Tang Xiao had quite a lot to drink tonight.
Although his mind was still barely clear, his steps had already become unsteady and swaying—he looked as though he might fall over at any moment.
Jiang Chenting supported him as they walked out.
Tang Xiao was no longer young. His arm rested heavily on Jiang Chenting’s shoulder, his gait faltering and slow.
Tang You walked quietly with his head lowered on Tang Xiao’s right side, stepping down one stair after another.
Suddenly, Xiao Zexing, who was standing on Tang Xiao’s left, spoke up:
“Chenting has already taken over so many businesses now. Why not change his surname to Tang as well? It would make him seem more like a real member of the family.”
Tang Xiao’s footsteps paused. He fell into thought.
He had never really considered this matter before. In the past, he always believed that if he just tried a little harder, Jiang Tao would be able to give him another son—a legitimate heir in every sense. Who could have known that after exhausting every method—medication, IVF, seeking doctors everywhere—nothing worked, and Jiang Tao’s mental state only grew worse and worse. It was only in recent years that Tang Xiao finally accepted his fate and began gradually grooming Jiang Chenting instead.
Jiang Chenting had also promised him that in the future, all of his own children would carry the Tang surname.
Hearing Xiao Zexing mention it now, Tang Xiao felt there was some sense in the suggestion. He turned to look at his stepson:
“Chenting—”
Jiang Chenting’s expression remained calm and unchanged:
“Changing my surname now would be too troublesome. There are too many procedures, and many contracts and agreements would need to be re-signed.”
Xiao Zexing toyed casually with his lighter, smiling:
“It’s actually not that much trouble. I can help take care of it.”
Jiang Chenting looked steadily at him. Their eyes met for a moment. Then Jiang Chenting withdrew his gaze and spoke in a low, serious voice:
“No need to trouble Mr. Xiao.”
Tang Xiao said nothing.
The aftereffects of the alcohol hit too hard—he could no longer speak at all.
Jiang Chenting helped the thoroughly drunk Tang Xiao into the passenger seat, carefully fastened his seatbelt, and closed the door.
Tang You got into the car. She deliberately avoided looking at Xiao Zexing.
She could hear him and Jiang Chenting exchanging goodbyes beside her ear.
Xiao Zexing’s voice was slightly low and husky; when he spoke while smiling, it was especially captivating.
Like right now.
Tang You closed the car door, rubbed her face, trying in vain to wipe his voice completely and cleanly out of her mind.
A moment later, the door opened again. Tang You shifted sideways to make enough space for Jiang Chenting.
Jiang Chenting had a high tolerance for alcohol and hadn’t drunk very much tonight.
His brows were tightly furrowed. He pressed his temple and spoke in a low, grave voice:
“Yuyou.”
Tang You: “Hm?”
Jiang Chenting turned his face toward her, his expression unusually serious:
“From now on, stay farther away from Xiao Zexing.”
Tang You thought silently to herself.
You don’t even need to remind me—I was already planning to keep my distance.
This man is simply too dangerous.
Tang You nodded.
Jiang Chenting mistook the stunned look on her face for something else. He pursed his lips and explained:
“That man is deeply calculating. It’s best not to get too close to him.”
In the front seat, Tang Xiao was already fast asleep and hadn’t heard their conversation.
Tang You nodded very seriously in agreement.
Indeed.
Seeing her calm and quiet appearance now, Jiang Chenting spoke more gently to comfort her:
“As for Xiao Weijing… don’t worry too much.”
Tang You smiled:
“I’m not in a hurry.”
“Wait a little longer, little sister,” Jiang Chenting started to reach out to stroke her hair, then held himself back. His fingers trembled uncontrollably for a few moments. “Big brother will find a way to give you your freedom.”
She didn’t know whether Xiao Zexing had said something.
According to what Tang You had originally expected, Tang Xiao would definitely drag his feet for ten days or half a month on the matter of equity transfer.
Yet unexpectedly, the very next day Tang Xiao had someone start drafting the agreement. One week later, Tang You smoothly signed her name.
The Qixing company that her mother had once wanted to leave to her had finally returned to her hands.
During the procedure to change the chairman, the board raised no objections at all. Tang You attended her first shareholders’ meeting, and everything went unexpectedly smoothly. Whether it was the old guard from Su Yuan’s time or Tang Xiao’s people, not a single one dared to make things difficult for her or show her any disrespect.
After it ended, Wang Yu congratulated Tang You privately, smiling:
“I already thought Mr. Xiao could help you. I never expected him to handle it so cleanly and decisively with just one move.”
Because of past lessons, Tang You cautiously asked one more question:
“Mr. Xiao Zexing?”
“Yes,” Wang Yu said cheerfully. “Once he gives the word, who would dare not help?”
He continued to Tang You:
“But I’m afraid your father’s backyard is about to collapse… I saw him yesterday—his neck and face were scratched up badly. Madam Jiang is quite fierce.”
Wang Yu belonged to Su Yuan’s faction. Although he had tried his best to remain neutral afterward, he had still inevitably been suppressed and sidelined by Tang Xiao in secret.
Now that Tang Xiao had stepped down, Wang Yu finally felt he could hold his head high. Having had a few drinks, he was talking more freely than usual:
“…Last night Madam Jiang tried to run away from home with Tang Nan, but your father chased after them. The three of them ended up arguing on the highway with the car stopped right there. The traffic police took all three away, and it was Jiang Chenting who went to pick them up… Good thing he’s already stepped down, or Qixing would have lost all face.”
As he spoke, a trace of mockery showed on Wang Yu’s face—he didn’t even try to hide it:
“Only your father would treat Madam Jiang like an empress.”
Tang You completely agreed with Wang Yu’s words.
They say people in love have zero IQ.
When Tang Xiao and Jiang Tao are together, his IQ drops straight to negative infinity.
Sometimes his foolishness was so perfectly timed that Tang You even suspected Tang Xiao was pretending to be stupid.
But after a long time, she could only regretfully accept the truth: he really was just that stupid.
Tang You knew nothing about business matters. Now that she held the position of chairman, she was basically only signing off on final decisions—she didn’t need to handle much else.
Seeing her deep in thought, Wang Yu smiled and took the initiative to invite her:
“Tonight, Uncle Liu, Uncle Zheng, and I would like to treat you to dinner. What do you think?”
The people he mentioned were all veterans of the company. Not long ago, when Tang You wanted to block Tang Nan from entering the board, she had personally called each of them.
Tang You smiled and swirled her glass:
“Sure, I’d love to.”
She had nothing planned for the evening. Although she was only nominally chairman, these men had once been Su Yuan’s right and left hands—they all treated Tang You like their own daughter. Now that she had become the new chairman, it was only natural to build and maintain good relationships with these uncles.
This was the most basic social courtesy.
That was what Tang You thought—until she walked into the reserved private room and saw Xiao Zexing.
He had just arrived. He took off his gloves, removed his coat; his shirt was immaculately pressed. Hearing the movement, he looked up. Their eyes met.
Tang You instantly bristled like a startled cat and turned to leave at once.
Wang Yu was startled by her reaction:
“Yuyou, what’s wrong?”
Tang You looked at his genuinely surprised face—he didn’t seem to be pretending.
She forced herself to speak:
“I think I went to the wrong room. Mr. Xiao is inside.”
Wang Yu let out a heavy breath of relief:
“I thought something serious happened… Mr. Xiao was invited by me too.”
He lowered his voice:
“Now that Qixing is cooperating with Mingjian, and you call him Second Uncle, you really need to keep a good relationship with Mr. Xiao.”
Seeing the look on Tang You’s face, he assumed there had been some kind of conflict between them.
Tang You had no choice but to go back in and sit down.
Fortunately, Xiao Zexing’s expression remained calm and natural. He looked at her with a smile:
“Yuyou, how did you get even thinner?”
Tang You answered completely off-topic:
“Thank you, Second Uncle. Your figure is looking better and better too.”
Luckily, Wang Yu was still talking to someone at the door and didn’t notice their exchange.
Only after Xiao Zexing sat down did Tang You deliberately choose a seat as far away from him as possible.
Because Xiao Zexing was present, the conversation quickly shifted from Tang You to him.
She didn’t have to socialize and was happy to stay quiet.
She listened silently, letting the words go in one ear and out the other.
She didn’t glance at Xiao Zexing even once the entire time.
It wasn’t until the dinner ended that several of the men, now drunk, supported each other as they left.
Tang You had been following behind Wang Yu. At the turn in the corridor, someone suddenly tugged lightly at the back of her collar from behind:
“Yuyou.”
It was already deep into the night; the corridor was silent and empty.
Only the faint evening breeze carried a subtle, lingering fragrance.
Her nerves instantly tightened.
Fortunately, the man behind her quickly let go. Tang You obediently turned around, lowered her head, and addressed him respectfully:
“Second Uncle.”
The obedient girl stood before him with her head bowed. Among girls her age, she wasn’t particularly short, nor especially tall—but standing next to Xiao Zexing, the difference was obvious. He was tall; the top of her head didn’t even reach his chin.
She had just attended the shareholders’ meeting that afternoon and hadn’t changed out of her clothes: a white blouse and black skirt. The outfit toned down her youthful air somewhat, without making her look mature—just quietly elegant and refined.
Xiao Zexing asked her:
“Why didn’t you say a word during dinner?”
Tang You kept her head down, staring at the perfectly pressed crease of his trousers and his spotless shoes:
“The topics Second Uncle was discussing were too profound. I couldn’t understand them.”
Every “Second Uncle” was a deliberate line drawn between them.
Xiao Zexing said:
“You’re still angry.”
It wasn’t a question—it was a conclusion he had reached after observing her words and behavior.
Tang You didn’t reply. She simply took two small, quiet steps sideways.
Xiao Zexing gave a low chuckle:
“So young, and already such a temper.”
Tang You held it in for a moment, but couldn’t anymore. She lifted her face and shot back directly:
“Where could I compare to Second Uncle? You’re much older, much more magnanimous, and have far better temper.”
Finally, she properly saw Xiao Zexing’s face.
He had slightly lowered his head so their eyes could meet. The light in his eyes seemed to carry a smile, making him appear even gentler at that moment.
But after just one look, Tang You decisively dropped her gaze again.
She was afraid she might get lost in it.
He took in every small movement she made.
Xiao Zexing said helplessly:
“I got Qixing back for you, and that still isn’t enough to cool your anger?”
Tang You refused to concede and muttered under her breath:
“Even without you, I would have found a way to get Qixing back eventually.”
…It would just have taken longer and required much more effort.
Of course, there was still a tiny, tiny bit of gratitude.
“Just that little bit.”
“Then what about helping you break off the engagement?”
The moment those four words left his mouth, Tang You snapped upright.
For a second she thought she had misheard.
She looked up at him again.
Xiao Zexing was still smiling, but the teasing had lessened, replaced by a touch of indulgence:
“If I help you get rid of the engagement, would you forgive me and stop being angry?”
Tang You didn’t speak.
His voice dropped lower:
“How about an apology like this? Does Yuyou like it?”
Like it or not…
Tang You huffed:
“Then I suppose I’ll reluctantly accept it.”
In truth, Tang You didn’t have much trust in this old fox.
After all, he had far too many tricks up his sleeve.
Old Master Xiao was the biggest obstacle to breaking off the engagement.
If Xiao Zexing really helped her, he would inevitably upset Old Master Xiao.
Tang You didn’t believe he would take that risk just for her sake.
Breaking off the engagement… she would still have to rely on herself.
She was already scheming in her mind: since bullying Wen Ling could provoke such a strong reaction from Xiao Weijing, next time she would deliberately, viciously bully her!
That would definitely make Xiao Weijing hate her even more!
And in front of the elders, she could still cry and act pitiful, saying she only did wrong things because she loved Xiao Weijing too much…
Breaking off the engagement without offending the Xiao family.
Perfect.
The idea had just surfaced and she hadn’t even had time to act on it when Zhao Manlan called, inviting Tang You to go shopping.
Tang You happily agreed—only to discover that Zhao Manlan was taking her straight to the gym owned by Wen Ling.
Looking at the storefront through the car window, bustling with people coming and going, Tang You was instantly stunned:
“Auntie, this is—”
Zhao Manlan took out a small mirror, touched up her makeup, and smiled elegantly:
“To help you vent.”
Tang You’s heart pounded wildly.
This was too perfect! She had just been thinking about finding an opportunity to bully Wen Ling, and now the chance had delivered itself right to her door—
Zhao Manlan gently put the mirror back into her bag and said casually:
“Thanks to your Second Uncle reminding me—matters between women are best handled by women. Weijing’s eyes aren’t clear, but since mine are, I have to help you get this revenge.”
Hearing Xiao Zexing mentioned so suddenly, Tang You froze for a second.
She remembered what he had said that night.
Steeling herself, she finally got out of the car.
Zhao Manlan led Tang You straight to the front desk. Before the receptionist could even greet them, she spoke first:
“Is Miss Wen Ling here?”
The receptionist smiled brightly:
“Hello, ma’am. May I ask what this is regarding? Could you please tell me your name—”
“No need for names,” Zhao Manlan smiled, her fingers stroking the strap of her bag. “My son funded this gym for your boss. What do you think I’m here to see her about?”
The receptionist was stunned, completely overpowered by Zhao Manlan’s aura. She glanced at Zhao Manlan, then at Tang You, before trembling slightly and lowering her voice to call Wen Ling.
Less than five minutes later, Wen Ling hurried over.
The black dress hugged her body, accentuating her curvaceous figure even more. The moment she saw Zhao Manlan and Tang You, her expression changed—she knew they hadn’t come with good intentions.
Steadying herself, Wen Ling smiled and began:
“I don’t know what Auntie—”
“Who are you calling Auntie?” Zhao Manlan cut her off coldly. “What right do you have to call me Auntie?”
Wen Ling’s gym was in a prime location, and today was the weekend—there were plenty of customers. Zhao Manlan’s sharp voice drew many eyes in their direction.
With her commanding tone and the delicate, fragile-looking Tang You standing beside her, they attracted even more attention.
Wen Ling’s face flushed with embarrassment:
“Why don’t we go inside to talk?”
“It’s fine right here,” Zhao Manlan smiled. “When you usually throw yourself at someone else’s fiancé, why don’t you feel embarrassed? Why weren’t you shy back when you were doing it?”
! ! !
Several customers slowed their steps, staring in astonishment at the scene. Even the cleaning lady started wiping the same spot over and over, going back and forth.
With people coming and going, Wen Ling finally couldn’t keep up appearances anymore. Her smile stiffened:
“Auntie, I meant please come inside for a cup of tea, take a rest, and we can talk slowly.”
Zhao Manlan had come here specifically to teach Wen Ling a lesson and vent for Tang You. She lifted her chin slightly:
“No need for tea. Miss Wen Ling is so precious—I’m afraid even drinking tea with you might end up with you trying to extort me for a ‘collision’.”
Wen Ling’s face burned from the verbal slap. Seeing that Zhao Manlan wouldn’t back down, she turned her gaze toward the silent Yuyou beside her, trying to play the emotional card:
“Yuyou, we grew up together. How could you think of me like—”
Slap!
Tang You, holding back “tears,” stepped forward. In full view of everyone, she delivered a forceful slap across Wen Ling’s face.
She put real strength into it. Wen Ling, caught completely off guard, had her head knocked to the side.
Wen Ling froze.
She had never imagined Tang You would actually hit someone in public.
—Has Tang You gone mad?!
—Does she not want to marry Xiao Weijing anymore?!
The cleaning lady nearby dropped her broom in shock.
Tang You’s voice choked with sobs:
“You still remember we grew up together? You’ve been coveting my fiancé, repeatedly asking him out to keep you company… How am I supposed to think of you? Hm?”
By the end, real tears were forced out.
When Zhao Manlan saw her crying, her heart ached. She immediately wrapped Tang You in her arms, soothing her gently:
“Good Yuyou, we won’t stoop to her level. Don’t get yourself upset, okay, sweetheart?”
Wen Ling was completely stunned by the slap. She pressed her fingers to her stinging cheek and slowly looked at Tang You.
It hurt.
Her face hurt.
But the strange, judgmental stares from everyone around her hurt even more.
She had always prided herself on her dignity and elegance, maintaining the image of a refined, strong career woman. Now customers were pointing and whispering; even the receptionist’s gaze carried contempt.
This was far more unbearable than the physical pain on her face.
Zhao Manlan genuinely felt sorry for Tang You. Seeing her eyes full of tears, she forgot all about lecturing Wen Ling. She hurriedly prepared to take Tang You away, not forgetting to shoot Wen Ling one last vicious glare:
“Don’t think pulling some cheap, low-class tricks will let you marry Weijing. Are you even worthy?”
Tang You was pulled away by the hand by Zhao Manlan and left in a rush. Inside, she felt both touched and a little unwilling—
Let go of me—I could actually slap her a few more times.
How could Zhao Manlan know what Tang You was really thinking? In her eyes, Tang You had always been a gentle, quiet, well-behaved girl. The fact that she had been pushed to the point of hitting someone was proof enough of how detestable Wen Ling truly was.
Once they were in the car, Zhao Manlan spoke softly and tenderly, wiping Tang You’s tears while comforting her:
“Good Yuyou, we don’t lower ourselves to argue with that kind of person, okay?”
Tang You had hit Wen Ling with real force—her palm was red and tingling. She nodded and sincerely hugged Zhao Manlan:
“You’re so good to me.”
Tang You couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret: with such an understanding mother like Zhao Manlan, and that old-fox-like Second Uncle, she had no idea what genetic mutation could possibly produce someone as easily fooled as Xiao Weijing.
Maybe he’d been protected too well? Never encountered any real setbacks growing up?
Tang You genuinely wanted to become a stumbling block in his life.
Let Xiao Weijing get a proper taste of society’s harsh lessons.
That evening, Zhao Manlan insisted on bringing Tang You back to the Xiao family for dinner. The moment Tang You stepped into the room, she saw Xiao Weijing with a bandage wrapped around his forehead.
Only one lamp was on in the room. As she got closer, she realized Xiao Weijing wasn’t just injured on the head—there were dark bruises under his eyes too.
Tang You paused, barely holding back a laugh. She stepped forward with fake concern:
“…Brother Weijing, how did you hurt your head?”
Of course Xiao Weijing wasn’t about to admit he’d been beaten by Old Master Xiao.
He couldn’t look directly at Tang You’s face. Every time he did, it felt like a precision strike on his preferences—aside from being too fragile, that face was flawlessly aligned with every point of his aesthetic taste.
Xiao Weijing refused to let himself be defeated by beauty.
His voice was cold:
“None of your business.”
He definitely couldn’t say it was because, after he brought up breaking off the engagement, Old Master Xiao had pinned him down and given him a thorough thrashing.
That would damage a man’s dignity.
Tang You hadn’t expected anything better from him anyway. She kept up the innocent white-lotus act and murmured:
“Does it hurt?”
—Obviously it hurts, what kind of question is that?
Xiao Weijing almost blurted it out, but the moment he met her eyes—seemingly brimming with tender tears—he swallowed the words completely:
“…No.”
To cover his embarrassment, Xiao Weijing grabbed the glass on the table and chugged several big gulps.
Calm down. Don’t let beauty cloud your judgment.
Second Uncle was right—personality matters more than appearance.
He didn’t like Tang You’s soft, boring personality.
Absolutely do not be fooled by her face.
Xiao Weijing suddenly stood up, set the glass down, ignored her, and strode straight out.
Tang You quietly let out a breath of relief.
She seriously suspected Xiao Weijing’s ability to read women was on the level of a three-year-old.
How could he be this slow?!
Tang You lazily sat down. Feeling a little thirsty, she reached to pour herself a glass of water to moisten her throat—when suddenly a voice came from the corner:
“Cold tea can easily upset your stomach.”
Tang You hadn’t realized anyone was still in the corner. Startled, her hand jerked—the glass slipped, fell to the floor, and shattered into porcelain pieces.
She bent down to pick it up, but the man had already stepped out from the shadows.
His large hand enveloped hers completely, stopping her from touching the sharp fragments. He lifted her hand slightly. Xiao Zexing’s voice remained calm and unruffled:
“Let someone else clean it up. Don’t cut yourself.”
The man’s hand was very big, his knuckles bearing faint calluses. At this moment he deliberately relaxed his grip so as not to hurt her. Tang You’s hand, by contrast, was small, fair, and soft—even her fingertips carried a cute hint of pink.
Xiao Zexing lowered his gaze to her:
“Which hand did you use to hit Wen Ling?”
Tang You instantly became wary:
“Why is Second Uncle asking? Are you planning to get revenge for her?”
“Do you think I’m Xiao Weijing?”
Tang You muttered under her breath: “It’s not like you’ve never pretended to be him before.”
As he spoke, Xiao Zexing gently pulled her hand apart and accurately judged from the slight swelling in her palm. He examined it carefully: “Does your hand hurt?”
Tang You didn’t answer. She tried to pull her hand back, but couldn’t free it.
Xiao Zexing noticed her resistance, loosened his grip slightly, and sighed: “Always ready to hit someone. Do you really think you’re a cat?”
Tang You instinctively felt that this kind of contact was very wrong. Taking advantage of the slight slack, she yanked her hand free with force, stepped back one pace, and reminded him seriously: “Second Uncle, please mind your behavior!”
His hand closed on empty air.
Xiao Zexing said calmly: “What’s the problem? This is just a case of doting affection.”
Tang You was rendered speechless by that one sentence. At just the right moment, Xiao Weijing appeared at the doorway and called: “Tang You, Second Uncle, come out—dinner’s ready.”
The moment she saw Xiao Weijing again, Tang You’s heart started racing.
She felt an inexplicable pang of guilt. She gave a small hum, then quickly walked out.
As she brushed past Xiao Weijing, her heart was in chaos, and she completely forgot to keep up her lovesick act.
Xiao Weijing only caught a faint whiff of vanilla milk scent before it dissipated.
He had only seen Xiao Zexing and Tang You standing very close together; he hadn’t heard their conversation.
But the atmosphere between them carried something subtly off, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.
Watching Xiao Zexing walk out calmly, Xiao Weijing couldn’t help but remark: “You and Tang You were chatting pretty happily just now.”
“Hm,” Xiao Zexing replied casually, “we uncle and niece have a deep bond.”
Xiao Weijing thought for a moment and quite agreed: “Exactly what I was saying—if Grandpa really likes Tang You that much, why not just officially recognize her as a god-granddaughter—”
“No.”
“Hm? What’s wrong with that?”
Xiao Zexing stopped walking and looked at him evenly: “How can we just randomly claim family ties like that?”
Xiao Weijing didn’t see it the same way.
Since Old Master Xiao liked Tang You so much, why not just make her his god-granddaughter? Besides, Second Uncle Xiao Zeyan had already adopted a brother-sister pair—what was wrong with Grandpa taking in a god-granddaughter?
Xiao Weijing pondered for a long time before suddenly realizing.
Could it be that Second Uncle was thinking of him—didn’t want to keep Tang You around as an eyesore?
After all, having a former fiancée become a younger sister would indeed be a bit inappropriate!
Because of the injury on Xiao Weijing’s forehead, the atmosphere at dinner that evening was unusually heavy and subdued.
Tang You still didn’t know that Xiao Weijing had been brutally beaten by Old Master Xiao for bringing up breaking the engagement again. She was simply extremely careful to avoid making eye contact with Xiao Zexing the entire time.
She spent the whole meal staring fixedly at the food in front of her, behaving as obediently as a model elementary-school student listening to class.
Her right eyelid had been twitching nonstop today. Tang You vaguely sensed that something big was about to happen tonight.
And probably something bad.
That premonition was soon confirmed.
After dinner, Old Master Xiao set down his chopsticks and had someone bring tea for rinsing his mouth. After rinsing, he washed his hands, dried them carefully, and did not leave. He remained seated with dignified authority.
A servant brought him his beloved wenwan walnuts—two of them, each intricately carved into dragons coiled amid auspicious clouds, lifelike in detail.
He held them in his palm and cleared his throat.
This was the old man’s habitual prelude before announcing a major decision.
Tang You pricked up her ears and listened carefully.
“Weijing hasn’t spent much time with Yuyou since returning to the country,” Old Master Xiao said, slowly turning the two walnuts in his hand. “Part of it is because Weijing is busy with work. But another part… is that you and Yuyou simply don’t have deep enough feelings.”
Xiao Weijing sat stone-faced and silent.
Old Master Xiao continued: “They say you truly know a person after spending a long time together. If you’re not around each other every day, how can feelings grow? Anyway, Weijing’s place is spacious enough—”
Tang You’s bad premonition grew heavier by the second.
After the long preamble, Old Master Xiao finally stated his purpose: “Starting tomorrow, Yuyou, you’ll move in and live together with Weijing.”
Tang You froze.
No.
She did not want to live with Xiao Weijing.
They said living closer would help cultivate feelings—but this “closer” was open to interpretation. Did it mean under the same roof… or in the same room, sleeping in the same bed…?
The latter seemed far more likely.
Tang You frantically searched for an excuse to dodge this.
She did not want to sleep with Xiao Weijing.
She did not want to touch a man who had already been touched by someone else.
…
She racked her brain for a valid reason to refuse and, for the moment, stayed silent.
Zhao Manlan beside her smiled teasingly: “Look at Yuyou—she’s so happy she can’t even speak! Hurry and thank Grandpa.”
It wasn’t happiness.
It was shock.
Tang You finally snapped out of it. Steeling herself, she prepared to risk being scolded and refuse: “Grandpa, I—”
A clear, resonant male voice cut in.
“I don’t agree.”
Old Master Xiao’s smile vanished completely.
A faint anger flickered in his eyes.
He had never liked anyone arbitrarily interfering with, interrupting, or overturning his decisions.
Old Master Xiao looked at Xiao Zexing with displeasure.
Zhao Manlan froze in astonishment.
Xiao Weijing let out a quiet breath of relief, though a faint, nameless regret stirred somewhere deep inside.
Under everyone’s varied gazes, only Xiao Zexing remained perfectly composed. He calmly set his cup down on the table, clasped his hands together, and sat back in a relaxed posture.
He spoke methodically, laying out his reasons: “First, that house is too far from Yuyou’s school. It would be inconvenient for her to commute to and from classes every day. If something urgent happens at school, it would take too long to get there. Second, Weijing’s apartment was designed from the beginning without any consideration for a female resident. Most of the spare rooms have been converted into media rooms, gyms, and so on—it’s not suitable for Yuyou to live there long-term.”
As expected of the old fox—even his excuses were thoroughly prepared.
Tang You looked up at him. For the first time, she felt Xiao Zexing’s figure so towering and impressive.
In her moved and admiring gaze, Xiao Zexing continued unhurriedly: “Why not let Yuyou move in with me instead.”
Author’s Note:
Xiao Weijing: After all, having a former fiancée become a younger sister is a bit inappropriate!
Later on.
Xiao Weijing: Now I feel like having a former fiancée become my second aunt is even more inappropriate…