HBWMA -Chapter 297 She just looks like she has… ‘bad intentions’

When Madam Zhou and Xu Wenpei returned to the main building, Zhou Guochao had already gone back to his study.

The card game in the front hall had ended, and the maids were tidying up the tables.

After calming down, Xu Wenpei no longer dared to bring up the idea of asking the Old Master Zhou to stand up for justice. In fact, she even somewhat regretted blurting out Zhou Qishan’s absurd matter earlier.

“Sister-in-law…” After thinking it over, Xu Wenpei held Madam Zhou’s hand in a deliberately affectionate manner. “About what I just told you…”

Madam Zhou patted the back of her hand. “I know it hasn’t been easy for you. Don’t worry, I won’t mention this to the old master. But you should still talk properly with Qishan. Parents being too strict will only push the child further away in the end.”

Xu Wenpei chuckled twice. “Sister-in-law is right.” Then she deliberately changed the subject. “By the way, that Su Miao earlier—she’s the Su family young lady the old master has his eye on?”

Madam Zhou knew she wasn’t really listening, and replied lightly, “The old master only mentioned her once or twice.”

Zhou Yanheng was the eldest grandson of the Zhou family and the future heir, so the family had long been selecting potential matches for him.

Su Miao was only one of the options. Several noble young ladies from prominent families had been considered, and the most satisfactory candidate was actually the legitimate daughter of the Shen family, Shen Mianzhi.

But since this concerned the reputations of multiple families, Madam Zhou knew the limits of the matter and didn’t want to say too much.

Xu Wenpei deliberately probed further. “That girl does seem a bit clever, but she’s still nowhere near our A-Heng. Honestly, in the entire Whale Harbor circle, there’s no girl good enough for him.”

Such polite talk was just that—polite talk. Madam Zhou smiled and responded diplomatically. “I think those girls are all quite good. It’s my own son who’s been spoiled rotten, always acting improperly.”

Xu Wenpei smiled with a slightly sour tone. “Sister-in-law, don’t be modest. With A-Heng like this, which girl wouldn’t like him?”

Madam Zhou only smiled faintly and said nothing.

Then Xu Wenpei suddenly remembered something. “There was also that little girl in the elevator earlier—whose family is she from?”

“That child?” Madam Zhou’s eyes softened a little. “From the Shen family. You don’t often come to Whale Harbor, so you wouldn’t know her. She’s the Shen family’s adopted daughter—though…”

Before she could finish, Xu Wenpei’s expression turned instantly disdainful upon hearing the word “adopted.”

“Adopted daughter? No wonder. Dressed up so flamboyantly at such a young age—she just looks like someone with ‘bad intentions.’”

“……”

Madam Zhou turned her gaze away and took a sip of tea.

Xu Wenpei, completely unaware of her displeasure, continued on her own. “She’s not even close friends with Qishan usually. Coming over suddenly today—she couldn’t possibly have some improper thoughts, right? Sister-in-law, you must be careful!”

Madam Zhou set her teacup down, her tone neither warm nor cold. “Careful about what exactly?”

Xu Wenpei insisted, “You can’t say that. These young girls nowadays have complicated minds. It’s better to be cautious.”

Madam Zhou couldn’t even be bothered to pretend anymore. She truly didn’t understand—how could someone, as a woman herself, manage to dislike both her own daughter and other people’s daughters at the same time?

At that moment, Zhou Yanheng suddenly walked in. He scanned the room but didn’t see whoever he was looking for, and turned to leave.

Madam Zhou, already annoyed, quickly called out, “A-Heng?”

Xu Wenpei also stood up enthusiastically. “A-Heng, you’re back?”

Zhou Yanheng stopped, then turned back into the main hall, nodding politely. “Mom, Third Aunt.”

Xu Wenpei smiled warmly. “Do you like the new car? Is it easy to drive?”

“It’s good,” he replied calmly. “Thank you, Third Aunt.”

“Don’t mention it. As long as you like it.”

Madam Zhou asked, “Didn’t you say you were going out for dinner with Guan He and the others tonight? Why are you back?”

“I came back to get something.”

“Alright then. Be careful driving. No drinking.”

“Got it.”

Just as he turned to leave again, two girls—Jiang Huashan and Su Miao—walked in shoulder to shoulder.

He froze for a moment, caught between stopping and leaving.

Su Miao didn’t expect Zhou Yanheng to be there either. She nodded politely. “Brother A-Heng.”

Jiang Huashan didn’t even look at him and walked straight past.

Zhou Yanheng: “……”

Madam Zhou glanced at her son, then stood up. “Finished talking already?”

Su Miao nodded. “Mm. Sorry for bothering you today.”

Madam Zhou waved it off. “What’s the trouble? It’s still early—why not stay for dinner before you go?”

“No need. We still have things at home. We’ll head back now.” Su Miao politely declined, bowing slightly. “Goodbye, Auntie.”

Jiang Huashan lowered her head slightly.

“You’re not staying?” Madam Zhou felt a bit regretful, and gestured. A maid immediately came forward holding two exquisite gift boxes.

“This is your first visit this year. Just a small gift from me—take it and have fun with it.”

It was common for elders of prominent families to give gifts to juniors, so both girls accepted without hesitation.

“Thank you, Aunt Zhou.”

After thanking her again, Madam Zhou instructed the butler to see them out.

After they left, Madam Zhou’s smile faded slightly as she looked thoughtfully at Zhou Yanheng. “Weren’t you going back to your room to get something?”

Zhou Yanheng replied calmly, “I suddenly remembered Guan He might also have it. No need to take it anymore.”

Madam Zhou nodded. “Then… don’t stay out too late?”

He glanced at her once, then walked out of the hall.

Xu Wenpei, still oblivious to the subtle tension, pointed toward the entrance. “Sister-in-law, did you see that? I told you that Shen family girl had ulterior motives. She was clearly trying to hook A-Heng in front of us!”

Madam Zhou took a sip of tea, expression calm. “Which eye of yours saw her trying to hook him? She didn’t even bother paying attention to him.”

That girl practically had “don’t come near me” written on her face. Interesting—someone actually dislikes that brat?

Xu Wenpei insisted, unhappy. “How could she not be? If she wasn’t trying to get attention, why ignore him for no reason?”

“Enough.” Madam Zhou pressed her temple. “I’m tired. I’m going back to rest.”

—

Just after Zhou Yanheng left the main hall, Guan He’s call came through.

“Boss, where are you?”

By the time Zhou Yanheng chased out of the main building, Jiang Huashan and Su Miao were already sitting on the sightseeing cart. He stared at one of their backs for a long moment without answering.

The voice on the phone grew impatient. “What now? Can’t move?”

Zhou Yanheng loosened his tie slightly. “Shut up. Believe it or not, I’ll beat you to death.”