Qing Yanci Chapter Thirteen

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In the restaurant, Wan Shen and Shen Ping leaned in, discussing quietly, occasionally bursting into laughter. Shen Ping gave a thumbs-up in praise. After about half an hour, the dim sum service began to arrive intermittently: delicious, flavorful soy milk in varieties such as soybean, red date, black bean, and black sesame. Steamed dumplings, buns, rice roll dishes, and various other tea snacks filled the table, leaving Ye Jin and A Mei’s group dazzled by the array.

“Everyone, eat quickly! After this, it’s Sunday, so you can go home and rest properly!” Shen Ping said, eyeing the dim sum with mouth watering, though he maintained his composure as the host.

Describing the resort’s dim sum as merely “delicious” seemed insufficient; some items were entirely new to them. The restaurant staff patiently introduced each unfamiliar dish. After a satisfying meal, Wan Shen patted Tang Xiao’s shoulder contentedly. “Cousin, you’ll drive my car later! Today’s... I’ve got it all in mind.”

Tang Xiao gave Wan Shen a sharp look. “I’m taking the bus back. My car’s still at the office. You drive yourself.”

“Aren’t you the one who hates missing out on the fun?” Wan Shen whispered into Tang Xiao’s ear.

Tang Xiao thought to himself, “He expects me to be his free chauffeur? Businessmen really know how to calculate.” Just the dim sum feast for over forty people was no small expense.

“I don’t want any special treatment. If I’m at your company, I don’t want people thinking I’m using connections. How else would I survive there?” Tang Xiao made a casual excuse to brush off Wan Shen.

“I’m stepping out for a moment, you take your time eating!” Tang Xiao said and left.

At the front desk, Tang Xiao asked Wang Xin, “Hello! Is your manager still here?”

“Hello, Mr. Tang. The manager had to step out. If there’s anything, you can tell me,” Wang Xin replied politely.

“Can I add you on social media? Please send me the bill for the food and entertainment here later. I want to check it out,” Tang Xiao said calmly.

“Okay, but... isn’t this expense charged to the boss’s wife?” Wang Xin asked, both happy and a bit confused.

“That’s right. I just want to see how much it is,” Tang Xiao replied, not one to waste money.

“Alright, I’ll add you then!” Wang Xin was pleased inside.

Tang Xiao pulled out his phone and showed his QR code. Wang Xin scanned it, and they became friends.

Ye Jin, returning from the restroom, saw this scene.

“So, he’s a playboy too, even hitting on the hotel front desk,” Ye Jin observed from afar. Indeed, working at such a high-end resort front desk meant beauty, figure, and education above average. The fact that he had quickly added her social media made Ye Jin feel a flicker of unease—nothing quite unpleasant, just a subtle discomfort—and she silently returned to the restaurant.

“Done adding. Send me the bill when it’s ready. Thanks, I’m off now,” Tang Xiao said politely to Wang Xin, nodding goodbye.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Tang. Take care!” Wang Xin was elated.

Back at the table, Ye Jin saw A Mei eating alone and sighed softly.

“Ye Jin, these little meatballs are really delicious. Come try some,” A Mei urged.

“A Mei, you’ve eaten so much already. Don’t overfill your stomach,” Ye Jin warned gently.

“Oh, you just seem inexperienced,” Nini mocked, making A Mei blush instantly and set down her chopsticks.

“What’s your purpose in saying that?” Ye Jin sharply defended A Mei.

“You...” Nini was speechless, cheeks flushed.

“Enough, enough. Once everyone’s eaten well, let’s get ready to return!” Shen Ping, the peacekeeper, interrupted in time.

“Tang Xiao, come with me! I’ll drive this time!” Wan Shen said as Tang Xiao returned from the front desk.

“I’m afraid I’ll fall asleep driving alone. Come with me,” Wan Shen clung to Tang Xiao like a child, disregarding his boss identity.

“Do you have something to tell me?” Tang Xiao probed cautiously.

“Sort of. Just some casual talk,” Wan Shen replied lightly, surprised by Tang Xiao’s wariness.

“Alright, let’s go. I’ll drive, and you can rest,” Wan Shen said.

After the dim sum, it was nearly 11 a.m. Wan Shen drove off with Tang Xiao, while the bus prepared to depart. Shen Ping finished checking names and readied to leave.

“If you have something to say, speak directly. I’m not an outsider,” Tang Xiao said.

“I’ll play some music. Actually, no big deal. Your wife said next week to come to our place for a meal, a family gathering. You haven’t been to our home in a long time. Every time we invite you, you don’t come,” Wan Shen said, easing the atmosphere.

“How’s Lele?” Lele was Wan Shen’s five-year-old son, usually cared for by his mother.

“You didn’t mention him, or I’d have forgotten. Lele’s always asking why Cool Uncle doesn’t come to play. The remote-controlled car you bought him last time was his favorite. He’s torn apart all other toys, but that car stayed intact,” Wan Shen said, resorting to his son.

“I miss that little guy too. Alright, send me a message later. I’m afraid I’ll forget,” Tang Xiao replied.

“Next time, don’t bother buying anything. We’ve got everything at home. Just come to eat,” Wan Shen advised.

“Yeah, we’ll see,” Tang Xiao said, though he was already planning what gift to bring.

On the bus, most passengers drifted off, except Ye Jin, who listened to music with headphones, lost in thought.

They arrived at the company around 1 p.m. Ye Jin and A Mei prepared to take the subway home.

“I’ll give you a ride,” Sun Xu volunteered. The three of them lived farthest away; other colleagues mostly lived nearby.

“Thanks, boss! Great! Just don’t want to squeeze into the subway. Ye Jin, get in,” A Mei said excitedly.

“Um... it’s okay. I’ll take the subway. I have a card. You go ahead,” Ye Jin politely declined, unwilling to owe favors.

“No problem. We’re colleagues. Next time, just buy me a milk tea,” Sun Xu joked.

Unable to refuse, Ye Jin got in Sun Xu’s car.

After dropping them off near their rented apartments, Sun Xu left.

Life went on in orderly rhythm. A busy week passed quietly. Ye Jin was busy every day making, editing, and uploading images. Sunday arrived again.

Counting down, only two more workdays before the early May Day holiday. She felt a small thrill.

“At noon, come to my place for a meal. Your sister-in-law’s off today and made a big spread. Be on time!” Tang Xiao received a message from Wan Shen early in the morning.

Tang Xiao glanced at the bill Wang Xin had sent earlier from the resort: “Mr. Tang, your company’s total expense was 78,563 yuan. Here’s the bill for your review.” Tang Xiao simply replied with a polite thanks.

“That’s quite a sum,” he murmured. He understood Wan Shen’s invitation was just to return a favor.

“Okay, I’ll drive over later!” Tang Xiao replied.

“What gift should I buy for the little guy? I need to go to the supermarket,” Tang Xiao thought, used to monitoring store data late into the night, adjusting when numbers were off.

“I’ll pick up some snacks for the trip home so I won’t be rushed. The food on the train is expensive!” Ye Jin planned ahead.

Near Ye Jin’s place was a large supermarket called “Ruoshui,” selling food, drinks, snacks including many foreign brands, and even clothes—the largest supermarket in the area.

Tang Xiao searched for nearby supermarkets and found Ruoshui. Ten minutes by car seemed perfect.

Ye Jin bought a small pack of rock sugar, some mixed noodles, and her favorite plums... At the bottled water aisle, Ruoshui brand mineral water caught her eye.

“Isn’t this the water Tang Xiao drinks?” Ye Jin whispered, noting the price was 19.8 yuan per bottle, half price for the weekend. Startled, she grabbed a few bottles of the one-yuan water nearby. No wonder Sun Xu called that brand the “noble water,” though Ye Jin thought it might be a water assassin.

As Ye Jin selected items, she wondered if the water contained gold to justify such a price.

Suddenly, not far off, she spotted a familiar figure browsing children’s toys.

Wasn’t that Tang Xiao? Since returning from the resort, they had barely contacted each other.

“Oh no, he’s here too. I must avoid him,” Ye Jin thought, slowly steering her cart away.

“Ye Jin, what a coincidence! Can you help me with something?” Tang Xiao called out suddenly.

What Ye Jin didn’t know was that Tang Xiao had noticed her lingering in the drinks aisle, scrutinizing prices and snacks. Seeing her heading to checkout, he pretended to browse toys nearby, hoping to start a conversation. He feared she might spot him and avoid him; after all, they were colleagues and would often bump into each other.

Hearing her name called, Ye Jin panicked slightly. “What a coincidence! You’re shopping here too. You take your time; I’ll go first.”

“Come help me, please,” Tang Xiao said sincerely.

“Oh! Okay...” Ye Jin reluctantly agreed and walked over.

“I’m going to my cousin’s for lunch and want to buy a gift for his five-year-old son. Last time I gave him a remote-controlled car he loved. Not sure what to get this time,” Tang Xiao said awkwardly, scratching his head.

“What about a handwriting practice book? Let him practice daily and see if he still likes you,” Ye Jin thought silently. She was annoyed he hadn’t asked earlier and now caught her at checkout—awkward with a colleague nearby.

“Tang Xiao, Tang...” he noticed her zoning out and nudged gently.

“Oh, right. Boys usually like Ultraman, toy cars, football, basketball... You can consider those,” Ye Jin recovered quickly.

“Really? Which would you suggest?” Tang Xiao wanted her opinion.

“Basketball! Kids who play basketball grow taller and stay healthy.”

“That’s a good idea. I’ll also get some magnetic building blocks—for mental exercise alongside physical,” Tang Xiao picked a basketball and a set of magnetic blocks.

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Actually, Tang Xiao had already chosen the magnetic blocks but used the excuse of asking for help to chat with Ye Jin. They also picked some fruits together.

At checkout, Tang Xiao went first, Ye Jin behind. Tang Xiao told the cashier, “Let’s pay together.”

“No, I’ll pay myself!” Ye Jin quickly moved to the other register.

Before she could refuse, Tang Xiao had already paid.

“Thanks for helping me pick the gift,” Tang Xiao smiled at her awkwardness.

“No... it’s nothing,” Ye Jin was unused to such kindness, especially from Tang Xiao.

Near the exit, Tang Xiao offered, “I’ll drive you back.”

“No, you go ahead. The subway or bus is fine,” Ye Jin politely declined.

“Come on! You helped me a lot today,” Tang Xiao insisted.

Seeing she couldn’t refuse, Ye Jin got into his car.

“I bought extra fruit. I’ll park near your place, and you can take it,” Tang Xiao said casually while driving.

“Give that to your cousin; I’m not into fruit,” Ye Jin said, rarely buying fruit due to cost.

“I already bought some for my cousin. This is for you.” Tang Xiao had noticed Ye Jin linger at the fruit aisle, looking at prices but buying nothing, and felt a pang of sympathy—he had endured similar hardships.

Ye Jin couldn’t refuse and accepted the fruit.

“That bear-shaped car air freshener is so cute!” Ye Jin admired it in the passenger seat, the scent familiar. Now she understood the citrus lemon fragrance in the car came from it.

“You like it? I’ll give you one,” Tang Xiao generously offered.

“I don’t have a car. Why would I need it? I just think it’s adorable!” Ye Jin quickly denied, eyes still fixed on the bear.

“What flowers do you like best?” Tang Xiao asked.

“Osmanthus and wintersweet,” Ye Jin answered immediately.

“Do you know why I like those two?” Ye Jin asked him back.

“Why?” Tang Xiao drove attentively.

“To me, those flowers represent reunion. When osmanthus blooms in August, mooncakes appear, symbolizing family togetherness. The fragrance is intoxicating. Wintersweet blooms in the cold twelfth lunar month, noble and elegant against the snow—such a beautiful scene! That month leads to the New Year, when families reunite after a hard year. It’s a wonderful feeling. Also, osmanthus can be made into cakes, wintersweet brewed as tea. Isn’t that meaningful?” Ye Jin shared passionately.

“Oh! So those flowers mean that. Makes sense,” Tang Xiao said, enlightened.

About ten minutes later, “Is this Xianghe Street stop?”

“Yes, right here. Just pull over and drop me off by the roadside. Thanks!”

“Take the fruit from the trunk when you get out. I’ll just park here.”

“Thanks!” Ye Jin got out, took the fruit, waved goodbye. Tang Xiao waved back and drove off before she headed home.

“Are you here yet? Dinner’s ready! Your sister-in-law made a big feast,” a notification popped up on Tang Xiao’s social app from Wan Shen.

Tang Xiao was driving and didn’t reply immediately.

Soon Wan Shen called, so Tang Xiao pulled over briefly.

“I’m on the way, about ten minutes,” Tang Xiao answered.

After the call, he played a nice song and drove steadily.

Tang Xiao had been steady and studious since childhood, raised by grandparents while his parents worked hard starting their business. His childhood was frugal but patient and diligent. Neighbors praised him as a good boy.

Though now well-off, Tang Xiao kept his simple ways, not a spoiled heir. His school years were spent in the small county town with grandparents. When he entered university in Long’an, he dressed plainly and was bullied by “rich kids” at first, as they only knew of the city’s richest man, Tang Youming. Tang Xiao never mentioned his father, wanting only to study hard and avoid trouble.

Eventually, he proved himself, became class president, and even the bullies respected him.

Soon, Tang Xiao’s car stopped under Wan Shen’s apartment building. He locked the doors, carrying gifts and fruit, and took the elevator to the eighth floor, apartment 508—Wan Shen’s home.

He rang the bell.

“Coming, coming,” a girl’s voice answered.

The door opened, and Tang Xiao barely recognized the young woman. He glanced at the door number, wondering if he’d made a mistake.

“You’re Tang Xiao, right? This is your cousin Wan Shen’s home,” the girl said quietly.

“And you are...?” Tang Xiao asked, puzzled.

“Cool Uncle! You’re here! Lele missed you so much. This is my aunt,” came a child’s voice as Wan Shen’s son emerged, eagerly grabbing Tang Xiao’s hand.

“Little guy, here’s some building blocks and a basketball for you. Do you like them?” Tang Xiao asked Lele.

“Love them! Cool Uncle, you and aunt sit down. I’ll get you some snacks,” the boy said politely.

“I’m Lele’s aunt, just like you, here for lunch at my sister’s,” Qiao Hui spoke softly, a gentle contrast to her sister Qiao Ru.

“Nice to meet you. Thanks for opening the door,” Tang Xiao said politely.

Qiao Hui nodded.

Hearing their voices, Wan Shen came out of the kitchen.

“I was just telling your wife you were late, but you’re here fast! Come have some tea,” Wan Shen said, pouring tea for Tang Xiao.

“Oh! I forgot to introduce you. This young lady is Qiao Hui, your wife’s younger sister, a university freshman studying in our city. So we invited you all for a meal—family. Also...” Before Wan Shen finished, the doorbell rang twice.

“Brother, where’s sister-in-law? Happy birthday to her! Here’s a gift!” Wan Lingzhi, Wan Shen’s cousin and the company’s accountant, arrived.

“Come in! Your wife’s cooking,” Wan Shen laughed. Qiao Ru came out from the kitchen as well.

“Everyone’s here, so just a simple meal. It’s been a while. Your brother made some good food for you all. I’m happy you came. Don’t mind my cooking!” Qiao Ru warmly greeted.

“Sister-in-law, your brother should treat you better. You’re both elegant and skilled in the kitchen! Your brother’s lucky to have such a wife. It’s fate,” Lingzhi praised Qiao Ru.

“Lingzhi’s words are as sweet as honey,” Qiao Ru laughed.

At that moment, Lingzhi and Tang Xiao’s eyes met as Tang Xiao emerged from Lele’s room, leaving Lingzhi momentarily speechless.

“Cool Uncle, Aunt, Cousin, you’re all here! Here’s some snacks,” Lele brought out his stash: milk candy, yogurt, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts...

“Lele’s so good! Thanks, Lele,” Lingzhi said, trying to ease the tension.

Lele tugged Tang Xiao’s hand. “Cool Uncle, let’s play building blocks!” Before Tang Xiao could answer, the boy pulled him into his room.

“My son, really... Lingzhi, Qiao Hui, have some fruit and tea. Lingzhi’s my sister, Qiao Hui is her sister. You two chat; your cousin and I will prepare lunch!” Qiao Ru said as she and Wan Shen went to the kitchen.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Wan Lingzhi. Let’s exchange social contacts,” Lingzhi said to Qiao Hui.

“Sure!” They exchanged contacts, chatting enthusiastically.

“Is your mom’s birthday today?” Tang Xiao asked Lele.

“No, it’s next Tuesday, but Dad said we’d celebrate early today because Tuesday’s a workday and I have school,” Lele explained.

“Oh, I thought it’d be just a simple meal. That’s nice,” Tang Xiao patted Lele’s head.

“I don’t like chatting with girls. They gossip, and I can’t join in. I like playing with you. Boys and girls think differently,” Lele shared.

“Actually, I noticed you were in a bit of an awkward spot with those two girls, so I used the building blocks as an excuse to pull you away,” Tang Xiao said sincerely, hitting the mark.

“Wow, little guy, you’re so perceptive and smart—high EQ and IQ!” They chatted animatedly, ignoring the blocks as if found kindred spirits.

Around noon, Wan Shen knocked on Lele’s door. “Come on, time to eat.”

“Let’s go, Cool Uncle. I’ll take you to wash your hands,” Lele said.

“Okay, I’ll follow you,” Tang Xiao genuinely liked the little guy.

On the table sat a large Black Forest cake, inscribed “Happy Birthday, Sister!” It was from Qiao Hui, who was shy and studious, unlike her outgoing, talkative sister Qiao Ru.

“Sister-in-law, make a wish! Let’s take a photo and sing!” Lingzhi said, lively and clever.

Tang Xiao sat beside Wan Shen, who poured him some fine wine.

“Brother, I drove here. I shouldn’t drink!” Tang Xiao quickly pushed his glass aside.

“Oh, if you can’t handle it, stay over tonight. We’re family, here to have fun. Otherwise, take a taxi back. I’ll bring your car to the office tomorrow,” Wan Shen said, pouring more wine. Tang Xiao reluctantly sat down to drink.

At Qiao Hui’s place, she refused alcohol, and Qiao Ru stopped Wan Shen, reminding him she had class the next day and had to return to the dorm early. They switched to soft drinks.

Wan Lingzhi boldly drank wine, saving face for Wan Shen.

Sitting beside Tang Xiao, Lingzhi’s face flushed, whether from alcohol or something else.

Wan Shen noticed but knew Lingzhi had suitors; few resisted a handsome man like Tang Xiao, especially knowing his background. Wan Shen had accidentally revealed some details.

After lunch, Tang Xiao had drunk more than usual.

“Adults are so irresponsible, shouldn’t drink if they can’t handle it,” Lele scolded, watching Tang Xiao sleep on his bed. He had hoped to play more, but now he’d have to wait.

Wan Shen prepared dinner while Qiao Ru, Qiao Hui, and Lingzhi went shopping—a favorite pastime for women to relax, though modern women often face more pressure than men.

Qiao Hui had to return to school that night. Qiao Ru bought two outfits, one for Qiao Hui and one for Lingzhi. After Qiao Hui left, Qiao Ru and Lingzhi headed home.

Lele, the caring little nephew, stayed by Tang Xiao, pouring him warm water when he woke.

“Lele, you’re a boy but so thoughtful. Thanks!” Tang Xiao praised.

“No need. You’re the guest. I waited for you to play, but you slept all afternoon. Shouldn’t have drunk so much!” Lele teased.

“Let’s play now! Basketball?” Tang Xiao offered a way out.

“Great! I’ll get the ball,” Lele beamed.

“Dad, I’m going basketball with Cool Uncle,” Lele said before leaving.

“Go ahead! Learn well with Cool Uncle; he’s a basketball expert!” Wan Shen said, chopping vegetables.

Tang Xiao just opened the door when Qiao Ru and Lingzhi returned.

“Mom, cousin, we’re back. Cool Uncle and I are going to play downstairs,” Lele greeted.

“Come back early for dinner, don’t play too long!” Qiao Ru called after them.

Downstairs, the two males sweated on the basketball court. Tang Xiao wore a white T-shirt and casual shorts, standing 178 cm tall, slim but could gain a bit.

“Catch!” Tang Xiao slowly tossed the ball to Lele. After a few rounds, the boy was getting tired.

“Uncle, I want to shoot too. You’re always the one scoring. It looks cool,” Lele asked.

“Okay!” Tang Xiao lifted him to shoot.

Upstairs, Lingzhi watched the boys, mostly focusing on Tang Xiao, who rarely smiled at work, always serious about conversion rates, impressions, ROI, KPIs. Though relatives, Lingzhi and Tang Xiao hadn’t spoken much, perhaps avoiding awkwardness or lacking work overlap.

“Here, Lingzhi!” Qiao Ru handed her a lemon honey pomelo tea.

“Thanks, sister-in-law!” Lingzhi said.

“Thanks to Tang Xiao, my son’s rarely this happy. Wan Shen and I are busy with work. When he’s off, we worry he’s alone, so we enrolled him in tutoring, making him busy every day,” Qiao Ru chattered, but Lingzhi didn’t respond, eyes always on Tang Xiao.

“Lingzhi, are you dating?” Qiao Ru tried to change the subject.

“No... no, sister-in-law,” Lingzhi blushed, embarrassed.

“No need to be shy; we’re family. What do you think of Tang Xiao?” Qiao Ru pressed.

“Tang Xiao is the most energetic in our company. I just met him today. At work, he’s always serious, like an old man, talking about data all day. We barely talk,” Lingzhi said frankly.

“Tang Xiao surpasses Wan Shen in looks, ability, and family background. Wan Shen and I built our business from scratch, working hard. At first, I thought Tang Xiao was just a spoiled rich kid who’d last a month at your brother’s company. But orders increased thanks to him. Even your brother admits Tang Xiao’s capable but stubbornly insists he’s better because he’s the boss.”

“But Tang Xiao’s mother—Wan Shen’s cousin—made him promise no romance. He’s to inherit his father’s business, and his marriage must be a family alliance,” Qiao Ru added, dousing Lingzhi’s hopes.

“Some things can’t be forced; wasting time is pointless,” Qiao Ru comforted.

Lingzhi sighed, glancing at Qiao Ru heading to the kitchen.

“Honey, have Lele and the others come back? Dinner’s ready!” Wan Shen called, carrying two plates.

“No, not yet. I’ll call Tang Xiao,” Qiao Ru said, dialing.

“Hey, sis-in-law, Lele and I are on our way... okay!” Tang Xiao hung up and coaxed Lele upstairs.

Reluctantly leaving the court, Lele followed Tang Xiao.

They just arrived when Qiao Ru handed them towels to wipe sweat.

“Wipe up, don’t catch a cold. Lele, take Tang Uncle to wash up, then come eat,” Qiao Ru smiled warmly.

“Got it, Mom,” Lele was happy after a full day.

“Thanks, sister-in-law!” Tang Xiao said while drying off.

For dinner, Wan Shen made lotus root soup, white fungus lotus seed soup, longevity noodles, vegetable salad, grandmother’s dishes, and lotus root meatballs—home-style dishes Tang Xiao had often eaten at his grandparents’.

“Your brother’s cooking is a bit rough compared to sister-in-law’s. These hometown dishes taste okay but you should learn more from her!” Lingzhi praised, making Tang Xiao a bit defensive.

“She’s our family chef. Of course, her food’s better. Eat up, Tang Xiao!” Wan Shen encouraged.

“Your brother’s cooking reminds me of my grandfather, who cooked for my grandmother his whole life, doting on her and me. Grandpa’s dishes were always perfect in color, aroma, and taste. Your brother must love his wife a lot too!” Tang Xiao’s words warmed Qiao Ru’s heart.

“If you like it, come often during holidays. Your brother will cook for you,” Qiao Ru said, placing a lotus root slice on Tang Xiao’s plate.

“Lingzhi, help yourself!” Qiao Ru reminded.

Words must be chosen carefully, or meanings change—speaking is an art.

“I want lotus root and radish meatballs. Mom, get me one,” Lele said, eyeing his favorite dish.

“Here, little guy,” Tang Xiao cut one for him before Qiao Ru could react.

“Thanks, Cool Uncle! Haven’t had this in a long time. You must come often!” Lele devoured it while speaking.

The adults laughed heartily; only Lingzhi looked uneasy.

Everyone drank soft drinks since Tang Xiao had to drive. Wan Shen’s cooking was quite good; Tang Xiao ate two bowls, having only one at lunch.

“Sister-in-law, brother, you should head back. I’ll make sure Lingzhi gets home safely,” Tang Xiao said around 8 p.m., ready to leave. He bade farewell to the Wan couple. Lele was already asleep from basketball.

“Drive safely, don’t rush!” Qiao Ru called after them.

“Got it, sister-in-law. You go ahead!” Lingzhi replied.

After seeing Tang Xiao and Lingzhi into the elevator, the Wans turned inside.

“You’re a really good cousin—patient, loving, and accomplished. If only...” Qiao Ru trailed off.

“If you weren’t married, would you marry him?” Wan Shen asked.

“Not really. Too much age difference, and he probably wouldn’t like someone like me. But he might consider my sister Qiao Hui,” Qiao Ru schemed quietly.

“You’re crazy! If he gets married, it has to be a proper match approved by his parents. And I heard everything you said to Lingzhi today!” Wan Shen teased.

“So what if you heard? She’s your cousin. I was just joking. Maybe Tang Xiao does like Qiao Hui—quiet and steady. Don’t be so sure!” Qiao Ru retorted.

“You don’t understand my cousin. Business is all about interests. Tang Xiao has a betrothal. The other family is just as prominent. Stop dreaming!” Wan Shen said, dousing Qiao Ru’s hopes.

“Is this the Changchun Road intersection?” Tang Xiao asked Lingzhi.

“369 Changchun Road,” she replied.

“That bear air freshener is so cute and smells good. Where did you buy it?” Lingzhi asked in the car.

“Available everywhere online,” Tang Xiao said briefly.

“We’re here,” Tang Xiao announced.

“Want to come to my place for coffee?” Lingzhi invited.

“No, thanks. Coffee keeps me awake. You should avoid it at night too,” Tang Xiao politely warned.

“Thanks. I’m getting off now. Thanks for today, Tang Xiao. Coffee’s on me next time!” Lingzhi misunderstood his concern as affection, happily bidding farewell.

Tang Xiao nodded slightly and waved goodbye before driving off.

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