The moment her waist was pinched, Tang You—who had been strung tight with nerves—finally reached her limit.
She gathered every ounce of strength in her body, shoved hard against the man’s hand, and bolted like a startled wild rabbit.
Aaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!
Tang You felt like she’d never run this hard even during her 800-meter PE test!
She dashed back to her room, slammed the door shut, locked it from the inside, then—still not reassured—dragged over a small cushioned stool and wedged it against the door to block anyone from coming in.
After all that, Tang You climbed onto the bed with shaky legs, wrapped herself tightly in the blanket like a cocoon, and trembled.
Her phone rang cheerfully from the bedside. Still kneeling on the bed with her head buried in the blanket, she tremblingly stretched out one hand, grabbed the phone, put it to her ear, and cautiously answered: “Hello?”
Miao Jiaxi was startled by her voice: “What’s wrong, sister? Who bullied you?”
“No one,” Tang You’s heart was still pounding wildly. That faint tobacco scent seemed to have clung to her from their brief contact—no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake it off. Panicked and upset, her voice carried a hint of accusation: “Jiajia, I’m dirty now.”
Miao Jiaxi was so shocked she nearly went to join her long-departed ancestors.
Tang You clutched the blanket corner, suffocating as she recalled the scene: “I just got hugged around the waist by Xiao Weijing.”
“Aaaaahhh—just thinking about how many women those hands have touched makes me want to puke!”
“My heart rate’s about to break 500!”
Miao Jiaxi finally understood what could panic her best friend to this degree.
Because of that damn engagement, Tang You had turned down countless guys who pursued her. That was also how she’d managed to stay single in the male-heavy School of Information and Electronics despite the fierce competition for girls.
In short, when it came to romance, Tang You was still a completely blank sheet of paper. All her theoretical knowledge came from books and dramas.
Miao Jiaxi had to remind her: “Calm down, sister. If your heart rate really hits 500, you’ll be peacefully sent straight to the crematorium right now.”
Tang You was completely incapable of calming down at the moment. She gripped the bedsheet tightly, steeling herself: “Jiajia, I’ve decided to go all out.”
“Huh?”
“Cut through the mess with a sharp knife,” Tang You said. “Take the initiative. I won’t rest until I’ve thoroughly grossed out that dog Xiao.”
Miao Jiaxi saluted in awe: “Wishing you success in becoming the ultimate bitch soon.”
Tang You huddled in the blanket, opened Bilibili, and started seriously studying toxic-female-side-character edit compilations to learn new moves.
On the other side, Xiao Zexing had just walked out of the kitchen.
The little girl had vanished in a flash. He was drunk; caught off guard by her sudden push, by the time he recovered and stepped out, she was already gone.
Xiao Weijing had his suit jacket draped over one arm. Seeing Xiao Zexing, he smiled and asked: “What’s up, Second Uncle? Did my dad force more drinks on you again?”
He could already smell the heavy alcohol on the man.
The Xiao family generally had strong alcohol tolerance, but the strongest drinker among them was Xiao Weijing’s father, Xiao Zehua.
Xiao Zehua was useless at almost everything else, but he took pride in two things: fathering Xiao Weijing, and his legendary drinking capacity.
Xiao Zexing had already had quite a bit at an afternoon drinking session today, and tonight Xiao Zehua had poured even more down his throat. By the end, Xiao Zehua himself had to be carried out. Xiao Weijing didn’t believe for a second that his second uncle wasn’t drunk.
Xiao Weijing knew his uncle had excellent alcohol tolerance—no matter how much he drank, he never lost control or made a scene.
The only thing was that Xiao Zexing never remembered anything he did while drunk.
For example, right now: the man’s movements and speech showed not the slightest sign of impairment, but tomorrow he wouldn’t recall a single thing.
The idea of “speaking the truth after drinking” was even less likely; when drunk, he became even more sparing with words.
His self-control was terrifyingly strong.
Xiao Zexing gave a faint acknowledgment. The delicate sensation still seemed to linger on his palm.
Along with a light, faint scent of vanilla milk.
It wasn’t until the next morning that Xiao Weijing learned Zhao Manlan had let Tang You stay overnight.
According to Xiao family custom, breakfast was always eaten together. Xiao Weijing had gone to bed late last night. As soon as he came downstairs and before reaching the dining room, he caught sight of Tang You’s back.
She was exceptionally slim, with fair skin and long, soft hair. She liked wearing light-colored dresses.
Very easy to recognize.
Xiao Weijing frowned, changed his mind, turned on his heel, and left.
To avoid his mother and grandfather once again subtly pressuring him into marriage—and to dodge this fiancée—Xiao Weijing grabbed his coat and headed out the door. Just then he saw Xiao Zexing standing in the garden talking with Xiao Zeyan.
Xiao Weijing smiled and greeted him.
He asked: “Second Uncle, were you thirsty last night when you went to the kitchen?”
Xiao Zexing had already lost every trace of last night’s lazy demeanor. Dressed in a light gray suit, his legs long and straight, everything about him was neat and restrained. He turned slightly and smiled: “Maybe. I don’t quite remember.”
Xiao Weijing said: “I’ll talk to Dad later—tell him not to force any more drinks on you.”
“No need,” Xiao Zexing replied indifferently. “After all, Big Brother doesn’t have many hobbies left.”
Xiao Zexing and Xiao Weijing were similar in build; their noses and eyes were strikingly alike, both inherited from Old Master Xiao.
But their personalities and life experiences were completely different, making their temperaments worlds apart.
Xiao Zexing patted his nephew’s shoulder and asked: “Did the old master scold you again last night? Since the engagement is set, treat her properly. Your fiancée—”
He paused for two seconds, unable to recall the name, then continued: “Build a good relationship with her. Settle down a bit and stop causing any more embarrassing incidents.”
The “embarrassing incident” referred to Wen Ling.
Right after Xiao Weijing returned to the country, it happened to be Wen Ling’s birthday. She insisted he come to the party. He went as a friend, got drunk, and when he left, Wen Ling supported him for a moment—exactly when nosy media snapped photos and spun that absurd report.
Xiao Weijing frowned: “I’ll think about it.”
Xiao Zexing turned and asked Xiao Zeyan: “Did your adopted daughter stay here last night?”
Xiao Zeyan was startled: “No. Yesterday I just brought her over to meet the old master. After a few words, we left.”
He had deliberately waited until the very end to bring them. The old master showed no interest in the two adopted children, said a few sentences, and dismissed them. Xiao Zeyan hadn’t noticed any of the cleverness Xiao Zexing mentioned in Tang You. Timid and cowardly—yes. Her voice was tiny, like a mosquito.
Xiao Zeyan asked: “Why are you suddenly asking about this?”
“Nothing,” Xiao Zexing smiled. “Just checking on family matters.”
After Xiao Zexing left, Xiao Zeyan suddenly remembered something. He slapped his forehead and laughed to Xiao Weijing: “Speaking of coincidence—the girl I just adopted is also named Tang You. Same name as your fiancée. Your aunt and I are discussing giving her a new name to avoid awkwardness later when calling them.”
Xiao Weijing’s expression soured: “What kind of nonsense is that? It’s not like she’s the only one who can use that name.”
“You really dislike that little girl that much?”
“It’s not exactly dislike,” Xiao Weijing said. “Compared to disliking her, I just hate having my marriage arranged by the family even more.”
Xiao Zeyan sighed: “Then talk properly with the old master. A forced melon isn’t sweet—don’t ruin the girl’s life.”
“I’ll try my best. It’s not impossible for me to marry her,” Xiao Weijing said somewhat reluctantly. “I just don’t like that timid, submissive attitude of hers.”
From the day he was born, Xiao Weijing had been raised strictly according to Xiao family standards. Now that he was tired of that life, he especially disliked the idea of someone arranging even his bedside companion.
Compared to gentle and timid, he preferred bright, bold, and unrestrained.
“She’s only gentle with you because she likes you,” Xiao Zeyan laughed. “Weijing, what Zexing said is right—be nicer to her. No one’s heart is made of iron, right?”
From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Tang You walking out the main door. Xiao Weijing’s gaze paused. Whatever he was about to say died on his lips. He strode away.
Tang You didn’t see Xiao Weijing’s face—only his departing back.
She mentally calculated the speed. No way she could catch up.
She gave up and turned back to her room.
Given the current situation, she had no choice but to take the initiative.
Yesterday’s green-tea performance hadn’t been entirely fruitless. By afternoon, Tang You received two pieces of exciting news.
The first: Xiao Weijing had been severely scolded by Old Master Xiao.
The exact reason was still unknown, but it was almost certainly related to her.
The second: Xiao Weijing was playing polo that afternoon with some people.
Zhao Manlan had sent her the exact location and time via text.
Tang You didn’t know how to ride horses, but she had once owned a small chestnut pony—her grandmother’s birthday gift to her.
One month after Jiang Tao and her children moved into the Tang house, Tang You kept clashing with them. Relying on Tang Xiao’s favoritism, Tang Nan secretly used a slingshot to blind the pony in both eyes.
After that, Tang You never kept another pet.
Except for Tang Huhu—the stray puppy she’d picked up and raised in her apartment. But lately little Huhu had gotten sick and was sent to the pet hospital.
The few polo fields in Xijing were all in the suburbs—not many, since the sport was extremely expensive and luxurious. To emphasize her green-tea vibe, Tang You wore a white T-shirt with a plaid skirt, paired with canvas shoes, and tied her hair in a high ponytail.
Utterly harmless and innocent.
The essence of green tea is to wear the purest clothes, hide the most vicious heart, and say the most misleading words.
Zhao Manlan had called ahead, so Tang You’s car wasn’t stopped at all. It drove straight in without any obstruction.
The staff politely and respectfully escorted Tang You inside. The biggest client at the entire polo club was the Xiao family. The Xiao men all loved this sport, and plenty of people came to learn polo just for a chance to chat with them and build connections.
Today both Xiao Zexing and Xiao Weijing were here, so naturally everyone treated Tang You with extra deference.
Tang You wasn’t the only one who had come after hearing the news.
Zhao Die, leading her horse, looked at Tang You’s outfit and sneered disdainfully: “Look at her getup—coming to a polo field in a skirt like that.”
“After all, she’s from a small, insignificant family,” Song Yu laughed. “It’s normal she doesn’t know the rules.”
“Just thinking that you’ll have to be relatives with someone like that makes me feel sorry for you,” Zhao Die said as she mounted her horse, turning it in a circle and teasing, “But at least you’re the elder—you don’t have to give her a pleasant face.”
Song Yu gripped the reins, pretending to swat her: “Don’t talk nonsense.”
“How is it nonsense?” Zhao Die teased. “Who was the one who dragged me here the second she heard Xiao Zexing was coming, skipping her spa appointment?”
Song Yu’s face flushed. From the corner of her eye, she saw Tang You following the staff into the inner circle and let out a soft sigh.
The Xiao family had their own private section of the field. Even Zhao Die and Song Yu, despite being inside, couldn’t enter that area.
Zhao Die followed her gaze to Tang You and smiled: “That one won’t stay smug for long. Everyone knows Xiao Weijing has no place for her in his heart. Otherwise, why would he stay abroad for four whole years without even coming home?”
Song Yu said nothing.
She stroked the horse beside her, feeling a faint trace of envy toward Tang You.
Tang You didn’t understand polo rules at all. The moment she stepped inside, she was completely lost.
Everyone was dressed in polo uniforms with numbers, one team in black, one in red, wearing polo helmets and galloping on horseback. When the action was fiercest, from a distance it was impossible to make out faces.
Tang You stood at the edge, casually picked up a pair of binoculars, adjusted them twice, and—perfectly—locked onto Xiao Zexing.
To be honest, whatever his character, his looks were undeniably top-tier.
This man was so handsome it was impossible for anyone to ignore him.
He wore jersey number 9, riding a chestnut horse, swinging his mallet.
This was the first time Tang You had seen him in sportswear. Without the dress shirt covering him, the smooth lines of his arms were visible—his usual restrained aura softened a little, replaced by a touch of wildness.
A staff member brought water and fruit. There was also a rest area nearby. Tang You sat obediently and waited.
She was lucky—soon after she arrived, a match ended and it was time for a break.
On the field,
Xiao Weijing took off his helmet, wiped his sweat, and sincerely praised Xiao Zexing: “Second Uncle, you’re as good as ever.”
Xiao Zexing handed his mallet to the groom beside him: “It’s been a while since I played. My hand’s a bit rusty.”
Deng Jue laughed: “Don’t be modest here. Weren’t you the one who scored the most goals just now? There aren’t many left-handers who can play at your level.”
Polo rules require players to use the right hand, which put left-handed Xiao Zexing at a disadvantage.
Xiao Zexing narrowed his eyes, looking toward the small figure standing up at the edge, and couldn’t help asking: “Why is Tang You here? Who brought her?”
Xiao Weijing’s expression shifted slightly beside him.
He had seen her too.
Though he couldn’t make out her face clearly, the only slim girl who would show up dressed like that at a time like this could only be Tang You.
Xiao Weijing hated being constrained. He had come to play polo purely on a whim today. What was terrifying was that even a spontaneous decision like this had somehow been discovered. This kind of persistent clinging only made him more uncomfortable.
Xiao Weijing watched the girl run over, holding water and a small basket of strawberries.
He gave a low scoff: “Low-class tactics.”
Did she really think something like this could move him?
When the strawberries came, he’d eat at most two.
The water—he’d probably only take a sip—
Hm?!
Tang You completely ignored Xiao Weijing. She ran straight to Xiao Zexing’s horse and stopped in front of it.
She lifted her pretty, delicate face, raised the strawberries and water high with both hands. In the sunlight, her slender wrists looked porcelain-white. Her voice was sweet and pleasing: “Do you want some water?”
Crack.
Xiao Weijing’s face darkened as he snapped the handle of his polo mallet in half.
He was certain: Tang You hadn’t glanced at him even once.
Ungrateful. Ungrateful.
All she knew was how to act sweet and clever to please the elders—she didn’t even bother trying to please her own fiancé. She wasn’t cute at all!
Not cute in the slightest!
Xiao Weijing’s expression sank. He yanked the reins, turned his horse around, and rode straight off in the opposite direction.
He didn’t want to say another word to Tang You.
This hypocritical woman needed to calm down and figure out exactly who she should be trying to please.
Xiao Zexing sat on his horse, looking down at Tang You from above.
In comparison, she was tiny.
Small hands, small face—everything about her was small.
Deng Jue whistled beside him and teased: “Since a beauty has come looking, we won’t disturb you guys.”
The players practicing with them were all club-trained grooms. They smiled knowingly and gradually dispersed.
Xiao Zexing dismounted and looked down at her: “Who brought you here?”
Tang You curved her brows and eyes sweetly: “I flew here.”
There was no way she’d mention Zhao Manlan’s name. Her mission was to make Xiao Weijing hate her—the more affected, the more pretentious, the better.
Xiao Zexing showed no trace of annoyance at her act. He took off his gloves and handed them along with the reins to the groom nearby.
Tang You followed closely behind him like a little tail, offering the water. Xiao Zexing twisted off the cap and drank half.
After intense exercise, sweating was inevitable. Tang You had mentally prepared herself, but to her surprise, there was no unpleasant sweat smell on him—only a light cedar scent mixed with a hint of vetiver.
Xiao Zexing held the water bottle. He was particular about cleanliness and didn’t reach for the strawberries.
With just one glance, Tang You stood on tiptoe and proactively pinched a strawberry, holding it to his lips: “Try it—it’s really sweet.”
Xiao Zexing looked at her, lowered his head, and bit into the strawberry.
Tang You had already removed the green stem beforehand. As he ate, his lips unintentionally brushed across her fingertips.
A tingling, numbing sensation shot from her fingertips, like tiny electric sparks crackling and burning their way up her arm.
Tang You fought the urge to pull her hand back. Her eyes still sparkled brightly: “Is it good?”
She looked exactly like a little rabbit.
His gaze swept over her face, her collarbone, her wrists, and finally settled on the loose fabric of her dress.
No cinching at the waist—just loose and relaxed.
The strawberry was very sweet.
Tender and fresh.
Xiao Zexing leaned down slightly and looked at her: “Very good.”
Tang You finally noticed the faint dimples on both sides of Xiao Zexing’s cheeks.
They weren’t deep—when the man wasn’t smiling or only gave a slight smile, they were just barely noticeable traces.
His natural features were so outstanding that every detail was stunningly perfect, making it hard to rank them. But right now, Tang You decided that the most beautiful, most tempting part of his face was those shallow dimples.
Tang You quickly steadied her emotions, reminding herself: You’re green tea right now—not a fangirl.
She pinched another strawberry, about to feed him a second one, when Xiao Zexing screwed the cap back on the bottle. Showing no intention of eating more, he asked casually: “Kids should focus on studying. What are you doing running all the way out here?”
Tang You didn’t answer. Her fingers still held the strawberry. The sweet smile from earlier vanished completely.
She looked a little aggrieved.
Xiao Zexing casually tossed the water bottle into the trash. Finally, he heard the little girl speak: “I wanted to see if the cut on your forehead has healed.”
It was just a scrape—it had healed long ago.
He’d had far worse injuries. Something this minor didn’t even qualify as a wound.
Xiao Zexing said: “It’s fine. Go home early. This isn’t a place for you.”
Not far away, Deng Jue whistled. Xiao Zexing was about to head over when his clothes were gently tugged.
He looked down and saw Tang You’s eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her slender, tender fingers cautiously caught just the edge of his shirt.
She gave a tiny, careful pull—as if afraid of hurting the fabric.
Tang You said softly and sweetly: “I’ll wait for you.”
Afraid he might scold her, she immediately let go after saying it, stood properly with her head lowered, looking obedient and downcast.
Xiao Zexing’s gaze paused for a moment.
He didn’t linger.
When Deng Jue saw him approach, he immediately offered a cigarette, shielding it from the wind with one hand while lighting it with the other. Grinning, he asked: “What’s this? The eternal iron tree finally blooming? Taken a liking to her?”
Xiao Zexing turned sideways and glanced back.
Tang You was still sitting there. Even though it was already autumn, the blazing sun showed no mercy—still scorching hot.
Her legs under the skirt were slim and white. She swung them lightly, kicking away a small pebble in front of her. A staff member brought fresh fruit; she accepted it with both hands and looked up with a smile.
Obedient and polite.
Deng Jue commented: “Didn’t expect you to go for this type.”
Xiao Zexing laughed and cursed him: “What nonsense are you spouting? That’s the little girl Zeyan just adopted—she’s still in high school.”
He stubbed out the cigarette he’d only taken one drag from and said: “I’m not a lolicon.”