Chapter 51: Confession Bureau

As the date of her driver’s license exam approached, Lin Yiwei’s departure abroad also drew nearer. She could clearly sense Xie Bo’s recent dissatisfaction and insistent demands, almost every day, many times over.

Lin Yiwei was a girl with extremely acute sensitivity, able to perceive every subtle change around her. She noticed that Xie Bo seemed to be pursuing more than just pleasure and enjoyment; with each intimate moment, Lin Yiwei felt he was bidding her farewell. Reluctant farewells.

Honestly, Lin Yiwei would rather Xie Bo seek happiness from her body than have genuine feelings for her. Because in this world, everything has a price tag except genuine feelings. Genuine affection could be worthless or priceless… something Lin Yiwei couldn’t afford and couldn’t repay.

Late at night, curled in his arms, she looked up at the man’s beautiful jawline, breathing in his soft breaths. In reality, after countless intimacies, his breath seemed to merge with her own. Even germaphobia wouldn’t mind food he had tasted, because people don’t reject themselves.

Lin Yiwei asked herself deeply, what kind of feelings did she truly have for Xie Bo? She couldn’t say. Habit is truly a frightening thing; during these days of cohabitation, she had completely grown accustomed to everything about Xie Bo—his skin, his scent, his hair, his heartbeat…

Does she love him? The answer was a definite no; she was merely using him to achieve her goals. Her Spanish conquest had almost failed, and now she had shifted to another target, which seemed easier because of his surprising degree of affection towards her.

But how could she not love him?

In such an intimate relationship where she can share breath with a man… She would unconsciously eat the food he had taken a bite of, even if she didn’t like it, she would get excited because he found satisfaction in her, and she might even sneak a kiss on him while he was asleep…

Lin Yiwei was unwilling to think further.

…

A few days later, the exams for the second and third subjects arrived. On the day of the exam, Lin Yiwei was not awakened by the early alarm clock but by Xie Bo, who asked her if she knew what a good day it was today.

The young girl felt the unusual sensation in her body even with her eyes closed. In his warm kiss, she completely woke up from her dream.

She stretched lazily, “Of course, I know, it’s the driving school exam today.”

“Well, get up quickly, and I’ll take you to the training ground for a few laps.”

Lin Yiwei’s gaze shifted downward and saw that Xie Bo had already put himself in.

She bit her lower lip slightly and said helplessly, “How can I get up like this?”

The man’s fingertips hooked her face, and he smiled, “You find a way to make me finish quickly, isn’t that good?”

Playing this game again. Lin Yiwei turned over and pressed him down.

Xie Bo’s smile deepened, and only heaven knew how much he liked her initiative and how much he enjoyed seeing her wanting him. Lin Yiwei held his hands with both hands, fingers tightly intertwined. It didn’t take much effort, with a series of “brothers” calling in his ears intermittently, begging… he soon surrendered.

After so long of getting along, she knew the excitement threshold of Xie Bo as well as the back of her hand, just like how Xie Bo understood all her sensitivities.

In the morning, Xie Bo unusually cooked for her. There were no well-fried eggs, half-cooked corn sticks, and a slightly hot cup of milk… Although it was barely passable, considering it was his first time cooking, Lin Yiwei ate it all up, transformed into a praising team, encouraging him further.

Xie Bo said, “You’re dreaming.”

Only once, just this once, he hated cooking the most and would never do it again.

Lin Yiwei felt that he would eventually face the consequences, and wouldn’t it be less when he did?

She ate her meal leisurely and happily, and Xie Bo took her to the driving school’s practice ground for two hours before sending her to the designated examination site at the vehicle management office.

Lin Yiwei hung her backpack on Xie Bo and nervously said, “It would be disastrous if I didn’t pass.”

“Don’t worry too much. Your husband is a well-known award-winning race car driver who personally trained you. You won’t fail even the driving exam.” Xie Bo rubbed her head, showing confidence in her.

“You are not my husband.”

“Really? Then what were you calling out last night?”

“The content of what I called out at that time, how can it be taken seriously? You even called me a puppy when you were drunk. Does that mean I have become your puppy?”

Xie Bo chuckled, “What’s wrong with that? I really like puppies.”

Lin Yiwei reached out and pinched his cheek, “I won’t tell you anymore, I’ll go in first.”

Xie Bo held her face, kissed her forehead, and then let her into the exam venue.

In the afternoon, Lin Yiwei thought Xie Bo had gone to do his own thing.

Until four o’clock in the afternoon, she walked out with a sad face, and Xie Bo’s car was still parked in the same spot.

He waited for her all day.

Seeing her teary face, he asked, “How did it go?”

“It’s a disaster, I didn’t pass!”

“Didn’t pass? How come?”

“I forgot to buckle up when I got in the car.” She was on the verge of tears.

Originally expecting disappointment, Xie Bo unexpectedly breathed a sigh of relief, “It’s okay, I’ll write an application for a delayed start of school for you. It should pass, and you will definitely pass the next driving test.”

This way, they parted ways later.

Unexpectedly, Lin Yiwei, who was crying, suddenly smiled, tiptoed and reached out to tug Xie Bo’s short hair, “I tricked you! Silly Xie Bo, I passed! How could I not pass? I studied so seriously for over a month, I could pass even with my eyes closed! I’m not a super big idiot!”

Xie Bo looked at her helplessly, feeling a bit like laughing, relieved, and also a bit lost.

In fact, deep down, he had hoped she wouldn’t pass.

But thinking back to the danger that night, sending her away earlier might not be a bad thing.

That night, Xie Bo invited Lin Yiwei to a seafood feast to celebrate. After a hearty meal, he also had a satisfying “meal” when they returned.

Every day was treated like doomsday.

During that time, Xie Bo felt the coldness in Xie Sizhao’s attitude towards him.

He went to the top floor of the Xie Group, where he handed a carefully prepared and beautifully packaged gift to the front desk assistant at the office door.

“Judy, long time no see, you look even more beautiful.”

“You, this boy, your mouth is as sweet as honey today.” Judy’s smile brightened whenever she saw him.

“Sister Judy, see if you like it.”

Judy opened the gift box, a mint green fragrance from DIPTYQUE. Although not very expensive, paired with Xie Bo’s stunning and refined face, addressing her as “sister” one after another, was enough to melt any woman’s heart.

“Sorry, Third Young Master, Mr. Xie is in a meeting.” Judy hesitated, “I really want to help you, but Mr. Xie’s temper… you know.”

“It’s okay.” Xie Bo pushed the gift box back, “Don’t worry, Judy, it’s just a small gift. I’ll be satisfied if you accept it. If you don’t like this fragrance, you can give it to a little sister.”

Listening to his gentle voice, Judy felt as if a cool stream was flowing through her heart, washing away the exhaustion of a day’s work. Though young, Xie Bo knew how to handle people well.

Whether it was the senior management or assistants like her, everyone had a soft spot for this Third Young Master, not just because of his looks.

Judy smiled brightly, “Third Young Master, your words are so sweet, no wonder there are so many flowers and butterflies around you.”

“Judy, you’re misunderstanding. I only have one girlfriend, no one else.”

As he mentioned it, Judy immediately became interested, leaning in gossiping, “Isn’t it Miss Chi? The company has been talking about it these days, saying you have a new girlfriend.”

Xie Bo played with a small Christmas tree ornament on the table with his fingertips, calmly saying, “How does everyone in the company know?”

“Because Mr. Xie was so angry last week, he even smashed a priceless Yue kiln celadon for this matter. These days, everyone is on edge, afraid of upsetting Mr. Xie.” Now, Judy, with a hand over her chest, felt a bit scared, “Third Young Master, these past few years, Mr. Xie has valued you a lot. He has mentioned you in front of business partners more than once, saying that when you were as young as you are now, you were better at handling things and people than him, and he was proud of you. Look, after so many years of hard work, this hand has been played well. Don’t ruin it yourself.”

Xie Bo lowered his gaze, the sharp edges of the Christmas tree ornament cutting into his hand, “Thank you for your kindness, Judy. I understand.”

“As long as you understand, that’s enough. Go back, as long as you correct yourself in time, don’t anger Mr. Xie again. After this period, everything will be fine. There’s no lasting grudge between father and son.”

“Judy, I really hope to see him today.” Xie Bo looked up, pleadingly at the young woman in a small suit and a one-piece dress, “Sister, it was just a pretense when I said I didn’t need your help earlier. Can you help me, please?”

“Oh…” Judy frowned in distress, truly unable to refuse him. Anyone in her position wouldn’t be able to bear to turn him down. “Okay, wait in the pantry. Mr. Xie will come out to stretch during his break. Have some fruit. When the time comes, seize the opportunity. Don’t mention that I let you stay here. I’ll pretend I don’t know you’re here.”

“Thank you, Sister Judy, I won’t make it difficult for you.”

Xie Bo sat in the pantry, waiting from early morning until dusk.

During this time, Lin Yiwei sent him a text asking if he was coming back today. She had baked a little cake and wanted him to taste it.

Thin: “Don’t wait for me today, have your meal.”

Breeze: “I’m flying away tomorrow, are you not coming back tonight?”

She sent a few unhappy emojis and wisely didn’t disturb him further. During that time, she seemed to have become a bit clingy to him because they had spent too much time together. She wasn’t used to being apart for even a few hours.

Thin: “Be good~”

Breeze: “Not good, not good!”

Xie Bo felt very uncomfortable.

Finally, as the sun set in the west, Xie Sizhao and several well-dressed men came out of the office, chatting and laughing, seeing off the guests.

As they passed by the pantry, Xie Sizhao walked in.

As soon as he stepped in, Xie Bo saw Xie Sizhao standing up, respectfully calling out, “Dad.”

Xie Sizhao suddenly became a bit annoyed and turned back angrily, “Judy, who pays your salary? You are becoming more and more capable!”

Judy trembled in fear, almost spilling the coffee in her hand.

“Dad, I just sneaked in. Judy didn’t see me.” Xie Bo explained.

Xie Sizhao looked at him unkindly. After all, he was a child brought back when he was ten years old. He was very different from his other two sons, Xie Jialin and Xie Jiahui, who grew up by his side and were more familiar.

Xie Bo’s two brothers would act coquettishly, throw tantrums in front of Xie Sizhao, even if they made him angry, they would be unafraid, and would even argue with their father.

Xie Bo was not like that. He was cautious and obedient. Whatever Xie Sizhao said, he obediently listened, extremely compliant, gentle, and submissive. Xie Sizhao liked obedient children, undoubtedly. But sometimes… the relationship between them was not like that of a father and son, there was always a thin layer separating them, making them distant and unfamiliar.

Xie Sizhao did not think it was his fault. He never doubted that he was a good father, but he was not the child he raised. Before the age of ten, Xie Bo had struggled at the bottom, with a heavy heart and deep thoughts, which was quite normal. This was not a big deal. Xie Sizhao appreciated young people who were willing to fight and strive. As long as he had value, he would give him opportunities.

“My people can be ordered around by you. Judy has been by my side for so many years, handling things so well. Such a cautious and meticulous person is willing to take risks for you. Xie Bo, you are really capable.”

“Dad, you misunderstood. Judy really didn’t see me come in.”

Xie Sizhao looked at his watch, sat on the sofa in the pantry, and said expressionlessly, “I’ll give you a minute.”

Xie Bo immediately said, “Was it you who sent the black car that hit and run that night?”

“Xie Bo, I warn you, this minute is not for you to question me.”

Xie Bo took off his silver moon glasses, calmly wiping them with a tissue. He already had a clear answer in his heart.

“Father, I have received your warning. She has a flight tomorrow, and after she arrives in England, I beg you to spare her.”

Not calling him dad, but father, it was clear that he was also upset.

Rare, so rare, a son who had been obedient for so many years without a hint of disobedience, now seemed to have grown wings.

Xie Sizhao’s eyes carried a deep meaning, “Xie Bo, starting from tomorrow, you don’t need to come to the company, and you don’t need to come anymore.”

Judy, who was holding a coffee tray at the door, paused for a moment, then walked in, placing two Americanos on the coffee table, smiling and saying, “Mr. Xie, Third Young Master is still young after all, not even twenty this year. Young people in love are like this, they get carried away for a few days, then come to their senses. Why bother getting angry with him over such a small matter? It’s not worth getting upset over.”

Xie Sizhao picked up the coffee cup, the crow’s feet at the corner of his eyes trembling slightly. Xie Bo stood up, and after a moment, he knelt down without saying a word, feeling as if his knees were weighed down by a thousand catties, his scalp numb.

“I need you to think carefully about what your identity is.” Seeing him kneel down, Xie Sizhao slowly spoke, “Xie Bo, if you want to be my son, you must understand that the interests of the Xie family come above all else. If you don’t want to be my son, then you will taste the feeling of having nothing.”

After saying that, Xie Sizhao walked out.

Xie Bo watched the man’s back and suddenly spoke in a deep voice, “Just because I have something I want, my own desires, you make me have nothing. But when my two brothers repeatedly disobey, you don’t say such things. Your tolerance towards them far surpasses mine. Why? Is it because I don’t call you dad like they do, or is it because we lack the father-son bond of those ten years, a gap that no matter how hard I try, I can’t bridge with my brothers.”

Xie Sizhao’s steps halted.

Rarely, after ten years, this was the first time Xie Bo had spoken such emotional words. Judy furrowed her brows, repeatedly shaking her head at Xie Bo, urging him not to act impulsively.

They had endured for ten years, why erupt at this moment…

Xie Sizhao turned to look at him, “Because your name does not have the character ‘Jia.’ If you want that character, you will have to strive hard for it. You are right, you are not the child I watched grow up. We lack the father-son bond of ten years, I am very unfamiliar to you, and you have aspirations towards me. So, you need to spend more time gaining my trust, unlike your brothers. Do you understand? I can see through their thoughts at a glance, they are simple like children, but you are different, you stopped being a child a long time ago.”

Xie Bo supported his knees, slowly stood up, raised his chin, and locked eyes with Xie Sizhao from a distance.

Enduring for ten years.

At this moment, looking at his aging father, Xie Bo suddenly understood his caution. He was also wary of him, guarded against him from the bottom of his heart…

Xie Sizhao walked up to Xie Bo, lightly patting his face with the documents in his hand, “If your emotions affect your rationality and subsequently affect the interests of the family, then you will forever lose the only thing I admire about you, and you, unlike your brothers, do not have my unconditional love. Tell me, what else can you have.”

With that, the documents slapped Xie Bo’s face and scattered on the floor.

He turned and left.

Xie Bo picked up the documents from the floor, it was the planning proposal for the upcoming launch of the cooperative chain brand – Yumei Fresh, jointly developed by the Xie Group and the Chi Group.

Judy looked at him with concern, and after a moment, she softly said, “Third Young Master, you have always been working hard for your future. Keep it up, I hope that one day, you can sit in the top office, and I hope to serve you on that day.”

With a tinge of red in his eyes, Xie Bo nodded firmly.