During that time, Zhang Qi was eating at the old house.
Lou Yuming's sudden return today had the entire family sitting up straight, creating an extremely solemn atmosphere at the dinner table.
His expression was grim, but since he usually wore a stern face, no one could tell if this imposing figure was truly angry or not.
Zhang Qi, as the only junior in the family, naturally dared not be too presumptuous. He secretly sought help from his parents with his eyes, but it was clearly futile.
Finally, it was Father Zhang who felt the atmosphere was affecting his appetite. He spoke with the air of an elder.
"Yuming, you've worked hard abroad all these years. What are your plans now that you're back in the country? Are you leaving again?"
Lou Yuming elegantly put down his chopsticks, enduring the piercing gazes of the others, and replied unhurriedly, "I'm not leaving."
The expressions of the other three instantly turned very unpleasant.
Father Zhang tentatively said, "Then... then there are still spare rooms at home. I'll have them tidy one up for you—"
Before he could finish, a sound came from under the table, and Father Zhang fell silent in pain.
Lou Yuming glanced at Mother Zhang, who was smiling without speaking, his expression calm. "No need to trouble yourselves. I have a place outside."
Zhang Qi breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that the rice in his mouth could finally be swallowed smoothly.
Just then, the phone on the table suddenly rang, one notification after another. Zhang Qi's expression became awkward: "...I'll go reply to a message."
Lou Yuming remained expressionless, but his gaze happened to fall on the screen as the name "Song Xi" appeared. His tone grew a little colder: "Do not speak while eating, and do not speak while not eating."
Zhang Qi had no choice but to retract his hand again.
This meal left everyone with indigestion.
After it ended, Lou Yuming went upstairs to visit the old lady.
Mother Zhang seized this opportunity to vent her anger at Father Zhang: "He's practically trying to usurp the nest, and you're not even worried!"
Father Zhang pursed his lips and said nothing.
"You useless good-for-nothing, the Zhang family will eventually be ruined by you. Qi'er, Mom is counting on you!"
Zhang Qi was startled, his mind clearly still on the message from earlier. "Mom, I haven't even graduated yet."
"What are you afraid of? Wait until he comes down, then tell him you want to intern at the company. Remember, the company is yours, you can't let outsiders snatch it away!"
As they were speaking, the sound of a door closing came from upstairs.
Zhang Qi braced himself and walked over: "Uncle, there's something... I'd like to discuss with you."
His phone started to buzz restlessly again. Lou Yuming condescended to glance at him, his chin slightly raised, indicating he should deal with it first.
Zhang Qi was fuming. Who the hell was so inconsiderate! As soon as he opened it, it was all Yi Xiaoling.
After quickly scanning the chat content, he couldn't control his temper and cursed.
"What madness are you spewing in broad daylight! Spreading rumors outside that Song Xi and I broke up is one thing, but now you're framing her here. Even if you gave her the guts, she wouldn't dare cheat on me!"
"Anyone who dares to touch my woman, Zhang Qi's woman, I'll die fighting them!"
He ranted on, completely immersed in his emotions, completely oblivious that his chat content had already been seen by Lou Yuming.
The man's eyes were like deep, icy wells. He silently paced away, and before leaving, he took the keys to the sports car that was meant for Zhang Qi.
By the time Zhang Qi snapped back to reality, the man had already disappeared. He anxiously sent Lou Yuming a WeChat message asking about his car keys, but the reply was a dismissive:
"Adults must take responsibility for their actions."
Zhang Qi was bewildered. He thought the gossip outside had reached Lou Yuming's ears and displeased him. But he had been very well-behaved lately. Could it be because of the breakup rumors today that his uncle thought he was irresponsible?
What did any of this have to do with anything? That damn Yi Xiaoling always caused trouble!
Without a second thought, Zhang Qi immediately went to Song Xi's house and happened to see her returning from class.
"Xi'er!"
He walked over, lifted her face without a word, and kissed her. "Why didn't you call me today? I missed you so much."
Song Xi was a little stunned.
Zhang Qi explained, "I'm sorry, I was too busy today. Don't take those things at school seriously, they're all fake. You're so obedient, how could I possibly break up with you?"
Song Xi gave a stiff, forced smile, not understanding what Zhang Qi meant.
"Oh, right. Let's take a photo together. I'll post it on my Moments."
Song Xi's expression became even more like she had been frightened. Let alone posting on Moments, Zhang Qi never even took photos with her. What was he on today?
Zhang Qi put his arm around her waist and quickly took a selfie. He noticed a red mark on the back of her neck and frowned, "What's on your neck?"
Song Xi pouted aggrievedly, "A mosquito bite. It's so itchy. I have a lot on my arms too, I'll show you."
"No need!"
A hint of disgust flashed in Zhang Qi's eyes. In his haste, he didn't bother to categorize his contacts and directly posted the photo.
"Oh, right." He suddenly pulled out a box from his pocket and handed it over: "This necklace is for you. Next time you see Uncle, remember to wear it."
"???" Song Xi's face was full of question marks. What did Lou Yuming have to do with this?
After doing all this, Zhang Qi turned and left gallantly, not even saying goodbye.
He came and went as quickly as he appeared. Zhang Qi was truly baffled by this series of actions.
However, the necklace wasn't cheap, and it should sell for a good amount. Song Xi returned to her bedroom, still contemplating how much to list it for on Xianyu. Suddenly, a large hand clamped over her mouth from behind, and the bedroom door was slammed shut with a bang.