Tang You sat primly and properly across from him—small build, small hands, small face.
Everything about her was small.
From the moment she pushed open the door, Xiao Zexing had already begun observing this child.
His older cousin Xiao Zeyan was approaching fifty and still had no children. He wanted to adopt one to inherit the family business. After some preliminary investigation, he finally settled on a pair of siblings from the orphanage: Tang You and Tang Fu.
On the day they were scheduled to meet formally, Xiao Zeyan’s wife suddenly took a turn for the worse. Unable to get away, he asked Xiao Zexing to come in his place to meet the siblings.
So far, the information Xiao Zexing had was limited. He only knew that Tang You was still in high school, while Tang Fu was in elementary school.
The girl before him wore very light makeup, a demure and quiet skirt, jet-black hair, and not a single piece of decoration on her entire body—a textbook example of a high-school girl.
Tang You sat with elegant posture, eyes downcast, seemingly studying the things on the table.
In reality, she had been secretly observing Xiao Zexing from the corner of her eye the whole time.
Four years apart, and this man had only become more handsome—by more than just a little.
Officially speaking, Xiao Weijing was four years and seven months older than her. Five years of age difference isn’t actually that much. At least the “Xiao Weijing” sitting in front of her didn’t have a single wrinkle on his face. His flawless, striking good looks had only gained an additional layer of mature, restrained aura from accumulated life experience—something boys her age simply didn’t possess.
Caught off guard by suddenly meeting Xiao Zexing’s eyes, Tang You’s hand trembled.
The man’s quiet, oppressive presence was far too intimidating. The instant their gazes collided, she nearly dropped her cup and fled in panic.
To cover up the embarrassment of being caught sneaking glances, Tang You immediately looked at him with a pair of innocent, doe-like eyes and said in a tone full of admiration:
“I heard the group successfully won several major infrastructure projects in Country E this time. That’s really impressive.”
Xiao Weijing hated delicate, fragile little girls the most, and Tang You understood this very deeply. She resolved to firmly establish in front of him the image of a silly, sweet, innocent little milk bun who could do nothing but whimper and sob.
The milk she was packing, though, was poisoned milk.
But Tang You failed to see the disgust she wanted in “Xiao Weijing’s” eyes.
Xiao Zexing replied calmly: “Mm.”
Was her intensity not enough? Did she need to act even softer and more delicate?
Tang You smiled and said, “So how was your stay in Country E, Mr. Xiao? Was the food good over there? I’ve always wanted to go visit, but I never have the time…”
Under her long barrage of questions, Xiao Zexing answered methodically:
“It was fine.”
“Most of the time I still ate Chinese food.”
…
The man’s voice was just as perfect as his face—unbelievably so—like sunlight poured over piano keys, every syllable striking the heart with flawless precision.
Yet having failed to achieve her goal, Tang You felt a tiny pang of frustration.
She was working so hard to build up his dislike—how could he show absolutely no reaction!
Just as Tang You was about to explode with annoyance, she finally heard the first question the man had asked since she walked in.
Xiao Zexing said: “Why didn’t Tang Fu come with you?”
Tang Fu?
What the hell was that?
Tang You racked her brain for a long moment before it suddenly clicked.
Wait—don’t tell me he’s talking about my dog? Tang You had a rural mutt she’d named Tang Huhu.
She never expected Xiao Weijing to even know about her dog! Though the pronunciation was a bit off.
Then she remembered: Xiao Weijing’s maternal grandmother was from Hunan.
Ah, that explained it.
She said: “You mean Tang Huhu?”
Tang Huhu?
Xiao Zexing frowned.
It must be Tang Fu’s nickname—TANG Fu-Fu.
He vaguely recalled that Tang You and her brother were originally from Fujian ancestry.
Ah, that explained it.
“Yes.”
After they successfully confirmed what the other was actually talking about, Tang You let out a relieved breath and smiled sweetly: “So Mr. Xiao likes Huhu? Then next time I’ll bring him over for you to see.”
Internally she was roasting: Who the hell brings their pet to a blind-date meeting? Xiao Weijing’s requests are way too weird.
Xiao Zexing neither confirmed nor denied: “Per the family’s wishes, we hope you can move into the Xiao household next week, bringing Tang Fu with you.”
Move into the Xiao household?
Even though their engagement was set, they hadn’t gone through any legal procedures yet—they weren’t legally married! And besides, didn’t Xiao Weijing absolutely despise her? What was with this calm attitude all of a sudden!
Don’t tell me he wants to sleep with me—fuck!
Tang You was startled: “So suddenly?”
Xiao Zexing remained completely unruffled by her shock: “This is the arrangement that best ensures it won’t interfere with your studies.”
Tang You: “…”
Living together would obviously interfere with her studies even more!
Afraid that refusing right now would shatter her vicious-white-lotus persona, she could only timidly and weakly murmur: “Okay.”
When the man wasn’t smiling, his aura was overwhelmingly strong—far too oppressive. Tang You clutched her teacup, sipping in tiny mouthfuls, even slowing her breathing.
The lighting in the room was beautiful; under it, Tang You’s skin glowed porcelain-white. She lowered her lashes. Seeing that Xiao Zexing’s cup was already empty, she leaned forward slightly, wanting to pour more tea for him—
By chance, Xiao Zexing reached for the teapot at the same moment. Tang You’s soft, delicate fingers didn’t pull back in time and landed on the back of his hand. His fingers were warm, the bones hard. The brief contact made Tang You jerk her hand away in panic.
A tiny electric current spread from where they touched, crackling through her bloodstream. Tang You whispered softly, “Sorry.”
She felt guilty inside and didn’t notice that when she had leaned forward just now, she had accidentally given him a glimpse down her collar.
Even less did she notice the added layer of scrutiny in Xiao Zexing’s gaze when he looked at her.
“No problem,” Xiao Zexing said calmly, refilling his cup with elegant poise. “Also, regarding the matter of changing your surname—”
“You still want me to change my surname?” Tang You was utterly shocked. “Does your family really have that kind of rule?”
This was 2020, right? Why would anyone still demand that a wife who marries in change her family name?
This isn’t Japan! The Qing Dynasty ended ages ago!
Xiao Zexing’s brows furrowed slightly: “Is there a problem?”
Xiao Zeyan was adopting and raising children precisely so they could inherit the family legacy. In the future, all assets under Xiao Zeyan’s name would belong to the adopted child—naturally, that child needed to take the Xiao surname. Xiao Zexing didn’t see anything unreasonable about the request.
After a brief pause, he said: “The need to change your surname should have been explained to you long ago.”
Under the table, Tang You secretly pinched her own arm, then pinched her thigh.
Hiss…
It hurt.
How can you say such an obviously unreasonable demand so matter-of-factly?!
The Xiao family was powerful and wealthy. Tang You reminded herself of the leg that Xiao Weijing had once had broken by Old Master Xiao. She smiled gently: “It’s fine, really. It’s just… suddenly hearing ‘Xiao You’ sounded a little strange to me…”
Xiao Zexing made no comment.
In the closed space, a phone ringtone suddenly sounded.
It had its own default ring.
Tang You thought to herself: This man really is unexpectedly old-fashioned.
Xiao Zexing spoke, breaking the quiet atmosphere: “Sorry, I need to take this call.”
Tang You gave him a soft, sweet smile, sitting obediently and gently: “Please go ahead.”
Although it was a work-related matter, Xiao Zexing didn’t bother to avoid Tang You.
She was just a high-school student, after all.
Xiao Zexing listened quietly to the person on the other end, then cut in: “You were given half a month and this is the only solution you came up with?”
His tone was completely different from when he had been speaking with her earlier. Tang You quietly straightened her posture.
Head lowered, hands neatly folded on her closed knees, she smoothed and tucked the folds of her skirt.
She sat perfectly straight and proper.
“While I was away these past two years, it seems you’ve all been living far too comfortably,” Xiao Zexing loosened his tie, smiling unhurriedly. “So comfortably that you dare present me with this patchwork garbage. Do you really think I’ve been easy to fool just because I’ve been out of the country these last few years?”
Tang You was startled by his words. Though she knew the man wasn’t directing his anger at her, she couldn’t help but tremble anyway.
Her body’s reaction was beyond her control.
Xiao Zexing glanced at her faintly.
The little one was clearly frightened; the sweet smile from earlier had vanished completely, her lips pursed. Her hair fell forward, faintly revealing a section of her fair, clean neck. On her snow-white skin was a small, cute red mole.
Quite timid.
Xiao Zexing’s voice softened: “I’ll give you two more days. Clean out all the rubbish in your heads before coming to see me again.”
He set his phone down, raised his wrist to check the time, and stood up: “I have something tonight, so we’ll end here for today.”
He pointed to two exquisitely wrapped gift boxes on the low table nearby and said: “Remember to take those two with you.”
The boxes were packaged beautifully—one blue, one red—both tied with bows.
Why were there two gifts prepared?
Tang You was stunned: “Did Auntie give these to me?”
Xiao Zexing paused slightly: “The red one is from me, for you. The blue is for Tang Fu.”
Tang You was deeply touched.
Auntie was getting more and more considerate! This time, she’d even prepared something for Huhu.
As for the one from the man in front of her—
It was probably just something he picked up casually.
Tang You asked: “What’s in the one for Huhu? Is it food?”
“Mm.”
Tang You flattered him, switching into full rainbow-fart mode: “Auntie is really too kind, going all that way to bring back dog food…”
Xiao Zexing corrected her: “It’s not dog food—it’s snacks. Some cheese, cookies, chocolate.”
Tang You: “…”
Was this meant for feeding or poisoning?
Tang You tactfully told Xiao Zexing: “Huhu can’t eat chocolate; it shortens his lifespan if he does. And he can’t have dairy products either—he has a mild lactose intolerance.”
“Sorry, I didn’t know.”
It was the first time Xiao Zexing had heard that eating chocolate could affect someone’s lifespan.
After the man stood up, Tang You realized just how tall he really was. She tentatively compared their heights and found that her head only reached his shoulder.
That’s not right… Was he this tall before? Tang You tried to recall, but she had no impression at all.
Maybe it was about the same.
After all, their last meeting had been four years ago, and Tang You could no longer remember clearly.
The man before her stood tall and straight, his air of noble superiority as someone in power impossible to conceal.
It was hard to reconcile him with the cold-faced person from her memories.
Tang You’s gaze wandered again, her little heart not fluttering like a rabbit or a deer, but like a dozen huskies romping wildly.
She was still baffled by the fact that he’d prepared snacks for the dog.
Sure, Huhu was smart and cute, no doubt about it—but he was still just a dog! They were treating him like a person!
“Mm…” Tang You smiled sweetly at Xiao Zexing, revealing a little tiger tooth. “Next time Mr. Xiao comes to my house, I can have him perform a frisbee catch for you! It’s super awesome!”
Xiao Zexing stood up. He couldn’t imagine what kind of game a little boy playing frisbee would look like. His brows were tinged with indifference: “No need.”
He left first. As soon as he got in the car, Xiao Zeyan called, asking about how Xiao Zexing’s meeting with the two little ones went today.
Xiao Zexing undid his tie and loosened a button, replying to Xiao Zeyan: “Today I only met Tang You. She’s a bit clever, and her eyes are quite clear.”
—Like a little kitten who’s sheathed her sharp claws, rolling over to expose her snowy-white belly and pink paw pads.
Xiao Zexing was strict; getting a positive comment from him was extremely rare.
Xiao Zeyan was reasonably satisfied with this answer and let out a relieved breath: “What about Tang Fu?”
“He didn’t come today,” Xiao Zexing said lazily, his hand resting on the steering wheel. “But the relationship between those siblings is a bit complicated.”
He chuckled: “Or maybe it’s just kids messing around. Pretty interesting.”
“That’s good…” Xiao Zeyan agreed, then suddenly remembered something important and asked Xiao Zexing, “Today Weijing and his fiancée were also scheduled at Bishui Xiaoting. Did you see that little girl?”
“No,” Xiao Zexing said indifferently. “Weijing didn’t go.”
By coincidence, both families had booked the same place today. Before going to meet Tang You in Xiao Zeyan’s place, Xiao Zexing had asked Xiao Weijing’s opinion.
Xiao Weijing had firmly refused to go.
“Wen Ling’s birthday is coming up,” Xiao Weijing had said with considerable disgust. “As for that little girl… she’s bland and uninteresting, all娇里娇气, only good at pleasing the elders.”
Xiao Zexing wasn’t interested in his nephew’s private affairs. He only knew that Old Master Xiao had once forced him into an engagement. As for whether the girl’s surname was Tang or something like it, flat or round—he had no clue.
Xiao Zeyan sighed lightly and changed the subject: “Zexing, you’re at the age where you should settle down and start a family. Isn’t it time—”
“No rush,” Xiao Zexing laughed. “Better to have none than settle for less.”
Having one worry off his mind, Xiao Zeyan couldn’t help but fret over Xiao Zexing.
Sure, better none than subpar—but the issue was that at his age, Xiao Zexing had never even dated a girlfriend. He’d always treated matters of men and women with detachment.
Even his junior Xiao Weijing was engaged, yet Xiao Zexing remained so unhurried—it was a bit concerning.
Xiao Zeyan earnestly advised: “At least give some requirements, Zexing, so your cousin-in-law can keep an eye out for you.”
“No requirements,” Xiao Zexing chuckled lowly, unconcerned. “Alright, if you have this much free time, you’d be better off thinking more about next quarter’s financial report.”
Unable to pry anything more from him, Xiao Zeyan sighed and hung up the phone.
Xiao Zexing’s preferences in choosing a partner were a secret.
He had never revealed even the slightest hint.
Xiao Zexing’s car was parked nearby and hadn’t left immediately.
In the brief interval after taking that phone call, he saw Tang You’s thin, small figure emerge, hugging the two boxes. She happened to stop right beside his car and casually set the gift boxes down at her feet.
The car window was cracked open a sliver; a trace of cool air carried the girl’s crying tone from her phone call inside.
The little girl’s voice was soft and mushy, like a tiny milk kitten: “Mhm, mhm, mhm… Please don’t be angry. I believe Brother Jing didn’t mean to meet that woman on purpose…”
Xiao Zexing narrowed his eyes slightly and roughly pieced it together.
This child was probably in an early romance.
From her tone, it sounded like her boyfriend had cheated, and she was pitifully trying to come up with excuses to comfort someone else.
Even more like a little milk kitten now—huddled up, wronged and sobbing.
Outside the car window, the girl hung up the phone, arms hanging limply at her sides, shoulders trembling. Her back view looked rather pitiful.
Xiao Zexing opened the car door and stepped out—just in time to hear Tang You pick up her phone again, swipe a few times, and suddenly speak in an excited, cheerful tone: “Hahahahahahaha Jiajia! That scumbag guy got caught kissing another woman and it was photographed! I’m laughing so hard I almost caused a landslide and killed all the warriors!!!”