Lou Yuming spotted Song Xi at a glance, cutting through the crowd and the air with a faint, cold look at her exceptionally simple appearance.
Song Xi’s hands and feet turned ice cold, her entire body stiffening under Lou Yuming’s gaze. His apparent, effortless composure made her inexplicably uneasy.
She felt her current expression must be as terrified as if she had just watched a horror movie.
Zhang Qi walked over nonchalantly, his respectful attitude a stark contrast to his usual flippant demeanor. "Little Uncle, long time no see! By the way, why are you suddenly giving me a car?"
Lou Yuming didn't answer his question. His thin lips pursed as he looked at Song Xi, who was about a meter away. "Who is that?"
Zhang Qi hadn't expected Lou Yuming to notice her and felt a bit awkward, but for his grandmother's sake, he introduced her. "My girlfriend, Xi’er. Come over quickly."
Song Xi feigned composure as she walked over, but her movements were so stiff with nervousness that she appeared even more out of place.
A look of disdain flickered in Zhang Qi’s eyes. She was such an embarrassment! Just as he was about to find an excuse to leave with Song Xi, Lou Yuming, who was usually a man of few words, suddenly spoke.
"Xi’er?"
His tone was unhurried, yet it carried a chilling pressure as it rolled off his tongue. Song Xi felt her blood rush backward, her face turning ashen.
Zhang Qi, however, remained oblivious, only looking nervous, afraid Lou Yuming wouldn't approve of his taste.
"Nice name."
He spoke casually, as if merely commenting on the pleasant taste of a restaurant, completely disregarding the fact that the person opposite him looked like she was about to faint from fright.
Zhang Qi breathed a sigh of relief. Just then, the female housekeeper came downstairs, announcing that the old madam wanted them, the younger generation, to go up.
Lou Yuming didn't stop them. Instead, he watched her retreating back, a faint, cold curve at the corner of his lips.
A flicker of resentment stirred within Zhang Qi. His little uncle had rarely come home, and he had wanted to impress him. Now, he felt dragged down by Song Xi, which was infuriating!
"You wait!" He couldn't suppress his anger and reprimanded her directly, not caring that the housekeeper was still present.
Song Xi’s mind was a jumble. One surnamed Lou, the other surnamed Zhang, how could they be family?! Moreover, judging by Lou Yuming's demeanor, he seemed to have known all along. What was she to do!
Song Xi entered the room looking preoccupied. The old madam, seeing this, appeared very concerned.
"Xi Xi, what's wrong? Did Xiao Qi upset you?"
Zhang Qi said helplessly, "Grandma, how dare I."
Zhang’s mother snorted beside him, "Distracted at a time like this, what kind of behavior is that!"
The old madam glared at Zhang’s mother and was exceedingly tolerant of Song Xi. "She's probably tired. Go back and rest early."
Song Xi nodded obediently.
As she reached the doorway, the old madam suddenly said from her bed, "Oh, Xi Xi, remember to bring your parents next week. We'll have a meal together and discuss the wedding."
Zhang’s mother was shocked. "Mom, the children are still young and haven't even graduated yet!"
"How are they young? If we delay any longer, this old bone of mine won't have many days left!"
"Mom, don't say that. Let's wait a bit longer."
Zhang’s mother was naturally unwilling. It was only after much persuasion that the old madam relented, then handed Song Xi a red envelope.
"...Then next year. Xi Xi, what do you say?"
Song Xi didn't deny it, as she couldn't make any guarantees. The old madam took it as acquiescence and watched them leave the room with a beaming smile.
Zhang Qi seemed aware of the marriage plans. There wasn't a hint of surprise on his face when the old madam mentioned it.
Song Xi couldn't help but ask, "Marriage, what do you think about it?"
Zhang Qi looked up from his WeChat. "Listen to them."
"Do you really want to marry me?"
Zhang Qi finally pulled his gaze away from his phone and looked at her, raising an eyebrow.
Song Xi's expression at that moment could be described as a masterclass in acting: touched, surprised, and even a little disbelieving. She reached out and took his hand, her face shy. "Really?"
"Of course." Not likely! Idiot!
Zhang Qi cursed inwardly. He was finding Song Xi more and more displeasing.
Song Xi was overjoyed, even moved to tears.
Zhang Qi couldn't help but sneer. She liked him this much? His charm was indeed too great.
His phone buzzed with WeChat notifications. Before Zhang Qi could say anything, Song Xi immediately said understandingly, "You should go and attend to your business. I can go back by myself."
Zhang Qi patted her head. "So obedient."
Before leaving, he glanced at the amount of money in the red envelope. It wasn't much, so he tossed it back to Song Xi.
Although it was only a few thousand yuan, Song Xi was content. It was, after all, a token of the elder's affection.
Song Xi followed the navigation out of the old residence, intending to take the bus back to save money. However, not long after she had left, a black Porsche suddenly sped out, as if it had been lying in wait, startling her.
The rear car door swung open with a whoosh. A tall figure was engulfed in darkness, his sharp jawline faintly visible. A chill emanated from the car, making Song Xi shiver.
"What, do I have to invite Miss Song to come up?"
How could she dare not.
Song Xi bent down and agilely slipped inside.