At the Xie family’s old estate, Old Master Xie didn’t care for noise and refused to attend the so-called “family gathering” his eldest son was hosting, which was really just a glorified social mixer.
The Xie name alone was enough to attract attention, not to mention his daughter-in-law’s Qin family connections. The main house was usually swarming with guests, especially during holidays.
After dropping by the Qin family, Xie Yaoting and his wife didn’t even bother going back to the main house. They went straight to the old estate instead—for the peace and quiet, and for the sake of his pregnant wife.
Old Master Xie had one son and one daughter. His daughter was a painter who married a pianist abroad and settled overseas.
Though it looked like Xie Yaoting was now in charge of the family, the old man hadn’t fully relinquished power. In fact, some of that power had been handed directly to his grandson, Xie Huai.
In a more cutthroat family, bypassing the son to give power to the grandson could easily spark open conflict.
But not in the Xie family. Not only did the old man want to pass authority to Xie Huai, even Xie Yaoting himself couldn’t wait to hand off the reins, happy to coast into a comfortable middle age with his wife.
Xie Huai, however, was a slippery one—sharp-minded and impossible to read.
Whatever you told him to do, he’d do the opposite. When Xie Yaoting told him to intern at the company over summer break, the kid either holed up at Qin Yue’s place or hid out with the old man. Like an eel—impossible to catch.
After dinner, Old Master Xie had a special dessert made—bird’s nest with snow frog—for his daughter-in-law.
Qin Huansi took one look at the giant bowl of nourishing tonic and inhaled deeply.
Everything about the old estate was great. Her father-in-law was kind and easygoing. The home was filled with greenery and fresh air. Being here always put her at ease and cleared her mind.
The only downside? For over a decade, the old man never got the portion sizes right with these tonics. Whether it was her postnatal recovery after giving birth to Xie Huai, or now during her second pregnancy—she simply couldn’t finish it all.
She tugged on her husband’s sleeve. “Help me eat some.”
Qin Huansi had been pampered her whole life. The Qin and Jiang families were full of sons—she was the only girl and adored by everyone.
After marrying into the Xie family, she and Xie Yaoting had shared a peaceful, loving relationship for more than a decade. Their son was outstanding and filial, she had her own financial freedom and small business—their life was full and content.
At just over forty, her hair was thick and black, coiled neatly on top of her head. She wore soft loungewear. Her pregnancy was still early enough that there was barely a bump.
Xie Yaoting took her hand and placed it on his stomach. “You want me to eat more? At this rate, I’ll be more pregnant than you and deliver first.”
Qin Huansi quickly pulled her hand back and glanced, a little embarrassed, at the old man sitting at the head of the table—and at her son, who was still staring at his phone.
Old Master Xie didn’t even blink. He was used to this. The one thing he had always appreciated about his eldest son was his devotion to family and his wife.
Out of options, Qin Huansi turned to her son. Not that she expected much—he usually said no.
Xie Huai had never liked sweets, especially syrupy health tonics like this. When he was little, they could coax a few spoonfuls into him. But ever since he started school, no one could convince him.
“Son, want to try some? It’s good for you.” She didn’t even try to scoop him a bowl.
To her surprise, her son looked up from his phone, leaned forward, and ladled himself a bowl. “Sure.”
Qin Huansi froze for a second. She and her husband exchanged a glance. Even Old Master Xie looked a little surprised.
“Huai, your taste has really changed lately,” she said, remembering the dinner table earlier—he had picked out two dishes with a sweet-and-sour profile. He never touched anything like that before.
Xie Huai served her a bowl too, placing it gently in front of her. “Trying to make a few changes. Thought I’d get used to them early.”
Taste is deeply personal—even she and her husband had different preferences after all these years.
“Can you tell us what it’s about?” Qin Huansi asked.
Xie Huai took a sip of the tonic. Since Qin Huansi was pregnant, it wasn’t too sweet—just right for her palate. But someone else might find it a little bland.
“Not yet. If there’s any progress, I’ll let you know,” he replied.
Xie Yaoting chuckled twice and, under his wife’s urging gaze, pushed forward with the question. “What kind of progress? If it’s work-related, you can ask your old man for advice.”
No one really expected an answer. If it were work, why change his taste?
Xie Huai drank slowly, one sip at a time, then said, “It’s about… relationships.”
Old Master Xie set down his teacup, as if hearing something amusing. “Finally seeing the light, huh?”
Xie Huai had never been interested in much—especially people. Not even his own parents could say for sure if he really liked them, since the kid was raised mostly on the old man’s lap. His parents had been hands-off for a while before finally taking him in.
Finishing his half bowl of bird’s nest, Xie Huai answered, “I’ve been enlightened all along.”
The old man had thought he’d never see his grandson settle down with someone. Xie Huai didn’t even include marriage in his future plans. Knowing his personality, he’d focus on his career first—and then maybe love would come.
Besides, Xie Huai was a reserved kid. Beyond family and necessary friendships, he didn’t form deep bonds.
The three elders exchanged a knowing glance but didn’t ask who it was. They understood that whatever was causing this change was significant—this person mattered a lot to Xie Huai.
It wasn’t puppy love. They trusted him completely, knowing he wouldn’t make reckless mistakes or cause scandal.
Qin Huansi suddenly asked, “Is Shen Lao’s grandson here? I prepared a little gift for him.”
She added, “The boy who was brought back.”
Old Master Xie had something to say. “That kid was scheming with your son yesterday, trying to steal my tea cakes. My daughter-in-law’s tea was almost drunk by Old Shen himself! We’re not even related—who does he think he is?”
Xie Huai leaned back in his chair, chuckling. “Grandpa said you’re stingy and won’t even share a piece with him.”
Then he answered his mom, “He’s not here right now—he went back to the Shen house.”
Qin Huansi couldn’t believe her son had been part of that scheme. Everyone knew how precious that tea cake was to Old Master.
Old Master Xie knew Shen Lao had been at his eldest son’s place this morning. But since the courtyard lights were still off, he asked, “Not back yet?”
“Grandpa Shen will stay overnight at the Shen family home,” Xie Huai said.
Old Master Xie looked puzzled. “How do you know so much about their affairs?”
This kid’s loyalty wasn’t secretly with another old man, was it?
Xie Huai picked up his phone. “Just happened to chat a bit.”
Qin Huansi suddenly felt an urge to meet that boy. It hadn’t been long since they met, but their closeness was obvious—like the Xu or Fang kids.
She slowed her tone, feigning casualness. “Dad, have you met that boy?”
Old Master Xie nodded. “The Shen family left him with Old Shen over the summer. I’ve seen him several times. That kid is sharp—doesn’t act his age. That’s like Huai in some ways, no childlike nonsense. And his calligraphy? Really good. He picked up some of Old Shen’s finesse.”
The old man’s eyes were sharp from years of hardships and worldly experience. He could tell a person’s character from the smallest details.
Xie Yaoting rarely heard his father praise a young adult that highly—an insight usually reserved for much older people.
“Dad, it’s rare to hear you speak so highly of a kid.”
Old Master Xie waved it off. “Enough. You two talk. I’m heading back to my room.”
The butler helped him upstairs, leaving just the three of them in the living room.
Xie Huai grabbed his phone and stood. “Mom, Dad, get some rest. I’m heading out.”
Qin Huansi asked, “Going out so late?”
Xie Huai said calmly, “Won’t be out all night.”
And with that, he left on his own.
Qin Huansi felt a strange unease. Maybe it was pregnancy hormones making her overthink.
“Who do you think your son likes?” she asked her husband. “What kind of person?”
Xie Yaoting rubbed her back and thought for a moment. “Besides the Fang family’s youngest daughter, I haven’t seen him close to any other girl. Maybe he met someone at school. Whatever—it’s time he started dating.”
Qin Huansi nudged him. “I just feel anxious.”
Xie Yaoting reassured her. “Don’t worry. Your son won’t get himself into trouble. He knows his limits.”
“Maybe have Old Zhao keep an eye on him,” Qin Huansi said.
Xie Yaoting laughed and shook his head. “You want to investigate your own son? You know Dad’s people keep watch around him. Old Gao even noticed someone tailing him from a distance.”
He patted her hand. “Stop overthinking. We both know what kind of person your son is.”
Qin Huansi knew it too—that’s why she couldn’t imagine what would happen if Xie Huai ever lost control.
Would he fall willingly or find a way back?
Old Master Shen had been in the hospital pretending to be ill for several days now. Bored and unable to have his old servant keep him company, he could only call on Qi Xu.
Qi Xu was back to his usual routine at the Shen house—sleeping in naturally, getting up for a light meal, then heading out for the day, returning only at night.
Mornings were spent at the hospital with the old man; afternoons were for running errands, like finding a birthday gift for Jiang Zimu.
The days felt especially full, and before he knew it, it was already the sixth.
Qi Xu had just gotten up and was having brunch in the dining room when Zeng Yun poured him a warm glass of milk.
“The holiday’s almost over—just two days left. You’re going out again today? Mom hasn’t had a chance to really talk with you in a while,” she said gently.
Qi Xu replied, “I come home every night for dinner.”
Every night, without fail, he’d come home to watch an episode of those over-the-top family dramas with Zeng Yun, then say goodnight and head off to his room.
If they really wanted to talk, those few hours spent watching TV over several nights should’ve been enough.
“That’s not the same,” Zeng Yun smiled softly. “My friends want to meet you. How about coming out for lunch with me today?”
Zeng Yun’s friends were all ladies from prominent families. This had happened in a past life too—Zeng Yun would bring her biological son, who wasn’t especially favored by his father, out to meals, and those ladies would bring their sons as well.
Among the grown-ups, their friendships were mostly superficial. Once they got to the restaurant, the real competition—one-upmanship—would start.
Back then, aside from his excellent grades, Qi Xu had little to show for himself. The other moms would snidely comment on the country’s exam-focused education system, saying it was just rote memorization without skill, and that kids from their families had the luxury of studying abroad as a backup plan.
Qi Xu remembered Qin Huansi, Xie Huai’s mother, sitting at the table. Unlike the others, she didn’t sneer or mock him but calmly refuted each jab with reasoned, gentle but firm words.
Afterwards, Mrs. Qin had told Qi Xu, “Don’t mind what others say. Standing out in the college entrance exam already makes you one of the best. My son, Xie Huai, is at Q University too. If you have time, I’ll introduce you.”
After that, Qi Xu stopped going to any social events with Zeng Yun, and Shen Zeyu took his place instead.
Qi Xu put down his milk. “Maybe next time. Today’s Jiang Zimu’s birthday.”
Zeng Yun looked a little disappointed. “Who knows when the next holiday will be—New Year’s Day? That’s so far away. How about having lunch with me today, and then we’ll go somewhere?”
Qi Xu patiently explained, “The birthday party’s on a cruise ship, and it sets sail on time. If we eat lunch first, we’d have to swim over.”
Zeng Yun was about to say something else when Qi Xu’s phone vibrated. It was a message from Xu Yichen, and at the same time, the sound of an engine outside reached them.
He grabbed his phone and picked up the nearby gift bag. “I’m heading out.”
Zeng Yun hesitated but said nothing as he hurried off.
Xu Yichen had switched to a flashy dark blue SF90, but Qi Xu decisively got into the white Cayenne behind it.
Opening the rear door, Qi Xu saw Jiang Zimu and Fang Qian already inside. Xie Huai was driving and said, “Get in the front.”
Qi Xu shut the door and took the passenger seat. Buckling up, he asked, “I thought one of you would be with Xu Yichen.”
Fang Qian snorted coldly. “Who cares? That guy’s crazy.”
No one knew exactly how Xu Yichen managed to annoy Fang Qian again. Just two days into the holiday, they seemed fine chatting in the group.
The Ferrari ahead was loudly expressing its loneliness and displeasure, revving its engine wildly. The noise drew people out from the Shen family villa.
Xu Yichen pressed harder on the gas, revving the engine and speeding off.
Fang Qian’s face darkened. She grabbed a walkie-talkie and barked, “Xu Yichen, do you want to die? What are you doing flooring it in a residential area? Pull over right now.”
The Cayenne left the villa gates and, at the next intersection, saw the Ferrari parked by the roadside. Fang Qian stormed out and marched toward the sports car.
Xu Yichen got out like a perfect gentleman, opening the door and helping Fang Qian in. Unsurprisingly, he got a swift kick in the rear.
He shut the passenger door, cracked a hoarse grin, and looked at the Cayenne like a silly dog.
Once Xu Yichen was back in the car, Qi Xu picked up the walkie-talkie and said, “Xu Yichen, you’ve got some food stuck in your teeth.”
Jiang Zimu leaned forward. “Qi Xu, you saw that from so far away?”
Qi Xu tossed the walkie-talkie down. “Nope, told him to check the mirror and see how ridiculous he looks.”
The person behind the wheel, wearing sunglasses, couldn’t help but smile at the corner of his mouth.
Not long after, the walkie-talkie crackled with Xu Yichen’s frustrated yelling, before Fang Qian forcibly cut him off after two seconds.
After the two cars left the Shen family villa, Shen Zhuohai frowned and asked, “Where did Qi Xu meet all these shady people?”
He had assumed they were just reckless rich kids from the social circle.
Shen Fengkai sipped his coffee leisurely and said, “Xie Huai, Xu Yichen, Fang Qian, Jiang Zimu—Dad, these are heirs from prominent families.”
Shen Zhuohai was speechless.
“How does Qi Xu get so close to them?”
He knew Qi Xu and Xie Huai were roommates, but in just a few months, Qi Xu had already been accepted into Xie Huai’s social circle. Even his youngest son had never been personally picked up at the doorstep like this.
Shen Fengkai said, “Qi Xu and Xie Huai are friends. Today is Jiang Zimu’s coming-of-age birthday, and Qi Xu was invited.”
“What about Zeyu? Wasn’t he usually the one invited to younger folks’ gatherings?” Shen Zhuohai clearly hadn’t caught up with the current situation. “Can Qi Xu really get along well with them?”
Shen Zhuohai didn’t understand the younger generation’s circles. He always thought Shen Zeyu and Xie Huai were close, but actually, Zeyu only went to the Xie family to see Xie Huai and never really joined Xie Huai’s private gatherings with Xu Yichen and the others.
Shen Fengkai handed his coffee cup to a servant and said, “Zeyu wasn’t invited. Qi Xu is more suited for that kind of occasion.”
At least it was legit now. The Xie family, Xu family, Fang family—one of them might end up aligned with the Shen family.
Still, his younger brother might cause a scene in front of Zeng Yun, and since their mother is soft-hearted, she might say something in Qi Xu’s presence.
Right now, Qi Xu and Xie Huai’s relationship wasn’t stable enough to be disturbed. No one expected them to become as close as the Xie or Xu families to the Shen family, but at least their interests could align in the future.
Shen Fengkai added, “Today I plan to take him and Mom out for a little outing.”
Shen Zhuohai looked puzzled, “Outing for what, exactly?”
Shen Fengkai advised, “Dad, you should take a break and relax too.”
