Chapter 27: Confrontation

Tao Xihong put down her phone and waited in the car.

Jian Xi ran over, leaning slightly into the car window. “Mom, what are you doing here?”

Tao Xihong’s expression was relatively gentle as she replied, “The new factory has been busy with preparations, and I’ve been in meetings with several departments until now.”

So it was just a coincidence that she was passing by. Jian Xi felt a little relieved. Tao Xihong’s gaze casually drifted toward He Ran, who was not far away.

“Xiao Xi, what about you? With friends?”

After considering for a moment, Jian Xi softly replied, “Yes.”

Tao Xihong still smiled and directly asked, “Boyfriend?”

“Yes.”

This time, Tao Xihong responded with silence.

Jian Xi could clearly feel the atmosphere shift in a sensitive and sharp manner.

She said, “Mom, let me introduce him to you. His name is...”

“Go home.” Tao Xihong interrupted her. “Did you drive here? Go get your car.”

Jian Xi’s heart sank. She leaned on the car window, her tone becoming urgent. “Mom, I...”

“Go home.”

Tao Xihong was a bona fide businesswoman. In her early years, she single-handedly shouldered the burden, transforming a small workshop-style production line into today’s Jiexi Daily Chemicals. After years of hard work, she had developed an imposing presence without even needing to show anger.

Jian Xi knew that her mother was not satisfied with He Ran.

Her reluctance was crystal clear to Tao Xihong. “Xiao Xi, Mom is very tired today. Can you keep Mom company tonight?”

A few meters away, He Ran quietly watched. At this moment, he hung his helmet on the motorcycle handle and strode toward them.

From Tao Xihong’s angle, they were face to face. Her eyes were guarded and distant, but He Ran did not shy away from any scrutiny.

He stopped in front of Tao Xihong, standing shoulder to shoulder with Jian Xi.

“Hello, I’m He Ran.”

Tao Xihong nodded slightly, polite and courteous. “Hello.”

He Ran: “It’s cold outside, Auntie. Shall we go inside and have some hot tea?”

Tao Xihong smiled faintly. “Thank you, no need.” She glanced at Jian Xi, as if hinting or warning, “Xiao Xi.”

He Ran remained amiable and nodded. “Alright, I’ll visit your parents another day.”

He stood up and lightly placed his hand on Jian Xi’s waist, offering silent comfort. “Go home with your mom.”

Jian Xi nodded and walked around to sit in the passenger seat.

The black car, like a sword lying dormant in the winter night, disappeared from sight.

In the car, Tao Xihong no longer cared whether Jian Xi had driven there and headed straight for home.

Upon arriving home, Tao Xihong went upstairs directly. “Come with me.”

Jian Xi lowered her brows and followed after changing her shoes.

Mother and daughter sat in the tearoom. Tao Xihong took a small wooden box from the cabinet. “These were picked from your aunt’s farm. It’s my first time trying them.”

Jian Xi had already lit the charcoal fire. She took a small piece of the tea cake and placed it on the burner.

Tao Xihong poured the boiled water into the teaware, asking while she moved, “What does that man do?”

Jian Xi replied, “Accounting.”

Tao Xihong hummed, “Which company?”

“A small company.”

“How long have you known each other?”

“Two months.”

“Two months?” Tao Xihong raised her eyes, withdrew her hands, and the freshly brewed teaware began to emit wisps of steam.

“Xiao Xi, Mom doesn’t oppose you dating.”

Jian Xi paused, waiting quietly.

“Mom isn’t an unreasonable parent. For young people, having some emotional experiences is good. But during this process, you must know how to balance things.” Tao Xihong slowly continued, “You’ve never made us worry from childhood to adulthood. Mom knows you’re sensible.”

Jian Xi gripped the porcelain cup tightly with both hands.

“Xiao Xi, you must be cautious in matters of lifelong importance.”

With that decisive statement, this was Tao Xihong’s final stance.

Once things were laid out, some clarity emerged. The oppressive cloud that had hung over Jian Xi all evening was swept away by a moment of clarity.

She gently placed the teacup on the table, calm amidst the faint rising smoke of the charcoal fire.

“Mom, I really like He Ran, and I’m very happy with him.”

Tao Xihong stared directly into her eyes, trying to find any flaws. After a few seconds, her brows slightly furrowed.

“You’re happy? Alright, I admit, taking you for a ride on a motorcycle, being intimate with you in front of so many people—this is indeed quite charming for a woman. But Xiao Xi—life ultimately has to return to reality.”

Tao Xihong’s words became sharper. “That man doesn’t have a formal job or stable income. Of course, Mom isn’t looking down on him, but he’s nearly thirty and still so unstable. Isn’t that too irresponsible?”

Jian Xi was momentarily speechless.

Tao Xihong didn’t say more. This conversation was a well-executed psychological tactic, skillfully balanced with tension and ease.

She accurately controlled the rhythm, almost certain of the outcome.

After a while, Jian Xi finally raised her head. “Mom, did Lu Pingnan tell you?”

This time, Tao Xihong was slightly caught off guard but quickly recovered. “Who told me isn’t important. What matters is the matter itself.”

“He’s not without money; he has savings, enough for a down payment on a house. He’s not incapable of working, nor is he indulging in trivial pursuits. If these are what you consider ‘important,’ then in my view, he is more than sufficient.”

Tao Xihong gave a slight sneer and spoke again, her face serious. “He collects debts for others—a gray area skirting the law. Xiao Xi, setting aside other issues, have you considered that your father might face criticism in the future because of these minor matters?”

Jian Xi’s heart raced. She felt as though something was gripping her throat. All the explanations she wanted to make were stuck.

The aroma of tea gradually rose, mingling with the oppressive silence, making it hard to breathe.

The only movement was the thin wisp of heat dispersing in the air.

Tao Xihong softened a bit and poured her a cup of tea. “Alright, don’t feel pressured. Mom is just laying out some principles beforehand. Of course, you can date.” She sighed faintly. “I thought you and Lu Pingnan would end up together.”

Jian Xi immediately turned cold. “Impossible.”

Tao Xihong assumed she was being rebellious and stopped there. “Are you hungry? I’ll have the maid make some porridge.”

“No need, Mom.” Jian Xi stood up. “I’m on night duty today.”

Tao Xihong: “Let the driver take you.”

“No need.” Jian Xi placed her hand on the door handle. “I’ll take a taxi.”

She ended this seemingly peaceful conversation without argument or resentment. It was like a solid punch hitting her heart, leaving her unable to vent, which was the most uncomfortable feeling.

Jian Xi left the old house. Just as she stepped out of the gate, she saw Lu Hanxiao leaning against the car door, smoking under the streetlight about five or six meters away.

“Over here!” As soon as he saw her, he quickly extinguished his cigarette and waved.

Jian Xi walked over. “Why are you here?”

Lu Hanxiao opened the car door. “What else? Coming to your rescue.”

Jian Xi hesitated but got in the car.

“He Ran called me and asked me to come and check on you.” Lu Hanxiao fastened his seatbelt and slowly turned the steering wheel. “Did you have it out with your mom?”

Jian Xi hummed in acknowledgment.

“She doesn’t approve, right?” Lu Hanxiao smiled. “I know her well. My dad says your mom was once the queen bee of the compound back in the day.”

Seeing Jian Xi wasn’t in high spirits, Lu Hanxiao changed the topic. “Where do you want to go?”

“Anywhere.” Jian Xi didn’t want to go home; her mind was a mess. “Hang out with you.”

When Lu Hanxiao received He Ran’s call, he was still entertaining some procurement agents, dining and having fun. It wasn’t appropriate for someone of his status to leave halfway through.

So, he took Jian Xi back to the mansion where several vice presidents from Lu Hanxiao’s company were present. They were close friends, laughing and joking, asking, “Boss, aren’t you going to introduce her?”

Lu Hanxiao shielded Jian Xi behind him. Known for his generosity, he raised his hand, and a waiter approached promptly.

“Have your manager bring them in,” Lu Hanxiao instructed.

Soon, a long line of beautiful women entered, each tall and elegant, uniformly greeting sweetly, “Hello, bosses.”

Lu Hanxiao waved his hand. “Take your pick.”

Pleasing their preferences, the clients and vice presidents were all delighted, bringing the atmosphere to its peak.

Lu Hanxiao led Jian Xi to sit on a high stool at the bar. There were only two stools, clearly indicating no others were welcome.

Jian Xi wanted a drink. Lu Hanxiao clicked his tongue twice. “Heartbroken in love, indulging in alcohol, huh?”

Though he said that, he didn’t stop her, handing over a glass with low alcohol content.

Jian Xi tilted her head and drank half the glass. “Thirsty.”

Lu Hanxiao couldn’t stop her. “Hey, hey, hey! Take it easy!”

“I’m quite surprised.” Jian Xi’s breath carried a slight scent of alcohol. “I thought my mom, being experienced, would understand these things.”

Lu Hanxiao pushed a plate of dessert in front of her. “It’s different. Your dad was poor back then, but he was clean and proper, following the righteous path. He Ran is different; his life is like the waves of Honghu Lake.”

Lu Hanxiao stuffed his mouth with cake, mumbling, “Looks pretty unreliable.”

Jian Xi was getting increasingly irritated. “Are you even on my side?”

“Isn’t that obvious?” Lu Hanxiao: “My friendship with him is rock-solid, till mountains crumble and seas dry up.”

Jian Xi emptied her glass, ignoring him.

“Let’s talk frankly, Xiao Xi. If you purely want to have a fling, then it’s not a problem.” Lu Hanxiao analyzed rationally.

But Jian Xi suddenly said, “I’m serious.”

Lu Hanxiao was momentarily speechless.

“All these hypothetical scenarios don’t exist. No need for examples. I understand the reasoning, but I won’t yield to anyone’s advice.”

Jian Xi swirled the wine in her glass. The red liquid clung to the glass walls, reluctant to leave.

She laughed softly, her face redder than the wine. “Oh dear, it’s so annoying. My intentions for him are huge.”

Lu Hanxiao was stunned. “What intentions?”

Jian Xi muttered, “To monopolize him for life.”

After saying that, she laughed to herself, popping a cherry from the cake into her mouth, chewing it until the juice burst forth.

After a long while, Lu Hanxiao finally regained his composure. These intentions—

They were maddeningly envious.

Not spending much time playing the role of the heartbroken boy, Lu Hanxiao was pulled away by clients to toast drinks.

After several rounds, Jian Xi got up to go to the restroom.

The mirrored wall reflected light, illuminating the corridor brilliantly. The alcohol fumes made Jian Xi feel dizzy.

As she came out of the restroom, feeling hot, she unbuttoned her coat. Before her hand touched it, she heard a familiar voice—

“Mom, stop nagging! I told you I’m at a social event. Stop calling me all the time, okay?”

Around the corner leading to the hall, Lu Pingnan was standing there, holding his phone, visibly annoyed.

His mother pressed harder, urging him more insistently to settle things with Jian Xi.

“You have to give me time! I damn well want to be the mayor’s son-in-law, but she’s not interested in me now. What can I do?”

Jian Xi stopped in her tracks, leaning against the wall, holding her breath to listen.

On the other end of the phone came another round of nagging. This time, Lu Pingnan lost his temper completely. “All you do is talk, talk, talk! What do you mean I’m not seizing the opportunity! I tried with her years ago, and she wouldn’t even let me hold her hand. How can we talk about dating? It’s not like we’re in a feudal society anymore!”

“I even reported to her mom today, telling her that she’s dating a thug. Her mom definitely won’t approve.”

Lu Pingnan’s mood shifted from irritation to smugness. Drunk, his tone turned sinister.

“If I can’t have this woman, no one else will.”

As Lu Pingnan answered the call and turned around, he suddenly looked up. “Oh my!” He almost dropped his phone.

Jian Xi was standing behind him, her gaze piercing.

“L-little Xi, h-how did y-you...” Lu Pingnan hurriedly hung up the phone, his words slurred.

Before he could finish his sentence—

A loud slap echoed.

Jian Xi’s palm struck his face hard.

Lu Pingnan was stunned, looking at her in disbelief. The commotion drew sidelong glances from those around, whispering and laughing mockingly, utterly humiliating Lu Pingnan.

“You!” All his anger was crushed between his teeth, but knowing he was in the wrong, he lacked the guts to speak.

Jian Xi’s voice was cold, like a knife. “Disgusting.”

This word triggered Lu Pingnan’s complete loss of control. “Jian Xi, when will you stop! Are you getting a kick out of this?”

He raised his hand, ready to strike back, but his wrist was firmly grabbed from behind.

“Ouch! Pain, pain, pain!”

Lu Hanxiao’s face was livid as he twisted Lu Pingnan’s arm. “You dare lay a hand on her? You want to die, huh?”

Lu Pingnan had no time to answer, only crying out in pain.

“What gives you the nerve to act tough here? Do you believe I’ll cripple you!” Lu Hanxiao didn’t loosen his grip, truly meaning every word.

Jian Xi stood there, her eyes red.

“Xiao Xi!” Lu Hanxiao shouted and saw her turn and run away.

Lu Hanxiao left Lu Pingnan and finally found Jian Xi at the elevator.

She crouched against the wall, burying her head in her knees, her shoulders shaking.

Lu Hanxiao felt uneasy, squatting down. “Looking this ugly, let’s see if He Ran still wants you.”

Jian Xi finally raised her head, tears streaming down her face.

“Damn, are you deliberately making me心疼 (heartache)?” Lu Hanxiao couldn’t bear it anymore.

Jian Xi asked, “Is my judgment really that bad? Did I actually like such a man?”

“Totally normal.” Lu Hanxiao’s voice was faint. “People change. Entering society, encountering money—how many people lose their morals?”

But when you fell for him, he was still an untainted youth.

Some people change with the times, while others remain true to their初心 (original intentions), staying frozen in the moment you fell for them.

Lu Hanxiao stayed with her for a while. His phone rang, and he took it out. “Oh no, the check-up call is here.”

“Are you going to answer it?” Lu Hanxiao asked.

Jian Xi nodded and extended her hand.

After answering—

“I’ve been waiting for your call all night, and you didn’t even bother to reply! Where is she? Is she still at home? Did her mom scold her? Is she alright? Damn it, say something!”

He Ran’s rapid-fire words came pouring out.

Jian Xi’s heart surged, tears filling her eyes.

“Lu Hanxiao, are you dead?! Say something!” He Ran grew even more anxious.

Jian Xi opened her mouth, her voice hoarse. “...Big Brother He.”

There was a pause on the other end.

Hearing the beloved voice, all emotions turned into grievances. Jian Xi softly asked, “Where are you? I want to see you.”

A brief moment of silence. There seemed to be wind sounds on the phone.

He Ran struggled to jump down from the big locust tree in the neighborhood. This tree offered the best view; as soon as Jian Xi appeared, he could see her first.

“...Wife, I’m downstairs at your place.”