Lu Xi rejected him coldly, her tone firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
He… wasn’t about to beg her anyway. She could add him or not—whatever.
But at least this trip wasn’t a complete loss. At the very least, Xie Heng now knew that she had added him a long time ago—way before she added Xu Jiaming.
On his way back to his room, he held his phone and glanced again at the expired friend request.
A hint of regret crept in.
Plenty of people added him every day—his phone number and WeChat ID had long been leaked. It was annoying. He never accepted anyone, so he usually didn’t even bother looking at friend requests.
He never expected Lu Xi to add him.
She probably got his WeChat from the butler… Xie Heng thought. Back then, he hadn’t known who she really was. Their relationship was terrible, so even if he had seen the request, he definitely wouldn’t have accepted it.
He might have even blocked her.
Thinking of this, he actually felt relieved.
Ms. Lu had quite the temper—if he had blocked her, he could probably forget about ever adding her again in this lifetime.
Xie Heng flopped onto his bed leisurely, staring at the ceiling. Suddenly, a thought struck him.
He flipped over and grabbed his phone, fingers moving swiftly as he sent a message to Xu Jiaming.
[Did your mom add Ms. Lu as a friend?]
Xu Jiaming replied almost instantly: [Of course.]
Xie Heng’s lips curled slightly. He got his answer.
Just two friends. That meant she hadn’t added his Dad either.
That realization made him feel even more at ease. He couldn’t suppress his smug grin.
Old Xie wasn’t that special after all—he wasn’t even on par with him.
At least Ms. Lu had sent him a friend request.
She definitely hadn’t sent one to his Dad—otherwise, his Dad wouldn’t have refused.
The night sky was exceptionally beautiful tonight.
And Young Master was in an exceptionally good mood.
Xie Yizhao arrived home a little past eight. He had already eaten, and when he didn’t see Lu Xi downstairs, he asked the housekeeper and learned she was in her room.
Only then did he feel at ease.
Still, he planned to check on her.
He had never shown it, but lately, he often felt a vague sense of unease—like Lu Xi might suddenly disappear.
He needed to see her with his own eyes to feel reassured.
Like Xie Heng, he rarely used the elevator at home, preferring to take the stairs as a form of exercise.
As he passed the second floor, he hesitated briefly.
After a moment of thought, he turned and walked toward Xie Heng’s room.
Since that morning when he and his son had been ‘lectured’ by Lu Xi together, Xie Yizhao had realized his shortcomings as a father.
There was too much distance between them. He needed to show his son more concern.
When he reached the door, he noticed it was open.
Although he rarely spoke to Xie Heng directly, he knew his son’s habits well. If he was home, he was either gaming or sleeping in.
But not this time.
Xie Heng stood by the window, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets, looking unusually serious.
Xie Yizhao knocked lightly on the door.
Xie Heng snapped out of his thoughts and turned his head toward the doorway.
Seeing his tall, imposing father standing there, he nearly jumped in shock.
His expression was full of guilt.
“What are you doing?” Xie Yizhao walked in and glanced at his son’s desk. It was spotless, and there wasn’t a single test paper in sight.
But he wasn’t playing games either. So what was he doing?
Xie Heng rubbed his ear absentmindedly and gave Xie Yizhao a careless smirk without saying a word. Instead, he raised a finger and pointed upstairs.
Faint music could be heard—sounded like a guitar.
Upstairs was his and Lu Xi’s bedroom. Who was playing?
Xie Yizhao looked at his son. He was only in his first year of high school, yet he was growing taller and was nearly catching up to him. But back when he was in the same age, he was nowhere near as laid-back as Xie Heng.
Besides academics, he had to learn business knowledge in preparation for taking over the family corporation. The family had hired business school professors to tutor him, and he also had to learn horseback riding and golf. He was also introduced to his father’s business associates to build connections.
In comparison, Xie Heng was truly a carefree young master with no worries.
Xie Yizhao let his hands drop silently, pausing for a moment before tapping his knuckles on the empty desk. His voice was deep as he asked, “Do you have plans for the seven days of vacation?”
Xie Heng choked.
Well, he did—sleeping, gaming, playing basketball, watching movies.
But that was definitely not the kind of ‘plan’ his dad wanted to hear.
Seeing his son’s reluctant expression, Xie Yizhao already had his answer. He said, “No need to answer. Do as you see fit.”
Lu Xi wanted him to praise their son, and he understood that.
But Xie Heng had to accomplish something first to be worthy of praise. That was his principle.
He shouldn’t let the boy become too complacent over meaningless things.
After a moment of silence, Xie Yizhao turned and left.
“Oh, Dad, let me ask you something.” Xie Heng raised his chin, grinning arrogantly. “Do you have her WeChat?”
Xie Yizhao paused slightly, quickly realizing ‘her’ referred to Lu Xi.
He shook his head. “No. Why?”
Xie Heng beamed, flashing a neat row of white teeth. “Nothing. Just that my buddy Xu Jiaming does.”
Which, in a way, meant he did too!
Xie Yizhao : ?
Who was Xu Jiaming?
And why was his son looking so smug while telling him this?
Having gotten his ‘revenge,’ Xie Heng felt an immense sense of satisfaction. It was rare to see a confused expression on his all-powerful Dad’s face.
That moment felt amazing!
Though, it only lasted a while.
Xie Heng ruffled his hair, sit at his desk, lost in thought.
Plans… he had never thought about them before.
He was already changing. He was going to school every day, not getting into fights or causing trouble. But apparently, that wasn’t enough.
Right now, his Dad was probably heading to the study to work. She wasn’t asleep yet.
Maybe he could go talk to her…
Inside the bedroom.
It was her first day learning guitar, and she was still excited. Since Xie Yizhao wasn’t back yet, Lu Xi decided to practice in the room.
Xie Yizhao stopped at the door, resting his hand on the doorknob. He hesitated for a moment before knocking.
“Come in.”
Lu Xi could already tell Xie Yizhao’s knock apart from anyone else’s.
The butler and servants were relatively cautious, while Xie Heng knocked on the door rather urgently. As for him, he was the most natural—carrying the air of a true master of the house.
Pushing the door open, Xie Yizhao saw Lu Xi sitting in a single-seater sofa by the window, cradling a guitar. She lifted her gaze slightly.
“You can play the guitar?” Xie Yizhao was a little surprised.
Lu Xi’s skills seemed to be far more extensive than he had imagined.
Without raising her head, Lu Xi replied, “Just started learning today—still far from actually being able to play.”
Recalling the faint sound of music he’d heard downstairs earlier, Xie Yizhao thought it sounded decent. He walked over to her, took off his coat, and casually draped it over the side of the sofa. “Did you hire a teacher?”
“I did. He lives next door. He’s the one I mentioned before, Yang Yihan’s son, Xu Jiaming, Xiao Heng’s classmate.”
Xie Yizhao frowned slightly.
He certainly supported Lu Xi learning the guitar. Since she came back this time, she no longer enjoyed shopping or socializing with the other wealthy wives and ladies as she used to. She preferred staying at home. Developing a hobby to pass the time was a good thing.
But instead of hiring a renowned teacher, she chose a high school student?
Xu Jiaming…
Xie Yizhao silently took note of the name.
He wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about music, but he wasn’t completely tone-deaf either. Hearing her repeatedly play a certain melody, he leaned in slightly, moving a little closer to Lu Xi.
Lu Xi suddenly felt a bit self-conscious. “I’m not playing well yet—don’t listen for now.”
She had no problem playing in front of her teacher or practicing alone. Even earlier in the greenhouse, when that rebellious son of hers was listening, she hadn’t felt nervous at all. But for some reason, when this man suddenly leaned in, she felt uneasy. Her fingers tensed, and she even played a wrong note.
“I don’t think so. I think it sounds great.”
Xie Yizhao’s gaze was deep, and he was so close that their breaths seemed to mingle. “You have talent.”
Lu Xi’s ears felt slightly warm.
At the same time, her eyes brightened. “You know music?”
Xie Yizhao lowered his eyes, his gaze landing on the slight curve of her lips. After a brief pause, he said, “Not really, just a feeling.”
When he had entered earlier, he’d only intended to check on Lu Xi before heading to his study. The door wasn’t closed.
And at that moment, standing in the hallway, Xie Heng unintentionally heard the entire process of his Dad shamelessly showering compliments.
“…”
Excuse him, but his teeth were aching from all the sweetness.
So cringey.
If you don’t know, just admit it. Unlike him—when faced with multiple-choice questions he didn’t know the answer to, he wouldn’t even bother guessing; he’d just leave it blank. And yet his Dad had the audacity to say ‘not really’ as if he had some expertise…
His Dad needed to be more honest.
Was this what they called a man’s ego? Unable to admit any shortcomings in front of his wife?
Tsk, tsk.
A moment ago, he had been all serious, lecturing Xie Heng about proper conduct. But the moment he turned to Ms. Lu, he started blindly throwing out praises.
Why was it that when it came to complimenting his own son, he could only manage sarcastic comments about Xie Heng hair?
Xie Heng felt utter disdain towards his Dad.
He swore he would never grow up to be like this.
Xie Heng frowned, feeling somewhat irritated.
What was his Dad doing? Why wasn’t he heading to his study to work overtime?
He also wanted to talk to Ms. Lu!
Just then, Xie Yizhao seemed to recall something and asked, “Have you made a decision about Louis’ invitation?”
Lu Xi replied, “Not yet. But I’ve scheduled a visit to his company tomorrow to take a look first.”
Xie Yizhao nodded slightly. “If you like it, go for it. Don’t worry about Xiao Heng—he needs to learn to be independent.”
“Mm, I know…”
Her voice was soft, like a feather falling onto Xie Heng’s heart—yet it landed with the force of a thunderclap.
Although he didn’t understand what they were saying, it seemed that she had received a great invitation but was hesitating because of him.
Back in the room.
Xie Heng was distracted, his expression dark.
There had been many times when he wanted to ask Lu Xi where she had been all these years, what had happened back then, and if she had been alive all along, why she hadn’t come back to see him for over a decade.
He had felt confused, even resentful.
But he didn’t want to be a burden to her.
Whatever she wanted to do, she should go ahead and do it. He wasn’t a child anymore…
Was she really giving up a great opportunity because of him?
A sour feeling welled up inside him, making him feel a bit guilty.
Before going to sleep, Xie Heng made a decision.
He would help her set aside her concerns and prove to her that he wasn’t a little kid who needed someone at home to watch over him.
The next day.
Lu Xi had an appointment with Master Louis at two in the afternoon. Since this meeting was important, she made sure to be ready early and got into her car at 1:30.
Out of nowhere, Xie Heng dashed out of the house like a gust of wind, pulled open the car door, and got in.
Lu Xi : “What are you doing?”
Xie Heng felt a little nervous but kept a calm face. “It’s boring at home. Where are you going? Can I come with you?”
It wasn’t really a problem.
Since this wasn’t an official meeting, Lu Xi thought for a moment and agreed to take him along.
Just before they arrived at KC Corporation, Lu Xi received a call from Louis’s assistant. Master Louis’s flight had been delayed, so he would be late. In the meantime, his nephew would meet with her instead.
“No problem.”
Lu Xi’s goal today was simply to experience the brand she admired up close. Even if she couldn’t meet the master himself, just having the chance to visit was already enough.
Soon, they arrived at the company. With Xie Heng following her, Lu Xi was led by the receptionist to the executive office area.
After the secretary knocked on the door, Lu Xi stepped inside.
The office had a strong futuristic feel. When they stepped in, it was like walking into a cyberpunk world straight out of a novel. Xie Heng was immediately fascinated.
Lu Xi, however, wasn’t interested in the decor. Her attention went straight to the man in a sharp suit behind the desk, handsome yet distant.
Just as she was about to greet him, the man saw her and suddenly froze.
He stood up, his voice filled with surprise and delight. “Xixi? It’s really you…”
Xie Heng snapped back to reality, staring at the man in confusion.
Who the hell is this guy now?