Aside from everything else, Zhou Tingzhi’s son was the most difficult hurdle. She was barely twenty; how could she be a stepmother? Beyond external factors, Zhou Tingzhi had changed drastically—not just his age and appearance, but also his life experiences, social status, and financial situation. Tao Xin couldn’t call him “Xiao Zhou” like before. 

Reason told Tao Xin she should revert to being friends, avoiding a worse outcome than her eighteen-year disappearance. 

But emotion and reason are different. Emotion is the fog in the mountains, the siren’s song, a skilled debater finding justifications for inappropriate actions. 

Tao Xin took a large gulp of iced cola, glaring at Zhou Tingzhi, “Why tell your son I’m your friend? Are we friends? How many friends do you have that you’re this close to?” 

If Zhou Tingzhi’s defense was 100, Tao Xin’s attack was 101. The rapid-fire questions broke his composure. He unconsciously took a step forward, then said awkwardly, “You know I didn’t mean it that way.” 

Tao Xin stood up, firing more questions, “What did you mean? Shouldn’t you explain our relationship to me before your son? Do you have a girlfriend? Am I your ex-girlfriend?” 

Zhou Tingzhi looked at Tao Xin, momentarily dazed, then recovered, averting his gaze, “I’m your guardian.” 

Tao Xin scoffed, “If you don’t deny having a girlfriend, you do. If you don’t deny I’m your ex-girlfriend, I am. I absolutely will not live with my ex-boyfriend! I’ll call Director Chen to pick me up!” 

Without pausing, she pulled out her phone. 

Zhou Tingzhi’s breath hitched. He instinctively grabbed her wrist, “Don’t… wait.” 

“What is it?” 

“I’m afraid you’ll regret it…” 

A triumphant smile spread across Tao Xin’s face, “I knew you were pretending.” 

Zhou Tingzhi’s face flushed. He retorted, “I wasn’t.” 

This reaction felt familiar, as if the eighteen years hadn’t passed, just a short separation. 

Tao Xin laughed, transforming from a relentless cheetah to a languid cat. Her voice softened, “Actually, this isn’t so bad. When we dated, you were afraid of taking advantage of me financially, working tirelessly on your computer. I worried about burdening you, always looking for cheap dates. You were exhausted, sleeping anywhere, and I was always rushing around. We were both drained.” 

“Now,” Tao Xin linked arms with Zhou Tingzhi, looking at the lush garden outside the dining room, “You’ve made so much money. I can eat and travel wherever I want. My life now is all about spending!” 

“But…” Zhou Tingzhi said, “When you were thirty-eight, I was…” 

“You’re not old now,” Tao Xin stared at his face, “You look twenty-seven or so, still charming.” 

When Qin Yi started working for the family, Zhou Nian was nine. She had watched him grow up, treating him like her own son. She often wished Zhou Tingzhi would remarry and give Zhou Nian siblings. 

But stepmothers could be cruel, and if Zhou Tingzhi favored his younger children, Zhou Nian’s life would be miserable. 

Qin Yi admired Zhou Tingzhi for preventing this tragedy. He was responsible despite his youth. 

But as Zhou Nian grew, Qin Yi changed her mind. She pitied Zhou Tingzhi being alone in the large house after Zhou Nian married and started his family. She hoped he’d find a loving partner. 

She never expected the seemingly pure Zhou Tingzhi to favor eternally young girls. 

Though she couldn’t judge his personal life, Qin Yi was upset and sleepless, angry for Zhou Nian and worried for herself. 

Zhou Tingzhi had an important engagement the next day. After he left, only she, Zhou Nian, and the “little vixen” would be home. Qin Yi felt anxious. 

But she had to face it, smiling. 

At dawn, Qin Yi prepared Zhou Tingzhi’s breakfast. He wasn’t picky, preferring simple, nutritious meals. Unlike other employers, he didn’t demand elaborate meals or detailed nutritional information. 

Qin Yi found her job easy, feeling overpaid. She made medicinal soups for Zhou Tingzhi and Zhou Nian—Astragalus, Codonopsis, and pigeon soup; chestnut, yam, and pig’s trotters soup—laborious but willingly done. 

Until today. 

As Qin Yi prepared ingredients, her phone buzzed. It was a rare message from Zhou Tingzhi—a four-dish-and-soup breakfast menu. 

More messages followed: 

[Zhou Tingzhi: Sorry, Qin Jie, I forgot to tell you last night, I won’t be home for breakfast. They’ll probably wake up around nine, make breakfast then.] 

[Zhou Tingzhi: Sorry to trouble you to buy groceries in the morning.] 

[Zhou Tingzhi: [Transfer 500]] 

Qin Yi thought she was materialistic, but apparently not. 

Zhou Tingzhi! Your son sleeps until noon on holidays, right? They wake up at nine? You think we don’t know your secret? You have time to customize a menu for the little vixen! You bought groceries yesterday, and you want to buy more! Who said we should save food and not waste it!!! 

[Liu Xiucheng: [Refunded]] 

[Liu Xiucheng: It’s my job, no trouble.] 

Qin Yi was furious, for the first time despising money. Her eight-character reply was a silent contempt for her employer. 

She reluctantly prepared breakfast and lunch, feeling like she was serving a stepmother. 

As expected, at 9:10 AM, Tao Xin sleepily emerged from the guest room, greeting her cheerfully, “Qin Jie, good morning.” 

Liu Xiucheng was fifty-two. “Qin Jie” from Tao Xin felt awkward. 

Qin Yi didn’t know what to call Tao Xin, nodding, “Morning. Breakfast is ready.” 

“It smells delicious,” Tao Xin sat down, taking a sip of soup, her eyes shining, “Wow, so fresh.” 

Qin Yi smiled inwardly, realizing her mistake. 

Oh no! The vixen is powerful! She used her charm! How could she betray Zhou Nian? 

Qin Yi composed herself, appearing unmoved, “If you like it, have more.” 

While Tao Xin ate, Qin Yi observed her. Even if she disliked Tao Xin, she had to admit her beauty. Beautiful girls are common, but truly beautiful ones are rare. Even in loose pajamas, with messy hair and no makeup, she had a refined and aloof elegance, like a wealthy heiress. 

Qin Yi’s heart wavered. With her looks, she could easily find someone younger, handsomer, and richer than Zhou Tingzhi. Why choose him? Were they truly in love? 

Zhou Tingzhi was indeed attractive, gentle, and steady. Tao Xin might not only care about his money. 

But their age gap was huge… 

Suddenly, the landline rang. She answered, hearing a gentle male voice, “Hello, is this Mr. Zhou’s residence?” 

Qin Yi knew it was a salesperson, “Mr. Zhou is not home. Who is this? I’ll pass on important messages.” 

“Yesterday, Mr. Zhou and Ms. Tao purchased some clothes. The experience wasn’t ideal due to time constraints. We’ve applied for Homewardrobin service—delivering our new season collection for you to choose from.” The salesperson added, “This is a special service for VIC members only.”