Lu Mingzhe let out a long sigh and dejectedly took a taxi home.
Xiangyang had no classes that morning and was home alone.
He was surprised to see Lu Mingzhe return.
"Where have you been these past few days? Your calls have been going straight to voicemail. Did your business trip take you to some godforsaken place?"
Lu Mingzhe slumped onto the sofa, rubbing his temples, and didn't answer his question.
Instead, he asked,
"What exactly happened to your sister these past few days?"
Xiangyang sat opposite him and recounted Xiang Wan's troubles.
"Is that Tang Haichao very familiar with your sister?"
"Reasonably so. My sister said they weren't that familiar, but he was quite enthusiastic. It's thanks to his help this time."
"We couldn't find a suitable factory in Nancheng to help my sister process her orders, which is why they went to Beicheng."
Lu Mingzhe sneered, "That guy has no good intentions. I don't think he's being enthusiastic; I suspect he's got his eyes on your sister."
Xiangyang's heart skipped a beat, and he asked what he meant.
"My sister is carrying your child, and you two agreed to get married. Are you doubting her at a time like this?"
Lu Mingzhe sighed and said no.
"I know what your sister is thinking, but I'm worried about some people who might not be discreet."
"Forget it. I can't stay home. At a time like this, I should be by her side. You stay home and take care of things, I'm going to Beicheng."
With that, he booked a flight to Beicheng.
On the way, he messaged Xiang Wan to ask which hotel she was staying at. Xiang Wan didn't reply until the plane landed, when he finally received a hotel name.
Xiang Wan asked him, "Why are you asking this? Don't tell me you're coming to find me?"
"What? Is it inconvenient? Don't you want me to come?"
How could that be?
Ever since they got together, she didn't want to be apart from Lu Mingzhe for even a second.
Now that something like this had happened, she wished she could have a shoulder to lean on at all times.
Lu Mingzhe didn't explicitly say he had arrived and went to the hotel alone.
After checking in, he knocked on Xiang Wan's door, intending to surprise her, but she wasn't there.
He messaged her again, asking what she was busy with.
Xiang Wan was busy confirming styles and fabrics with the factory and signing contracts. Her phone was in her bag, so she didn't hear it.
By the time everything was done, Tang Haichao suggested treating the person who had connected them to a meal. On the way to the restaurant, she finally saw Lu Mingzhe's message.
She replied, "Going to dinner. I'll probably be back late today. Wait until I get back, and I'll tell you all about it, okay?"
"Where are you eating? With whom? Why will you be back late?"
"With the people who helped me. Don't worry, I don't drink, and I'll eat properly for the baby."
Lu Mingzhe was speechless for two seconds, then said, "Send me the address."
Xiang Wan was taken aback. "What for? You're really coming? Are you coming to find me?"
"No. I'm afraid you won't be safe, so I'm just being cautious."
Xiang Wan didn't think much of it and sent him the address.
The four of them went to the restaurant, took their seats, and ordered. Tang Haichao began with pleasantries.
He first recalled their past friendship and then thanked them for their help that day.
It had been a long time since the two friends had seen each other. His friend expressed many emotions and started drinking right away.
The accompanying legal advisor was also a man, and there was no avoiding drinking.
Everyone also poured drinks for Xiang Wan. Before she could refuse, Tang Haichao pressed her glass down.
"She can skip it; her condition is special, she can't drink."
"Miss Xiang is, uh, allergic to alcohol?"
"No. She's pregnant," Tang Haichao said frankly.
The advisor and his friend were taken aback, then quickly reacted, raising their glasses to congratulate Tang Haichao.
"So you're expecting, congratulations, congratulations. Miss Xiang is so beautiful, Brother Tang, you are truly blessed."
Xiang Wan felt awkward and looked at Tang Haichao, hoping for an explanation.
Tang Haichao took a drink, then smiled faintly. Before he could say anything, a tall, dark figure suddenly appeared and squeezed in beside Xiang Wan.
Lu Mingzhe squeezed onto the same chair as Xiang Wan, put his arm around her shoulders, and loudly announced to everyone,
"Sorry I'm late, hope you haven't been waiting long?"
The sudden appearance of a man, and his possessive manner towards the only woman present, left his friend and the advisor stunned.
"Who is this?"
"My boyfriend."
Although Xiang Wan was surprised by his sudden appearance, she was also delighted.
The moment they made physical contact, a sense of security washed over her, and she couldn't help but smile.
"Your boyfriend? This..."
Tang Haichao turned to look at Lu Mingzhe. Their eyes met, and he nodded as if to greet him, then smiled faintly.
"Indeed. You were mistaken. Xiang Wan is like my sister, and this gentleman is her boyfriend."
"I was delayed by some urgent matters, so I accompanied her today. He insisted on treating us to this meal."
The two men came to a realization. Seeing Lu Mingzhe's distinguished attire and demeanor, and his handsome appearance, they looked like a perfect match for Xiang Wan. They each extended their hands to shake Lu Mingzhe's.
During the meal, everyone introduced themselves and promoted their businesses, turning it into a business networking session. Though not particularly intimate, it was a harmonious gathering.
Since they had helped Xiang Wan significantly, Lu Mingzhe, as her boyfriend, had to toast them a few times.
When the banquet ended, he was unusually tipsy.
Everyone exchanged polite farewells outside the restaurant.
They saw the others off first, then Tang Haichao.
Lu Mingzhe shook his hand. "Xiang Wan told me that recently, with my busy work schedule, I've neglected many things concerning her. Fortunately, I had Mr. Tang's help."
"Don't worry, we're all friends now. Feel free to ask if you need anything. Consider it my thanks to you on behalf of Xiang Wan."
Being men, could Tang Haichao not understand the underlying meaning in his words?
But he could only smile and agree.
Xiang Wan and Lu Mingzhe took a taxi back to the hotel. While waiting for the car, he leaned against Xiang Wan, making him sway precariously.
Xiang Wan tried to stand steady and reached back to pinch his chin.
"Who are you trying to show off to? Drinking so much, aren't you being childish?"
"Who do you think I'm showing off to? Anyone who has designs on my wife, I'll show them."
With no one else around, Lu Mingzhe hugged Xiang Wan from behind, finally able to say what he wanted.
"She's the mother of my child, and she's still so charming that someone like Tang is willingly following her lead. You're something else."
Sensing his jealousy, Xiang Wan pinched his chin hard.
"You're so petty. I knew you'd say this."
"Why do you think I met Tang Haichao? Hmm?"
"I didn't expect him to fall in love with you at first sight back then!"
His jealousy boiling, Lu Mingzhe wanted to bite her lips as he spoke.
"Why do you have to be so good-looking? You attract attention everywhere. Some people don't even care that you're pregnant. I'm truly impressed."
In public, hugging and holding was already attracting attention, and he still wanted to kiss her?
Xiang Wan dodged, "Don't think the worst of people. Tang Haichao and I have a pure friendship."
"He said..."
"Tch, that kind of nonsense only fools women like you. How could I believe it?"
Lu Mingzhe interrupted her decisively.
"Let me tell you, Xiang Wan, if there were a hundred percent pure male-female relationships in this world, pigs could give birth."