• As soon as the door closed behind him, Xie Lu stopped thinking about it, cause he didn't want to give himself a headache
Two days later,
He got through his daily tasks quicker than usual, his mind already set on something way more important: dinner with his wife.
Xiao Si,
Who is 27, is the love of his life. She is beautiful, smart, elegant and always full of joy. Her innocent personality makes being with her feel like you're in sunshine. They had met at a social gathering, and their connection sparked instantly. After nearly two years together, Xie Lu asked her to marry him, and she happily agreed. Now they are a married couple,
Xiao Si worked as the head of the design department at a popular fashion brand. Her warmth and genuine kindness were what first attracted Xie Lu to her. Even now, these qualities make him love her even more. To him, she is not just his wife. She is the only one for him, and he loves her deeply and truly.
Xie Lu had reserved a table at one of the most prestigious restaurants in the city. He and Xiao Si were to meet there for dinner — something he's been looking forward to,
The reservation was set from 8:30 to 9:30 PM, but Xie Lu arrived fifteen minutes early, just to ensure everything went smoothly. As he stepped into the restaurant manager personally greeted him.
"Mr. Xie Lu, welcome!" the manager said with a respectful nod, then led him to his reserved table.
Xie settled into his seat, where he wore a navy blue suit, his eyes locked onto his watch, now and waiting for Xiao Si to arrive.
31 minutes later… and Xiao Si walked in
The soft clicking of heels echoed gently across the floor as Xiao Si entered, her presence light and graceful. She wore a white suit paired with her Dior bag, exuding charm. The aura around her was like warm and soft, like a gentle breeze.
The moment she spotted Xie Lu, her face lit up. She waved cheerfully and called out,
"Lǎogōng!" — her voice sweet (Lǎogōng meaning hubby or babe in Chinese)
"Aiya! I'm so sorry I was a little late," she said with a slight pout. "Traffic was so boring and annoying!" Her tone was innocent, almost childlike, and full of energy.
Xie Lu gave a small, warm smile.
"It's okay. You're only a minute late — no need to worry," he said, gesturing for her to sit, adding "Make yourself comfortable."
As she sat down, he handed her the menu. Xiao Si glanced at him with a soft frown and spoke, "Xie… dear, you should've at least ordered something for yourself. You didn't have to wait." He chuckled at her talk, brushing off her concern."Ah, Xiao, you're overthinking again. It's fine — no need to be sad." Then, with a playful smile, he added, "Now hurry up and order already."
"Okay, okay, I'm ordering—no need to make fun of me!" Xiao Si huffed with a cute, childish expression, puffing her cheeks slightly.
With that, she finally placed the order, choosing two dishes for them. The dinner was served in two courses, with dessert as the second.
As they ate, both Xiao Si and Xie Lu enjoyed the food and each other's company. Between bites, they chatted casually—about home, the office, company affairs, and all the little things about their everyday life.
The atmosphere was warm and peaceful, just the kind of moment Xie Lu needed after a long day.
While they were chatting, a sudden phone ring interrupted their conversation. They both paused for a second before realizing the sound was from Xiao Si's phone.
She frowned a lil and said, "Who's calling me now? Let me check."
Xie Lu gave a small nod, signalling, "Go ahead."
The moment her eyes landed on the caller ID, her expression shifted — not enough for most to notice for anyone, but Xie Lu caught the subtle change. His eyes narrowed just a bit.
Xiao Si quickly excused herself, getting up from the table and walking a little away to take the call. She kept speaking in a low voice so Xie Lu couldn't hear the conversation. When she returned a few minutes later, her face was composed, sounded apologetic
"Xie Lu, I have to head to the office for a bit. Something urgent came up." He looked at her, noticing the seriousness in her expression.
Xie asked lightly, "So no dessert then?" he asked, half-joking while still observing her closely. Xiao Si gave him a small smile.
"Sorry for missing it. I really wish I could stay, but it's something I need to handle."
Xie Lu glanced at his watch. It was already 9 PM.
"What could be so important this late at night? He asked with a slight hint of irritation in his tone. She gave a soft sigh and said with an innocent look,
"You know how work is sometimes… I messed up a few important files for tomorrow morning's meeting. I promise I'll be back before 11."
Xie Lu knew this wasn't the first time. It happened occasionally. Still, something felt… a little off.
"Is it that important?" he asked, his tone casual but laced with suspicion. Xiao Si looked genuinely disappointed.
"Yeah, :( It's really important. I swear, I'll be back soon. I'm sorry for ruining our perfect night." Before he could say anything more, she added quickly, "Okay..I have to go now, babe. I'm sorry." Xie Lu gave a faint smile,
"Alright. Go ahead." "Xie~ I'm really, really sorry," she said again, making a pitiful face.
He laughed softly, "Fine. Just don't mess up the meeting again, okay?"
Xiao Si smiled brightly.
"Yup! When I'm back, let's have tea together, hm?" she said cheerfully, waving her hand as she turned to leave. "Sure,, He waved back, watching her disappear out the door.
Then, slowly, he picked up his spoon and quietly finished the dessert by himself.
Afterwards, he left the restaurant and went back to his villa—alone…
"But little did he know...that from this moment on, his world was about to turn upside down.."
When Xie Lu reached the villa, his first stop was the bathroom for a refreshing shower. After cleaning up, he relaxed on the couch, casually scrolling through his phone. Time slipped by as he got caught up reviewing some documents from work, and he completely lost track of the passing hours. He hadn't realized how long he'd been sitting there—until his eyes glanced at the wall clock. His breath caught.
It was already past 1 a.m..
Alarmed, he immediately grabbed his phone and called Xiao Si. But all he got was the automated response:
"The number you have dialled is currently unavailable, Please try again later"
His brows furrowed. He called again. And again. Each time, the same cold response.
"Currently unavailable."
A knot twisted in his chest. Something wasn't right. Xiao Si never left her phone off this long, especially if she promised to return.
Worry creeping in, he decided to go check her office himself. As he began getting dressed, the sudden ding of his phone made him pause.
The screen lit up. A message.
His mind raced—could it be from Xiao Si? But her phone was still unreachable.
Then... who was messaging him this late at night? With growing unease, he opened the message.
And in an instant, his entire body froze.
His face turned pale, as if all the blood had drained from it. His heart thudded violently.
Fingers trembling, eyes wide with disbelief, what he saw on the screen
Was none other than…—