The last time Youyou was this shocked was when she was eight years old.
She had stormed into Jiang Chenting’s room and turned it upside down. When she turned around, Jiang Chenting was standing silently in the doorway watching her.
She had once thought nothing could be worse than that.
She was wrong.
Xiao Zexing pinched the bridge of his nose. Under Youyou’s stunned gaze, he smiled: “No need to call me Second Uncle. We’re not that far apart in age—just call me Zexing.”
Youyou said nothing.
She had nothing to say.
She wanted to die on the spot, ascend to the heavens.
In Youyou’s imagination, Second Uncle Xiao Zexing should have been similar to Xiao Weijing’s father, Xiao Zenian.
Xiao Zenian had married and had children early. Though his good genes had kept him from going bald, years of neglecting exercise had quietly given him a prominent beer belly.
As Xiao Zenian’s half-brother from the same father, Youyou had assumed Xiao Zexing would also have that kindly, middle-aged elder appearance.
She never imagined this Second Uncle would have a handsome face, long legs, a tall and upright figure, and not a single fine line at the corners of his eyes.
He looked almost indistinguishable from Xiao Weijing.
Youyou’s worldview was thoroughly shattered.
Zhao Manlan said a few more words nearby, but Youyou didn’t hear them clearly. Her mind was stuck in an endless loop: “Second Uncle Second Uncle he’s actually Second Uncle” “Aaaaaaaaah.” She remained dazed and absent-minded even after sitting down at the dinner table, still immersed in that indescribable shock.
Not many people were at the family dinner: besides Old Master Xiao, there was Xiao Zenian’s family, the single Xiao Zexing, and the future Xiao family member Tang Youyou.
Youyou’s seat was arranged between Xiao Weijing and Zhao Manlan—directly facing Xiao Zexing.
As for Old Master Xiao’s two wives—one had divorced and moved far away, the other had been in a sanatorium for years due to mental illness. Youyou had no real impression of either grandmother.
But tonight’s dishes were more to Youyou’s taste than usual.
The Xiao family’s eating habits differed slightly from hers. In the past when she visited, she would usually eat seven or eight tenths full and set her chopsticks down. This time, though, the food suited her perfectly—especially the several dishes placed right in front of her.
Xiao Zexing sat directly across from her. There was no “no talking at meals” rule here. He was discussing some Mingjian matters with Old Master Xiao. Youyou listened for a bit—mostly about personnel changes.
She wasn’t interested. The only thing that made her uncomfortable was Xiao Zexing’s voice—it felt like pins pricking her back.
Youyou had never imagined she would end up provoking someone of such stature.
Beside her, Xiao Weijing said nothing. He had arrived late and was deliberately avoiding looking at Youyou’s face.
Xiao Zenian felt he should show some concern for his future daughter-in-law. After thinking for a long while, he finally found a suitable topic: “Youyou, have you decided where you want to work yet?”
Youyou set down her chopsticks and gave a “shy” smile: “Uncle, I didn’t do very well in my major courses. I don’t really want to find a job for now.”
Xiao Weijing’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
He hated girls who were like canaries in a cage.
They did nothing—except cry, act spoiled, and be useless.
Xiao Weijing put down his chopsticks and spoke stiffly: “The company is doing autumn recruitment right now. You could give it a try.”
Youyou smiled softly and gently: “But I don’t want to work.”
Xiao Weijing gripped his chopsticks so tightly he felt like his heart might give out from anger.
To avoid being swayed by her beauty, Xiao Weijing refused to look at her face. His voice was rigid: “Then what do you want? Hm?”
His tone already carried anger. Zhao Manlan noticed immediately and scolded him: “Weijing, stop it! What’s wrong with Youyou not wanting to work? I haven’t worked since I got married. What, are you going to look down on your own mother now too?”
“No, I just meant—”
“Enough, enough. Stop talking.”
Zhao Manlan cut him off and made a show of pulling Youyou into her arms. Youyou went along with it, letting Zhao Manlan pat her back gently.
Zhao Manlan looked every bit the protective mother hen: “Youyou can do whatever she wants. Why are you butting in?”
Xiao Weijing nearly had a heart attack from frustration.
Meanwhile, Youyou was nestled in Zhao Manlan’s arms, working hard to put on a wronged, pitiful expression. Suddenly she looked up—and locked eyes with Xiao Zexing across the table.
Xiao Zexing held his chopsticks, smiling with deep, meaningful intent.
Youyou didn’t dare meet his gaze anymore and immediately lowered her head.
Zhao Manlan’s embrace was warm and fragrant, yet Youyou still felt uneasy.
Right now she had only one thought.
This Second Uncle was an old fox who had become a spirit. There was no way she could outplay him.
After dinner, Old Master Xiao called Xiao Weijing aside for a private talk. Xiao Zenian excused himself with a headache and went to rest. That left Zhao Manlan, Xiao Zexing, and Youyou sitting together drinking tea.
Zhao Manlan saw Youyou staying quiet and assumed the girl was shy. She smiled and brought it up herself: “Youyou, didn’t you once joke about introducing a girlfriend to your Second Uncle? He’s right here—why don’t you ask him what kind of girl he likes?”
Xiao Zexing was fiddling with a 7×7 Rubik’s Cube. His long fingers twisted the colored blocks. Hearing this, he lifted his eyes to Youyou and smiled lazily: “There’s such a good thing?”
Youyou had completely forgotten the casual remark she’d made while acting sweet. Gritting her teeth, she followed Zhao Manlan’s lead and smiled: “Second Uncle—”
The two words felt strange coming out.
Xiao Zexing’s hand paused.
Previously Youyou had only thought his eyes resembled Xiao Weijing’s. Now she noticed the differences.
Xiao Zexing’s brow bone was higher, his eye sockets deeper, lashes thicker. When he looked at someone with focused attention, it gave the illusion of being deeply cherished and pampered.
The elder she had imagined in her mind didn’t match the face in front of her at all. She pinched her fingers and continued with forced calm: “I was wondering… what kind of partner Second Uncle is looking for in the future.”
Xiao Zexing smiled: “Nothing special. I just need to like her.”
Youyou used a respectful form of address: “That’s quite a high standard, sir.”
Zhao Manlan shook her head: “When I was your age, Weijing was already crawling all over the floor.”
As soon as she said it, the very “floor-crawler” she mentioned—Xiao Weijing—pushed open the door and entered. His expression wasn’t exactly good, but not terrible either.
He didn’t look at Youyou. He sat stiffly beside Zhao Manlan: “Mom, what did you want to talk about?”
Zhao Manlan said nothing. She signaled the servants with her eyes.
They efficiently adjusted the projector screen, lights, and brought over a hard drive.
Zhao Manlan dropped her earlier smile and said to Xiao Weijing: “I asked you to come today so you could see clearly what Wen Ling is really like. You’ve been fooling around these past few days. Youyou has a good temper and can tolerate you—but I can’t. I have to teach you properly.”
At the mention of Wen Ling, Xiao Weijing frowned instinctively.
He held back from looking at Youyou’s face. He was convinced she had secretly complained and twisted the story.
The thought made his already low opinion of her drop even further.
Xiao Weijing said unhappily: “Mom, I’ve already told you—Wen Ling is just my friend.”
Zhao Manlan instinctively glanced at Youyou.
Youyou kept her head lowered and said nothing.
Her small, fair hands toyed with the little flowers on her skirt—one after another.
What a pitiful child. She must be holding back tears right now.
Afraid Youyou would feel hurt if she heard, Zhao Manlan didn’t continue arguing with Xiao Weijing.
Xiao Zexing’s Rubik’s Cube had already been solved. He set it casually on the table.
Zhao Manlan looked away: “I’m not here to argue with you today. I just want you to see what really happened this evening.”
Xiao Weijing felt irritated.
He never imagined Youyou would strike first and frame Wen Ling—
Zhao Manlan asked: “Think about it. Youyou is so slim and weak—how could she possibly push down someone as strong as Wen Ling with one shove?”
Xiao Weijing explained: “Wen Ling just had appendicitis surgery.”
“That’s why you don’t know what Wen Ling did before Youyou pushed her away?”
Xiao Weijing said nothing.
He had only seen Youyou forcefully shake off Wen Ling’s grip, and Wen Ling collapse weakly to the floor.
He firmly believed what he had seen and heard.
The servant had already pulled up the surveillance footage from that time and reminded her: “Madam.”
Zhao Manlan signaled to play it.
There were two cameras inside the café, ensuring no blind spots. The footage was crystal clear: Youyou sat alone drinking coffee and reading. Wen Ling pushed open the door, said a few words, Youyou stood to leave, and Wen Ling grabbed her arm.
Youyou shook her off. Wen Ling fell.
Xiao Weijing’s face gradually darkened.
Zhao Manlan turned off the screen and studied his expression: “Do you still think Wen Ling is innocent now?”
Xiao Weijing didn’t answer.
Reason already told him that, from the footage, Youyou was clearly innocent. But he still couldn’t believe Wen Ling would do something like that—her personality was so bold and straightforward. They had been like siblings for years; she had no romantic feelings for him. How could she possibly provoke Youyou on purpose?
Still… Youyou really hadn’t done anything wrong…
Xiao Weijing thought of the harsh words he had thrown at her and pressed his lips together.
It felt like countless tiny insects were gnawing at his heart, injecting a toxin called “regret.”
His voice stiff, Xiao Weijing said: “I’m sorry, Youyou.”
Youyou immediately covered her eyes, voice choked: “It’s okay, Weijing-gege. I won’t hold it against you.”
For some reason, words that should have been utterly repulsive now sounded… not so bad to Xiao Weijing.
Zhao Manlan let out a soft breath of relief.
The lights came back on. Xiao Weijing squinted, finally noticing the beautifully wrapped gift box on the table. To cover his embarrassment at having wrongly accused Youyou, he cleared his throat and asked: “Who brought this?”
Youyou answered timidly: “I did.”
Xiao Weijing’s expression softened slightly.
Now it seemed Youyou wasn’t just someone who knew how to please the elders. At least she had brought him a gift—and packaged it so exquisitely…
A flicker of pleasure rose in his heart, though he kept his face cold, using criticism to mask it: “Why is the packaging so old-fashioned? Did you think this was for an elder?”
Youyou covered her mouth in small, surprised shock, then answered softly and sweetly: “Huh? But this really is for Second Uncle.”
Xiao Weijing: “…”
He watched his fiancée look at him with pure innocence: “Did you think it was for you?”
Xiao Weijing felt like a knife had been plunged straight into his chest.
Under his dark glare, Youyou didn’t look at him. Instead she reached out and gently pushed the box toward Xiao Zexing, voice gentle and obedient: “I heard Second Uncle likes tea, so I specially chose some to give you.”
Xiao Zexing rested his fingers on the gift box, tracing the ribbon, and smiled: “Youyou is so sweet.”
Xiao Weijing couldn’t stand watching this uncle-niece bonding scene anymore. A lump of frustration stuck in his chest—neither rising nor falling—driving him nearly mad.
…A woman who doesn’t even know who to please!
…Did Tang Youyou not know who her future husband was?!
This inexplicable anger lingered even after Youyou left. Xiao Weijing still couldn’t figure out why.
It was late. Zhao Manlan saw Youyou out, while Xiao Zexing sat relaxed on the sofa, idly scrambling the Rubik’s Cube he had just solved with his long fingers: “Weijing, let’s talk.”
Xiao Weijing swallowed the liver pain Youyou had caused him: “About the National Reserve Forest Base project?”
“No,” Xiao Zexing shook his head and smiled. “About Tang Youyou.”
Xiao Weijing couldn’t quite read his Second Uncle’s intention: “What about her?”
Before Xiao Zexing could answer, Xiao Weijing frowned again: “Second Uncle, I know all the elders in the family like her. You treat her like your own niece too… but feelings take time to cultivate. You should give me some space for that.”
Xiao Weijing still couldn’t understand why everyone in the family doted on Tang Youyou so much.
Even this Second Uncle.
Normally Second Uncle never bothered with trivial daily matters. Yet today, the moment Youyou arrived, he had the kitchen prepare several extra dishes to suit her tastes.
Did Tang Youyou just naturally win over elders?
Xiao Zexing set the Rubik’s Cube down. When Xiao Weijing said “treat her like your own niece,” he expressionlessly flicked ash from his cigarette.
Xiao Weijing didn’t notice.
Smoke curled faintly. Xiao Zexing spoke calmly: “Didn’t you say tonight you were going to ask Grandfather to cancel the engagement? Why didn’t you?”
The topic brought Xiao Weijing hesitation: “To be honest, Second Uncle, I’m very conflicted right now.”
“Conflicted about what?”
“About Youyou. Now that I’ve seen her in person, she’s not quite what I imagined,” Xiao Weijing carefully chose his words to describe it. “I feel an urge to get closer to her, but… I really don’t like her personality.”
“Personality matters more than appearance,” Xiao Zexing said decisively. He stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray and wiped his hands with a tissue. “If you don’t like her, just cancel it. Once you bring it up, I’ll back you in front of Grandfather.”
He paused for two seconds, then smiled: “Don’t drag it out and waste someone else’s time.”
Truly worthy of Second Uncle.
Always so decisive, never dragging things out.
While grateful, Xiao Weijing felt a faint sense that something was off.
…But what exactly?
He couldn’t figure it out.
Youyou stayed holed up in her small apartment for three full days.
During that time, a TV station tentatively asked if she was interested in recording a variety show—she politely declined. There were also various influencer events and live-streaming invitations…
Finally Miao Jiaxi couldn’t stand watching her cling to her pillow like a lifelong partner anymore. She dragged Youyou out, frustrated and disappointed: “Youyou, you have to pull yourself together! Even if not for me, think of all the little lobsters, hotpot, hot-dry noodles, spicy fragrant pot, snail noodles!”
Youyou hugged her legs, suffering in silence.
She had actually kissed her fiancé’s Second Uncle—aaaaaaaah!
Even though she now knew Xiao Zexing was only eight years older than her, in Youyou’s mind, an elder was still an elder…
Thinking back to how she had almost slept with him made her feel suffocated all over again.
Miao Jiaxi was completely helpless against Youyou’s state. She had no solution until Jiang Chenting came to pick her up and finally dragged Youyou out the door.
“Tangtang, are you feeling unwell?”
Jiang Chenting’s first instinct was to reach out and feel her forehead. Halfway there, seeing her drooping eyes and sickly appearance, he pulled back: “Have you taken your temperature?”
“No fever, just… not in a good mood,” Youyou said listlessly, slumping in the passenger seat like a wilted plant. “Is Father inviting people to dinner again this time?”
“No,” Jiang Chenting shook his head. “It’s Xiao Zexing who invited.”
Youyou nearly jumped at the name.
Thankfully the seatbelt yanked her back down.
“Xiao Zexing?” Youyou’s mind roared with shock. “Xiao Zexing invited Father?”
To Youyou, this was more unbelievable than Guan Yu fighting Qin Qiong.
“Why so surprised?” Jiang Chenting was genuinely puzzled. “Haven’t you already met him?”
Youyou slumped back into her seat: “It’s nothing…”
Just a little… subtly uncomfortable.
Jiang Chenting focused on driving and spoke casually: “I actually admire Xiao Zexing quite a bit… Don’t give me that look. More precisely, I respect him.”
Youyou didn’t know much about business matters and answered weakly: “Just a somewhat good-looking old man. What’s there to respect?”
Tricking an innocent young girl.
And stealing her first kiss—and second kiss.
Respect him for being an old fox?
Jiang Chenting laughed: “He’s only three years older than Xiao Weijing. How did he become an ‘old man’ in your mouth?”
He studied Youyou’s expression carefully: “You seem to have a big opinion about him.”
“No,” Youyou denied immediately. “You’re imagining things.”
After a while, she couldn’t help asking: “So what exactly do you respect him for?”
“His ability, I guess,” Jiang Chenting knew she didn’t understand business and summarized simply: “Although Grandfather hasn’t decided on the next successor yet, in my eyes, that position can only go to him.”
He smiled again: “But who knows… After all, Xiao Zexing’s mother is still in the sanatorium.”
Youyou stared blankly at a little pomelo car charm hanging from the rearview mirror.
She had heard about that.
Old Master Xiao’s first marriage lasted only five years before ending in divorce. More than a decade later, he remarried—Xiao Zexing’s mother.
The old man’s second marriage was unhappy. His wife developed schizophrenia after giving birth, with violent tendencies, and had to be placed in a mental health facility long-term.
To outsiders, Grandfather seemed to favor his eldest son and eldest grandson more.
But lately, Xiao Zexing’s words clearly carried more weight.
Although Xiao Zexing was the one hosting tonight, surprisingly Xiao Weijing hadn’t come.
He also hadn’t invited the Jiang Tao mother-daughter pair Youyou hated—just Jiang Chenting and Tang Xiao.
The venue was chosen by Xiao Zexing: a traditional Chinese courtyard-style restaurant with winding corridors, flowers and birds, green rivers and rockeries. The private room had folding screens and small tables; ink paintings of distant landscapes hung on the walls. Youyou stared at the signature for a long time and solemnly concluded:
If this was an authentic piece, the restaurant owner was seriously impressive.
The three men chatted happily. Youyou finished studying the wall paintings and began examining the vase of roses on the low table nearby.
They looked somewhat out of place in this traditional Chinese setting—yet oddly harmonious.
Just like her.
In an occasion like this, Youyou only needed to play the role of a quiet, decorative vase.
“…Youyou, hurry and thank your Second Uncle.”
Lost in thought, she suddenly heard Tang Xiao call her name.
Youyou looked at Xiao Zexing in confusion: “Second Uncle?”
She hadn’t heard what they were just discussing.
Jiang Chenting sat beside her. While pouring milk into her cup, he leaned in and whispered: “Father just agreed to transfer 23% of Qixing’s shares to you.”
Youyou froze.
In the transparent glass, white milk slowly filled the cup.
Squeezing out every last bit of air.
Jiang Chenting kept his voice low: “It was Second Uncle who suggested it.”
He had started calling him Second Uncle too.
Youyou instinctively looked at Xiao Zexing. Today he wore a black suit with a light gray shirt, Windsor-knotted tie with fine diagonal stripes—formal and impeccable.
Youyou bowed slightly: “Thank you, Second Uncle.”
Xiao Zexing’s dimples appeared faintly: “No need to thank me.”
Beside them, Tang Xiao’s expression wasn’t great.
He had already coaxed Jiang Tao into agreeing to transfer part of Qixing’s shares to Tang Nan. He had reasoned that since it was Su Yuan’s legacy, giving it all to Tang Nan wouldn’t be right—better to split it evenly between the two daughters. Fair and square.
He never expected Xiao Zexing to come straight out and state the exact shareholding ratio Su Yuan had held. With just a few understated words, Tang Xiao didn’t dare play any tricks. He could only obediently say that, per Su Yuan’s dying wish, the shares would be fully transferred to Youyou in the next few days.
It felt like a knife carving out a piece of his heart. Tang Xiao’s insides bled with pain.
He had thought Xiao Zexing came to discuss the children’s marriage. Not a single word about Xiao Weijing—yet he had cleanly swept Qixing into Youyou’s hands.
Halfway through drinking, Tang Xiao found a random excuse and urgently pulled Jiang Chenting outside, planning to interrogate this stepson: what exactly did Xiao Zexing mean by this?
Once the two left,
Only Youyou and Xiao Zexing remained.
The spacious room suddenly felt like the oxygen had thinned.
Silence stretched on for a full minute.
Youyou downed the milk Jiang Chenting had poured for her in one gulp.
Xiao Zexing’s gaze fell on the empty cup in front of her. He smiled: “You still like drinking milk?”
This was the first time the two of them had spoken alone since his identity was revealed.
Youyou kept her eyes down, voice flat: “Thank you for your concern, Second Uncle.”
“Didn’t sleep well last night? You look a little pale.”
Youyou answered mechanically: “Thank you for your concern, Second Uncle.”
Xiao Zexing sighed. His knuckles tapped lightly on the table: “Youyou, aside from that line, is there really nothing else you want to say to me?”
Youyou lifted her eyes to glance at him, then immediately looked away: “…I’m not interested in helping you dye Xiao Weijing’s hair weird colors together.”
She added: “From now on, you are the most respected Second Uncle in my heart.”
“Is that so?” Xiao Zexing asked lightly. “Then what was that kiss?”
Youyou answered righteously: “That was Second Uncle’s deep paternal affection!”
Just as the words left her mouth, the private room door opened. Tang Xiao and Jiang Chenting walked in one after the other.
Youyou instantly reverted to her docile quail posture.
Xiao Zexing’s gaze lingered on her for two seconds before shifting away.
With Jiang Chenting’s detailed analysis, Tang Xiao was in an excellent mood tonight. He conveniently forgot about having to transfer Qixing shares to Youyou and chatted happily with Xiao Zexing.
After a few sentences, the conversation circled back to Xiao Zexing’s private life.
Tang Xiao asked cheerfully: “Mr. Xiao is still single—haven’t found the right one yet? What kind of person does Mr. Xiao like? Feel free to tell me; I can help you keep an eye out.”
The question was almost identical to the one Zhao Manlan had asked Xiao Zexing a few days earlier.
Youyou thought absentmindedly: he’ll probably just answer “as long as I like her” again—
Xiao Zexing answered leisurely: “I like someone with a tiny tear mole at the corner of her eye, who scratches like a little cat.”
Youyou’s body stiffened.
She looked up.
Xiao Zexing wasn’t looking at her. He calmly pulled out a tissue, wiped his fingertips carefully, folded it twice, and tossed it into the trash.
Tang Xiao didn’t understand the deeper meaning and kept flattering: “Mr. Xiao’s tastes are truly unique…”
Jiang Chenting, who had been pouring wine for Xiao Zexing, paused slightly. He straightened, his gaze sweeping across Youyou’s face before dropping his lashes.
Even until they left, Tang Xiao patted Xiao Zexing’s shoulder with a big grin: “Once Youyou and Weijing get married, we’ll truly be one family. If you don’t mind, you can call me big brother from now on, and I’ll call you little brother…”
“No need to be so polite,” Xiao Zexing gently pushed his hand away and smiled. “In terms of seniority and experience, you’re the senior—I should be calling you Uncle.”
Tang Xiao was flattered into a daze.
Mr. Xiao really knew how to handle people— no wonder Mingjian ran so smoothly under him…
Huh? Wait… the generational titles seemed a little off.