If the message was from a familiar friend, Lin Mei wouldn't have felt anything. However, the number wasn't saved in Xing Zheng's phone, and Lin Mei immediately became vigilant. It couldn't be a wrong text message; how could such a coincidence happen, a wrong text message that coincidentally wished Xing Zheng a happy birthday like him?
While contemplating, the bedroom door was pushed open. Lin Mei looked towards the sound as Xing Zheng walked towards her. He stopped by the bed and asked with a smile, "Can you still get out of bed?"
Lin Mei didn't answer. She handed him her phone and said, "You should reply to someone's concern first, lest they be disappointed."
Her tone was somewhat sarcastic. Xing Zheng took the phone and recognized the number after seeing the message. It was Qiao Wei. He had contacted her before regarding Xiao Shu's matter. Although he hadn't saved her number, he had some impression of it. Now that the issue was resolved, there was no need to contact Qiao Wei anymore.
Xing Zheng deleted the message and put the phone down, telling her, "Deleted."
"Why didn't you reply? Are you worthy of their concern?" Lin Mei asked deliberately.
"Should I reply then?" Xing Zheng provoked her.
Lin Mei was angered and said stubbornly, "Go ahead and reply. You can even go out and find someone to celebrate your birthday again." Although she said this, her expression soured, clearly indicating she was bothered and jealous.
Xing Zheng came to the bed and lay down with her, kissing her. Lin Mei pushed against his shoulders, but within a few minutes, he had kissed her so much that her body felt weak. Xing Zheng sensed this and stopped, his lips brushing against her ear. "If only your body could be as stubborn as your mouth."
Lin Mei kicked him angrily, "Are you still in private contact with Qiao Wei?"
He was most adept at turning things around. She could only get an explanation by taking the initiative.
"No," Xing Zheng denied. "After Xiao Shu's matter, I haven't contacted her." He had even forgotten about her existence.
Lin Mei didn't believe him. "If you haven't contacted her, how would she send you a text message?" And it was a birthday greeting. Qiao Wei remembered his birthday so clearly!
To deal with Lin Mei's "unreasonable behavior," Xing Zheng had no choice but to use action to silence her. The two became entangled on the bed again.
After Xing Zheng's birthday, they prepared to return to Nanjiang. However, Lin Mei could tell that Xing Zheng wasn't very eager to go back. He was still worried about Xie Qin Jia, but he simply didn't voice this concern.
Xie Qin Jia was unwilling to accept Xing Zheng, and Lin Mei could do nothing about it. Even though she said she would give him more love, she knew deep down that Xie Qin Jia's love was irreplaceable.
Because Lin Mei flew to New York, the two had officially reconciled. However, this time, Lin Mei did not move back to Zhuhua Villa.
When Xing Zheng brought it up, she simply said, "I'm still not moving. What if we break up again someday, and you kick me out?"
Xing Zheng: "..." He rarely found himself speechless, but at this moment, he couldn't utter a single word.
Lin Mei also found it unusual. Afterward, she told Lan Lan and Feng Feng about it on WeChat. Lan Lan sighed, "Finally showing some backbone. I thought you'd go back to living with him at his beck and call."
Feng Feng said, "A correct decision. Don't move in together too easily."
Lan Lan said, "Remember what I told you before. You can't let him think you're completely under his thumb. People are perverse; what they have easily doesn't seem as precious anymore. Maintain an air of mystery and have a little spat with him now and then, understand?"
Lin Mei took note. She wouldn't have been so "unreasonable" before, but now, she increasingly felt that Lan Lan's words made sense. Although emotions shouldn't be about gains and losses, she still wanted Xing Zheng to have a sense of urgency. It was good not to move in for now, lest the novelty wear off.
It was just a pity for Jiaozi, who lost a playmate. Ever since Jiaozi was brought back from the kennel, it had been playing with Lan Lan, who had already become an indispensable part of its life.
After moving out of Zhuhua Villa, Jiaozi was not as lively as before. Lin Mei went to work every day, leaving it alone at home, which made it quite depressed.
On the weekend, when Lin Mei took Jiaozi to the pet store for a bath, the staff told her that Jiaozi was still young and should spend more time with companions. After consideration, Lin Mei decided to send Jiaozi back to Zhuhua Villa.
While Jiaozi was getting a bath at the pet store, Xing Zheng finished his impromptu meeting and rushed over. The moment he arrived, he saw Lin Mei burying her face in Jiaozi's white fur, dotingly kissing it. Her already expressionless face took on a hint of gloom.
Jiaozi was fragrant and fluffy after its bath. Lin Mei was addicted to holding it and couldn't let go. Jiaozi whimpered affectionately, and Lin Mei cooed at it, her attention entirely on the dog.
Xing Zheng couldn't stand it any longer. "Finished?"
"Yes, you're here," Lin Mei finally saw him. She picked up Jiaozi and asked, "Are you done with your work?"
Xing Zheng grunted. He looked at the white "marshmallow" in her arms, finding it more and more displeasing. Bringing Jiaozi home was meant to counter a love rival, but unexpectedly, it ended up being a love rival for him. The moment it appeared, Lin Mei's eyes were no longer on him.
"Jiaozi just had a bath, its fur is very smooth. You should pet it." Lin Mei handed Jiaozi towards Xing Zheng. Xing Zheng leaned down to look, and their eyes met.
Jiaozi was silly and couldn't read the room. It mistook him for another owner, wagging its tail and acting affectionately towards him, full of excitement.
Lin Mei smiled and said, "It misses you. You should hold it!"
Xing Zheng grunted and raised his arm. Before he could take it, Jiaozi enthusiastically leaped into his arms.
The pet store staff watched and chuckled, "Your little dog really likes its daddy!"
People who own pets often think of themselves as the pet's parents, much like raising children. Lin Mei often referred to herself as "Mom." At this moment, when someone called Xing Zheng "daddy," it made her feel a bit embarrassed.
Xing Zheng, however, was pleased by this remark. He finally smiled, and Jiaozi seemed much more agreeable in his eyes.
On the way back to the apartment, Lin Mei discussed the important matter with Xing Zheng. "I have work during the day and not much time to accompany Jiaozi. It's a bit lonely staying home alone, so let's send it back to Zhuhua Villa. It can play with Lan Lan."
"You want to move back?" Xing Zheng jumped to a conclusion.
Lin Mei chuckled. "I'm not moving. Jiaozi will move back by itself."
Xing Zheng had a part-time helper specifically to take care of Lan Lan. Adding one more Jiaozi wouldn't be much of a workload.
Xing Zheng steered the car and said with a wry smile, "Can you bear to?"
"I can go visit it," Lin Mei said. "It's not like we won't see each other anymore."
This implied that she would frequently visit Zhuhua Villa for Jiaozi?
Xing Zheng agreed. "Yes, when should it move?"
"Today," Lin Mei said. "I'll go back and pack its things."
Upon arriving at the apartment, Lin Mei went to pack. Xing Zheng sat on the sofa, patting Jiaozi's head and saying, "At least you're a little useful."