Chapter 14 – Do you want any gift?
Lu Xi’s steps paused for a moment, a bit surprised.
This kid always seemed particularly obedient when apologizing, making people want to pat his head.
Lu Xi was being self-centered as usual, so as she thought of it, regardless of whether he liked it or not, ruffled his fluffy head: “It’s okay, I’ll take you shopping again next time.”
Xie Heng: !
Could she please stop patting his head like he’s a dog!
He twisted open a bottle cap and took a fierce gulp of walnut milk.
How resentful…
But taking him shopping again, well, that’s acceptable.
After going once, he didn’t seem to mind it as much. Although he didn’t say it out loud, he had to admit her taste was indeed better than his random choices.
In the car on the way home.
Lu Xi was about to scroll through her phone when she unexpectedly received another call from Xie Yizhao.
Two calls in one day? How rare.
Lu Xi answered the call and said indifferently, “I’ve picked up Xiao Heng. He’s in good shape, not bald, and in good spirits, just a bit grumpy.”
The grumpy Little Xie pouted, looking out the window speechlessly, as if showing ‘in self-isolation, do not disturb.’
Xie Yizhao chuckled softly, “That’s good.”
He had already learned from the bodyguards about the situation and knew Lu Xi had successfully taken the rebellious son to the hospital, so he wasn’t too worried.
Lu Xi was about to hang up when she heard him ask softly, “I’m almost at the airport. I’ll be back in a week.”
Huh?
Lu Xi blinked in confusion, not quite understanding Xie Yizhao’s intention.
Thinking for a moment, she said, “Do you want me to take care of him for the next few days and wait for you to come back and discipline him? That should be no problem.”
Xie Heng : ? Excuse me?
“No,” Xie Yizhao seemed to chuckle helplessly and paused, “I’m asking if there’s anything you want as a gift?”
“…” This time it was Lu Xi’s turn to be puzzled.
She couldn’t believe these words came out of Xie Yizhao’s mouth.
Tsk.
She really wanted to ask if he had been kidnapped and was hinting at something.
“Do you want anything?” Seeing no response, Xie Yizhao, looking out the car window with his long legs crossed and his handsome profile calm, asked again, “A bag or jewelry is fine.”
Lu Xi raised an eyebrow, biting her lip in confusion.
He wasn’t kidnapped.
He seriously wanted to bring her a gift.
Isn’t that even more bizarre?
However, only a fool would refuse a free gift. When it comes to shopping, her mouth was faster than her brain, and she immediately mentioned her favorite jewelry brand.
“Wait,” Lu Xi reached out and poked Xie Heng, “Your Dad is bringing us gifts. Do you want anything?”
Xie Heng sneered, “I don’t want anything.”
He didn’t want to get involved in the lovey-dovey show between his biological father and stepmother.
“Are you sure?” The woman’s stunning face curved into a mischievous smile, “If you don’t spend your Dad’s money, I will spend it all.”
Xie Heng turned his head, his pupils slightly shaking.
?
His Dad was still listening, and she dared to say that?
In the end, with Lu Xi’s reminder (and manipulation), Xie Heng asked for a limited-edition game console only available abroad.
He had no expectation that Xie Yizhao would really buy it for him.
Xie Yizhao has been on a business trip these days, and Xie Heng hasn’t been going to school because of his injury for several days.
Lu Xi understood that he just wanted to skip class, but still applied for leave for him.
It’s not that she’s forgiving.
Just like a couple trapped inside a besieged city, the relationship between a bad student and the school is mutual dislike. Forcing them together will only lead to more rebellion.
There’s no rush in these couple of days, so he should just take good care of his injury.
Lu Xi has been staying at home these days.
On the first day, the butler was a bit worried. The Master was not at home, and the new Madam and the Young Master were under the same roof. What if something happens?
Unexpectedly, the two of them got along peacefully.
These days, Lu Xi and Xie Heng have almost no interaction except at the dining table. The Xie family villa is very large, with one living on the second floor and the other on the third floor, so they rarely meet.
However, Lu Xi noticed something unusual.
During meals, Xie Heng sat opposite her and often glanced at her sneakily, as if he wanted to say something but held back.
Lu Xi glanced at him, and he immediately lowered his head, avoiding her gaze. Then he deliberately ate his food with big bites, pretending to be indifferent.
She pursed her lips and chuckled.
She could tell what Xie Heng was thinking. At the dinner table that evening, after Xie Heng was caught sneakily observing her for the fourth time, she wiped her mouth helplessly and calmly looked at him, saying, “If you have something to say, just say it.”
Xie Heng scoffed, “There’s nothing to say.”
“Fine, then keep it to yourself.” Lu Xi calmly got up and walked away.
“…Wait, I’ll say it.” Xie Heng frowned and hesitantly began, “How did you know… things about my Mom?”
She’s obviously so young, how would she know about his Mom’s affairs?
Clearly, his Dad didn’t tell her.
According to the butler, his Dad was very upset when his Dad heard about what Wang Ling had done, and kicked her out of the old house. This shows that his Dad also only found out recently.
Her name is also Lu Xi, and she looks exactly like his Mom. Who exactly is she?
Lu Xi looked at him, slightly opened her lips, but before she could say anything, the boy interrupted rashly, “Don’t tell me you’re my real Mom, I’m not stupid!”
Hmm…
Lu Xi raised her hand and touched her ear helplessly, then sighed lightly. She lifted her eyelids lazily and nonchalantly said, “Then I have nothing to say.”
Xie Heng choked.
He turned away unhappily.
Forget it… indeed, he couldn’t hear any truth from her mouth.
“But,” Xie Heng suddenly heard her voice again, “does it really matter who I am, whether I’m your real Mom or not?”
Lu Xi leaned on the back of her chair, leisurely saying, “Blood relation doesn’t mean everything. Even if a paternity test proves it, if you still doubt it’s real, you might as well judge for yourself.”
Xie Heng : “…”
What is she talking about? He doubts it because it’s just too absurd! How can he believe that a woman who looks only a few years older than him is his real Mom?
“Have you read Sherlock Holmes? There’s a famous saying in it, roughly, ‘Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.'”
Lu Xi’s gaze fell on the young man’s face, as if she were dealing with a temperamental child.
“You’ve got a brain, use it more often. Otherwise, it’ll really rust.”
With that remark, Lu Xi turned and went upstairs.
Xie Heng was engrossed in what she said, and it even sparked some reflection from him, only to be unexpectedly met with sarcasm.
?
Was she saying he’s dumb? Right?
The Young Master gritted his teeth and clenched his fists in place, suppressing his anger. The beautiful lines of his forearms seemed on the verge of erupting at any moment.
He’s angry.
He’s resentful.
He’s unwilling.
But he seemed unable to come up with a retort… After all, last time, right here in this dining room, he had genuinely made her so furious with his foolishness that she had fainted.
The butler approached with concern, “Young Master, Madam didn’t mean it that way. Please don’t be angry.”
Xie Heng seemed oblivious, his eyes wandering as if lost, dully making his way upstairs.
Lu Xi had always intended to let things happen naturally, not rushing Xie Heng into accepting her as his biological mother so soon, considering she hadn’t fully embraced that role herself.
Orphaned early, she had grown up with her uncle, well-provided for materially with her parents’ inheritance. Yet, emotional connections were lacking; she had always felt lonely, unsure how parent-child relationships were supposed to work.
Letting things unfold naturally seemed best. The Young Master had lived sixteen years, but suddenly, a woman who is only old enough to be his stepmother said that she was his biological mother. She would be more worried if he could accept it right away.
The next day.
It was Sunday, there was no classes at school, and a few classmates came to visit Xie Heng in the afternoon.
They stood at the gate of the Xie family home and rang the doorbell.
Among those who came, aside from Ruan Tian and Zhou Wenyuan, the rest were unfamiliar to Xie Heng, having never spoken to him, simply tagging along.
The girl holding onto Ruan Tian, looking at the grand house before them, was somewhat nervous. “Is it okay to come like this? Will Xie Heng be angry?”
He was the school bully, striding arrogantly through the halls, handsome but always wearing a scowl, and no one dared to provoke him.
Though he and Xu Jiaming were both school idols, more girls pursued Xu Jiaming, because even in rejecting others, he was polite and gentle.
Ruan Tian was the most eye-catching among them. She smiled sweetly and confidently, “It’s fine. With me here, he won’t get angry.”
The others agreed.
“He’s different with Tiantian. He doesn’t pay attention to any other girls at school, just her.”
“He even fought for her. He really cares about you!”
…
Ruan Tian smiled faintly and interrupted them softly, “Enough, he’s not my boyfriend yet.”
But soon, he would be, for sure.
Though Xie Heng spoke to her, it was always in a distant manner. Ruan Tian hinted several times, but he never confessed. If he hadn’t stood up for her a few days ago, she wouldn’t have come today.
Zhou Wenyuan suggested, “Let’s ring the doorbell and go in. Don’t worry, I’ve been here before.”
The butler soon opened the door and invited them inside.
They sat quietly on the sofa in the living room, guided by the butler, curiously observing the interior of the house.
Xie Heng’s family background was widely known throughout the school. His father was Xie Yizhao, a renowned figure, wealthy yet low-key, much like the style of this mansion—luxurious everywhere but not as ostentatious as nouveau riche.
Outside, the garden was lush green, with a transparent glass conservatory filled with beautiful flowers.
Actually, most Mingli’s students came from affluent families and lived in large houses. However, very few had such an excellent location as the Xie family, commanding the best views in the entire city.
One boy, whose family also worked in real estate, envied them greatly. “My Dad said this area was all developed by the Xie family. Zone A is the most expensive location; even if you’re wealthy, you might not qualify to buy here.”
A servant brought them tea and snacks, served in exquisite British porcelain cups, with the aroma of fragrant black tea.
One girl whispered to Ruan Tian, “This place is so beautiful, Tiantian, you’re so lucky. If you marry Xie Heng in the future, you’ll definitely live here as the Madam of the house.”
Ruan Tian shot her a glance, saying, “Hey, don’t talk nonsense, I haven’t agreed to him yet.”
In truth, Xie Heng hadn’t mentioned dating her at all, but others didn’t know that. However, he liked her, and sooner or later he would not be able to resist confessing. Ruan Tian was confident about this.
The servants overheard and couldn’t help but look at them.
In their heart, they thought, high schoolers these days are so mature, already thinking about marriage?
But there’s already one Madam in the house, and she’s still so young and formidable, keeping the Young Master in line. It might not be so easy for this girl to become the Madam.
The butler walked over. “Sorry, our Young Master has gone out.”
Ruan Tian asked, “Where did he go? What time will he be back?”
The butler smiled. “I’m not sure. The Young Master’s phone is off, so it might be late.”
“No problem, we’re not in a rush. We’ll wait for him.”
The butler thought they might have to wait a long time. Did they need to stay for dinner too? But saying that might sound like they were rushing them out.
The Young Master doesn’t have many friends, and those he met outside of school nearly harmed him before. The butler hopes he can have more proper friends his age.
But to keep them for dinner, he’d have to consult with the Madam first.
Upstairs in the study.
Lu Xi has recently taken a liking to this room. She had a super comfortable massage sofa placed inside, so when Xie Yizhao wasn’t home, she could relax here without feeling like she might fall asleep at any moment, unlike in the bedroom.
The butler knocked on the door and explained the situation.
“Xiao Heng’s classmates? There are quite a few?” Lu Xi raised an eyebrow. She hadn’t expected her family’s little troublemaker to have such good social skills.
Of course, they should stay for dinner. There are plenty of chopsticks in the house.
The butler said, “Yes, and there’s one girl who seems to be Young Master’s girlfriend.”
Lu Xi : !
She knew it. It must be the rumored girlfriend of the school bully from the forum!
She actually came to the house. Oh my, it seems she really is her family’s little troublemaker’s girlfriend… Right, it seems that Xie Heng got into a fight that day because of her.
Things were starting to get interesting.
She dared say that if she confronted Xie Heng, he definitely wouldn’t admit it and wouldn’t satisfy her curiosity by showing her his girlfriend’s photo. He would even disdain her for gossiping.
But, isn’t this situation just delivered itself to her door?
Lu Xi planned to personally come downstairs to keep the classmates for dinner. She tidied up and walked out of the study, glancing downstairs into the living room.
Several students were sitting on the sofa, chatting quietly. Among the girls, the only one not wearing a school uniform and also the prettiest, was clearly a very popular girl in school, cute and sweet. It’s just that her eyeliner and lip color were a bit heavy, which detracted from her youthful charm, which is rare at her age.
Also, she saw something interesting.
The boy sitting next to her with black-framed glasses had been quietly watching her. After she finished her snack, he spread out his hands, and the boy immediately pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to her, very thoughtfully.
Oh?
A competitor? Xie Heng’s rival?
Hmm, he looks quite handsome, passable as a campus hunk, but compared to Xie Heng, he’s far behind, not a threat at all.
Lu Xi didn’t think she was biased as a mother. She objectively evaluated that Xie Heng was simply good-looking. Sometimes when he did something stupid or annoyed her, just seeing his face would make her forgive him immediately.
She took the elevator down and walked into the living room, intending to greet them and ask about Xie Heng’s situation at school.
The group was chatting, but they stopped when they saw Lu Xi approaching, looking at her curiously.
The woman was very beautiful, wearing a dark green, stylish and obviously expensive long dress that complemented her slender figure, enhancing her graceful posture, even the small brown mole at the corner of her eye was very captivating.
She looked very young, but obviously older than them, lacking the youthful innocence of their age, with a poised demeanor.
It seemed as if she was the Madam of this place.
Sure enough, the next moment the butler was heard saying, “Madam, they are Young Master’s classmates.”
Ruan Tian hurriedly put down her teacup, surprised. She couldn’t help but stare straight at Lu Xi.
She was so young, yet she was Mrs. Xie? Ruan Tian heard Xie Heng’s biological mother has passed away… Could she be his stepmother?
Ruan Tian’s expression changed slightly. With such a young and beautiful stepmother, it’s no wonder Xie Heng had a bad relationship with his father and was so rebellious. It’s all because of an unhappy family.
Several students were stunned, a bit confused, looking at each other.
She was the Madam? So young. Calling her Sister seemed impolite, but calling her Aunt didn’t seem quite right either.
“Hello, Aunt. My name is Ruan Tian.” Ruan Tian took the lead in greeting without any psychological burden.
Lu Xi glanced at her, nodded slightly with lowered eyes, her almond eyes showing no emotion.
She sighed.
Sure enough, nothing in this world comes for free. Being so young and having a high school son, she had to accept being called ‘Aunt’ by a high school student…
Ruan Tian started, and the others followed suit in greeting.
Lu Xi didn’t remember any names. She frowned slightly, distracted, feeling like she had heard the name Ruan Tian somewhere before.
Ruan Tian noticed that Lu Xi had been looking at her all along, her expression quite serious.
Ruan Tian pursed her lips, thinking, why is she staring at me? Does she know that Xie Heng got hurt because of Ruan Tian and has something against Ruan Tian?
But why… Ruan Tian was pampered like a princess at home and adored at school, feeling suddenly annoyed.
She wasn’t Xie Heng’s birth mother, so what business did she have interfering in his affairs?
Stepmothers are all bad. Who knows how she bullies Xie Heng in private.
One by one, the classmates finished introducing themselves, and finally it was Zhou Wenyuan’s turn. He stood up specifically, his handsome face adorned with a gentle and harmless smile. “Hello, Aunt. My name is Zhou Wenyuan.”
He had been to Xie’s house a few times before, the last time being a month ago when he hadn’t seen her. She must have appeared during this time.
The butler treated her respectfully, calling her Madam, indicating she had considerable authority in the Xie household.
Upon hearing this name, Lu Xi’s eyes paused, her brows furrowing deeper.
Zhou Wenyuan…
She remembered that name.
In her dream, he was the person Xie Heng fought with.