Peng Jiao was right—Guan Xinyue was furious that Pei Xi ignored her in the mall. She abandoned shopping, got into her car, and immediately called Si Ruohan.
Seeing an unknown number, Si Ruohan ignored it and hung up, making Guan Xinyue even more frustrated. How could he be so heartless, not even picking up her call? Did he really not care about her at all?
With no other option, she had to report to her own boyfriend instead, complaining that Pei Xi had humiliated her.
“Shaojin, you don’t understand! I tried to warn Miss Pei out of goodwill, but she ignored me! I’m worried that if news of her spending recklessly reaches Uncle Si and Auntie Si, they’ll be angry! And I lost face in front of my friends!”
“Shaojin, we should tell Ruo Han, so he won’t be misled,” she added.
Song Shaojin, buried in documents, barely acknowledged her. Guan Xinyue raised her voice.
“Shaojin?”
“Hmm?” he looked up.
“What’s wrong, dear?”
Guan Xinyue was exasperated:
“Are you even listening?”
“I am! You said you met Ahan’s girlfriend, right? Why worry about her spending? It’s none of your business! Ahan allows it,” Song Shaojin replied.
“How is it not my business? Aren’t we friends? If Ruo Han is being deceived, we should warn him! Girls these days use their looks to trick guys—someone has to look out for him!”
“So what do you want to do?”
“Call Ruo Han, of course! But he’s not answering my calls.”
“Do you think he’ll answer mine?” Shaojin teased. She had clearly forgotten what they’d done to him in the past—he wouldn’t pick up her call either.
Seeing Guan Xinyue insist on calling, Shaojin reluctantly dialed. Surprisingly, after a few seconds, Si Ruohan answered.
“Hello, who’s this?”
“It’s me, Xinyue! Shaojin and I need to talk to you!” she said quickly.
Shaojin interjected: “I have nothing to do with this! Xinyue said she needed you, that’s all!”
Si Ruohan raised an eyebrow, curious: “Oh? About what?”
Guan Xinyue hesitated, then reported:
“Ruo Han, I saw Miss Pei in the mall today. She was with a friend buying clothes. The friend bought them, but Miss Pei paid with your card! You should know—she shouldn’t be spending your money on her friend like that!”
Si Ruohan remained silent. It was less than ten thousand yuan—why make a fuss?
Hearing no response, Guan Xinyue panicked:
“Ruo Han, are you listening?”
“I know, thanks. This is between Xi Xi and me; no need for you to worry. I gave her the card for her to spend as she likes. That’s all. I have work—bye,” he said, ending the call.
Frustrated, Guan Xinyue realized she had meddled in something that wasn’t her concern—what business was it of hers?
Later, when Si Ruohan returned home, Pei Xi greeted him from the living room.
“You’re back! Liu Ma made lots of delicious food tonight—I was just waiting for you!”
She gently pushed him upstairs:
“Go change quickly, then come down. Dinner’s ready, I’m waiting!”
Si Ruohan smiled and followed her. Upstairs, he noticed a box on the table—a tie clip.
Could it be from Pei Xi? Probably bought with her own money, since he hadn’t received any notification.
His smile lingered as he went to change.
At the dining table, Pei Xi asked:
“What’s got you smiling?”
Sitting next to her, Si Ruohan brushed her nose playfully:
“The gift on the table—isn’t it from you? Of course I’m happy.”
“Oh! You noticed! I thought you wouldn’t look there. Do you like it?”
“Of course, I like everything you give me,” he said.
“I’m glad! I thought it suited you perfectly. If you like it, my money isn’t wasted.”
“Want me to reimburse you?” he teased.
Pei Xi shook her head:
“No! Gifts from me shouldn’t need reimbursement. You spent so much on me, it’s only fair I return the favor. Now, let’s eat—try this soup, fresh mushrooms, really tasty.”
Si Ruohan poured her a bowl:
“Haven’t you waited for me? We agreed I’d eat first with you.”
Embarrassed, she smiled:
“It smelled too good—I couldn’t resist! I only had a bowl of soup; I haven’t touched the dishes yet.”
He laughed and served himself as well:
“Eat if you’re hungry. You’re carrying twins—you can’t starve. Who did you go shopping with today?”
“Peng Jiao—the one you heard me talking about on the phone.”
“Oh, the girl who was locked at home? Has her family agreed to her relationship now?”
“For now, yes. If her boyfriend doesn’t succeed, they could change their minds. Today I bought her a dress with your card—you got the notification, right? I initially didn’t want to use it, but Miss Guan was so irritating, I couldn’t resist,” Pei Xi explained.
Si Ruohan nodded:
“Then it’s fine. I gave you the card; spend as you like. Ignore her—she’s just talking nonsense.”
Pei Xi tilted her head:
“Did she go report to you?”
“Ha! That girl, always lecturing about girls being independent, can’t spend boyfriends’ money. I barely responded, and she still reported to you? Ridiculous. Don’t worry—I didn’t have her number; she called through Shaojin. I thought it was a business call,” he chuckled.
“And why didn’t you buy some clothes for yourself?”
“I have too many clothes. Once my belly grows, I’ll get new ones.”
Si Ruohan gently touched her flat belly:
“When the weather cools, we’ll stock up more.”
Pei Xi patted his hand, laughing:
“Nonsense! One person can’t wear that many. Just a few sets will do.”
Si Ruohan ignored her—this time she couldn’t wear them all, but they could be saved for later. He wasn’t planning on just one child.