Chapter 68: Asking For Help

After arriving at the villa, Meng Ying went straight inside to cook. Mi Xue had initially wanted to join her, but Zhu Min’er insisted on helping instead. Recently, Zhu Min’er had rarely been involved in cooking, so Mi Xue paused, said “Oh,” and put down the apron. Zhu Min’er took the apron, tied it on, and walked into the kitchen.

Meng Ying pressed the button to start the rice cooker and turned around to see Zhu Min’er standing by the sink, washing celery. The celery was quite muddy, and the water was splashing noisily.

Meng Ying said, “Once you’re done washing, just leave it there. I’ll chop it.”

Zhu Min’er kept her head down and didn’t respond, continuing to wash the celery. Meng Ying glanced at her but didn’t think much of it. She set up the pot, preparing to make hand-shredded chicken. As she busied herself, she suddenly heard Zhu Min’er sniffle.

It sounded like she was crying. Meng Ying paused, wiped her hands with a nearby towel, and reached for the pot lid. Standing on her tiptoes to grab it, she noticed droplets falling into the sink.

Zhu Min’er was crying.

Behind her, Qiao Qi’s voice rang out: “Meng Ying, I want something sour. Can you make spicy and sour potatoes?”

Zhu Min’er’s hand gripping the celery tightened. Seeing this, Meng Ying turned around and slid the glass door shut, blocking Qiao Qi outside.

Qiao Qi was taken aback and gestured toward the potatoes, but Meng Ying ignored him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Xu Dian approaching. Xu Dian kicked Qiao Qi’s knee.

Qiao Qi: “…”

Meng Ying turned back to the stove. Zhu Min’er had finished washing the celery and picked up a knife, seemingly studying it. Meng Ying took the knife from her and said, “Wash the potatoes instead. I’ll handle the chopping.”

Zhu Min’er still didn’t respond. As she turned away, Meng Ying caught a glimpse of her reddened eyes. It was clear Zhu Min’er didn’t want anyone to notice, so Meng Ying didn’t say anything.

By now, Zhao Yue had already moved on from the drama, and Qiao Qi, with his mix of sincerity and pretense, had his ways with women. Though not as skilled as someone like Zhou Yang, he cast a wide net, hoping to catch whoever he could. Hu Ye had also mentioned that Zhu Min’er hadn’t fully moved on from the drama. It was unclear how far things had progressed with Qiao Qi or whether her lingering feelings for Zhao Yue were still causing her pain. As Meng Ying chopped the vegetables, she thought about how Zhu Min’er reminded her of her past self—someone who, once in love, poured all her heart into the relationship, like a child starved for affection, losing herself in the process.

Liu Qin had once said that because she had never tasted sweetness before, a man could easily deceive her with just a piece of cake.

Now, that feeling of throwing caution to the wind and giving her all felt strangely unfamiliar to Meng Ying.

She turned around to grab some chopped green onions from the floor. Her gaze swept across the living room, where Xu Dian sat on the sofa, a cigarette between his fingers. He was tilting his head, talking to Hu Ye, his profile sharp and his eyes somewhat obscured.

The next second, he turned his head, about to bring the cigarette to his lips, but paused when he noticed her. He glanced at the cigarette in his hand, and Meng Ying watched him quietly.

Xu Dian hesitated for a moment, then put the cigarette down, extinguished it, and tossed it into the ashtray. He spread his hands open.

It meant he wasn’t smoking anymore.

Then, he clasped his hands together and turned his head back to listen to Hu Ye. In his eyes, there was a familiar emotion—just like how she used to look at him back then. That kind of wholehearted, devoted gaze.

Meng Ying snapped off the root of the green onion and turned back to the stove. Beside her, Zhu Min’er was still quietly crying. Meng Ying handed her a box of tissues and continued with her cooking.

When the meal was almost ready, Meng Ying reached for the sauce and said, “Put something cool on your eyes, or it’ll be obvious you’ve been crying.”

“Thank you,” Zhu Min’er paused, her back still turned, and pressed a tissue to her eyes.

Dinner was lavish, with a variety of dishes. Hu Ye suggested having some wine, but Xu Dian declined since he had to drive. Zhu Min’er’s eyes were still slightly red, but she kept her head down and ate quietly, so no one really noticed. Zhao Yue and Qiao Qi were busy competing to see who could drink more, and neither of them picked up on Zhu Min’er’s mood. Mi Xue, being her usual carefree self, didn’t notice either.

Even if Hu Ye noticed, he wouldn’t have pointed it out. As for Xu Dian, he probably didn’t even remember what Zhu Min’er looked like—his eyes were only on Meng Ying. As the meal went on, he loosened his collar, his gaze lingering on Meng Ying’s neck and the dimples that appeared when she occasionally smiled.

After dinner, everyone lingered for a while before saying their goodbyes. Outside, the moonlight hung high in the sky. Meng Ying grabbed her small bag and notebook, heading out the door. Xu Dian followed, hands in his pockets, glasses on. They walked one after the other across the street. Then, in a low voice, Xu Dian asked, “When are you going to say yes to me?”

Meng Ying’s steps faltered for a moment. In the next second, he grabbed her hand, spun her around, and pulled her close, his arm wrapping around her waist. He looked down at her, his glasses reflecting her beautiful face. Unable to resist, he tightened his hold on her waist. Meng Ying was still thinking about how to respond when her body stiffened slightly.

She clenched her teeth, her eyes locked on his.

Xu Dian leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “Can you feel it?”

“I get worked up just by touching you.”

Meng Ying shot back, “Can’t you take care of it yourself?”

“Do you think I can focus on that when I’m around you all the time?”

Meng Ying chuckled. She reached up, her hands resting on his shoulders, standing on her tiptoes. She could feel the edge of his glasses grazing her ear as she whispered, “I’ll think about it.”

“How much longer do I have to wait? You’re turning down something free?”

“There are plenty of free options out there. You’re not the only one.”

Xu Dian’s grip on her waist tightened, as if he wanted to devour her right then and there.

“Damn it!”

His fist slammed against the wall.

Meng Ying stepped into the bathroom to take a shower. As the hot water cascaded over her, countless images flashed through her mind. Once you’ve experienced intimacy, it’s natural to have physical desires.

After wrapping herself in a bathrobe, Meng Ying towel-dried her hair and drank a large glass of water. Her phone on the table buzzed with another WeChat message.

She opened it.

**Xu Dian:** *I only want you. Nothing else interests me.*

Meng Ying glanced at the message, let out a soft “tsk,” and walked to the balcony with her hair still wrapped in a towel. The black car was still parked downstairs. A slender hand rested on the car window, holding a cigarette, exuding a mix of mystery and sensuality. Meng Ying gave it a quick look, then turned back inside, closing the glass door and curtains. She dried her hair and went to bed.

The next day, her schedule was lighter, but she was still in the Chinese district for observation. Shortly after sitting down, Meng Ying received a call.

It was from Zhao Qiao.

She froze for a moment, immediately recalling yesterday’s incident and feeling a wave of nervousness. After a brief pause, she answered.

“Auntie.”

“Wow, Yingying! Your uncle and I are in Switzerland now—Geneva, to be exact. We’re in the car and will pick you up soon. Let’s have lunch together, okay?”

“Auntie, why did you come?” Meng Ying was momentarily stunned by the question, but a few seconds later, she realized how silly it sounded. They were already here, after all. She quickly added, “Of course, that’s fine. Is Xu Dian picking you up?”

“No, we haven’t told him yet. We’re coming to see you first.”

“Do you know the address, Auntie?”

“Yes, we do.”

“Yingying!” Zhao Qiao immediately stepped forward and hugged Meng Ying.

A wave of rose-scented perfume enveloped her as Zhao Qiao gently smoothed Meng Ying’s hair. “You’ve gained a little weight.”

“Just a bit,” Meng Ying replied, feeling a little shy. She smiled at Zhao Qiao, who couldn’t help but admire how radiant and elegant Meng Ying looked. Zhao Qiao’s eyes sparkled with affection as she looked Meng Ying up and down. “You’re so beautiful.”

Then, she glanced at Xu Yi, who nodded and said, “She’s indeed becoming more and more striking.”

Since they had come all this way, Meng Ying naturally had to accompany them. And they had come specifically to see her.

“Great! Let’s go check out the watch district, shall we?” Zhao Qiao suggested, then quickly added, “I hope we’re not interrupting your work.”

She noticed Hu Ye and the others not far away. Meng Ying shook her head. “No, it’s fine. I’ll just let them know.”

“Okay,” Zhao Qiao nodded.

Meng Ying went back to inform Hu Ye and ask for leave. Hu Ye recognized Xu Yi from a distance and waved in greeting. Naturally, he approved the leave. Qiao Qi stood nearby, arms crossed, feeling like Meng Ying was already being treated as the future lady of the Xu family. Meng Ying grabbed her small bag and returned to Zhao Qiao’s side, getting into the car as they headed to the city center.

In the car, Meng Ying sent a WeChat message to Xu Dian.

**Meng Ying:** *Auntie Qiao is here.*

**Xu Dian:** *I know.*

Zhao Qiao linked arms with Meng Ying as they strolled through the streets, insisting on buying her this and that. Meng Ying repeatedly declined, feeling a bit overwhelmed. Finally, they made it to lunchtime and chose a Chinese restaurant. The three of them went upstairs and took their seats. Zhao Qiao handed the menu to Meng Ying and said, “Let me tell you, your uncle and I have been to Geneva a few times. Since the company has a presence here, I know what’s best at this restaurant. I’ll order for you.”

“Sure, thank you, Auntie,” Meng Ying replied, leaning over to look at the menu. Zhao Qiao pointed to the snow frog dish, and Meng Ying was taken aback—it was quite expensive. “Auntie…”

“Women need to treat themselves well. This is delicious, don’t refuse me,” Zhao Qiao said decisively, placing the order. She then pulled Meng Ying into conversation. Just then, footsteps echoed from the staircase. Xu Dian, loosening his tie, walked up, followed by Yan Xing. He glanced at Zhao Qiao and said, “Mom, Dad…”

“Oh, Yan Xing! Come here, come sit by me,” Zhao Qiao exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she noticed Yan Xing behind Xu Dian. “Come over.”

Xu Dian’s steps faltered, his expression darkening.

Yan Xing’s knees went weak as he stared at Zhao Qiao in disbelief. *Auntie? What kind of alternate universe is this?*

“Come on, sit down,” Zhao Qiao beckoned. Xu Yi coughed lightly and added, “Yes, come sit.”

Yan Xing stammered, “Auntie, I actually have something to do, I—”

He swallowed hard, his mind racing. He was terrified of his own mother, who had been setting him up on blind dates nonstop for the past year. She was like a demon. Under Xu Dian’s icy glare, he reluctantly walked over to Zhao Qiao, thinking it wouldn’t be a big deal—just a quick chat. But then…

Zhao Qiao grabbed his arm and pulled him down to sit next to Meng Ying. She held Meng Ying’s hand and said to Yan Xing, “I’ve been meaning to introduce you to a girlfriend. Don’t you think Meng Ying is beautiful?”

The atmosphere froze.

Yan Xing didn’t dare even glance at Meng Ying. He wanted to stand up and flee, but Xu Dian walked over with a cold smirk, pressing a hand on his shoulder to keep him seated. Xu Dian leaned down and asked, “Do you think she’s pretty? Do you dare pursue her?”

Yan Xing’s internal scream was deafening: *No, no, no, no, no! I wouldn’t dare!*

“Then get lost,” Xu Dian said, releasing his grip. Yan Xing shot up, bowed hastily, and said, “Auntie, Uncle, goodbye!”

Then, turning to Meng Ying, he added, “Goodbye, boss lady!”

With that, he bolted.

Zhao Qiao was furious. “Why did you chase him away? I was going to introduce him to Meng Ying!”

Xu Dian pulled out a chair and sat down, draping an arm over the back of Meng Ying’s chair. He leaned back and looked at Zhao Qiao. “Why not introduce me instead? I’m your son. Since you like her so much, I’ll make sure she gives you grandchildren.”

Zhao Qiao’s mouth fell open. *…That’s quite the tempting offer.*

Meng Ying reached over and pulled Xu Dian’s hand down, giving him a once-over. “Did I agree to this?”

The tension in Xu Dian’s demeanor eased slightly. His voice softened as he said, “I’m still trying.”

Then, he glanced at her again.

Zhao Qiao and Xu Yi, sitting nearby, watched their son being put in his place and couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. They might as well set off fireworks when they got back to Licheng. “Let’s eat. We’ve already ordered,” Xu Yi said.

Soon, the dishes arrived. There was only one serving of snow frog, which Zhao Qiao pushed toward Meng Ying. Meng Ying, still feeling a bit awkward, took a bowl and served some to Zhao Qiao. Zhao Qiao was momentarily stunned. She looked at Meng Ying beside her—this was definitely the first time she had encountered a girl like this. No matter what kind of wealthy young lady she had met before, none had ever done something like this.

She had always been warm and generous, often ordering delicious dishes for the younger generation, but never had anyone shared with her out of a sense of politeness or consideration.

Meng Ying bit into a piece of greens, licking the juice off her lips, then turned to Zhao Qiao. “Auntie?”

Zhao Qiao picked up her phone, tapped on it a few times, and then pulled Meng Ying closer, showing her a picture. “Let me tell you, I think this man is quite good. He’s a doctor, and his family background is excellent. His name is Li Yao. Look at him—gentle and refined, just like your uncle.”

On the phone was a photo of Li Yao in a white lab coat, looking directly at the camera with a calm and composed expression. Meng Ying glanced at it. Beside her, a spoon clattered into a bowl.

The sound was sharp, and the atmosphere at the table froze once again.

Zhao Qiao completely ignored it.

Xu Yi coughed lightly, pretending not to notice.

Meng Ying knew the man beside her was angry, but she couldn’t exactly refuse Zhao Qiao either. She whispered, “Auntie, I know this person. I’ve met him before.”

“That’s even better! There’s already a foundation—” Zhao Qiao tapped on the phone screen, but before she could finish, the phone was snatched away. She looked up, annoyed.

There stood Xu Dian, his eyes red, gritting his teeth as he said, “Mom, please, can you just stop?”

Zhao Qiao was stunned.

This was the first time she had ever seen Xu Dian like this.

A few seconds later, she exclaimed, “Wow, you actually know how to beg now?”

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