Chapter 20

“Do you believe me?” Zhou Yanzhou asked skillfully, leaving a hint of personal intention, though not too obvious.

Chen Xi never expected the conversation to circle back to her; she widened her eyes in surprise, unsure how to respond.

Deep down, she did believe him.

But what did that have to do with her?

Zhou Yanzhou didn’t seek an answer either. His gaze was deep as he looked into the distance, lost in thought.

The two stood by the floor-to-ceiling window for a moment before Zhou Yanzhou lifted his chin and said, “Give me some time; I’ll have breakfast.”

Chen Xi blinked in confusion. Did she really need to be informed about him eating?

After finishing breakfast, Zhou Yanzhou grabbed his car keys from the console and said he’d drive Chen Xi home. Chen Xi frowned, reluctant to accept.

Zhou Yanzhou rolled his eyes and lightly said, “Have some integrity, understand?”

Chen Xi couldn’t argue. He pulled her by the arm all the way to the garage, finally pressing her into the passenger seat.

She disliked his assertiveness and gave him a cold look the entire ride. Zhou Yanzhou remained unbothered and even smiled, teasing, “Such a bad temper at your age?”

The weather was lovely that day, the sun warm on their skin. Chen Xi lowered the sunshade, crossed her arms, and glared at him without a word.

Zhou Yanzhou drove steadily. When a car behind honked to overtake, he calmly slowed down and let it pass.

Chen Xi glanced at him in surprise, doubting that someone like him could be so humble—after all, he could be quite arrogant at times.

Her gaze was too transparent, too direct. Zhou Yanzhou saw right through her little thoughts, smiled knowingly, and patiently explained, “Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘A thousand roads, but caution is key when driving’?”

Chen Xi found the excuse rather grandiose.

She hesitated, uncertain what awaited her at home or how to explain spending the night out.

She felt a strange fear—the fear of the unknown.

Approaching a traffic light, Zhou Yanzhou stopped the car. He looked at the little girl with a furrowed brow and asked, “Who upset you for no reason?”

Chen Xi’s fear grew. She had no time to joke with Zhou Yanzhou, biting her lip and staring pale-faced at the red light counting down the seconds.

Seeing her ignore him, Zhou Yanzhou reached over to pinch her warm earlobe and gently probed, “Afraid you won’t be able to explain where you were all night?”

Chen Xi suddenly turned, meeting Zhou Yanzhou’s knowing eyes. Nervous, she took a breath and whispered, “It’s the first time I’ve stayed out overnight.”

Zhou Yanzhou raised an eyebrow, a trace of teasing flashing across his face as he casually praised, “Then you really are a good kid.”

Chen Xi rolled her eyes without a word and turned to look out the window, unwilling to engage further.

Zhou Yanzhou chuckled and shrugged. “When I was your age, I was called a little troublemaker. The adults in the whole neighborhood would get headaches from me.”

“Fighting every day, causing damage on purpose, not studying well—it made teachers and parents miserable.”

“Later, Teacher Meng got so mad she threatened to disown me, and that’s when I started behaving a bit.”

Chen Xi shook her head and finally said, “You’re quite something.”

Amused by her lukewarm response, Zhou Yanzhou lifted his chin with mock seriousness and said slowly, “So what are you worried about?”

“With me around, you won’t be embarrassed.”

Chen Xi had been about to tease him but was surprised by the second half of his sentence. She opened her mouth, meeting his confident gaze, and slowly swallowed her words.

—

The car arrived at her uncle’s courtyard. Chen Xi whispered to stop outside; she could manage alone.

Zhou Yanzhou ignored her and drove straight into the yard.

Chen Xi was stunned by his action, only recovering after several seconds.

Just as she wanted to scold him, her uncle appeared, looking surprised.

Seeing him, her bravado vanished instantly.

She hesitated a long while until her uncle approached the car and greeted Zhou Yanzhou. Only then did Chen Xi slowly unbuckle her seatbelt, open the door, and softly call out to him under Zhou Yanzhou’s watchful eyes.

Perhaps out of fear, her voice was so low only she could hear it.

Xu Jingqian had only just returned early that morning and was unaware Chen Xi had stayed out all night.

Seeing Zhou Yanzhou bring her back, Xu Jingqian realized she had spent the night with him.

He looked at her with complex emotions and, seeing her still in yesterday’s clothes, finally felt a bit relieved.

After a moment, Xu Jingqian waved them off: “Xi Xi, you go in first. I’ll chat with Mr. Zhou for a bit.”

His tone was less polite and respectful than usual but still cautious, careful not to be too harsh.

Chen Xi glanced at Zhou Yanzhou in the driver’s seat, who seemed calm and unfazed. She obediently acknowledged and slowly walked inside.

The house was quiet, with no movement.

Passing by the children’s room, she peeked inside deliberately—still empty.

Had her aunt not returned?

Relieved not to face her aunt, Chen Xi went to her room and immediately changed clothes.

She didn’t know what her uncle and Zhou Yanzhou would discuss, nor did she want to.

All she cared about was when this turbulent life would finally end.

—

Outside, in the yard.

Zhou Yanzhou turned off the car, opened the door, and stepped out with long legs.

He was taller than Xu Jingqian by a head. Standing face to face, Zhou Yanzhou’s aura was overwhelming.

Xu Jingqian, forming his words, was intimidated by Zhou Yanzhou’s indifferent gaze.

His Adam’s apple bobbed nervously as he carefully chose his words.

“Our Xi Xi is only sixteen, an age of confusion and naivety. It’s easy to stray and face problems beyond understanding.”

“She’s actually quite well-behaved and studies hard. With more effort, she’ll surely have a bright future.”

“Her parents passed away suddenly, and now as her only relative, I—”

Before he could finish, Zhou Yanzhou shot him a look that shut him up completely.

Standing by the car, Zhou Yanzhou pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from his pocket. He lit one in front of Xu Jingqian and even offered him one.

Xu Jingqian nervously accepted, eyes fixed on the silent man, doubts rising in his mind.

Though older by over a decade, Xu Jingqian couldn’t read Zhou Yanzhou’s thoughts or intentions.

Even if he wanted to hint something, he dared not be too direct, as the company’s future depended on this young man.

Moreover, Zhou Yanzhou’s family background was intimidating enough.

Thinking of this, Xu Jingqian looked at him and awkwardly asked, “What do you think of our Xi Xi? Will she have a good future?”

Zhou Yanzhou took a drag, glanced at the worry etched on Xu Jingqian’s face, and lightly retorted, “Don’t you know your own niece?”

Xu Jingqian was speechless, clearly not expecting such a blunt response. He licked his lips and awkwardly complied, “Yes, yes, I was being presumptuous.”

“I know her temperament best. Although a bit stubborn, she’s a good kid overall.”

Zhou Yanzhou smiled knowingly and said meaningfully, “She may be a good kid, but whether the adults are responsible—that’s another story.”

His words were clearly a pointed criticism.

Xu Jingqian flushed, recalling yesterday’s events. It felt like a slap in the face, embarrassing and humiliating.

Zhou Yanzhou didn’t want to waste time here. Flicking the ash, he ended the topic with a neutral tone, “I understand your concerns. Don’t worry, I’m no beast to take advantage of a high school girl.”

“It’s just that her life is tough, so I’m helping a bit. If you really care, you should manage your wife better instead of taking out your anger on a child.”

He paused, looking toward the nearby villa with a half-smile. “That’s quite tasteless.”

Xu Jingqian’s face changed instantly. He suppressed his emotions and kept nodding in agreement.

Zhou Yanzhou raised an eyebrow, stubbed out his cigarette, and got back into the car.

The car drove out of the yard, merging into traffic.

Xu Jingqian stood at the door, watching the Mercedes disappear into the flow, nervously wiping his forehead.

He never expected that at nearly forty, he’d be schooled by a man in his twenties.

—

Chen Xi didn’t know what Zhou Yanzhou had said. After changing, she found her phone dead and, fearing missed messages, quickly plugged it in.

She hid the phone under her pillow and covered it with the blanket, worried someone might find it.

She thought her uncle would confront her about staying out all night, but the whole afternoon passed without a word.

At dinner, the two sat together eating dumplings. Chen Xi noticed her uncle’s worried expression and asked, “Uncle, where is Auntie?”

Xu Jingqian, lost in thought, looked up and explained, “She said she’s staying at her mother’s for a few days.”

Chen Xi had already guessed.

Usually, whenever her aunt was unhappy, she’d pack up and take her younger brother home to complain, only returning after her husband personally fetched her.

This time, though, Chen Xi was the cause of her aunt’s anger.

She bit a dumpling, looked at her uncle, and softly said sorry.

Xu Jingqian was taken aback, then sighed and asked, “Xi Xi, do you think I’m biased?”

Chen Xi hesitated but shook her head.

Putting down his chopsticks, Xu Jingqian spoke gently, “Your aunt was spoiled by her parents growing up and is somewhat pampered. Plus, after having your cousin a couple of years ago, her figure changed and she’s under a lot of stress, so she tends to have a short temper.”

“I know she sometimes goes too far. Let me apologize on her behalf, okay?”

The dumpling in Chen Xi’s mouth suddenly lost its flavor. No longer as tasty as before.

She forced a smile and lied calmly, “It’s okay, Uncle. I never blamed Auntie.”

“We’re family. No need to apologize.”

Xu Jingqian smiled in satisfaction and changed the subject. “When are you going to Beijing? I have some acquaintances there. I’ll ask them to show you around. Don’t worry about expenses—I’ll cover everything.”

Chen Xi’s appetite disappeared completely. She blinked, expression calm, and said, “Next Monday. The school provides room and board, so no need to spend extra.”

Xu Jingqian didn’t think much of it. “That works too. Since you’re going, be sure to visit some sights.”

After dinner, Chen Xi went online and discussed her competition draft with He Xu, also arranging the Beijing trip.

Knowing He Xu’s parents would accompany him, Chen Xi hesitated about whether to travel with them.

Before she could decide, Zhou Yanzhou sent a message: [Want to go to Beijing for a couple of days?]