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16. Chapter 16
"Yunqing, look!" Bai Ying, spotting Xing Lixuan descending from the second floor, urgently pointed him out to Shen Yunqing, "It's Xing Lixuan."
As Xing Lixuan strode forward, despite the bar's chaotic lighting and diverse crowd, his aristocratic and sharp aura remained undeniable.
Shen Yunqing gazed intently at the distinguished man whom one could instantly recognize in any crowd, his eyes brimming with affection.
Bai Ying shoved a drink into Shen Yunqing's hand, urging, "What are you waiting for? Go talk to him!"
Hearing Bai Ying's words and seeing Xing Lixuan made Shen Yunqing's heart waver. Clenching his fists, he made a decision.
Shen Yunqing stood up, adjusted his attire, approached Xing Lixuan with a friendly smile, "Lixuan, what a coincidence running into you here."
Xing Lixuan, intent on confronting Yu Antong, was unexpectedly halted by a stranger.
A slight frown appeared, "And you are?"
Shen Yunqing's face blanched, struggling to maintain his smile.
Xing Lixuan didn't even remember him!
A pang of hurt surged in Shen Yunqing, his hand clenching so tight that his nails dug into his palm.
Still, forcing a smile, he introduced, "Shen Yunqing of the Shen family. We met at a wine party a month ago, remember?"
Before Xing Lixuan could respond, Yu Antong stormed in, fuming.
"Desperate much? Hitting on someone else's husband, have you no shame?" Yu Antong shoved Shen Yunqing aside, berating him, "And you proudly announce your family name? Is the Shen family's upbringing all about wrecking marriages? What sins did your ancestors commit to deserve an offspring like you?"
Caught off guard by Yu Antong's presence and his outburst, Shen Yunqing tried to play the bigger person, "You're mistaken..."
Yu Antong scoffed, "Mistaken? I heard every word you spoke at the bar counter. Do you want me to repeat it back?"
Originally from a prestigious family, Yu Antong was taught etiquette and poise. But ever since he transmigrated into this world, he decided to live freely and unapologetically.
Speaking his mind felt liberating. It might not look elegant, but as long as he felt good, nothing else mattered.
With an air of superiority, Yu Antong declared, "You think just because my husband doesn't like me, he'd fancy you? Dream on! I'm prettier, have a better figure, and even my soul is more interesting than yours. Where does your confidence come from?"
Shen Yunqing, shocked that Yu Antong overheard his conversation with Bai Ying, denied, "Don't make baseless accusations. Lixuan and I are merely acquaintances. I just wanted to discuss some business with him."
Yu Antong clearly heard Xing Lixuan's inquiry, "Who are you?"
He chuckled, "You want to be friends with him, but my husband doesn't even know who you are. Do you even have what it takes to play the fox spirit? Yet, you try to act all pure and innocent like a white lotus, being two-faced. Who do you think you're fooling?"
Shen Yunqing didn't refute Yu Antong, just shook her head pitifully. With a pale face, she looked at Xing Lixuan as if she had been wronged by Yu Antong, "Lixuan, I didnât."
Many people in the bar had turned their attention towards them. Xing Lixuan frowned, "Yu..."
Yu Antong immediately glared at him, her eyes glaringly warning: Donât say a word. If you dare side with that green-tea girl, see what happens!
Xing Lixuan silently took off his coat and wrapped it around Yu Antong, pulling the collar to cover her exposed collarbone and chest.
Showing so much, getting ogled by a bunch of men, how is that appropriate?
"You..." Yu Antong hadn't expected Xing Lixuan to be giving her his coat. She felt a sweet warmth in her heart and was quite touched.
The very person who had just aggressively confronted Shen Yunqing now cooed at Xing Lixuan, "What are you doing~"
Not wanting to continue being the center of attention, Xing Lixuan held Yu Antong close, "I have no relationship with him. Let's go home."
"Wait a moment." With Xing Lixuan's gesture, some of Yu Antong's anger towards Shen Yunqing had subsided. She finally warned him, "Listen, no matter what you think of Xing Lixuan, keep it to yourself. As long as Xing Lixuan and I are still married, if you come close to him, you're the mistress, you're shameless!"
After having her say, Yu Antong left, led away by Xing Lixuan.
Shen Yunqing stood there, as the people in the bar whispered about her, her face alternating between shades of green and white.
He watched the departing couple, his eyes filled with growing resentment.
Yu-Antong!
Qi Jingyao smacked his lips, "Too spicy, Xing's wife is really something!"
Their gossip trio, disappointed that they couldn't hear the confrontation from upstairs, had hurriedly come down.
Bao Ji touched his nose nervously, "It seems Lixuan is really smitten. By his past standards, Yu Antong would have been a definite no-go, but as we all just saw..."
"That possessiveness, tsk tsk, not even allowing a V-neck, and the moment someone looks at his wife, he instantly covers her with his coat."
In Xing Lixuan's car, Yu Antong said, "Stay away from that white lotus. Donât speak to him."
Yu Antong leaned over, encircling Xing Lixuan's neck, and said menacingly, "Remember, if you want something with someone else, divorce me first. After the divorce, do whatever you want; I won't care. But if you cheat on me during our marriage, I'll castrate you!"
Xing Lixuan was speechless, "I donât even know him. Why are you so angry?"
Yu Antong replied, "He danced right in front of me. If I tolerate this, I'll be a coward. Being patient now might lead to prostate issues, retreating might lead to breast problems. I wonât stand for this!"
Xing Lixuan silently assessed Yu Antong, his gaze finally resting on her flat chest.
Yu Antong defensively covered herself, eyes playful, "Stop staring! Men can get breast issues too, right? Stop gawking there!"
Xing Lixuan looked surprised, wondering when Yu Antong became shy.
Yet, the very next second...
Yu Antong remarked, âJust looking without touching? What kind of man does that? You've made me all tingly with your gaze.â
Xing Lixuan: â...â
Indeed, Yu Antong remains ever the same.
Suddenly, Yu Antong asked him, âHusband, why are you here?â
Surely, he wasn't here courting some other temptress behind his back?
Xing Lixuan replied, âThis bar is owned by a friend of mine. Today's the grand opening, and he invited us over.â
Having asked, Yu Antong immediately regretted it. He shouldn't have brought it up because, predictably, the next moment...
The corner of Xing Lixuan's mouth curved up dangerously, âWhat about you? Didn't you mention you'd be celebrating a classmate's birthday tonight?â
Yu Antong instantly felt sheepish. How could he forget that?
He quickly let go of Xing Lixuan and took his seat beside the driver.
However, Xing Lixuan leaned in closer, probing, âCelebrate a classmateâs birthday? Which classmate?â
âWell...â Yu Antong twiddled his fingers, sounding rather unconvincing, âJust a friend who has never been to a bar. Wanted to experience it for their birthday.â
Xing Lixuan gently pinched Yu Antong's slightly reddened earlobe, âReally?â
âAlright, alright.â Unable to fabricate further, Yu Antong admitted, âI just wanted to see what a bar feels like. I haven't done anything wrong.â
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As if dancing on the stage wasnât enough, Xing Lixuan scoffed, âAnything else you fancied doing?â
âNothing at all! Don't frame me,â Yu Antong cooed and tried to act cute, hoping to diffuse the situation. âWe both ended up at the bar today, so letâs call it even. Donât bring it up again.â
Xing Lixuan fastened his seatbelt, started the car, seemingly letting the matter slide.
Neither had dinner. Once home, Yu Antong thought of preparing something quick.
âHusband, I've been thinking of renovating the kitchen.â
An open kitchen might look aesthetic, but it's not very functional. Every time he cooked, the fumes would spread. Even with an exhaust fan, it's better to remodel it into a traditional enclosed Chinese kitchen.
Each time he cooked, Yu Antong meant to mention it. But after dinner, he would forget. This time, he finally remembered.
After shouting and receiving no response, Yu Antong assumed Xing Lixuan was deliberately ignoring him. So, he began to be deliberately annoying.
âHusband~ Husband~ Are you there? If you hear me, please respond.â
Xing Lixuan was on the balcony taking a call. Hearing Yu Antong's wailing from the kitchen, he massaged his temples and headed there. He covered Yu's mouth and continued speaking on the phone, "Alright, I'll bring him home. Let's leave it at that for now."
Releasing Yu Antong, he inquired, "Why were you yelling for me?"
Yu Antong replied, "I want to remodel the kitchen into an enclosed space."
"Sounds good," said Xing Lixuan. "My mother just called, saying grandmother wishes we would stay a few days at the old house with her."
Yu Antong's mood dampened instantly, "Can we not go?"
He really didn't want to live with that stern old woman. Besides, it would be inconvenient to be intimate with Xing Lixuan with an elder around.
So annoying, he really didn't want to go.
Xing Lixuan assured, "It's only for a few days."
Yu Antong countered, "It seems like your grandmother doesn't like me. What if she picks on me?"
Xing Lixuan chuckled, "Who could possibly bully you?"
"Regardless, you must promise me," Yu Antong pressed, "If I ever argue with your grandmother, you must take my side. Or else I won't go."
Now, Xing Lixuan was second-guessing the idea of bringing Yu Antong to the old house. He didn't want any conflicts to arise with his grandmother.
Xing Lixuan asked, "Tell me the truth. Why did my grandmother specifically choose you to be my spouse?"
Indeed, he had noticed that his grandmother didn't seem fond of Yu Antong.
Yu Antong: "..."
How am I supposed to know? Blame the darn author who left a cliffhanger without any explanations.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through Yu Antong's mind. Drawing from clichéd storylines he had come across...
There can only be one truth!
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