From start to finish, Xi Yuechen hadn’t said a word beyond reminding Zhou Yun Zhen earlier. Even when the scene was stirred up by He Wen later, he remained silent, his attitude unusually cold, as if he didn’t see anything happening in the room at all.
After Zhou Yun Zhen sat down, gritting her teeth, she instinctively glanced at Xi Yuechen beside her. Unexpectedly, he was still as indifferent as ever. Naturally, her heart felt both resentful and disappointed—after all the humiliation she had endured, why was he still ignoring her completely?
“Yuechen, long time no see.”
He Wen was staring at Zhou Yun Zhen. He hadn’t expected that, the moment she sat down, she would casually greet Xi Yuechen as if no one else were around. Her tone and demeanor were so naturally familiar, it was as though they had known each other for years.
Xi Yuehui, sitting on the other side of Zhou Yun Zhen, raised his eyebrows in surprise. This woman knows Big Brother? How could that be? Aside from women in the family, who else would he know? Forget time constraints—his temperament simply wasn’t one to mingle with women casually.
Meanwhile, everyone else had their own thoughts. What was going on? Wasn’t Zhou Yun Zhen brought here by Su Ruo? How come she seemed so familiar with Xi Yuechen? And calling him “Yuechen” so intimately…
Naturally, all eyes in the room focused on that spot, wanting to see Xi Yuechen’s reaction and understand their relationship.
But what no one expected…
The next second, the partition door opened, and Su Ruo walked out, holding Xi Zi.
Xi Yuechen stood up and walked straight toward Su Ruo, his eyes fixed solely on her.
During this, he completely ignored Zhou Yun Zhen. No, it would be more accurate to say he simply didn’t consider her at all, letting her perform her little scene alone.
“Pff…”
In the sudden quiet, two laughs rang out. Listening closely, it was He Wen and Feng Weijia.
He Wen didn’t bother to hide her laughter. She laughed while glancing slyly at Zhou Yun Zhen, her expression full of schadenfreude.
The others weren’t much better; they had restrained themselves somewhat, but still…
It was both predictable and unexpected. Everyone knew Xi Yuechen’s nature: he wouldn’t acknowledge strangers or anyone who hadn’t earned his recognition. Even with Su Ruo as a connection, they instinctively kept their distance. He would only glance at them because of Su Ruo’s presence.
It seemed Zhou Yun Zhen’s only connection was with Su Ruo. Xi Yuechen wouldn’t involve himself with other women.
Still, seeing Zhou Yun Zhen greet Xi Yuechen so comfortably had given everyone the impression that they were on good terms. Hence, this outcome was surprising.
Zhou Yun Zhen was stunned, unprepared and incredulous at Xi Yuechen’s ruthless indifference. The smile she had worn when greeting him remained, but paired with her stiff expression, it looked strange.
Of course, she had heard He Wen and Feng Weijia laughing, knew they were mocking her, and instantly flushed crimson with embarrassment and anger, a trace of sadness visible in her eyes.
Xi Yuechen’s reaction was beyond anything she could imagine. How could he treat her like that?
Yes, when you think of someone constantly, everything is imagined in the best light. Zhou Yun Zhen, confident as she was, naturally assumed she had the upper hand. Xi Yuechen’s behavior hit her like a blow, sending her previously elated heart plummeting.
Feng Weijia, watching Zhou Yun Zhen’s crushed expression, squinted, a flicker of dark thought crossing her eyes… This woman seemed odd, overreacting perhaps?
The others were focused on Xi Yuechen and Su Ruo; those glancing at Zhou Yun Zhen only saw her embarrassment and awkward expressions, not thinking any deeper.
“Full?”
Xi Yuechen reached Su Ruo and glanced at Xi Zi, dozing with eyes half-closed.
“Yes, he ate quite a bit. He’ll probably sleep soon. Chief, you can pat his back.” Su Ruo handed Xi Zi to Xi Yuechen, her movements natural. This was nothing new for him, and she didn’t doubt he would handle it well.
Though Xi Yuechen often appeared icy and indifferent, he was patient and meticulous when it came to Xi Zi. Su Ruo never worried about asking him to do small tasks—this was part of his role as a father.
Su Ruo had already noticed Zhou Yun Zhen and had seen what had just happened. Watching Zhou Yun Zhen’s complex expression now, she felt… indifferent.
But a strange sense arose in her heart.
Seeing Zhou Yun Zhen like that and Xi Yuechen’s actions, it was easy to deduce that Xi Yuechen was making her feel uncomfortable. Su Ruo knew Xi Yuechen—why would he embarrass someone unless they insisted on approaching him?
After all, the chief had said he didn’t know her. Why would she force herself to talk to him? Didn’t she see the aura that kept strangers away? If she wanted to say something, she should’ve done so quietly.
Even without knowing the prior scene, Su Ruo realized Zhou Yun Zhen had approached Xi Yuechen first and was ignored. Xi Yuechen, frankly, was self-willed and wouldn’t bother with anyone else’s feelings.
Indeed, Su Ruo had never seen Xi Yuechen gentle with any woman. Even with her, warmth was rare and fleeting.
“You’re here, Yun Zhen?”
After handing Xi Zi to Xi Yuechen, Su Ruo looked at Zhou Yun Zhen with a smile, her emotions carefully hidden.
“Yes, what’s this?”
Zhou Yun Zhen quickly smiled back, trying to steer the conversation, covering her awkwardness.
“I fed the baby. You just arrived?”
Su Ruo smiled and walked to the dining table, taking her seat.
“Yes, just arrived. Congratulations on your baby—wishing him health and safety.”
Zhou Yun Zhen had regained her composure, smiling with poise and elegance.
“Thank you. Your presence is the greatest blessing.” Su Ruo’s eyes crinkled in a radiant smile.
Zhou Yun Zhen felt a pang. She had expected a postnatal Su Ruo to be less dazzling, but she was more radiant than ever. Her figure, skin, and aura all exuded an extraordinary, mature elegance. This refined beauty now surpassed her former bright and youthful charm.
Watching Su Ruo’s honeyed smile, Zhou Yun Zhen discreetly clenched her hands under the table, yet kept her own smile gentle.
“I also brought a red envelope—not much, don’t mind it.”
Su Ruo glanced at Xi Yuechen in the corner, patting Xi Zi’s back skillfully, and satisfied, withdrew her gaze.
“I’d rather you came empty-handed. No need to worry about gifts at future feasts—it would be too burdensome.”
Su Ruo’s playful expression made others chuckle.
“Come on, Su Ruo, are you short on money? With your monthly income and today’s banquet, you could easily give gifts to all of us.”
He Wen pretended to pinch Su Ruo’s arm, a mix of envy and teasing. Indeed, with so many distinguished people, generosity was inevitable—and the money would ultimately remain hers.
Others nodded in agreement.
“That’s for my son’s future marriage, not for you,” Su Ruo snorted disdainfully, though her eyes sparkled with laughter.
“Hey, Su Ruo, your son’s so young, and you’re already worrying about this? Might as well buy a child bride!”
Lu Yue glared, disapproving. Su Ruo’s stinginess was legendary.
Zhou Yun Zhen didn’t join the banter. Firstly, these people were very exclusive, and after He Wen singled her out earlier, they distanced themselves. No one had spoken to her yet, so she stayed silent—there was no place for her to join.
Secondly, her mind wasn’t on them.
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