt incredibly sour!

 

Xiao Zexing chuckled. "How would you like the lemons? Lemon juice? Or would you prefer fresh lemon slices?"

 

Tang You refrained from explaining this meme reference to the out-of-touch older man.

 

The sourness had rendered her unable to speak.

 

With a smile, Xiao Zexing bade farewell to Deng Jue and Xu Ying and then led her through a special glass corridor, where it was silent.

 

Still reeling from the shock of realizing how poor she was, Tang You suddenly felt her arm being caressed by Xiao Zexing, pulling her closer to him.

 

When his palm brushed against hers, Tang You's heart raced.

 

There was no one around, and Xiao Zexing had deliberately chosen this path. Was he trying to…

 

Tang You was wearing a sleeveless little black dress with her slender arms exposed. Her arms felt slightly cold, but Xiao Zexing's hands were large and warm, almost encompassing her entire arm.

 

Tang You lowered her head and noticed his pristine trousers. Her cheek almost pressed against his chest, and she felt overwhelmed by the cool, refreshing scent of cedarwood.

 

She had a feeling that the next second, Xiao Zexing would hold her against the wall and kiss her. Just like that time when he was drunk, he had pinned her waist with one hand and cradled her head with the other, not allowing her to struggle free. She could only passively endure…

 

Lost in her own thoughts, Xiao Zexing had already released her. "There was some trash on the ground just now."

 

"Ah?"

 

Tang You turned around and indeed saw a small piece of white paper lying there.

 

What the heck…

 

He had pulled her away to avoid her stepping on it.

 

A simple reminder would have sufficed; why did he have to make it seem so ambiguous?

 

Her heart was still racing.

 

Xiao Zexing calmly asked, "I know you're not accustomed to Western food, so I've booked a Chinese restaurant in advance. Is there anything else you'd like to eat? We can have the chef there prepare it."

 

Once they were out of the glass corridor, Tang You hadn't yet replied when she heard the voice of Xiao Weijing next to her. "Youyou."

 

Tang You turned around.

 

Step by step, Xiao Weijing approached her, the sunlight illuminating his cheeks. While he shared similar features with Xiao Zexing, his demeanor was vastly different.

 

He softly inquired, "Can we talk in private?"

 

Tang You was puzzled. "Talk about what?"

 

She couldn't fathom what she and Xiao Weijing would have to discuss.

 

Xiao Zexing glanced at his wristwatch and said, "I'll give you three minutes at most."

 

Xiao Weijing looked at him gratefully. "Thank you."

 

Xiao Zexing ruffled Tang You's hair and gave Xiao Weijing a warning glance before leaving.

 

Once Xiao Zexing was farther away, Xiao Weijing spoke without hesitation, "Youyou, let's get engaged again."

 

Tang You's face registered pure bewilderment, and she blurted out, "Did a donkey kick your brain?"

 

Was it bitten by camels queuing up at the zoo? Or was it kicked around by lions on the African Savannah?

 

Was he out of his mind?

 

After painstakingly dissolving their engagement, he wanted them to return to how they were before.

 

Did Xiao Weijing really enjoy getting berated by the old master?

 

Xiao Weijing hesitated for a moment.

 

This thought had been lingering in his mind recently.

 

He wanted to start over with Tang You without Wen Ling in between them and without any more separation. He acknowledged his mistakes and was committed to doting on her.

 

He might not know how, but he could learn.

Tang You must’ve been overjoyed to have such an honest reaction.

Xiao Weijing considerately responded, “I was the one who wronged you in the past. Wen Ling and all these years of overlooking were my mistakes… Youyou, I’ve been thinking a lot these past few days and reflected on my actions. Everything was my fault, so I’ll make up for it more than—” 

Once Tang You regained her senses, she didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. With a guilty heart, she patiently explained, "Let me be frank, it wasn't just you who wanted to dissolve the engagement. I'm sorry for keeping it a secret for so long, but I've never liked you. You weren't my ideal type."

 

She never liked him.

 

Xiao Weijing felt a jolt in his body.

 

What… did she mean?

 

All this time, she had sweetly called him "Brother Weijing," always followed him, been attentive in front of the elders to please him, and got along well with his uncle. Wasn't it because she liked him and wanted to marry him?

 

Tang You earnestly apologized, "I'm really sorry. From the moment I found out about your complicated relationship with Wen Ling, I wanted to dissolve the engagement, but you know Grandfather's temperament. I had to resort to some tricks to make you voluntarily suggest breaking up. I'm sorry, I deceived you. Everything you've seen over these four years has been a façade, including your mistaken belief that I loved you."

 

Xiao Weijing clenched his fist tightly.

 

Tang You gave him a deep bow with a smile. "However, the result now is exactly what we both wanted in the beginning, right?"

 

She waved at Xiao Weijing, showing no signs of attachment, and after speaking a few words with Xiao Zexing, she bent down and got into the car.

 

A gentle breeze rustled her soft hair by her ear, and Xiao Weijing's thin lips were pursed tightly.

 

Tang You had never loved him.

 

No, this might be her lie. She was probably saying these things to purposely anger him, still upset about the situation with Wen Ling.

 

Xiao Zexing approached, standing by Xiao Weijing's side and patting his shoulder. "Let's head back."

 

Xiao Weijing looked at Xiao Zexing, his eyes bloodshot, and he struggled to ask, "Uncle, is Youyou still mad at me?"

 

Xiao Zexing's tone was calm. "Why would she be mad at you? There’s nothing between you two now."

 

Xiao Weijing fell silent.

 

He would rather Tang You still be upset with him when he heard the casually dismissive "nothing between you two."

 

At this moment, Xiao Weijing felt worse compared to the day they officially broke off their engagement.

 

He had truly lost the little girl who had used to timidly call him "Brother Weijing."

 

Just when he wanted to cherish and try to salvage what they had, he was informed that the little girl had never existed.

 

Xiao Zexing gazed at the gently drifting fallen leaves, and in a casual tone, he murmured, "Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you, Wen Ling has a habit of compulsive stealing. She used to steal quite a few things from Youyou, including your bracelet."