It would have been best to see him privately, but if not, one couldn't force it; everything was a matter of fate.
Xia Wantang smiled faintly, "He's very busy. My best friend barely sees him a few times a year."
She was telling the truth, as she often heard Wen Xuanyuan complain that her second brother treated their home like a hotel, only returning to stay less than ten times a year.
Qiao Xinyue expressed understanding, saying that celebrities had to rush to engagements every day.
Filming, commercials, variety shows – flying to several cities a day was common.
Being so close to her idol for the first time, Qiao Xinyue couldn't hide her excitement and pestered Xia Wantang with many questions.
Xia Wantang said helplessly, "I've only met him twice, and we've exchanged fewer than five sentences. We're really not close. How about I introduce you to his sister next time!"
"Alright." Qiao Xinyue also knew she was being a bit bothersome, so she stopped asking.
Xia Wantang breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back on the sofa, not wanting to move.
She had forced herself to stay energetic earlier to avoid dampening Qiao Xinyue's mood. Fortunately, her stomach didn't hurt too much.
Watching television, the two of them lounged lazily on the sofa, and soon it was past five o'clock.
"Wantang, what do you want for dinner tonight?"
Seeing that the time was almost right, Aunt Ou began preparing dinner.
She didn't cook large portions, so there were usually no leftovers.
"Mom, I want garlic shrimp and sweet and sour pork ribs."
As soon as food was mentioned, Qiao Xinyue perked up, completely forgetting the playful squabble between her and her mother just moments ago.
Aunt Ou retorted with annoyance, "What do you want to eat? You're not getting any tonight."
"Hmph, if you don't make it for me, I won't eat. I'll starve to death," Qiao Xinyue rolled her eyes and continued watching television.
Aunt Ou was angered again. She glared at Qiao Xinyue, but in the end, she had no words.
Looking at Xia Wantang with a helpless expression, she became amiable again.
"Wantang, what do you want to eat? I'll make it for you."
Xia Wantang watched the two of them with a gentle smile, feeling envious.
She knew that Aunt Ou wouldn't actually refuse to cook for Qiao Xinyue. This was a real mother's love, and this tactic of refusing to eat only worked on a mother.
Her stomach still ached faintly, and she really had no appetite. So she said, "Aunt Ou, I don't want to eat anything. I ate too much today and feel a bit indigestion."
"How can you not eat anything!" Aunt Ou frowned, her eyes full of concern. "You should eat at least a little, or I can make you some porridge."
Aunt Ou's concern put her under pressure, but she couldn't refuse, so she could only nod.
"Alright, thank you, Aunt Ou. But I really can't eat much, just a tiny bit!"
"Yes, yes, okay." Aunt Ou replied with a smile.
To people of their generation, it was believed that one must eat, no matter the reason. One had to eat something, never go hungry.
Aunt Ou returned to the kitchen to busy herself.
It was past five o'clock, and the sun was still high in the sky outside. The leaves on the trees seemed to droop under the heat.
Xia Wantang sprawled lazily on the sofa. She had thought about getting up to walk around earlier, but now she had no desire to move.
The sound of the television inside was a bit noisy, accompanied by Qiao Xinyue's occasional laughter.
While she was lost in thought, the sound of a door opening suddenly came from the entrance.
Both of them looked over and saw Ling Yucheng and Han Xiao walking in.
Ling Yucheng's gaze locked onto Xia Wantang, and then he frowned, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.
Her condition wasn't good. She seemed listless, and was slightly frowning, appearing a bit unwell.
After changing his shoes, Ling Yucheng strode towards the living room with his long legs.
As soon as he entered, Qiao Xinyue stood up to greet him, no longer looking as lazy and relaxed as before.
Xia Wantang had intended to stay lying down, but since Qiao Xinyue had stood up, it didn't seem appropriate for her to remain seated.
Qiao Xinyue bowed respectfully and said, "Young Master, hello."
Ling Yucheng ignored everyone else and walked directly to Xia Wantang, saying coldly, "Sit."
His brows were tightly furrowed, and his expression was not good. Xia Wantang thought he was angry and obediently sat down, her heart pounding.
She had to admit, she was a little afraid of Ling Yucheng.
The slight joy that had welled up in her heart at his return was instantly extinguished.
Seeing that she was obedient, Ling Yucheng's expression softened slightly.
"Did you take your medicine obediently?"
Xia Wantang nodded obediently. For some reason, in front of Ling Yucheng, she felt like a mouse facing a cat.
"You don't look well. Are you feeling uncomfortable somewhere?"
"No..." Xia Wantang was about to say no, but looking into Ling Yucheng's deep eyes, she couldn't bring herself to lie.
Beside them, Qiao Xinyue was still standing there.
Han Xiao stepped forward a few paces and took her hand, smiling, "Let's go see what Aunt Ou is cooking for dinner, hehehe..."
Qiao Xinyue frowned, wanting to break free.
"What are you doing! Let go of me... mmmph..."
Han Xiao covered her mouth and led her towards the kitchen.
Soon, the living room became quiet, with only the sounds of laughter from the television.
Ling Yucheng sat down beside Xia Wantang, his long legs, which had nowhere to rest, bent slightly.
He picked up the remote and turned off the television.
During this time, Xia Wantang kept her head lowered, fiddling with the hem of her clothes, like a child who had done something wrong.
Ling Yucheng looked at her deeply, sighed softly, and said, "I'm sorry."
Xia Wantang froze, unable to believe it. She raised her head and met his dark, deep eyes.
She had thought he would scold her.
Because she was too sentimental, being spoken ill of by some insignificant people, what was the big deal.
For such a small matter, she had almost prevented him from accompanying his grandfather for his birthday.
Thinking back, she felt she had indeed made a mountain out of a molehill. It really wasn't that big of a deal.
Flustered, she lowered her head and said in a voice barely audible, "I... I'm sorry, I almost caused you to miss your grandfather's birthday celebration."
Her pitiable appearance made one's heart soften with sympathy.
Ling Yucheng reached out and stroked her head, saying gently, "Alright, don't say foolish things. Are you feeling unwell?"
Xia Wantang remained silent.
"I promised not to reveal our relationship before, and I broke my promise."
Xia Wantang said softly, "It's okay."
She thought that if it weren't for special circumstances, Ling Yucheng wouldn't have broken his promise.
Ling Yucheng seemed to see her guilt, and it appeared she wasn't bothered by the matter of public disclosure.
He pulled her into his embrace and said in a deep voice, "You have nothing to apologize for. You are wonderful. If you're wronged, don't keep it to yourself; tell me.
Your grandfather's birthday is important, but all the formalities and banquets are nothing compared to you.
The banquet was just for show to outsiders. I already paid my respects and presented my gift to grandfather early this morning.
Grandfather said that after we get the certificate, you should come home with me."
Ling Yucheng said a lot. As he drew near, Xia Wantang caught a strong scent of alcohol.