Lu Xi raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling, “Then forget it, if I give you money, wouldn’t that be hiring child labor?”
Xie Heng: “…The payment doesn’t have to be money!” Who’s short on cash?
He wasn’t happy.
This time, he was thinking about her. After all, he didn’t like trying on clothes, it was boring and tiring. If it were anyone else, no amount of money would make them do it. How could she refuse?
He was tired.
Forget it.
Xie Heng turned to look out the window.
It had been sunny when he left home, but by afternoon, the weather had changed. The rain came suddenly, with a decent downpour, pattering against the car windows.
With soundproof glass, the car wasn’t too noisy; it almost sounded like white noise, lulling one to sleep.
The driver stopped at an intersection to wait for the light.
On the street, many pedestrians hadn’t brought umbrellas, and as the rain suddenly poured down, people rushed to find shelter. Even those on electric bikes sped up.
Suddenly, someone noticed a black luxury car parked by the side of the road. Apart from the sleek and beautiful car body, the most eye-catching thing was the handsome young man’s side profile reflected in the back window.
He looked cold and melancholic, with a droplet of water sliding down the window, making it seem like he was shedding a tear.
Those who saw it couldn’t help but stop, their breath catching, their movements slowing down.
However, Lu Xi, being his mother, couldn’t help but laugh when she saw Xie Heng in this withdrawn state.
She understood what he meant, but she was just joking. Why was he getting so upset?
Lu Xi thought for a moment and then kicked his basketball shoes, mimicking his earlier actions. “Alright, stop messing around, let’s talk seriously. Where are you taking me for hotpot?”
Xie Heng immediately stopped looking like the melancholy teenager, his face turning into a grumpy cat face.
He glanced at his brand-new, clean basketball shoes.
Taking a deep breath, he helplessly said, “Let me teach you something else: don’t step on a guy’s basketball shoes, got it?”
Lu Xi paused, slowly blinking, her apricot-colored eyes flashing with soft light.
How strange, the more she looked at this ‘big kid,’ the more she thought he was cute. Especially when he looked all angry and upset, she couldn’t help but imagine a little wolf baring its teeth, in a chibi version.
“Got it, I won’t step on them again.”
Lu Xi pulled back her foot and noticed a little tuft of blue hair sticking up on his head. She almost reached out to press it down, but as soon as she extended her hand, she remembered another of his ‘lessons.’
Xie Heng stiffened, realizing what she was about to do.
But she lowered her hand, “Almost forgot, boys’ heads shouldn’t be touched casually, right? I won’t touch it, don’t worry.”
“…”
Don’t worry about what?
Xie Heng clenched his fists and suddenly regretted his words.
Actually, stepping on the basketball shoes didn’t matter. After all, she didn’t have much strength, and it didn’t hurt him. For a guy like him to fuss over it was a bit embarrassing.
As for touching his head, what was the big deal? His head wasn’t made of paper. What harm would it do to touch it? Besides… she was so gentle about it, and he actually liked that feeling.
He was really overthinking this.
Lu Xi didn’t notice her spoiled and conflicted son. She had already searched online, found a highly rated hotpot place, and instructed the driver to take them there.
Xie Heng had no objections. After all, he’d said he’d treat her, so it was up to Miss Lu what she wanted to eat.
When they arrived, he was stunned.
Fish maw chicken hotpot?
He knew what fish maw was—it’s a supplement—and he knew what chicken was, but could these two things be cooked together? Was this some kind of dark cuisine?
His expression was indescribable.
Lu Xi eagerly recommended it, “It’s really delicious, perfect for autumn and winter. It’s great for your health and skin.”
Xie Heng was even more speechless.
His body was already in top condition; did he really need a supplement?
As for beauty, what did that have to do with him?
Helpless, seeing that Lu Xi liked it so much, Xie Heng put away his reluctant expression and decided to give it a try.
From the online reviews, Lu Xi saw that the store was very popular and always had a queue, but today there were fewer people, and they got a seat right away, probably because of the sudden rain.
Her luck was just too good.
The fish maw chicken hot pot was different from the spicy beef hot pot. It focused more on the ingredients and the freshness of the flavors, so it was a bit more expensive. The waiter brought the menu, and the hot pot bases were divided into three levels. The most expensive base included matsutake mushrooms, costing two thousand.
With Lu Xi’s spending habits, plus the addition of this ingredient, she felt it wasn’t too expensive and ordered the one with matsutake mushrooms without hesitation.
Xie Heng smiled and curled his lips: “You’re not being polite with me.”
Lu Xi propped her face up and retorted confidently: “Your money comes from your Dad. Why should I be polite when spending his money?”
… Makes perfect sense.
A good thing about hot pot is that you don’t have to wait long. The waiter quickly brought out the hot pot base and other side dishes. Lu Xi and Xie Heng were eating, not bothering with formalities, just enjoying the meal.
She was in a great mood while savoring the delicious food.
Xie Heng, however, seemed a little distracted.
He suddenly realized something—he had been spending his Dad’s money all along and proudly competing with his Dad. No wonder he lacked confidence.
How could he have the right to be disobedient when spending someone else’s money?
The hot pot smelled delicious, but as he moved his chopsticks and ate the top-quality ingredients, he felt indifferent.
He had to think of a way.
Lu Xi, as the wife of a wealthy family, could spend his Dad’s money with justification, and yet, she was still thinking about building a career.
His eyes flashed, and he suddenly felt a little uneasy.
Xie Heng took out his phone and quickly typed a message to Xu Jiaming.
[Hey, buddy, can you help me out? If you’re free, come tutor me?]
[Also, do you know any ways to make money? You always have ideas, help me think of something.]
Xu Jiaming : “…”
He was already tutoring Mr. Xie’s wife.
Now he had to tutor his son.
So, can he go ask Xie Heng’s Dad for money? If he really has to say something, that could be a way to make money.
By 7 p.m., when Xie Yizhao returned home, it was still pouring rain outside.
Neither Lu Xi nor Xie Heng was at home.
Since the school was on vacation these days, Xie Yizhao had temporarily removed the bodyguards following Xie Heng. He learned from the housekeeper that the two were out eating hot pot.
“Just the two of them?” They didn’t even invite him.
Recently, their relationship had progressed rapidly, and Xie Heng no longer complained about her being his stepmother.
Xie Yizhao knew that one day, Xie Heng would come to his senses.
He had never said it, but he never thought of himself as a foolish son. He was just immature, lacked insight, and was stubborn—he just needed an opportunity for change.
It seemed that opportunity had arrived.
As a father, he felt gratified.
But there was still a slight sense of discomfort, as if he were being excluded, becoming the least popular and least welcomed person in the family.
Such an immature thought felt strange, and Xie Yizhao smiled inwardly.
Why does it seem like he’s been influenced by his son? Recently, he’s been thinking about all kinds of random things.
In the study.
Not long after, Xie Yizhao received a phone call. Upon seeing the caller ID, his expression immediately turned serious.
It was the private detective he had hired after Lu Xi’s disappearance years ago, to track down her whereabouts. They only communicated through a direct line with him.
There had been no progress over the years, but he had continued to pay the detective’s salary, up until last month.
“What’s going on?”
“Well, there’s something I’ve been thinking about, and I think I should tell you. The youngest son of the Ye family, had been investigating your wife’s whereabouts years ago, just like you.”
Xie Yizhao replied indifferently, “I know, didn’t he give up a long time ago?”
“But I heard that tonight, he spent a lot of money hiring a private detective again, and he’s going to start searching for her. He said that no matter how much it costs, he’s willing to pay, as long as she can be found.”
“……”
Xie Heng furrowed his brow and slightly tightened his grip on the pen in his hand.
No man would tolerate another man coveting his wife. He hadn’t cared much before because the young man was still young, and Lu Xi had already been missing for a long time. He couldn’t be bothered to deal with it.
But now, after more than ten years, why was he suddenly acting crazy? Had something happened?
The Ye family…
The man’s gaze deepened as he thought, his expression darkening.
When the butler came in to bring him tea, he was startled by the serious expression on his face.
This is bad.
Could it be that Young Master got into trouble again? Or maybe something happened to someone else, or the company is in trouble?
As long as it’s not Young Master, that’s fine. Even if it is, he just needs Madam to come back and calm him down.
Xie Yizhao didn’t drink the tea. His face was slightly cold as he asked in a quiet voice, “Do you know where they’re eating?”
“Yes…” The butler named the hotpot restaurant.
Xie Yizhao stood up, put on his coat, instructed for the car to be prepared, and walked out of the study.
He rarely felt so impulsive, but tonight he wasn’t interested in working—he just wanted to see Lu Xi right away.
At the hotpot restaurant.
Lu Xi was about seventy percent full, with two parts taken up by alcohol. The restaurant’s signature osmanthus wine was sweet and low in alcohol content, served in exquisite porcelain bottles. She drank one bottle and then ordered another, feeling quite good.
Xie Heng, having realized that he wasn’t going to make any money tonight, felt very sad and also wanted a bottle.
“Minors shouldn’t be drinking alcohol outside,” Lu Xi refused him.
She then stood up to go to the bathroom.
Xie Heng frowned.
She walked with perfect posture, so she seemed fine. After all, rice wine wasn’t strong enough to get anyone drunk, but he still wasn’t at ease.
He turned his head, watching the bathroom door.
Unexpectedly, the cliché happened again. After Lu Xi came out, a few middle-aged men stumbled down from the upper floor, drunk, and seemed to show some interest when they saw her, their eyes not quite right.
Xie Heng held his breath, stood up, took Lu Xi’s bag without hesitation, and coldly walked to her side to support her.
At the same time, he gave a warning glare to the men.
Dare to mess with her? Let’s see what happens.
He was young, tall, full of momentum, and had a strong aura. No one dared to provoke him.
Back at the table, Xie Heng used his phone to scan and pay the bill.
His expression was cold, cool.
Lu Xi hadn’t realized she was tipsy yet. She cupped her face in her hands, unable to stop smiling, her heart feeling like melted cream—warm and sweet.
She was protected by her little boy.
It was really… a feeling beyond description. Though he was young, when he was reliable, he made her feel very safe.
“Dad?”
Xie Heng suddenly raised his head, surprised.
Lu Xi was also stunned. Turning around, she saw Xie Yizhao standing behind her.
She froze for a moment.
Unprepared, when she saw Xie Yizhao’s face—one that perfectly matched her aesthetic—her heartbeat suddenly sped up.
Did she… just get mesmerized by him again?
But there was an advantage to having a husband. She didn’t have to feel embarrassed. If he was handsome, she could just keep looking at him.
“Have you finished eating?” Xie Yizhao’s face revealed no emotion. “I have nothing to do tonight. I came to pick you up.”
He said that, but Xie Heng wasn’t stupid.
The moment his Dad appeared, his Dad’s eyes seemed glued to Ms. Lu. He knew right away that he was just an afterthought.
He curled his lips and grabbed his phone, standing up. “I’m done eating. I’ll head to the car first. You take care of her.”
After saying this, he quickened his pace and left, leaving Lu Xi to his Dad.
Lu Xi didn’t say anything and walked out of the shop behind the man.
The rain had stopped outside.
Xie Yizhao walked down the steps and took a few steps toward the car. Suddenly, he realized something was wrong. He turned around and saw that Lu Xi was still standing at the door, frowning and staring at the ground.
He asked, “What’s wrong?”
Lu Xi bit her lip a little, looking at her shoes. “There’s water.”
Xie Heng had already gotten into the front passenger seat. He heard this and rolled his eyes in disbelief.
What was she on about? The water on the ground wasn’t deep; if she walked faster, she’d be fine. She was really being fussy.
If it really was a problem… he’d just carry her over.
After all, she was Ms. Lu.
Just as he was about to get out of the car, he saw his Dad walk back, bend down, and easily pick her up in a bridal carry, his expression cold and indifferent. It wasn’t until they reached the car that he spoke quietly, “We’re here.”
Lu Xi hadn’t expected him to carry her.
She was a bit surprised.
Because of the alcohol, she felt bolder than usual and more relaxed.
Just as Xie Yizhao was about to put her down, Lu Xi suddenly raised her hand, gently touching his face a few times with a smile. “Xie Yizhao, I realized you’re actually pretty handsome, really.”
Xie Yizhao : “…”
The evening breeze brought a faint scent of alcohol from her.
As a husband, how could he not know his wife’s alcohol tolerance? She was drunk.
As for Xie Heng, he was stunned for a few seconds, staring at the hand still ‘harassing’ his Dad’s face. His expression changed several times before he couldn’t hold it in anymore.
“Puhahahaha!”
His Dad had been flirted with?!