However, this betrayal could not go unanswered.
After all, Lu Xi was someone who believed in returning favors.
Moreover, there should be no overnight grudges between husband and wife.
Lu Xi quickly came up with a countermeasure, ready to ‘return the favor’ to Xie Yizhao.
So, she shut down her computer, went downstairs immediately, and asked the kitchen to make her a late-night snack as well. When the fresh meat wontons arrived, she used the excuse that the portion was too much for her to finish alone and called Xie Yizhao down to help her eat the other half.
Xie Yizhao didn’t have the habit of eating late-night snacks.
But once or twice wouldn’t matter.
He sat down, picked up his chopsticks, and the family of three gazed out at the night outside the window. Xie Heng started talking about what happened at school that day. The other delinquents who had run off yesterday had been called to school by Officer Zhang to apologize to him.
Lu Xi listened with a smile, while Xie Yizhao also looked relaxed. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
At this moment, Xie Yizhao had no idea about Lu Xi’s scheme.
But soon, Lu Xi couldn’t hold back and asked, “By the way, the banquet you mentioned last time, when is it?”
Xie Yichao : “Sunday.”
Lu Xi’s eyes lit up. “Perfect! Xiao Heng has a day off on Sunday. Do you want to go out with us?”
Xie Heng didn’t even think before responding, “Sure! Take me with you.”
Xie Yizhao’s gaze paused. He put down his chopsticks and first looked at his wife, whose expression clearly showed she was pleased with herself. Without saying anything, he then shifted his gaze to his son, his eyes turning a little cold.
The blue-haired kid, who was focused on his wontons, didn’t notice the chill emanating from his Dad.
All he was thinking was : These wontons are so good, I could eat three big bowls. How come Ms. Lu’s appetite is so small? No wonder she’s so skinny.
Just then, he heard his Dad speak in a deep voice, “Don’t you have studying to do on Sunday?”
Xie Heng froze. “It’s just one day, not a big deal.”
It’s not like the next day is college entrance exam.
“And… don’t you have basketball with your friends?” Xie Yizhao asked again.
Xie Heng gave the same answer—it’s just one day. “I can play basketball anytime.” After speaking, he suddenly realized something was off. He put down his chopsticks, frowned at Xie Yizhao, and asked, “You don’t want to take me, do you?”
Xie Yizhao remained silent, tapping his fingers lightly on the table.
Xie Heng was immediately annoyed. He turned to Lu Xi, his eyes full of grievance and dissatisfaction.
“If your Dad doesn’t want to take you, then there’s nothing we can do. Xiao Heng, you’ll just have to accept it,” Lu Xi said helplessly, shaking her head.
Even she felt a little guilty about how mischievous she was being.
But she was having too much fun.
Let’s go! Let’s get this fight started!
This household couldn’t just have her being the only one getting pranked. Their son was both of theirs, so Xie Yizhao had to share the suffering too.
Xie Heng pouted and quickly finished the rest of his food. He stood up and said in a deliberately sarcastic tone, “Fine, if you don’t want to take me, then don’t. I don’t even want to go.”
“Oh, by the way—” He cast a resentful glance at Xie Yizhao. “From now on, when I go out with Ms. Lu, we won’t take you either.”
Xie Yizhao : “…”
He was momentarily speechless.
Out of nowhere, he suddenly remembered how his son used to clutch his teddy bear as a child.
Back then, if he accidentally knocked his bear off the bed while sleeping and couldn’t find it in the morning, he’d cry his eyes out.
Maybe, even from a young age, Xie Heng was someone who feared loneliness and needed company.
Now that he was older, he was still just a kid in his Dad’s eyes.
Xie Yizhao couldn’t help but wonder. Had he been too strict and distant with him all this time? Was that why Xie Heng was closer to Lu Xi?
Feeling a little helpless, he finally said, “When did I say I wouldn’t take you? If you want to go, then come with us on Sunday.”
Xie Heng’s ears perked up, and he immediately turned around, his eyes sparkling. “Great!”
Xie Yizhao added, “Just don’t wander off. Stay with us.”
“…?” Xie Heng was speechless.
Wander off? What is he, a three-year-old?
Besides, if he doesn’t stick with them, is he supposed to follow some other random parents around?
And just like that, the late-night snack concluded peacefully.
Xie Heng was happy, Xie Yizhao was fine, and only Lu Xi was slightly disappointed.
The father and son’s fighting spirit had weakened lately. She hadn’t even gotten enough entertainment before they just… made peace.
Lu Xi : This show is boring. It was a bad move.
After supper, everyone went back to their rooms. At the elevator on the second floor, Xie Heng waved at Lu Xi and Xie Yizhao before dashing into his room.
The elevator doors closed and continued upward, stopping at the third floor.
Just as Lu Xi was about to step out, she suddenly felt warmth at the back of her neck—someone had gently pinched it.
“…What are you doing?” She felt like a cat being grabbed by the scruff.
Xie Yizhao didn’t apply any pressure, just placed his hand there lightly, as if giving her a relaxing massage. His touch was soft and gentle.
Normally, Lu Xi loved massages, but right now, for some reason, she instinctively shrank her neck.
It tickled a little.
Behind her, Xie Yizhao sighed softly. “First time realizing how vengeful my wife can be.”
Lu Xi bit her lip and countered without backing down, “Same here. I learned it from you, Mr. Xie.”
Xie Yizhao chuckled. “Alright, my fault. Then I surrender. Shall we call a truce?”
“Hm? Did we ever have a conflict?”
Once the time was up and no one exited, the elevator doors closed and remained on that floor. Lu Xi blinked at her reflection in the elevator mirror.
Her round almond eyes widened, giving her an innocent and adorable look.
A faint smile appeared in Xie Yizhao’s eyes as well. “Yeah, no conflict. Shall we shake hands and make peace?”
Lu Xi reached her hand behind her, only for it to be quickly grasped by the man.
She had assumed he genuinely wanted a handshake, but unexpectedly, Xie Yizhao hooked their fingers together, slowly intertwining them, even lightly pinching the soft flesh of her fingertip.
The atmosphere suddenly turned ambiguous.
Before Lu Xi could fully register what was happening, Xie Yizhao had already wrapped an arm around her waist, lowered his head, and gently kissed her.
Her heart pounded wildly as she whispered, “You tell me first, does this elevator have surveillance cameras?”
It does.
There were none in the rest of the house, but the elevator had them, along with the courtyard outside.
Xie Yizhao chuckled softly. “I’ll have them removed tomorrow.”
Lu Xi : …Alright, domineering CEO Xie had spoken. She decided it was best to pretend she knew nothing.
Very soon, it was Sunday—the day of the banquet.
It wasn’t until the night before that Lu Xi remembered to ask Xie Yizhao which event they were attending.
Xie Yizhao told her it was for the fifth birthday celebration of the granddaughter of Mr. Yin, an elder shareholder of Xie Corporation. Because Mr. Yin had been a great help when Xie Yizhao returned to take charge of the company, he decided to attend as a show of gratitude.
Lu Xi nodded in understanding.
Indeed, under normal circumstances, a child’s birthday party wouldn’t be able to invite someone like him. Xie Yizhao simply wouldn’t be interested.
And since it was an important occasion, guests were expected to dress formally, even the children.
Which meant… it was time for Lu Xi to shine.
She prepared outfits for the two men. Xie Yizhao was a matter of course, and also Xie Heng, who needed to wear a suit today as well.
Lu Xi had long wanted to see Xie Heng in a suit. He was tall and lean, with broad shoulders, a slim waist, and long legs—the perfect trio for a well-fitted suit.
Compared to Xie Yizhao’s, Xie Heng’s suit was slightly less formal, with a lighter-colored tie to emphasize his youthful charm.
This wasn’t the first time Xie Heng had been Lu Xi’s model, and by now, he no longer resisted.
Especially since, upon seeing himself in a suit for the first time, he had to admit—he looked quite good. More mature, even.
Teenagers at his age all yearned to grow up, eager to step into the world of adults.
Feeling pleased, Xie Heng couldn’t take his eyes off the mirror.
“Alright, little narcissist, have you looked enough?” Lu Xi teased. “Your Dad still looks the best in a suit, yet look how humble he is.”
Saying this, she linked arms with Xie Heng and pulled him to stand beside Xie Yizhao, linking her other arm through Xie Yizhao’s as well.
In the mirror, the three of them looked like a perfect family, an absolute sight to behold.
Lu Xi was wearing an avocado-green evening gown, the color vibrant and striking. The silky fabric shimmered under the light, so smooth that one might worry about leaving scratches on it with rough hands.
Her hair was elegantly pinned up, revealing her slender, graceful neck and shoulders. Her fair skin practically glowed, outshining even the sheen of her dress.
Xie Yizhao, dressed in a black suit, exuded maturity and composure. Black was a reserved, almost abstinent color, yet on him, it carried an understated sensuality.
Xie Heng sneaked a glance at his Dad.
Hmm… maybe his Dad was a bit more handsome.
Broader shoulders, taller frame… even his face seemed slightly better-looking.
Compared to his Dad, Xie Heng still seemed like a kid.
Determined to grow up and mature quickly, Xie Heng made a mental note, while Lu Xi, in high spirits, felt immensely proud to be stepping out with two such dashing gentlemen.
At around six o’clock, as night fell, the family of three arrived at the Yin residence.
Lu Xi held onto Xie Yizhao’s arm while Xie Heng followed closely behind.
Xie Heng already anticipated boredom.
He disliked these events. Always the same people, nothing interesting. He had only insisted on coming today to avoid being left behind by his parents.
Would anything fun happen today…?
Just as he was wondering, two children spotted him from a distance. Their eyes lit up, and they ran toward him, calling out excitedly.
“Brother!”
“Brother!”
They almost ran straight into him, and Xie Heng quickly reached out to steady them.
Recognizing their faces, he frowned.
These two troublemakers again? What were they doing at this party?
After making sure they stood properly, he asked, “What are you two doing here? Do your guardians know you’re here?”
“Of course!” they answered in unison.
Zhou Chi explained, “Our friend is having a birthday party, so we came to celebrate!”
Oh.
Xie Heng sighed in relief. At least they weren’t here uninvited.
“Alright then, be careful and go play somewhere else.” He was about to walk away when suddenly, the two kids clung to his legs, one on each side.
Zhou Ning’s face turned red with excitement as he loudly announced to a group of nearby children, “Come quick! This Brother will play with us! He’s our best friend!”
Xie Heng froze.
He watched in horror as a group of kids came running over, surrounding him and jumping excitedly.
His face turned green.
Lu Xi, witnessing the scene, was utterly stunned.
She had already seen the destructive power of those two little troublemakers before, but now there were at least ten of them…
Her scalp tingled. Without hesitation, she tightened her grip on Xie Yizhao’s arm and quickly slipped away, whispering urgently, “Let’s run before they notice us!”