After the meeting, Lu Xi saw a message from Xie Yizhao.
[I’m waiting at the school gate.]
Lu Xi smiled, holding her phone.
She picked up her unfinished coconut water and met up with Xie Heng at the classroom door. She showed him the message. “Your Dad’s at the gate. Let’s go find him.”
Xie Heng gave a quiet “Oh,” then instinctively took her unfinished drink and her small purse.
He walked quietly beside her.
As they reached the hallway, Lu Xi remembered something and handed him the report card. She grinned. “Congratulations, Xiao Heng! You improved again, by twenty ranks this time. We’ll show your Dad later.”
Xie Heng took the paper and glanced at it but didn’t seem particularly excited.
Lu Xi looked at him. “Why don’t you look happy about your progress?”
“It’s nothing.” Xie Heng touched the bridge of his nose, trying to sound casual. “Uh… is your phone out of data or something?”
Lu Xi was confused. She checked her phone and showed him, “No, full signal. Why?”
Xie Heng blinked slowly, then shook his head.
“…” Lu Xi was speechless at his subtle little look.
Teenagers are always a little weird but also very cute, Who knows what goes on in their heads all day long?
Xie Yizhao was sitting in the car, waiting for them.
He had signed the contract at noon today and booked the earliest afternoon flight on purpose. He only had lunch once he was on the plane.
Li Xiao dropped Xie Yizhao off at the school gate, and Xie Yizhao told him and the driver to head back first.
Instead, Xie Yizhao got into the car that Lu Xi came on and waited for her there.
When he saw them walking over from the school entrance, Xie Yizhao stepped out of the car, held the door open, and gestured for Lu Xi to get in.
Lu Xi beamed at him and said cheerfully, “CEO Xie, you’ve worked hard! You’re being so attentive today.”
Xie Yizhao pressed his lips together slightly and responded in a warm, measured tone, “Not too bad. CEO Lu coming to the parent-teacher meeting has worked hard too.”
“…” That was a statement Xie Heng did not appreciate.
Hard work? No way! Obviously, coming here made his Mom proud!
He lifted his chin slightly and handed his report card to Xie Yizhao. “Here, take a look. Don’t you think my grades deserve some of your attentiveness too, CEO Xie?”
Xie Yizhao took the report card, his gaze sweeping over it quickly, yet he examined it carefully. A faint smile appeared on his face.
He didn’t say anything, just glanced at Xie Heng indifferently before stepping forward and opening the passenger door. “After you, Young Master.”
Xie Heng had just been joking.
He froze for a second, suddenly feeling strange.
He was a little flustered, worried that his Dad might suddenly smack him, but mostly, he felt happy.
Ha! His Dad actually lowered himself to open the car door for him! Besides Ms. Lu, was there anyone else who had received such treatment?
Xie Heng couldn’t help but feel a little smug.
But the moment he got in the car, he heard Xie Yizhao say to Lu Xi, “See that? This brat is getting more and more arrogant, he’s even ordering me around now.”
Lu Xi was in the middle of typing out a post for her social media.
Hearing this, she paused in surprise. Wait, what? Was Xie Yizhao… complaining to her about their son?
Xie Heng also found it ridiculous.
What was wrong with his Dad? Was his Dad really that sensitive? Complaining to his Mom like this?
Then he thought again. Wait, that’s not right.
If even his Dad, a grown man, could complain, then as a kid, shouldn’t he be allowed to speak up about his grievances too?
Xie Heng turned his head to look at Lu Xi and asked in a low voice, “Do you think I did well on my test this time?”
Lu Xi replied, “Of course! You improved by twenty ranks, that’s a big deal!”
“Then are you happy? Are you proud of me?” Xie Heng pressed on.
“Of course. Didn’t you see me like your post just now?” Lu Xi found his line of questioning odd.
Xie Heng suppressed a smile and asked proudly, “Then why didn’t you post about my grades to show off?”
Lu Xi stared at him for several seconds, furrowing her brows. She opened her mouth, about to tease him, but seeing his stubborn and slightly awkward expression, she couldn’t help but laugh. Instead of making fun of him, she asked, “Is your internet slow? Try refreshing your feed.”
Xie Heng blinked.
Could it be…
He quickly pulled out his phone and tapped a few times.
This time, he saw it.
A post from Lu Xi, made just a minute ago.
The attached image was of his report card, specifically the handwritten note from his homeroom teacher.
[Attended the parent-teacher meeting today! My boy really made me proud!]
A bright smile spread across Xie Heng’s face—pure, unrestrained joy.
Lu Xi and Xie Yizhao exchanged a glance.
Both could see the same thought in each other’s eyes—our boy is growing up, but the road to maturity is still long.
Even though Xie Heng had inherited Xie Yizhao’s height and frame, making him look nearly like an adult, there was still a touch of youthful inexperience to him.
But in their eyes, he was still a kid.
Even Xie Yizhao now believed that, as a parent, he should be more understanding and less critical of his son.
Besides, Xie Heng really had changed a lot.
Not just in academics—his social circle, his attitude, everything was different from before.
Even their relationship had shifted.
Not long ago, Xie Yizhao wouldn’t have imagined sitting in the same car with Xie Heng, sharing lighthearted conversation without tension.
Just a short while back, he had noticed a new coffee machine in the kitchen.
Every morning before school, Xie Heng would make a cup of coffee for Lu Xi.
So one day, Xie Yizhao tested the waters and asked, “Is there not one for me?”
Xie Heng had been in a rush for school, so he didn’t say anything.
But the next morning, beside Lu Xi’s cup on the dining table, there was an extra black coffee for him.
That entire day, Xie Yizhao had been in a great mood—. Een his assistant and a few executives noticed.
He had always kept his emotions under control, maintaining a composed and unreadable demeanor. It was a habit, a way to keep people from guessing his thoughts and preferences.
But that day, he didn’t bother hiding it. He felt relaxed.
Just like now.
He wasn’t one to post on social media like Lu Xi, but he felt just as proud of Xie Heng. Not just for his academic progress but for the way he was growing as a person.
For the first time, Xie Yizhao felt at ease as a father.
Before this, he had been unsure, not knowing how to guide his son or what direction would be best for his son.
But now, it was clear. He didn’t need to worry anymore.
Xie Heng was already becoming an outstanding young man. Like a sunflower, growing strong and tall, always turning toward the light.
Looking in the rearview mirror, Xie Yizhao met Xie Heng’s eyes and gave a slight nod. “You did great on this test. Next time, I’ll attend your parent-teacher meeting, make sure to make me proud.”
The boy grinned, confident and full of pride. “Of course!”
Beside them, Lu Xi rolled down the car window, letting the gentle spring breeze in.
She spoke in a soft, sweet voice, laughing as she said, “Then Xiao Heng gets to decide where we eat tonight.”
Xie Heng decided they would go to Lu Xi’s hot spring estate for dinner.
The last time he was there, he had only dropped her off and left quickly, not wanting to disturb his Dad’s proposal.
Honestly, the food wasn’t the main point. He had heard there was a maze there, and he wanted to try it out.
Lu Xi was now the official owner of the estate.
The day after the proposal, she and Xie Yizhao had gone to complete the ownership transfer together.
On the way to handle some paperwork, Xie Yizhao suddenly told her in an easygoing tone that he had accidentally torn up their prenuptial agreement.
Lu Xi was bewildered.
Under what circumstances would someone tear up such an important document?
Xie Yizhao held her hand and said as casually as if he were talking about the weather, “If yours is useless too, why not tear it up as well?”
Lu Xi was speechless for a moment before she couldn’t help but laugh, collapsing into his arms.
He spoke as if he were merely shredding a worthless scrap of paper, rather than giving away half of his assets.
Lu Xi reached out a finger and playfully tapped his face. “Then you better keep sweet-talking me, or I’ll divorce you, take half your fortune, and find myself a pretty boy to spoil.”
Xie Yizhao raised an eyebrow. “I’m not worried. You don’t like pretty boys. You only like me.”
“…”
Lu Xi was truly defeated by him.
But he wasn’t wrong. At least, in this world, she hadn’t found anyone more charming or more worthy of a lifetime commitment than him.
And as for everything in this moment, she cherished it deeply.
There was nothing that needed to change.
The three of them had dinner together. Xie Heng and Xie Yizhao both had some alcohol. Lu Xi ignored it. It was a happy occasion, getting drunk wouldn’t hurt.
After the meal, Xie Heng suggested going to the maze.
Why not?
As soon as they entered, Xie Heng confidently declared that since he was good at puzzle games, he must also be good at mazes. He swore to lead Lu Xi and Xie Yizhao out.
Lu Xi didn’t mind.
It was just a post-dinner stroll. Eventually, they’d find the exit.
The night was peaceful, and the air carried a slight chill.
Maybe it was the good mood, or maybe the alcohol had loosened him up, but Xie Heng couldn’t resist bringing up his desire to train at a martial arts gym.
He made sure to emphasize, “I promise it won’t affect my studies. I’ll only go once a week.”
Xie Yizhao walked beside Lu Xi, glancing at him. “I won’t stop you if you want to go, but can I ask why?”
“I want to beat you,” Xie Heng blurted out boldly. But when he caught sight of Xie Yizhao’s calm gaze, he licked his lips and quickly corrected himself, “A tie would be fine too.”
Xie Yizhao chuckled. “And then what?”
Xie Heng thought for a moment before saying, “Then it means I’ve improved. If I become a police officer, I won’t be in danger. Would you finally approve of me becoming one?”
Even Lu Xi couldn’t help but glance at him, then turned expectantly to the man beside her, anticipating his answer.
But Xie Yizhao simply said, “I never said I wouldn’t allow you to become a police officer.”
Xie Heng was stunned. “But last time you clearly said you didn’t agree…”
“I only said that if you hadn’t thought it through, then I wouldn’t recommend it. For example, right now, you think that just because you can match me in a fight, you’d be fit to be a police officer. Or because those two kids saw you as a hero when you saved them, you suddenly feel tempted to take this path. If those are your reasons, then I think you should be more cautious.”
His tone was calm, never sounding condescending.
It made Xie Heng listen.
Even if… he couldn’t quite understand it all yet.
Looking at the teenager beside him, already nearly his height but still full of uncertainty, Xie Yizhao sighed lightly and patiently continued, “I just hope you don’t rush into a decision. You still have time to think. When the day comes that your dream is truly for yourself and not to fulfill someone else’s expectations, your Mom and I will fully support you.”
Xie Heng blinked slowly. He thought he understood.
He didn’t say anything and kept walking ahead, listening to his Mom and Dad chatting behind him. His steps were a little unsteady, his head a bit fuzzy, but for some reason, his heart felt light.
Except… after nearly twenty minutes of walking, they still hadn’t found the exit.
Lu Xi noticed something was off. She called out teasingly, “Kiddo, are you lost? Are you drunk?”
If they kept wandering like this, they might have to spend the night here.
Unexpectedly, the usually prideful Xie Heng nodded and admitted without hesitation, “Yeah, I’m drunk. I can’t find the way out. You guys lead me.”
With that, he walked over, hooked his arm around Lu Xi’s, and leaned his head against her shoulder like a little kid.
Lu Xi’s eye twitched.
This brat. He’s sixteen, not three! He was way too heavy, she couldn’t handle this!
She pushed at his forehead. “Hey, kid, get up! I’m going to fall over!”
Xie Heng’s gaze was hazy with drunkenness, full of reliance.
Luckily, Xie Yizhao was right there. He grabbed Xie Heng’s arm, steadying him, and warned in a low, helpless voice, “Don’t bother your Mom. She can’t hold you up.”
Xie Heng stopped walking.
He rubbed his forehead, swayed a little, then suddenly grinned cheekily. “Then, Dad, you carry me. I really can’t walk anymore.”
“…” Xie Yizhao looked at him like he was watching a mischievous monkey at the zoo.
This ungrateful brat was really pushing it.
Lu Xi tugged at his sleeve. “What else can you do? He’s your kid. If you don’t carry him, what’s the alternative? Leave him here? That’d be so pitiful…”
Xie Yizhao curled his lips. “Pitiful? I think leaving him here sounds like a great idea.”
That’s what he said, but both father and son shared the same soft-hearted nature.
Xie Yizhao glanced at Xie Heng. The boy was still standing there stubbornly, like a little kid in a toy store refusing to leave without a new toy. He was just short of throwing himself on the ground and wailing.
With a sigh, Xie Yizhao pinched the bridge of his nose. He had no choice. Finally, he beckoned with an expressionless face, “Just this once. Don’t expect it again.”
Xie Heng’s eyes lit up.
Step by step, he walked toward his parents.
His head was still spinning, and his Dad’s words from earlier weren’t completely clear to him yet, but that didn’t matter.
Even if he was lost in this maze, it didn’t matter. His Mom and Dad would lead him out, and they would go home together.
Tonight, he was a happy little sunflower pup.
rokumi’s note : The main story ends here. There will be 7 extra chapters.
nooo AAAAAA I NEED MOREE