Xie Yizhao’s gaze slightly shifted, and he furrowed his brow as if lost in thought.
Lu Xi lifted her eyes slightly and asked, “What’s wrong?”
The man glanced at her, shook his head, and handed her back the phone, his tone indifferent: “Someone sent you a message.”
Lu Xi’s eyes lit up. “Is it from Xiao Xu?”
She had only added two people, and Yang Yihan should be on set at this hour. She wouldn’t send her a message unless it was something important, so it must be Xu Jiaming.
Xie Yizhao’s gaze turned even more distant as he watched her fingers quickly tap the screen, but he didn’t say anything.
Lu Xi replied : [I’m out having dinner, let’s talk tomorrow.]
Tomorrow, she had a guitar lesson scheduled.
After sending the message, she put the phone down on the table and continued eating the other half of the crab on her white porcelain plate.
The restaurant’s food was really good, which explained its popularity. Lu Xi thought while eating that she would take a portion to-go later. After all, marinated crabs taste better after sitting overnight, and both her Young Master and Xiao Xu loved them.
They had arrived at dusk, and now the moon hung over the lake, casting a beautiful glow. Lu Xi was very satisfied with everything right now, including her current state.
She had come a long way from that nightmare.
She was grateful that she hadn’t followed the original fate outlined for her—dying young. Though life had changed drastically and she had initially struggled to adapt, everything had turned out for the best.
Now that she had decided to become an independent designer, it wouldn’t hurt to try something new. Lu Xi rested her chin in her hand, her eyes seeming to flow like a clear stream, as she spoke with interest: “I think I might try designing men’s fashion.”
Xie Yizhao’s expression changed slightly.
He didn’t say anything, taking his time to handle the half-split crab on his plate. Like Lu Xi, he wasn’t too particular about using tools to eat crabs, but he did so with elegance. His long fingers slowly broke apart the crab legs with a calm, unhurried motion, revealing the beautiful veins on the back of his hands.
Lu Xi had always had a thing for hands, and she had noticed long ago that his were particularly beautiful—hands that were delicate yet not lacking in strength.
While admiring them, she suddenly heard the man speak slowly: “You really dote on that boy.”
Lu Xi froze for a moment before realizing he was talking about Xu Jiaming.
Not catching the tone in his voice, she smiled and replied, “Didn’t you say it yourself? It’s all women’s fashion, but no men’s. I suddenly think designing men’s fashion might be quite interesting.”
Xie Yizhao’s fingers paused.
Was she considering designing men’s fashion because of what he said?
He felt the strange, unspoken frustration in his chest finally ease a little.
“Mm,” the man said, his voice steady, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I hope I can see your work soon…”
Lu Xi loved hearing those words.
Designers needed inspiration, and sometimes a fleeting moment could spark creativity.
For example, just now, Lu Xi had instinctively imagined how the owner of such beautiful hands might look while adjusting a tie in front of a mirror—probably a scene that was both ascetic and alluring.
That thought had sparked her interest in designing men’s fashion.
If only she could have Xie Yizhao as her fitting model… but she only thought about it for a moment, knowing she would never ask him to actually do that.
He has already provided her with inspiration, and next, he will invest money and resources… that’s enough. She can take the money and find more professional models—this is a win-win situation.
Lu Xi didn’t have that kind of ambition of ‘I want to climb to the peak of life on my own,’ why bother? How many people would push through just to meet Xie Yizhao, hear a word of advice, or get an investment opportunity? They’d break their heads to do so.
Like the pot-bellied man just now, shamelessly trying to get on Xie Yizhao’s good side.
And this ‘hot cake’ is none other than her bedmate. Why bother taking the long way when the shortcut is right there?
She wasn’t short of money and had no great desire for wealth. She wasn’t interested in experiencing the hardships of starting a business.
Back to the point, Lu Xi briefly told Xie Yizhao her idea. She was going to start a studio. In the initial phase, it wouldn’t need to be large; it was just a hobby, and she didn’t want to sacrifice too much time or freedom.
Xie Yizhao lowered his eyes and gave a slight smile, somewhat helpless.
She only showed him her past works and casually said a few words. Such a perfunctory and immature ‘project proposal’ felt like a joke. If any of his subordinates dared to fool him like this, they’d be sent home the next day.
But only she could get away with it.
Still, he had no choice but to go along with it, because he himself was looking forward to the men’s fashion she would design for him.
Xie Yizhao said, “I’ll arrange for someone to contact you tomorrow. You can ask her to do whatever you need.”
Lu Xi was slightly stunned.
“Is… it that simple?” It didn’t seem like something that needed a special dinner to discuss.
Xie Yizhao raised an eyebrow. “Otherwise?”
Lu Xi winked at him, her fingers that were holding the crab leg pausing for a moment. She asked, “Didn’t you say on the phone that we should discuss the details?”
The man sat in front of her, took her cup of tea, and slowly poured in some hot drink.
Then, he glanced at her with a meaningful look. “I just wanted to meet you alone and have a chat.”
No one else to interrupt.
Lu Xi was slightly stunned. She looked at Xie Yizhao and purposely tilted her head, looking like a naïve girl. “Sounds like a date.”
Xie Yizhao : “Mhm. It’s a date.”
When Lu Xi heard that, her ears suddenly felt a bit tingly, as if his deep voice had gently massaged them.
Leaving work early, flowers, taking her to eat delicious food, even the way he talked was so pleasant…
If she had to rate this date, she’d give it full marks.
He was handsome.
There was no annoying physical contact during the date.
And because it was him, she could relax while eating, not having to worry about her image. She could even order more and take it home without any mental burden.
When they left, Lu Xi felt like she had eaten just the right amount.
They took the boat back to shore first.
At this time, a young couple stood beside the car. The man swung his fist at another man next to them, “Didn’t you see she has a boyfriend? What are you chatting her up for?!”
Then he yelled at the girl, “And you, I’ve told you so many times not to dress like this! Who are you trying to seduce every day with your flashy clothes?!”
The girl shrank her shoulders and pushed him away, feeling wronged. “What did I do? It’s not like I’m the one flirting with anyone!”
Lu Xi glanced at the girl.
Young, pretty, with a good sense of fashion. From her hair to her fingernails, everything was meticulously groomed, giving off the vibe of a rich young lady from a well-off family.
Even though she was just wearing a regular dress, Lu Xi looked around, but couldn’t figure out what was wrong.
In contrast, her boyfriend… not to mention anything else, his hair and clothes were incredibly casual, and despite looking only in his twenties, he had a little protruding belly. His height was about the same as his girlfriend’s.
Lu Xi really didn’t know how he managed to find such a girlfriend.
It was someone else’s business, and although Lu Xi thought this to herself, she wasn’t going to interfere. She simply walked toward the car with Xie Yizhao.
A passerby couldn’t stand it and advised them not to argue in the parking lot.
The man, already irritated, saw someone approaching and without clearly seeing who it was, shouted, “Stop watching the show! Whoever meddles, I’ll punch them!”
However, Lu Xi and Xie Yizhao had already come closer.
Xie Yizhao didn’t even look at him directly. He gently draped his arm over Lu Xi’s shoulder and spoke in a low voice, “Move.”
“Why should I move? Is this your car?” The man ranted, but suddenly saw the person in front of him clearly. The man was tall, broad-shouldered, wearing all black, exuding an aura that made it hard for anyone to relax. The man immediately froze.
Li Xiao had just noticed and hurriedly got out of the car. Without hesitation, he pushed the man who was blocking the car aside and politely opened the car door, “Mr. Xie, Mrs. Xie.”
Xie Yizhao signaled for Lu Xi to get in first.
His hand on her shoulder was large and steady. Lu Xi glanced at him and couldn’t help but feel a little stunned inside.
She suddenly realized how much of a sense of security she felt with Xie Yizhao by her side…
“…”
The man, who had been loud just moments before, immediately shut up.
Just looking at the car and Xie Yizhao’s presence, it was clear that Xie Yizhao wasn’t someone the man could mess with.
Lu Xi hadn’t planned to say anything, but since they had almost been dragged into the situation earlier, before getting into the car, she gave the girl a glance and spoke meaningfully, “Men are like clothes. If you pick the wrong one, you’ll embarrass yourself by bringing it out. If it doesn’t fit, it’s best to throw it away and get a new one.”
The girl was stunned for a moment.
Was that pretty sister talking to her?
Xie Yizhao : “…”
Men are like clothes? It was a rather novel way of putting things, and it was the first time he’d heard it. However, when it came from her, it sounded almost like a profound truth.
He didn’t feel upset at all. On the contrary, he couldn’t help but think deeply about it.
If Lu Xi saw him this way too, then what kind of ‘clothes’ did she think he was in her heart?
By the time the car had disappeared into the distance, the man couldn’t help but curse.
The girl looked at her boyfriend’s frustrated and angry expression : … So embarrassing!
How come other men are tall, handsome, drive luxury cars, and are considerate and gentle, making sure to place their hand on the door to avoid her hitting her head? Yet, she ended up with someone like this man, who constantly tries to manipulate her?
The pretty sister was right. Maybe she really should change this man.
In the car, Li Xiao took the initiative to bring up the earlier incident and narrated it vividly.
Lu Xi remembered something and deliberately asked, “Has your boss ever flirted with anyone?”
Li Xiao choked for a moment.
Here it comes, the deadly question!
As an assistant, he must show loyalty to the big boss, right?
However, before he could say anything, Xie Yizhao spoke up in a calm voice: “No.”
Lu Xi believed him. She thought of something, her eyes shifting lightly, glancing at the man beside her, and then she let out a soft laugh.
Xie Yizhao was a little confused by her laughter and raised an eyebrow, looking at her.
Lu Xi quickly shook her head.
She looked at Xie Yizhao’s handsome profile, her tone slightly mischievous: “I was just wondering what you’d be like if you were to flirt with someone.”
Sorry, but she really couldn’t imagine it.
Given his persona, he should be the domineering CEO type, but his self-control was too strong. He definitely wouldn’t be able to flirt.
After they got home.
The first floor of the villa was only lit by the hallway lights, and the servants had gone to their rooms.
Xie Yizhao took Lu Xi’s hand and led her toward the elevator.
It was very quiet in the house, even the second floor, where Xie Heng was, was silent.
Xie Yizhao suddenly stopped, speaking softly : “Although I can’t imagine it either, we can give it a try.”
Lu Xi : ?
Try… what?
Xie Yizhao : “Flirt.”
“With me?” Lu Xi froze for a moment, frowning. They were already married, and he still wanted to flirt? Did he not understand what flirting was?
The drunken crab tonight had been soaked in wine, she was still sober, but he was drunk?
Xie Yizhao nodded. “Yes, with you.”
Lu Xi : … And in their own home, no less. The servants might hear something.
She bit her lip and looked around nervously.
Why did this feel… a little embarrassing, and oddly stimulating?
Xie Yizhao lowering himself to flirt? Just thinking about it was… exciting.
Lu Xi pressed her lips together, responding with an elegant tone: “Alright, then you try.”
Xie Yizhao didn’t seem flustered at all.
He never did things without preparation. In reality, it was just a sentence. It sounded simple, but when he tried to say it, he realized it wasn’t as easy as he’d imagined.
His wife was a very picky person.
And she loved changing clothes.
Sometimes, she would change several outfits in a day.
No matter when or in what mood, Xie Yizhao always gave off a calm, composed aura. What he didn’t know was that, just like him, Lu Xi was also a little nervous at this moment.
He took out his phone, tapped a few times, and opened the QR code scanner.
Only then did the man speak in a low voice: “Can I add you on WeChat?” He paused slightly, lowered his head, his tall figure enveloping Lu Xi, his tone soft and gentle, “Madam?”
Calling her ‘Beauty’ was too frivolous, and ‘Wifey’ wasn’t formal enough.
Lu Xi looked up at him, her fingers nervously brushing through her hair.
Damn… the way he looked right now was a little heart-fluttering.
The man already looked handsome in a suit, and now he was so serious—Lu Xi dared say that, with this method of flirting, few girls could refuse.
Because she herself could hardly resist!
Her throat was a little tight, and she lowered her gaze with a faint smile, about to say something.
Suddenly, someone upstairs cleared their throat loudly, and the motion-sensing light on the second floor turned on, illuminating the rebellious face of the young man.
“What are you two doing? Going out to eat well and drink well, and you didn’t take me along?”
Xie Heng raised his eyebrows, looking displeased.
He had heard it.
He had heard everything!
If his Dad wanted to add her on WeChat, fine, he couldn’t stop his Dad. But how could his Dad be one step ahead of him? Wouldn’t that mean he’d be the only person in the family without being on her WeChat?
Even the neighbors had added her.
At that moment, the boy’s competitive nature flared up, and he impulsively couldn’t hold back his words.
When Xie Yizhao saw him, his face darkened, and he said angrily, “I’ve packed food for you. Go to the entryway and get it yourself.”
Xie Heng frowned and snorted provocatively through his nose.
He had already said he wasn’t a child anymore.
Was food enough to shut him up?!
In a flash of inspiration, he decided to take this opportunity to ask Lu Xi to add him too. He had already thought of a good reason: it would be more convenient to contact her in the future, and she shouldn’t have a reason to refuse.
The boy stepped down the stairs with long strides, stomping down heavily.
Lu Xi sighed softly, took out her phone, and opened the app. She first noticed the bright red dot on her contacts list.
It was a friend request from the rebellious boy the other day, and she had deliberately teased him by not accepting it.
Since she was going to add Xie Yizhao anyway, there was no reason to treat him unfairly. Lu Xi clicked to approve, then scanned Xie Yizhao’s QR code.
The phone in Xie Heng’s hand suddenly vibrated.
He instinctively glanced at it, his pupils slightly dilated as he stopped on the stairs.
She added him?
At this moment, Xie Yizhao’s phone also made a sound.
The boy suddenly realized something, his fingers clenched tightly. After a moment of shock, a smug smile appeared on his face.
Ms. Lu added him first!
His dad was still behind him.
Didn’t this mean that, in her heart, he was just a little more important than Xie Yizhao?
The boy felt a warmth in his heart. He had never experienced being prioritized like this before.
Now he really had to work hard.
Earn money, earn money!
In the future, he wasn’t going to use his Dad’s money to support her.
Oh our Xiao Heng is a good boy~