Lin Xi was seated next to Zhou Zheng, opposite Duan Yiheng and Duan Mingxuan. After a few words, Lin Xi knew her grandfather was very satisfied with Zhou Zheng. Zhou Zheng was a rather old-fashioned person, so it was expected that he and the old man got along well.
If it weren't for Duan Yiheng, Zhou Zheng would be an excellent marriage prospect in every way. Duan Yiheng could even join in their conversation, while Duan Mingxuan was completely oblivious. His obvious annoyance yet restrained demeanor made Lin Xi want to laugh.
The second young master had a bad temper, but he didn't dare to throw a tantrum in front of the old man. The old man chuckled occasionally, his complexion becoming much rosier. "Little Zhou, Xiao Xi is seven years younger than you, please be understanding," Zhou Zheng said with a gentle, polite smile.
"It's my honor to meet Miss Lin." Duan Yiheng and Duan Mingxuan both frowned, each with their own thoughts. The old man wasn't completely unaware of Zhou Zheng, and he wouldn't let Lin Xi step into a pit of fire.
Although Chen Baiwei was the matchmaker, her aim was to prevent Lin Xi and Duan Mingxuan from having any further possibility. He had secretly instructed his assistant to investigate everything about the Zhou family and Zhou Zheng. From any perspective, they were more suitable for Lin Xi.
He would provide a generous dowry, ensuring Lin Xi wouldn't suffer at Chen Baiwei's hands after his death. Even if Duan Yiheng could offer her some care, he still had his own family to consider. "Xiao Xi."
The old man looked at Lin Xi, "Grandpa thinks Xiao Zhou is good; you must get along well with him." This was a clear indication, and Lin Xi understood. Before she could speak, Duan Yiheng put down his chopsticks: "Grandpa, I—" "Grandpa, I will get along well."
Lin Xi, her nerves taut, struggled to interrupt Duan Yiheng. Duan Yiheng looked at her, his eyes unfathomable. Lin Xi's heart trembled slightly, and she guiltily avoided his gaze. Because the old man was still there, Duan Mingxuan clenched his fists tightly, afraid he might overturn the table.
Not long after dinner, while drinking tea, Zhou Zheng got up to leave. The old man gestured for Lin Xi to see him off. Lin Xi saw him out of the living room, smiling apologetically at Zhou Zheng: "Professor Zhou, I'm so sorry, at the dinner table just now, I, I..." "No need to apologize."
Zhou Zheng said, "I know you're just trying to appease the old man, but I want a reason, a reason for you to reject me." Lin Xi walked alongside him, whispering, "Actually, I have someone I like, but it's someone impossible."
Zhou Zheng paused for two seconds: "So that's where I lost. Actually, I've heard a little about you and Duan Mingxuan, but—" "It's not him." Lin Xi awkwardly pursed her lips. Zhou Zheng looked slightly puzzled and said, "I'm sorry." Lin Xi shook her head:
"I should apologize. I'll see you off a little further." Zhou Zheng felt disappointed, but his feelings were unrequited; he could only blame himself for not being destined for Lin Xi. After seeing him off, Lin Xi stood there for a long time. "Reluctant to part?"
Lin Xi turned around in surprise. Duan Yiheng had appeared behind her at some point, his figure almost enveloping her. His eyes were like the night, deep and distant, making it impossible for Lin Xi to discern his emotions. At this moment, he seemed to have returned to his past self, his face filled with cold indifference.
"Get along well?" He suddenly took a half step forward, forcing Lin Xi to retreat. "How do I get along?" He advanced while she retreated, and with each word, Lin Xi could sense the lingering anger in his tone. "I was just dealing with Grandpa at the time."
Lin Xi explained as she retreated, "Don't be like this." Duan Yiheng: "Dealing with Grandpa was only one aspect, wasn't it? You were afraid I would reveal our relationship, our private dealings, weren't you?" Lin Xi suddenly looked up: "Don't speak so harshly." "Okay."
Duan Yiheng's brows furrowed further. "And after you get to know him? Is it just a kiss to seal the deal? A few words of coaxing and you're shy? A few words of jealousy and you can't even say anything? You bite your tongue when you're angry?" "Stop talking." Lin Xi was half angry, half blushing. "Have you no shame?"
"If I had any shame, I'd be green with envy." Duan Yiheng swore for the first time, which really startled Lin Xi. Her mouth opened and closed, but in the end, she only managed to say, "Stop talking." "Why can't I say it? Why won't I say it?"
Duan Yiheng was furious. "After you get to know him, will you tell him you 'care'? Or that you like him?" She was so stingy with his feelings. The old man only had to say one thing to make her get along well with Zhou Zheng. He's not even dead yet! "It's all the same old stuff."
Lin Xi's mental defenses completely crumbled. "Didn't we agree on something? Why do you always force me? If you hadn't forced me, I wouldn't have been able to..." Duan Yiheng's face was truly ugly, and Lin Xi abruptly stopped talking. "I forced you?"
Duan Yiheng suddenly chuckled. "You've finally spoken your mind. Does that mean when I kissed and hugged you, I was forcing you?" "No," Lin Xi murmured. "That's not what I meant. I'm sorry." "I don't want your 'sorry'?"
Duan Yiheng grabbed her arm. "You know exactly what I want." "What you want, I can't give you." Lin Xi was afraid of attracting attention, so she could only suppress her voice. Duan Yiheng gripped her shoulders:
"I thought that if I had Meng Huaishan say those things to you, you would understand what I wanted to do." "Don't dream." Lin Xi's voice trembled with tears. "Even without that adoption relationship, can we be together?" "Lin Xi, don't run away."
"Yes, I am running away." "Lin Xi, in a fit of desperation, said, 'I'm a coward, I don't dare tell Grandpa.'" "I'll tell him, I didn't ask you to," Duan Yiheng's tone softened. "You have to believe me."
"No..." Lin Xi shook her head. "Don't tell him. If you do, I'll leave the Duan family immediately and disappear from your sight." "..." Duan Yiheng clenched his fists, his voice turning somber. "What exactly do you want from me?"
Lin Xi sensed the suppressed, surging emotions in Duan Yiheng's voice. She opened her mouth, "How about we break up—" "Qin Yang called me just now." Duan Yiheng suddenly released her. "I just came out and saw you. It concerns Zheng Jizhong, I have to call him back."
His emotions abruptly subsided, as if the previous argument had never happened. "Duan—" "Alright, I'll go back and handle some business." Duan Yiheng avoided her gaze for the first time. "You had a good day yesterday, you should get some rest too." Lin Xi stood there, stunned, until his figure disappeared from sight. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she wiped them away, silently saying "I'm sorry" to Duan Yiheng.
She turned back to tell the old man, then went back to the front yard, ignoring Duan Mingxuan's two calls. Duan Mingxuan wanted to chase after her, but then changed his mind and went upstairs to the old man's room.
The old man was still wondering why he hadn't left when, with a "thump," Duan Mingxuan knelt down. The old man was startled: "What are you doing?"