Bai Xi felt no stir of emotion from Zhu Yiyi's endless despair. However, Lin Xin was ecstatic, her head held high and chest puffed out, a rare moment of arrogance for her since the Lin family's downfall.
Bai Xi had intended to let Lin Xin pick out a few more items, but she insisted on only the princess dress. So, Bai Xi casually selected a high-necked knitted sweater for herself. After changing, they returned to the Lin family home.
On the way back, Lin Xin was buzzing with excitement. "Cousin, is the salary in the Shadow Department that high? How can you be so rich!"
She had offered to work to repay Bai Xi for the terrifyingly expensive clothes, but Bai Xi had insisted on not accepting any repayment, even calling it a welcome gift. Although embarrassed, she had accepted, vowing to study diligently by her cousin's side and later serve Bai Xi's corporation, earning more money for it as a way of showing gratitude. She truly hadn't expected the Shadow Department to be so wealthy.
Bai Xi raised an eyebrow. "It's decent, depending on the position. We also receive subsidies for each mission."
Only a portion of her wealth came from the Shadow Department; the rest came from other sources. However, money had become merely a number to her.
Numbers didn't bring her happiness; spending did. Now, she had an additional source of joy: spending money on friends and family she cared about, making them happy, and in turn, feeling good herself.
Lin Xin chattered incessantly like a happy little bird. Bai Xi listened quietly, responding occasionally.
In a blink, they arrived at the Lin family home. The moment the door opened, Lin Xin instantly fell silent.
Lin Feng and Lin Yun were waiting for them in the living room. Both had grim expressions; Lin Yun's was one of worry, Lin Feng's one of anger.
Seeing Lin Xin return, Lin Feng immediately erupted. "You still know how to come back! A girl, a student at that, staying out all night, what kind of behavior is that? Fine if you're crazy, but dragging your cousin out to go crazy with you."
Lin Yun quickly interceded. "Brother, didn't you promise me you wouldn't scold the children when they returned?"
Lin Feng sighed. "Yun'er, Xin'er is still young, and weren't you worried all night?"
Lin Xin had been very happy on the way back, but seeing her father so angry now, she timidly stood behind Bai Xi.
Seeing this, Bai Xi said calmly, "I took Xin'er out yesterday. We had the protection of the Shadow Department, so Uncle can rest assured. It got a bit late, and fearing we'd disturb your rest, we stayed at a hotel. It was my fault. Please don't blame Xin'er, Uncle."
If she hadn't taken her out drinking, they likely wouldn't have stayed out all night. The responsibility was indeed hers.
Hearing this, Lin Feng found it difficult to say more. "Forget it, forget it. You all have to grow up eventually. From now on, you should learn more from your cousin. I don't ask you to be as successful as her, but at least be clear-headed and don't be deceived by those disreputable hooligans anymore."
He finished with a soft sigh.
Bai Xi frowned slightly, looking at her uncle.
It seemed her uncle knew about his daughter secretly dating but didn't know how to manage or address it, turning his paternal love into strict discipline.
Lin Xin bit her lower lip upon hearing her father's words. "Thank you, Dad," she whispered.
She used to resent her father's nagging and strict rules, thinking him old-fashioned. But now, she realized… he was just protecting her in his own clumsy way.
After a few casual pleasantries, a knock sounded at the door. "Eldest Miss, the car is ready. Commander Zhao is asking when he can come to move the luggage."
Bai Xi checked the time; it was already noon. "You can move it now."
In less than an hour, the family was seated in a stretched Lincoln limousine, followed by several military trucks designated for the Lin family's luggage.
Zhao Mingxun drove, and the car was remarkably quiet.
Uncle Lin Feng sat elegantly, looking like a corporate executive on a business trip. Aunt Lin Yun also sat upright, occasionally tidying her hair. Even Lin Xin, who had been chattering incessantly that morning, and the restless Lin Qi, were now sitting stiffly in the car, adopting the demeanor of mature adults.
Bai Xi: "…"
Although she herself was a person who enjoyed quiet, the silence before her felt eerie.
"Uncle, are you hot? Would you like some beer? There's a car refrigerator with ice-cold beer." Bai Xi opened the refrigerator and handed a bottle of chilled beer to the sweating Lin Feng.
Lin Feng was taken aback and immediately waved his hand. "No, no, no, thank you."
Finally, Lin Yun, who was seated, spoke. "Xi'er, is this Commander Zhao from the Shadow Department?"
Xi'er hadn't worn this outfit yesterday; she had worn something else.
The clothes she was wearing now were extremely valuable, and it was a "high-necked" one! Most importantly, a mid-level commander from the Shadow Department had personally come to drive them. Didn't that speak volumes?
Bai Xi raised an eyebrow and glanced at Zhao Mingxun, who was driving. "Mm."
Hearing Bai Xi's mother address him, Zhao Mingxun immediately said, "Auntie, you can just call me Xiao Zhao."
Being a driver for the Bai family was his honor. If he could gain the favor of Bai Xi's mother, Bai Xi would surely become closer to him, and his future in the Shadow Department would be even brighter.
Lin Yun, upon hearing Zhao Mingxun's response, seemed even more convinced of something. She immediately said, "Commander Zhao, thank you for taking care of Wei'er all these years. And I owe my successful escape this time to your help. Please stay for dinner tonight at the Bai residence. I'll cook personally; my cooking is quite good."
At these words, Zhao Mingxun's foot, which was on the accelerator, slipped, causing the car to suddenly accelerate, nearly hitting the car in front. "Dinner?"
He took care of Bai Xi? Impossible.
Invited for dinner by Bai Xi's mother? Would he even survive after eating?
While he wanted to curry favor with Bai Xi, it was only in the capacity of a subordinate. How could he dare to aspire to anything more? He feared he wouldn't live to enjoy it!
Lin Yun, hearing Zhao Mingxun's reaction, paused and then said, "If you're busy tonight, another day would be fine. You and Xi'er… we can get to know each other more in the future."
Bai Xi had found it somewhat strange when her mother invited Zhao Mingxun for dinner. Now, hearing this, she finally understood.
Her mother thought she and Zhao Mingxun…
Looking at Lin Xin's expression, it was clearly that of someone seeing a future brother-in-law, filled with admiration.
Bai Xi felt as though her trigeminal nerves had been struck by lightning. "Mom, Zhao Commander and I are just ordinary colleagues. Don't overthink it."
She had wanted to say that Zhao Mingxun was her subordinate, but she worried that revealing it would shock her family and lead to questions about her status in the Shadow Department. As the God of War of the Shadow Department, she shouldn't expose her identity to outsiders to avoid danger.
Yet, she disliked lying, especially to her family…
Hearing this, Zhao Mingxun immediately chimed in, "Yes, yes, yes! Bai God… Xi'er and I are just colleagues! Our Shadow Department is a big family, like one unit, helping each other is normal, it's only right!"
"Bai God's colleague." While these words were perfectly accurate, he inexplicably felt his status had risen several notches.
Lin Yun gazed thoughtfully at the high-necked knitted sweater around her daughter's neck and finally remained silent.