Faced with Bao Ji's undermining, Qi Jing Yao turned the tables and said nonchalantly, "If you want to mooch off a meal, just say so. We've been friends for so many years; I wouldn't mock you. Why blame it on me?"

"Despicable and shameless!" Bao Ji laughed and teased Qi Jing Yao, "Such a petty move!"

Xing Li Xuan did intend to introduce his friends to Yu An Tong. Meeting more people might help Yu An Tong in various ways in the future. He said, "I'll talk to him about it. I'll invite you over to my place sometime."

Qi Jing Yao clinked glasses with Xing Li Xuan, "I'll be looking forward to it."

As they were old friends, there was no need for formalities between Qi Jing Yao and Xing Li Xuan. Xing Li Xuan just made a toast but didn't drink a drop.

"Come on, old Xing." Only after Qi Jing Yao finished his drink did he notice that Xing Li Xuan hadn't touched his.

His eyes widened slightly in surprise and remarked, "When I came over earlier, I heard you telling Mr. Zhao how strict your wife is about drinking. I thought you were just coming up with a new excuse not to drink. Is it really true? Is she really that firm and intimidating that you won't even take a sip?"

Bao Ji hadn't heard their earlier conversation, but from Qi Jingyao's words, he quickly grasped the situation, expressing his own astonishment.

Yu An Tong must really have her ways. Who would've thought she could tame Xing Li Xuan, a wild stallion? Most men indulge when they're out. Xing Li Xuan can actually hold his liquor, but he chooses not to drink for Yu An Tong's sake.

No matter how surprised others were, Xing Li Xuan didn't care. What's so good about alcohol compared to family? Cuddling with his wife in bed is what really matters. He didn't want to be banished to the guest room by Yu An Tong.

As a single guy, Bao Ji commented with some bewilderment, "Is being in a relationship really that great? I feel like being single is more carefree, with no one to control you."

"Ahem!" Qi Jingyao puffed out his chest and feigned a cough, pretending to be more experienced as he said, "I have a boyfriend too, and he doesn't control me. Trust me, dating is way more fun than being single. Of course, I mean just dating, not getting married like Xing."

As Qi Jingyao spoke, Xing Li Xuan noticed someone behind him and gave him a significant look.

Not catching on, Qi Jingyao thought Xing Li Xuan disagreed with his sentiments and continued, "Am I wrong? Marriage is a hassle. Dating is much more relaxed. If you get sick of each other, you can just break up. There are so many more fish in the sea for me..."

"Qi Jingyao, you really have some nerve," a familiar voice sounded from behind him.

Qi Jingyao went silent, like a fishbone was stuck in his throat. He slowly turned around to meet the burning gaze of Han Lele.

"It's not..." Qi Jingyao never expected to see Han Lele here, let alone have him overhear his boastful remarks.

He had the audacity to brag outside only because a few hours earlier he had spoken with Han Lele. Han mentioned that his father wanted to take him to a cocktail party, which he didn't want to attend due to the insincere social niceties. After being scolded by his father, Han's brother was supposed to go in his stead.

Knowing Han Lele's laid-back nature, Qi Jingyao had spoken earlier with great confidence and abandon.

But now, Qi Jingyao panicked. As bold as he had been, now he was equally flustered. Without pondering why Han Lele was here, he hastily explained, "Baby, I was just talking nonsense earlier!"

It was clear he cared deeply, a far cry from his previous nonchalant attitude.

Dressed in a form-fitting black suit, Han Lele appeared even more mature and stable than usual. Qi Jingyao found himself sweating under Han's piercing gaze.

Han Lele had initially not wanted to attend, but with his brother falling ill, his father forcibly brought him along.

Yet, it turned out to be a good thing he came. Otherwise, he wouldn't have witnessed this spectacle or heard Qi Jingyao's true feelings. Today, he truly saw Qi Jingyao for what he was.

"You have a point," Han Lele said coldly, "It's good we're not married. Breaking up would indeed be easier."

Sensing that Han Lele was serious, Qi Jingyao hastily grabbed his hand and pleaded, "Honey, I was really just talking nonsense. Please, don't take it to heart."

Talking nonsense? Yu An Tong wasn't here, yet Xing Li Xuan didn't make any inappropriate comments. In the end, Qi Jingyao just doesn't consider him important. Saying one thing in public and another behind his back. Today, it's all crystal clear!

With not a hint of a smile, Han Lele said, "I'm not bothered. I'm just tired of this and want to break up. Goodbye!"

"Go find your 'forest'! I'm done playing with you," Han Lele said as he pulled away from Qi Jingyao's grasp and left.

Qi Jingyao watched Han Lele's retreating figure for a moment, then turned to Xing Li Xuan and Bao Ji, fuming, "You two have ruined me!"

"Hey, hey! Don't unjustly accuse us," Bao Ji responded, loving the drama. "You wanted to show off, but instead got a face full of reality. Quite the spectacle!"

Xing Li Xuan, uninvolved and still holding his untouched glass, remarked, "I gave you a warning look. If you didn't understand, that's not on me."

Bao Ji tilted his chin up and said, "Why are you still standing here? Hurry up and go apologize properly."

Even someone who had never been in love like him knew that he needed to explain things now, soothe her, or else it'd be over for good.

Han Lele didn't leave the banquet hall; he just returned to his father's side.

After finishing a conversation with a friend, Han's father looked at Han Lele and said, "Weren't you speaking with Mr. Xing? Why did you come back so soon?"

Han's father had always felt guilty about the incident where Han Lele got Yu Antong into trouble at the police station. Seeing Xing Lixuan at the banquet, he wanted Han Lele to apologize and perhaps foster a connection. Thinking the younger ones would get along better, he didn't accompany him.

Han Lele, fresh out of school, still wore his emotions on his sleeve. He forced a smile and said, "Dad, my stomach hurts a bit. Can we go home?"

Changxiang Literature Network

Han's father saw his discomfort and sighed, "You shouldn't have come in the first place. You act as if meeting new people is akin to a death sentence. Call the driver to take you home."

Han Lele left looking disheartened, and Qi Jingyao promptly followed.

Xing Lixuan, shifting his gaze from the spectacle, said to Bao Ji, "Did you see that? A classic case of self-sabotage. Be careful when you're in love."

Bao Ji shook his head, lamenting, "Qi Jingyao must be inexperienced in love too. It's true: one's own actions can be their downfall."

Qi Jingyao might seem like a carefree playboy on the surface, but he never truly acted recklessly. His candid words, however, always got him into trouble.

Xing Lixuan learned from his friend's mistake and vowed never to make such an elementary error himself.

Without much time to rest, Bao Ji continued to toast and chat with other business partners, and Xing Lixuan soon had a group around him as well.

Xing Lixuan conversed with several other business acquaintances, and by the time he returned home after the banquet, it was already past eleven.

Xing Lixuan quietly opened the door to his bedroom. A soft orange night light illuminated Yu Antong's delicate features.

And instantly warmed Xing Lixuan's heart.

After becoming pregnant, Yu Antong slept a lot. The dim light didn't disturb her slumber as she occasionally smacked her lips in her sleep.

After changing into his pajamas, Xing Lixuan lay beside her. There's a saying about appreciating beauty under dim light; he gazed at her, captivated, and gently kissed her pouting lips.

In her dream, Yu Antong unconsciously snuggled closer to Xing Lixuan.

Xing Lixuan reached out to switch off the light and embraced Yu Antong as they drifted to sleep together.

Daylight broke, and Yu Antong woke up, squinting as she peeped outside through the heavy blackout curtains.

The moment she stirred, Xing Lixuan awakened.

Sensing this, Yu Antong turned to sniff him, ensuring there was no scent of alcohol before wrapping her arms around him, asking, "What time did you come back last night?"

"Past eleven," Xing Lixuan replied, pinching her nose, "What are you, a puppy? Sniffing around like that. Do you find me repulsive?"

"No, no," Yu An Tong's voice was muffled, pinched by the grip on his nose.

It was the weekend, neither had to get up early. Their playful teasing turned quite passionate, assisting one another.

After a while, Yu An Tong, collecting his thoughts, mentioned to Xing Li Xuan about the gourmet TV show.

He briefly informed Xing Li Xuan about what he knew, then inquired, "I’m contemplating joining. What's your opinion?"

If it weren't for his pregnancy, he would have made the decision himself. But now, carrying their child, the other father had a say too.

Privately, Xing Li Xuan didn't want Yu An Tong to participate. Trying to sound diplomatic, he advised, "You don't need to strain yourself. Our restaurant's growth can be gradual. We're financially sound, so there's no rush with work. Can you focus on the baby now and address these matters after childbirth?"

"I've inquired. The event isn't strenuous. Han Le Le, my friend, won’t let me down," Yu An Tong asserted, a touch displeased, "It's a golden opportunity that might not come again. I'm in great health now. I can't stay idle every day. I’ll settle down at home in the final trimester. Trust me to know my limits."

Upon mentioning Han Le Le, Xing Li Xuan instantly recalled, "Han Le Le, who took you for a massage and inadvertently landed you at the police station? The incident that even made the news?"

"Uhh..." Yu An Tong hesitated, realizing Han Le Le did seem somewhat troublesome.

"I had finally put that embarrassing incident behind, and you bring it up again!" Yu An Tong playfully punched Xing Li Xuan, "Don't ever mention it again! And it wasn't entirely Han Le Le's fault. He was deceived by his elder brother too."

"This time, it's different. He’s personally overseen everything."

Trying to persuade, Xing Li Xuan proposed, "Why not let me finance some celebrity endorsements for our restaurant? It’ll elevate its reputation."

"It's not the same," Yu An Tong pouted, "I built the restaurant from scratch and want it to thrive with my effort. I have my own ambitions and don't want to rely on others."

A hint of irritation in his voice, Xing Li Xuan questioned, "So, now I'm 'others'?"

A note from the author:

Thanks to the angels who voted or donated between 2020-01-20 23:32:44 and 2020-01-21 23:17:29!

Special thanks to the angels who cast landmine votes: Mo Bai and Meng Si Ta23333!

Gratitude to those who donated: Meng Si Ta23333 (10 bottles); Undercover (2 bottles); Xue Hu and Lu Xing Ci (1 bottle each).

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