Lou Yuming spotted Song Xi at a glance. Across the crowd and the air, he cast a faint glance at her unusually plain appearance, his eyes holding a hint of coldness.
Song Xi's hands and feet turned cold. Stared at by Lou Yuming's gaze, her whole body stiffened. Especially his seemingly effortless composure, which made her feel inexplicably intimidated.
She felt the expression on her face must be as terrified as if she had just watched a horror movie.
Zhang Qi walked over on his own, his respectful demeanor a stark contrast to his usual casual air. "Little Uncle, long time no see! By the way, why did you suddenly send me a car?"
Lou Yuming didn't answer his question. His thin lips pressed together as he looked at Song Xi, standing a meter away. "Who is that?"
Zhang Qi hadn't expected Lou Yuming to notice her and found it difficult to explain. However, for his grandmother's sake, he introduced her. "My girlfriend, Xi'er. Come over quickly."
Song Xi pretended to be calm as she walked over, but her body language was undeniably awkward due to her nervousness, making her seem even more out of place.
Disgust flickered in Zhang Qi's eyes; she was such an embarrassment! Just as he was about to find an excuse to take Song Xi away, Lou Yuming, who was known for his economy of words, suddenly spoke.
"Xi'er?"
His tone was unhurried, yet as it rolled around his lips, it carried a chilling intensity. Song Xi felt her blood run cold, her face turning deathly pale.
Zhang Qi, however, was oblivious. He was just nervously worried that Lou Yuming might not approve of his taste.
"Nice name."
He spoke casually, as if simply remarking on the pleasant taste of a restaurant. He paid no mind to the woman opposite him, who looked as though she had been startled and might faint at any moment.
Zhang Qi breathed a sigh of relief. Just then, the housekeeper came downstairs and announced that the old madam wanted to see them youngsters upstairs.
Lou Yuming didn't stop them. Instead, he stared at Song Xi's retreating back, a faint, cold curve playing on his lips.
Zhang Qi felt a significant surge of resentment. It was rare for his little uncle to be home, and he had wanted to impress him. Instead, he was dragged down by Song Xi, which was truly infuriating!
"You wait!" he couldn't suppress his anger and, ignoring the housekeeper's presence, reprimanded her directly.
Song Xi's mind was a whirl. One surnamed Lou, the other surnamed Zhang, and they were related?! And judging by Lou Yuming's demeanor, he seemed to have known all along. What was she to do?
Song Xi appeared preoccupied. Upon entering the room, the old madam noticed and looked worried.
"Xi'xi, what's wrong? Did Xiao Qi upset you?"
Zhang Qi said helplessly, "Grandma, how dare I?"
Madam Zhang, standing nearby, snorted. "Still distracted at a time like this, what kind of behavior is that!"
The old madam shot Madam Zhang a glare and showed Song Xi immense tolerance. "She's probably tired. Go back and rest early."
Song Xi nodded obediently.
As she reached the doorway, the old madam suddenly said from her bed, "Oh, Xi'xi, remember to bring your parents next week. We'll have dinner together and discuss the wedding arrangements."
Madam Zhang was shocked. "Mom, the children are still young, they haven't even graduated yet!"
"How are they young? If we delay any further, this old body won't have much time left!"
"Mom, don't say such things. Let's wait a bit longer."
Madam Zhang was naturally reluctant. After much persuasion, the old madam finally relented and handed Song Xi a red envelope.
"...Then next year. Xi'xi, what do you say?"
Song Xi didn't deny it, as she couldn't make a promise. The old madam took it as her tacit consent, smiling broadly as she watched the two leave the room.
Zhang Qi seemed aware of the wedding plans; there wasn't a hint of surprise on his face when the old madam mentioned it.
Song Xi couldn't help but ask, "Marriage, what do you think about it?"
Zhang Qi, without looking up, replied, "I'll listen to them."
"Do you really want to marry me?"
Zhang Qi finally looked up from his WeChat messages and looked at her, raising an eyebrow.
Song Xi's expression at that moment was a masterclass in acting: deeply moved, pleasantly surprised, even tinged with disbelief. She reached out and took his hand, blushing shyly. "Really?"
"Of course." Impossible! Idiot!
Zhang Qi cursed inwardly. He was finding Song Xi increasingly annoying.
Song Xi was overjoyed, even moved to tears.
Zhang Qi couldn't help but sneer. Did she really like him this much? His charm was truly irresistible.
Zhang Qi's phone buzzed incessantly with WeChat notifications. Before he could say anything, Song Xi immediately said understandingly, "You should go and attend to your business. I can go back by myself."
Zhang Qi ruffled her hair. "So good."
Before leaving, he glanced at how much money was in the red envelope. Finding it insufficient, he tossed it back to Song Xi.
Although it was only a few thousand yuan, Song Xi was already very satisfied; it was, after all, a gesture of goodwill from the elders.
Following her navigation, Song Xi left the old residence. She intended to take the bus back to save money. Unexpectedly, not long after she started walking, a black Porsche suddenly sped out as if it had been waiting, startling her.
The rear door of the car whooshed open. A tall figure was enveloped in the darkness, the sharp line of his jaw vaguely visible. An icy chill emanated from the car, and Song Xi shivered.
"What, do I need to invite Miss Song to come up?"
How could she dare not.
Song Xi bent down and nimbly squeezed into the car.