Lu Xi didn’t recognize Xiao Feiyuan at first.
Even back then, she had no impression of his forgettable face. They had barely exchanged a few words, let alone met properly.
She instinctively assumed he was acquainted with Xie Yizhao and had come over to talk to her because of that. Though she found it a bit strange, she still gave him a polite smile.
Seeing her remain silent, Xiao Feiyuan spoke again, “You are… Lu Xi, right? You really don’t remember me?”
Lu Xi was momentarily stunned.
Judging by his tone, he seemed to recognize her, which made his words feel oddly deliberate.
This was the second person, after Ye Sisheng, who recognized her while she had no recollection of them. But unlike Ye Sisheng—who had seemed a little strange at first but hadn’t made her uncomfortable—this guy…
There was something off about him. The sleazy expression on his face made him even more repulsive.
Lu Xi coldly replied, “I don’t know you.”
She didn’t even bother picking up the cocktail pearl she had been reaching for and turned to leave.
However, just as she passed by Xiao Feiyuan, a breeze from the window carried a strange scent to her nose.
It wasn’t exactly foul, nor was it a normal kind of fragrance.
As she walked toward Xie Yizhao, her steps faltered slightly as a realization struck her.
This smell?
She didn’t remember his face, but she did recall someone with an odd smell clinging to them. Something her classmates had noticed too.
Unable to resist, she glanced back at him.
At that moment, Xie Yizhao noticed her reaction. He said something to his friends before striding over.
“What’s wrong?” Xie Yizhao looked at her with concern, then followed her gaze to Xiao Feiyuan, who had been staring at Lu Xi but quickly averted his eyes when he saw Xie Yizhao approach. “Do you know him?”
Lu Xi nodded. “I think he was a classmate from university.”
She paused, trying to recall his name but failing. So, she turned to Xie Yizhao and asked, “Do you recognize him?”
Xie Yizhao silently shook his head.
At this kind of banquet, he didn’t know everyone, but at the very least, this person had no business dealings with the Xie family.
Since Lu Xi didn’t seem to care much, Xie Yizhao didn’t dwell on it.
Still, he remained cautious.
There was security at the entrance, but he had also brought two bodyguards disguised as regular guests to handle any unexpected situations.
One stayed by Xie Heng’s side.
The other was discreetly instructed to keep an eye on Lu Xi. If she left his line of sight, at least someone would be there to protect her.
Neither Lu Xi nor Xie Heng knew about this arrangement.
Lu Xi found this banquet much more enjoyable than the one at the Ye family she had attended with Xie Yizhao last time. The guests were all pleasant and well-mannered—no troublemakers, no prying eyes sizing her up as if she were some rare exhibit in a zoo.
On the contrary, she had gotten to know quite a few prominent ladies in the circle. Some were old acquaintances she reconnected with because of Xie Heng.
Women simply had more fun together.
At the very least, they had plenty to talk about.
After eating, Lu Xi was invited to a private lounge upstairs to chat with the other women, where she heard plenty of gossip from their social circle.
She only listened, rarely spoke. Since she wasn’t deeply involved in the scene, she didn’t know much. Just keeping up with what others were saying was already a challenge.
Soon, the conversation shifted to a new topic.
Mrs. Yin brought up a fashion show in Paris next month and invited everyone to attend.
“It’s always more fun with a group. We can take my family’s private jet,” Mrs. Yin smiled at Lu Xi. “I remember Mrs. Xie is a fashion designer? That’s perfect—come with us! You have a great eye. You can help us pick out some outfits.”
Back in the day, Lu Xi often traveled abroad for fashion shows. To her, they were just shopping trips—she’d spot a piece she liked and place an order right away. Afterward, she’d visit exclusive jewelry exhibitions or auctions, buying whatever caught her fancy before heading home.
The Yin family was close to Xie Yizhao and held shares in Xie Corporation. Perhaps because of this connection, Mrs. Yin was especially attentive to Lu Xi. She made sure Lu Xi wasn’t bored, personally showing her around the grand estate-turned-hotel and including her in conversations.
Lu Xi considered the invitation but didn’t accept immediately. Still, she responded candidly, “Alright. If I decide to go, I’ll let you know three days in advance.”
In the past, she wouldn’t have hesitated.
But now, she had a job. She wasn’t as idle or as free as she used to be.
Also present was Zheng Suxin, with whom Lu Xi had grown close. Zheng Suxin was pleased with the evening gown Lu Xi had designed for her and planned to wear it to her upcoming birthday banquet, where Lu Xi would also be attending.
Zheng Suxin raised her champagne glass and smiled at Lu Xi. “She really does have a great eye. Just look at Mr. Xie and Young Master Xie today—I’m sure she picked out their outfits.”
The ladies all chuckled.
They had always agreed that the men of the Xie family were exceptionally handsome, but today, they seemed particularly striking. Xie Heng’s outfit was both formal and youthful, drawing the attention of many daughters from prestigious families.
Lu Xi blinked playfully. “If I’m going to bring them out, they better not embarrass me, right?”
The women found her words amusing and laughed.
Then, thinking about their own husbands—who didn’t always dress well—they couldn’t help but look a little exasperated.
Thinking about it again, she felt that Lu Xi was quite fortunate to have married Xie Yizhao. The two of them looked well-matched, and their relationship seemed good. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be wearing the clothes she had picked out for him.
As for the young master of the Xie family, such a rebellious child that even Xie Yizhao couldn’t control, yet he got along well with Lu Xi.
Not long ago, Lu Xi participated in a competition, and Xie Heng personally took to the stage to model for her, helping her gain votes. He even brought her flowers, leaving many people stunned.
Winning over Xie Yizhao was one thing. After all, rekindling an old flame wasn’t too surprising. But managing to tame the rebellious young master? Now that took real skill.
In truth, these wealthy ladies loved to gossip. In private, they often discussed Xie Yizhao and his newlywed wife, quite curious about their married life.
But no matter how much they talked, they never managed to dig up much.
Now that they were face-to-face with the person in question, none of them would dare ask outright—they weren’t that foolish.
Even if their curiosity was eating them up, at most, they’d just find a roundabout way to probe.
For example, one of them, Mrs. Xia, looked at Lu Xi and asked, “By the way, you and Mr. Xie have been married for a while now. Any good news?”
Lu Xi was momentarily stunned. “What good news?”
Seeing that Lu Xi didn’t get it, Mrs. Xia chuckled and said, “A baby, of course. You’re still young, haven’t you considered having another one?”
Uh…
Lu Xi hadn’t expected to be asked such a question. Who was this woman? Wasn’t she a bit too bold?
She was speechless for a moment, her expression turning slightly colder. “Not for now.”
Not only Lu Xi, but the other ladies also found the question rather odd.
What was Mrs. Xia doing? The couple hadn’t even been married that long, and she was already urging them to have a baby? Gossiping was one thing, but she needed to recognize her own place.
Yet, Mrs. Xia seemed oblivious to the shift in atmosphere. Speaking in a tone of an elder advising a junior, she continued, “You’re really carefree. While Mr. Xie is still young and his son is still growing up, you should hurry and have another child. If you wait until Xie Heng is all grown up, it’ll be too late.”
Lu Xi : “…”
She wanted to sigh.
She wasn’t sure if this woman lacked tact or was just too meddlesome. While it sounded like she had Lu Xi’s best interests at heart, the whole thing felt off.
Thankfully, she was Xie Heng’s biological mother. If she had been a stepmother, wouldn’t this have been an attempt to sow discord between her and Xie Heng?
Lu Xi’s smile faded slightly. She replied calmly, “One son is already enough trouble. Even if I were to have another child, it would be a daughter.”
Daughters were sweet and adorable—she could dress them up every day.
Who needed another bratty son?
Her expression and tone remained elegant, but everyone caught the underlying message. Sensing the tension, Mrs. Yin quickly changed the subject, suggesting they go downstairs for some fresh air and visit her glass greenhouse to admire the flowers.
Those who were close to Lu Xi walked with her at the front.
Mrs. Xia, realizing that Lu Xi had subtly rebuffed her, was displeased. She deliberately kept her distance and muttered to the woman next to her, “Not very bright, is she? Talking about daughters… She may be young and beautiful now, and Mr. Xie may spoil her, but that won’t last forever. Without a son, let’s see what she’ll do in the future.”
The other lady found this remark utterly ridiculous.
The Xia family wasn’t doing particularly well these days, and Mrs. Xia’s own son was a failure. What business did she have telling others whether or not to have a son? Was she stuck in the Qing Dynasty?
She had no interest in associating with Mrs. Xia, fearing it would bring down her own status, so she quickly caught up with the main group.
Lu Xi and the others arrived on the first floor, stepping out into the villa’s courtyard.
The estate was vast. There was a tennis court to the east, while the south side, where they were, featured a swimming pool and a greenhouse filled with various types of roses.
Mrs. Yin smiled as she explained, “I love roses. I have a dedicated gardener to take care of them, so they bloom beautifully even in winter.”
Lu Xi recognized several varieties that she also had in her own greenhouse.
She had been slightly annoyed by Mrs. Xia’s nosy questioning earlier, but seeing these beautiful flowers put her back in a good mood.
At that moment, her phone rang.
She glanced at the screen and was slightly surprised.
Xie Yizhao?
Mrs. Yin, who happened to see the caller ID, chuckled. “Oh my, Mr. Xie really can’t be away from you for long. It’s only been half an hour, and he’s already calling.”
Lu Xi smiled and replied openly, “Yes, he’s a little clingy.”
After showing off their affection, she walked out of the greenhouse to take the call, leaving the other ladies speechless at the blatant display of romance.
On the phone, Xie Yizhao asked where she was and whether she was having a good time with her friends.
Lu Xi suddenly thought back to her playful remark about him being clingy. Maybe it wasn’t entirely wrong.
“I’m in the courtyard, by the greenhouse. It’s alright,” Lu Xi said after a pause, before adding, a little pettily, “But I did run into someone annoying who asked me a strange question.”
In the background of the call, she could hear the sound of string instruments. He was probably still at the banquet.
Xie Yizhao chuckled. “Tell me about it.”
Lu Xi then recounted Mrs. Xia’s remarks about having another child, her tone carrying a hint of grievance.
After listening, Xie Yizhao found her reaction rather adorable.
“You’re right, a daughter would be better,” he said, his voice dropping slightly. “But… it’s not something to rush.”
Lu Xi paused for a moment.
Then, as she thought about what he meant, the corners of her lips curled up slightly.