Returning - Chapter 53
Chapter 53: Wishful Thinking
Xue Zi'ang's grandfather's seventy-fifth birthday was a significant occasion, and the Xue family was prepared for a grand celebration.
Zhao Yu didn't want to get caught up in that commotion, so as she had previously arranged with Xue Zi'ang, she went to the Xue family home a day early to meet the elders and wish the old master an early happy birthday.
That day happened to be Friday. After work, Zhao Yu headed to the old Xue family residence with Xue Zi'ang.
She wasn't nervous, but in front of Xue Zi'ang, appearing nervous was essential. Throughout the journey, she asked countless times whether the gifts were too cheap, whether her outfit was appropriate, whether her makeup was too heavy.
Xue Zi'ang was both amused and exasperated by her. He could only keep reassuring her, saying that the old master doted on him, the family wouldn't obstruct anything he wanted to do, and they wouldn't oppose the girlfriend he chose either.
But Zhao Yu's mind was actually on something else entirely… Today was Xu Miao's wedding day.
The last time Xue Zi'ang had learned from Xu Miao's superior that she was getting married, her wedding date hadn't been set yet. Judging by Xue Zi'ang's state today, he probably had never known the specific date.
She wondered if the news of Xu Miao's wedding, or even photos from the wedding scene, would appear on his social media or other platforms on this particular day.
Of course, even if no one dared to tell him, Zhao Yu would find a way to make him aware.
The Xue family's old residence was a Western-style villa with some history. Usually, apart from the old master, a few doctors, and housekeepers, no one lived there. But today, because of Zhao Yu's visit, Xue Zhan and Xue Zi'ang's mother, Liu Ling, had also come.
Zhao Yu saw these two regularly at the office. As for Xue Yuanyang, although he still held the title of Chairman, he rarely came to the company to handle business anymore, so Zhao Yu was meeting him for the first time.
"Chairman, President Liu, President Xue."
Seeing her so restrained, Xue Zi'ang smiled and put an arm around her shoulder. "What's with all this Chairman and President stuff? Call him Grandpa and Auntie. And this is Uncle."
Watching him act so nonchalant, Zhao Yu wanted to ask him if he'd forgotten the time Xue Zhan had walked in on them having sex and seen her completely naked.
She awkwardly repeated the greetings as Xue Zi'ang instructed, and only then was the door-entry ritual complete.
Xue Zhan at home was no different from Xue Zhan at the company—a man of few words, not prone to smiling, still carrying an air of authority.
Liu Ling had the same kind of personality. The way she looked at Zhao Yu wasn't like looking at her son's girlfriend; it was still like scrutinizing a subordinate at work.
The old master, however, was clearly much more amiable. He smiled warmly from the moment Zhao Yu entered, actively chatting with her, and occasionally used Xue Zi'ang bringing her home as ammunition to lecture Xue Zhan, warning him that he absolutely had to get out of singledom and strive to let him hold a grandchild within two years.
Xue Zhan maintained his usual perfunctory attitude, offering a couple of casual responses before lowering his head again to deal with business on his laptop.
During dinner, when the atmosphere was harmonious, Xue Zi'ang suddenly took a phone call. He had been joking with his grandfather while stuffing food into his mouth, but instantly his smile vanished, his expression freezing.
Seeing the somewhat guilty, subconscious glance he threw her way, Zhao Yu was certain this call had to be about Xu Miao.
Sure enough, after uttering an obviously fake "bad signal, can't hear you clearly," he stood up and walked directly to the balcony on the other side to take the call.
Zhao Yu's concerned gaze followed him for a long moment. Only when his figure disappeared from sight did she withdraw her eyes and continue quietly eating her food.
Three minutes later, Xue Zi'ang walked back, but he didn't intend to sit down. He just said, "You all keep eating. I have something urgent and need to go out."
After speaking, he looked apologetically at Zhao Yu. "Be good and wait for me here. I'll be back soon."
Zhao Yu looked at him with a stunned expression and asked nervously, "What's wrong? Is something happening at the company?"
She was genuinely surprised in her heart. She had long guessed that Xue Zi'ang would be in a bad mood upon learning about Xu Miao's wedding, that he might lose control of his emotions like last time and vent on her.
But she hadn't expected him to rush out the door. Was he going to stop the wedding? Or attend it, graciously offering his blessings?
"What's so urgent you can't finish your meal?" The old master was somewhat displeased. He glanced at Zhao Yu, signaling to Xue Zi'ang that his girlfriend was still here and it was inappropriate for him to leave like this.
Xue Zi'ang, in front of everyone, kissed Zhao Yu on the forehead, whispered "wait for me to come back," grabbed his jacket, and walked out the door without looking back.
Watching his hurried retreating figure, Zhao Yu realized just how ridiculous some of her previous thoughts had been.
This man had never truly matured. Even though his attitude toward her had visibly improved since Christmas Eve, she still didn't carry enough weight in his heart. Relying on him to help her accomplish what she wanted was nothing but wishful thinking.
Fortunately, she had calculated everything. Xue Zi'ang treating her like this in front of his family was another bargaining chip for her.
Without Xue Zi'ang present, her meal became even more strained. She didn't initiate a single word, only forcing a strained smile and saying a quiet "thank you" when the old master served her food.
Moreover, she didn't serve herself any dishes, just mechanically shoving plain rice from her bowl into her mouth. Eventually, even Liu Ling and Xue Zhan couldn't stand watching it anymore. They personally served her food and made sporadic, casual conversation with her.
By the time dinner ended, Xue Zi'ang, who had said he'd be back soon, still hadn't returned. Zhao Yu hesitated several times, looking like she wanted to excuse herself but dared not speak. In the end, she could only help the cook clear the dishes.
The cook absolutely refused to let her lift a finger, saying repeatedly, "You're a guest. How can I let you do this kind of work?"
Zhao Yu stood there awkwardly, unable to step forward or retreat, until finally Xue Zhan spoke: "Let her tidy up with you."
Relieved, Zhao Yu followed the cook into the kitchen, slowly dragging out the time. When she could no longer justify staying hidden away and emerged from the kitchen, Xue Zi'ang still hadn't returned.
The already quiet household was now eerily silent. She sat alone next to the old master, obediently listening to him talk, feeling like she was sitting on pins and needles.
Xue Zhan looked up at her and suddenly said, "I have two reports to organize. Come help me."
Zhao Yu nodded gratefully, sat down beside him, took the laptop, and diligently helped him with his work.
It was nearly ten when Xue Zi'ang finally returned, dead drunk and stumbling as he walked.
The old master was already simmering with anger. Seeing him return in this disgraceful state, he cursed furiously, raising his cane as if to strike.
Zhao Yu immediately rushed forward to support Xue Zi'ang. Using her body to shield him, she pleaded on his behalf: "Chairman, Zi'ang might have encountered an urgent matter and is feeling upset. Please don't blame him. He's drunk like this, he must be feeling terrible right now. Could you please let him rest first? Everything can wait until tomorrow."
The more she protected Xue Zi'ang like this, the angrier the old master became with him. He pointed at him, glaring, unable to even utter a word. Finally, he just waved his hand. "Just wait till he sobers up. See if I don't break his legs."
Zhao Yu struggled to support Xue Zi'ang, taking two steps toward the stairs, then turned back, looking helplessly at Xue Zhan. "Director Xue, his room…"
Xue Zhan stepped forward and supported Xue Zi'ang from the other side. "It's on the third floor. I'll take him up."
Zhao Yu followed closely behind Xue Zhan up the stairs. Once Xue Zhan had dumped Xue Zi'ang onto the bed, she hurriedly fetched a basin of hot water from the ensuite bathroom, brought a towel to wipe his face, removed his shoes and socks, and washed his feet.
Watching her movements, Xue Zhan moved his lips as if to speak, but ultimately said nothing and silently withdrew from the room.
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