Xia Qingtian was stunned when she saw Yu Zixuan at dinner.
The voice she heard on the phone in her previous life immediately echoed in her ears, and Xia Qingtian’s heart gave a sharp tug.
She wanted to remind herself, as before, that her past life and this life were different. She shouldn’t resent Yu Zixuan for something that hadn’t happened yet, or for malice that didn't exist.
Especially since she was Yue Chengfeng's lover.
But in that moment, Xia Qingtian’s mind went blank.
And Xia Qingtian’s shock and nervousness were interpreted by Yu Zixuan as something else entirely, with deeper implications.
Yu Zixuan suspected that Xia Qingtian’s current panic was a deliberate attempt to conceal something, and that Tang Jiamingzhu must be connected to her.
Perhaps tonight was the crucial moment for her to get rid of Tang Jiamingzhu. The Yue family mostly trusted her unconditionally, and the people she brought likely included her own subordinates.
Yu Zixuan’s sudden appearance was probably outside of Xia Qingtian’s plan.
With this explanation, all of Xia Qingtian’s actions became smooth and understandable.
“Sister?” Xia Qingyu noticed Xia Qingtian’s unusual behavior and placed her hand on Xia Qingtian’s arm.
“Hmm? I’m fine.” Xia Qingtian finally came to her senses and smiled at Yu Zixuan, “Auntie, you’re here?”
Hearing Xia Qingtian’s address, Yu Zixuan was also taken aback. A blush spread across her cheeks, and she glanced shyly at Yue Chengfeng beside her.
Yue Chengfeng chuckled, seemingly pleased with Xia Qingtian’s address for Yu Zixuan.
After all, she would be his wife sooner or later.
“Little Uncle, this is my sister, Xia Qingyu,” Xia Qingtian introduced Xia Qingyu to the others, saying, “We came to the capital this time to accompany her for her exams.”
“Mm.” Yue Chengfeng’s smile softened slightly as he looked at Xia Qingyu.
He still wasn’t sure if this Xia Qingyu would do anything to harm Xia Qingtian. With the existence of Yue Erye’s ungrateful family, this half-brother, half-sister Xia Qingyu… needed further scrutiny.
Xia Qingtian was kind-hearted and naive, easily trusting others, but they, the Yue family, were not so easily fooled!
Xia Qingyu keenly sensed the subtle shift in the Yue family’s attitude towards her, but she could also understand it to some extent.
If it weren’t for Xia Qingtian’s invitation, she would never have had any connection with the Yue family in her life.
She also had no intention of becoming a part of their family in the future.
At the Yue family’s place, playing along was enough. She just wanted her sister to be happy.
She only wanted her sister.
“Let’s eat first,” Yue Chengzhong said from the side, inviting everyone to sit.
Yu Zixuan had eaten something before the main meal and wasn’t very hungry. She ate slowly, her eyes casually appraising Xia Qingtian and the people she brought.
Looking at them one by one, they all seemed quite young.
She wondered which of these people was Xia Qingtian’s subordinate.
It was impossible for such an important operation not to have her own people in place for backup.
Was it the one who looked older?
Yu Zixuan’s gaze fell on Miao Tong as she wondered.
Or perhaps the one who looked more mature and steady?
Yu Zixuan then looked at Li Xiaozhong.
Or maybe the one…
As Yu Zixuan looked at them one by one, she unexpectedly met Shi Xingwu’s gaze.
To Yu Zixuan’s surprise, Shi Xingwu showed no intention of looking away. Not only was he studying her intently, but he also seemed to be contemplating something simultaneously.
Could this person be the subordinate Xia Qingtian had stationed?
His features and face shape suggested he wasn't old, but his build was strong, clearly indicating he was trained.
If one were to choose someone to help, they wouldn’t choose someone who couldn’t carry a load or lift a shoulder.
And judging by his demeanor when their eyes met, he showed no hesitation, radiating confidence and an ability to control the situation.
Furthermore, his contemplative expression seemed to suggest he was indeed considering how to deal with her, this unexpected variable.
What was he thinking?
Was he planning to kill her to eliminate future trouble?
If that were the case, she wouldn’t hold back either.
Yu Zixuan lowered her gaze slightly, a hint of killing intent appearing in her eyes.
At that moment, Yue Chengfeng, who was sitting next to Yu Zixuan, also noticed Shi Xingwu’s gaze. He reached under the table and took Yu Zixuan’s hand.
Her suddenly cold fingertips were gently enclosed, and Yu Zixuan was startled. She looked up in surprise at Yue Chengfeng, meeting his determined and gentle eyes, and a wave of warmth instantly surged through her.
“Young man, is there something you need?” Yue Chengfeng tightened his grip on Yu Zixuan’s hand under the table and asked Shi Xingwu, “You seem to have been staring at my fiancée.”
Yue Chengfeng’s words drew everyone’s attention to Shi Xingwu.
“Uh, I wanted to ask if this older sister is a sugar mama?” Shi Xingwu put down his chopsticks, ready to show off his biceps, “Look at me… Ugh…!”
“Just shut up!” Miao Tong immediately pressed Shi Xingwu’s outstretched hand with one hand and covered Shi Xingwu’s mouth with the other.
What they had been chatting about in Xia Qingtian’s room before was just casual talk!
How could this kid be so single-minded?
Good heavens… this is going to be the death of me!
Li Xiaozhong’s face turned crimson. This time, he was too embarrassed to even say sorry.
Perhaps they should just break off their friendship.
“Hahaha.” Xia Qingtian, however, burst into hearty laughter, “How do you still remember that?”
Over there, Shi Xingwu also broke free from Miao Tong’s restraint and said innocently, “I was curious! I wanted to ask if I attract girls, and if it’s really true like Li Xiaozhong said, that I can’t even find a girlfriend. Then how would I have a daughter? Who would conjure one up for me?”
After saying this, Shi Xingwu looked at Yu Zixuan again and asked, “Sugar mama sister, looking at me like this, do I attract girls?”
Yu Zixuan was also a little surprised by Shi Xingwu’s question. Had she misjudged?
It shouldn’t be like this?
But…
Seeing everyone looking at her, Yu Zixuan curled her lips into a faint smile and brought the hand she was holding with Yue Chengfeng under the table up onto the tabletop. “I’m sorry, I don’t know about other girls’ preferences. I only like him.”
Upon hearing Yu Zixuan’s words, Yue Chengfeng couldn’t hide his smile.
“Good heavens, for a moment I didn’t know if I was eating dinner or eating dog food,” Xia Qingtian said, propping her face with one hand and smiling.
Hearing Xia Qingtian’s teasing, Yu Zixuan’s face turned red. Yue Chengfeng chuckled in response, “Eat whatever you want, there’s plenty to go around.”
Yue Chengfeng’s words caused the blush on Yu Zixuan’s face to spread to her neck. She gave him a charming glare, and Yue Chengfeng grinned foolishly at her.
Watching the happiness in Yue Chengfeng’s smile, Xia Qingtian took a deep breath. She felt that she should probably let go of the events of her past life.
With a sigh, Xia Qingtian’s bright smile returned.
Xia Qingyu noticed the change in Xia Qingtian’s expression and blinked, but she didn’t voice her unspoken questions.