Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: Apologizing to Your Sister-in-Law

As the two were chatting, Luo Xinyue also came over and sat down. “What are you talking about? Tell me quickly,” she said.

Xia Xiyin smiled at her. This young lady was beautiful and elegant, almost like a mixed-race, yet she spoke with a strong Beijing accent.

“We’re discussing whether Young Master Zhou is pursuing her,” Jiang Linlang giggled.

Luo Xinyue feigned surprise, covering her mouth. “Wow! Young Master Zhou actually pursues someone? That’s like the sun rising from the west!”

After she spoke, both Xia Xiyin and Jiang Linlang burst into laughter simultaneously.

These two clearly came from wealthy families, yet they spoke without any airs, their sincerity shining through their eyes. Xia Xiyin found this truly rare. The three quickly hit it off, calling each other sisters.

Soon after, the waiter began serving dishes, a feast of delicacies filling the air with tempting aromas.

The waiter poured wine in turn. When it came to Xia Xiyin’s glass, Zhou Yuan instructed, “Pour her less.”

“I can handle my drink; this one glass won’t be a problem,” Xia Xiyin said, thinking he was overreacting, and chuckled softly.

Zhou Yuan said sternly, “No, you can’t. If you drink too much, you might do something reckless. Just stick to the soft drinks.”

“What reckless thing?” Xia Xiyin teased playfully. “Are you afraid I’ll get drunk and confess to someone else?”

“What do you think?” Zhou Yuan tapped her forehead. “Anyway, you’re only allowed one glass.”

The two whispered back and forth, while Guan Hanzhong on the opposite side covered his cheek, looking painfully sour, and said to Zhou Yuan, “Alright, you two stop being lovey-dovey and leave some breathing room for a single guy like me.”

Xia Xiyin lowered her head slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Zhou Yuan mocked, “You can’t find a girlfriend and you blame us for flaunting our love? Maybe look for the reason in yourself.”

Everyone else burst into laughter.

“Fine, I’m the only one without a girlfriend. I deserve the disdain,” Guan Hanzhong grumbled, and “helplessly” pounded the table.

That only made everyone laugh even harder.

Gu Ciyuan smiled and lightly nudged him. “Come on, let’s raise our glasses and wish Yuhan and Xiyin a happy ending.”

“To love and happiness!”

The meal was joyous, filled with laughter and conversation until it came to an end.

As they took the elevator down, Xia Xiyin supported Zhou Yuan’s arm, noticing his flushed face from drinking, and quietly asked, “Did you drink too much?”

“Not really, not too much,” Zhou Yuan leaned against her, pressing some of his weight on her.

Xia Xiyin smiled with pursed lips and didn’t push him away.

Soon, they reached the first floor and stepped out of the elevator.

In the lobby, some acquaintances noticed Zhou Yuan and came over to greet him. Several men gathered for a lively chat.

Jiang Linlang and Luo Xinyue went to the restroom, but Xia Xiyin stayed behind, sitting on a nearby sofa waiting for them.

While she was playing with her phone, a noisy commotion suddenly arose beside her. A young man, reeking of strong alcohol, abruptly sat down next to her, almost pressing against her.

Startled, she quickly tried to stand up, but the drunken man grabbed her shoulder and leered mischievously, “Where are you going, little sister? Stay and chat with your brother for a while. Won’t let you go without some company.”

The heavy smell of alcohol sprayed into Xia Xiyin’s face, making her feel nauseated.

She pushed him away forcefully and ran, but the man’s long arm reached out, brushing her fingertips before she heard a sharp cry.

Xia Xiyin glanced back as she moved aside and stopped in her tracks.

Zhou Yuan held a cigarette between his fingers and gripped the man’s wrist with the other, his tone fierce. “Who do you think you’re touching? Don’t you see who she is?”

“Brother, brother, I was wrong!” The drunken man wailed in pain, his face contorted.

Zhou Yuan looked up to see Xia Xiyin standing nearby, then released the man and walked over to her.

“Scared you, huh?” He gently stroked her hair. “Don’t worry. I’ve been watching over you.”

“Do you know him?” Xia Xiyin asked.

“He’s my second uncle’s cousin,” Zhou Yuan said just as Zhou Qi’an approached, no longer slouching but standing respectfully, addressing Zhou Yuan formally, “Brother.”

Zhou Yuan frowned. “Apologize to your sister-in-law.”

Zhou Qi’an looked at Xia Xiyin and sincerely said, “Sister-in-law, I’m sorry.”

Xia Xiyin merely nodded slightly. Knowing he was the cousin from his second uncle’s side and recalling the two-faced nature of the second aunt, she felt even more disgusted with him.

Zhou Yuan scolded, “Finish your drinks quickly and go home. Don’t act like a rogue and disgrace the Zhou family!”

Zhou Qi’an tried to justify himself, “Brother, it was just a misunderstanding.”

Zhou Yuan gave him a look that said, “Figure it out yourself,” then said, “Go home early,” and left with Xia Xiyin.

Zhou Qi’an sat back down on the sofa, crossing his legs and narrowing his eyes as he watched Xia Xiyin’s retreating figure. Rubbing his chin, he muttered to himself, “So this is his new girlfriend? Not bad…”

“Second brother, interested?” someone nearby asked with a sly grin.

Zhou Qi’an snorted twice but said nothing.

After leaving the restaurant, Luo Xinyue said to Xia Xiyin, “You and Linlang should come to my place sometime. We can pick out some clothes and jewelry.”

Xia Xiyin didn’t quite understand the latter part but smiled and replied, “Okay.”

Jiang Linlang said, “I created a group chat. We can just chat there when we have time.”

Xia Xiyin opened her phone and saw the group named “Queens’ Domain.” She chuckled softly.

“Well, I’ll take my leave,” she said. “It was a pleasure meeting you all today.”

Getting into the car with Zhou Yuan, she didn’t forget to wave to the two young ladies.

Back home, the living room was dark; Xiao Man hadn’t returned yet.

After changing into slippers, Zhou Yuan, with a hint of urgency, embraced Xia Xiyin. Grabbing her chin with one hand, he kissed her deeply.

Entwined in a passionate embrace, they slowly walked into the bedroom and soon collapsed onto the large bed.

Outside, a gentle rain began to fall, while inside the room, a sultry warmth blossomed, intoxicating the air.

The next morning, sunlight streamed in, waking Xia Xiyin. At that moment, the alarm on the bedside phone rang, and she switched it off just in time.

Zhou Yuan’s arm still rested around her waist. She turned her head gently to look at him. Strands of hair framed his face, and his long eyelashes curled slightly. As he slept, he resembled a loyal, obedient big dog.

She carefully turned to face him, her eyes tracing every feature on his face like an artist with a brush. When her gaze settled on his lashes, she playfully reached out to brush them.

“Awake and restless, huh? Looks like I didn’t tire you out,” Zhou Yuan said suddenly, smiling warmly as he pulled her close by the waist.

Startled, Xia Xiyin pressed herself tightly against his chest. “Sorry for waking you.”