Tao Xin initially thought Zhou Tingzhi possessed an almost pathological level of self-discipline, needing to live according to a meticulously planned schedule. However, after dating him, she realized he was actually a very easygoing person, completely lacking any eccentricities. 

Thinking it over, she realized that someone as smooth as Xu Wentao wouldn’t have casually revealed Zhou Tingzhi’s schedule without his consent. 

So, Tao Xin often suspected a secret liaison between Zhou Tingzhi and Xu Wentao, but no matter how she pressed them in private, neither would admit it. Zhou Tingzhi even turned the tables on her, accusing her of disrupting his disciplined life. 

Even now, Zhou Tingzhi wouldn’t admit it, only vaguely saying, “After graduation, we each went our separate ways. After a long time, we lost touch. A few years ago, I heard he went abroad, I don’t know if it was for work or to immigrate.” 

“Everyone’s going abroad?” 

“Who else?” 

“Xue Na, Yao Xue Na, you should remember her, right? Director Chen said she immigrated to France. As a non-citizen, she can’t be my guardian.” 

“So I’m still ranked below Yao Xue Na.” 

Yao Xue Na was another unavoidable figure in Tao Xin and Zhou Tingzhi’s relationship. She and Tao Xin were classmates in middle and high school, and their relationship was exceptionally close. They often stayed at each other’s houses. Even though they didn’t attend the same university, they still met up on weekends, a habit they had developed. 

So, even after Tao Xin started dating Zhou Tingzhi, Yao Xue Na would habitually call Tao Xin to make plans. Tao Xin didn’t want Yao Xue Na to feel forgotten, so she would cancel dates with Zhou Tingzhi to spend time with Yao Xue Na. 

Zhou Tingzhi was always full of resentment, saying why he always came after Yao Xue Na. 

“It’s not the same thing at all,” Tao Xin explained. “Director Chen gave me a form with the guardian priority list. Female guardians have higher priority than male guardians, unmarried female guardians have higher priority than married female guardians, but married male guardians have higher priority than unmarried male guardians. So, according to the Bureau’s rules, you’re ranked below Xue Na. It’s not my decision… Hey, are we there?” 

“Mm, we’re here.” Zhou Tingzhi parked the car, turning to Tao Xin. “So, what’s your priority list now?” 

Tao Xin answered without hesitation, “You, you’re number one.” 

Zhou Tingzhi raised his hand, hesitating for a moment before gently brushing the hair clinging to her face, wet with tears. “Let’s go. Weren’t you hungry?” 

They were eating at a private club renowned for its seafood. The food was impeccable. Tao Xin had been at the Bureau for almost a month, eating cafeteria food every day, so her appetite was enormous. Finally having a meal at a restaurant, eating her favorite seafood, she ate until her stomach was full. 

She was happy, having just heard from Zhou Tingzhi that his parents had been doing well during her absence. But as they left the private room, encountering several well-dressed middle-aged and older business tycoons, her mood plummeted. 

The tycoons hadn’t said anything offensive; they simply recognized Zhou Tingzhi, greeted him, and exchanged pleasantries. Upon hearing Zhou Tingzhi introduce his girlfriend, they complimented Tao Xin on her youth and beauty, remaining courteous throughout. 

However, Tao Xin could clearly sense their condescension towards her. It felt like they saw her as a mere accessory to Zhou Tingzhi, like a luxury car or watch, praising her and being polite only to curry favor with him. 

On the way home, Zhou Tingzhi keenly sensed Tao Xin’s low spirits. “Are you unhappy? Because of those men?” 

Tao Xin didn’t deny it. Since she planned to continue dating the 38-year-old Zhou Tingzhi, she had to address the reality of the situation. “Mm… I feel a little bit of a disconnect. Maybe I’m not used to this environment yet. It’s not your fault. I need to adjust myself.” 

Hearing this, Zhou Tingzhi felt momentarily at a loss, but quickly recovered. 

“Is there anything I can do?” Zhou Tingzhi asked softly. 

“It’s a mental issue, I have to solve it myself. Didn’t you say that?” 

“That was when I was younger, inexperienced, and naive. It doesn’t count.” 

Tao Xin looked at the traffic outside the window and sighed almost imperceptibly. Only now did she empathize with Zhou Tingzhi’s younger self. 

Before dating her, Zhou Tingzhi was clearly a prominent figure at school, with countless admirers, attracting attention wherever he went. Such an ambitious and energetic young man seemed to have unlimited potential, yet because of her appearance, he suffered unwarranted malice and disrespect. It seemed anyone could approach Zhou Tingzhi and jokingly say, “Congratulations, you can save ten years of hard work.” 

At the time, Tao Xin didn’t think it was a big deal, nor did she believe that others’ opinions would affect her relationship with Zhou Tingzhi. Since Zhou Tingzhi said he could adjust his mindset, she didn’t take it seriously. Looking back, she realizes her nonchalance was rather self-righteous. 

The tables had turned, and now it was her turn to suffer from this sense of disconnect. 

They arrived home at 9 p.m. Zhou Nian was staying at a friend’s house, and Aunt Qin had already gone to bed. The large house was quiet and eerily empty. 

Tao Xin wasn’t sleepy, her gaze following Zhou Tingzhi, like a lonely puppy. 

Zhou Tingzhi hesitated for a moment, then said, “I’ll take you to the third floor. I’ll have someone tidy it up and add some furniture. You can move to the third floor later; the guest room on the first floor is too small.” 

“Oh, won’t your son be angry?” 

“It’s okay, I’ll talk to him.” 

“Wow, you’re so cool, Zhou Tingzhi. Is this…” Tao Xin wanted to say, “Is this the charm of a mature man?”, but the moment her hand rested on Zhou Tingzhi’s shoulder, the sensation at her fingertips interrupted her thoughts. 

Huh? This texture? 

Through his shirt, Tao Xin gently pressed on Zhou Tingzhi’s chest. It was soft, slightly springy. After feeling it for a while, she looked up at Zhou Tingzhi, whose face was slightly flushed, and seriously proposed, “I want to sleep with you.” 

Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Could it be that he was sent by Zhou Nian to seduce… 

In this digital age, information spreads quickly, especially juicy gossip, making it incredibly fast. Therefore, even though Zhou Nian stubbornly refused to speak, Li Lequan quickly learned about his running away from home. 

“Alright, don’t hold it in. The saleswoman at the store where my mom often buys bags called last night. She said your dad spent millions on a woman. In such a gossipy social circle, this little thing is already common knowledge.” 

Zhou Nian remained silent, like a frostbitten eggplant. 

As his best friend, Li Lequan wouldn’t add insult to injury. He could only comfort him, “It’s really not a big deal. When my mom told me, she was happy for your dad. It’s not easy for him to have a relationship at his age.” 

Zhou Nian said weakly, “I know it’s not easy, but that woman is too… I’m afraid my dad is being deceived.” 

Li Lequan couldn’t help but laugh, “What kind of joke is that? Your dad is Zhou Tingzhi. Who’s deceiving who is still uncertain. Even if he is being deceived, what can he be deceived of? Money? The girl is young, beautiful, and her youth is valuable, and your dad has plenty of money. Deceived feelings? That’s good. Your dad learns from his mistakes, and the next girlfriend will surely be your virtuous stepmother. If the girl decides to deceive your dad for life, making your dad happy for the rest of his life, that’s pretty good too.” 

Li Lequan’s long speech seemed reasonable, leaving Zhou Nian speechless. He stared blankly at Li Lequan for a long time before saying helplessly, “According to you, I can only accept it.” 

“Mm… Although I think your dad is reliable and won’t be fooled into giving away his assets, you should be more cautious. If the woman doesn’t cause any trouble, then you two can coexist peacefully.” 

“What if she causes trouble?” 

Li Lequan clasped his hands together, saying angrily, “Then we have the strength and means to deal with her!” 

Zhou Nian had been the beloved grandson of his grandparents since he could remember, spoiled and adored until the age of eighteen. Besides studying, he had never had to worry about anything, and had no strength or means. Thinking of Tao Xin jumping onto the sofa and saying “This is my house,” made his head ache. 

“Look at you, cheer up. You have a buddy to help you, what are you afraid of?” 

“I feel like the two of us together aren’t her match.” 

“She’s definitely not an ordinary person, otherwise she wouldn’t have won over your dad so easily. But don’t underestimate your buddy. My family is different from yours. Do you know the value of three uncles and two aunts? Six siblings fighting over inheritance, what kind of monsters haven’t I seen?” Then, he declared triumphantly, “Tonight, I’m going home with you to see what this woman is made of!” 

Li Lequan was indeed experienced, acting like an old hand at a young age. Zhou Nian looked at him, his confidence rising. 

At 4 p.m., Zhou Nian and Li Lequan returned home. As soon as they entered, they saw several bouquets of flowers on the cabinet by the door, with lilies being the most prominent, their scent a bit overpowering. 

In a household built by two men, who would buy flowers? Although fragrant, the flowers seemed to Zhou Nian like a dog marking its territory. 

Zhou Nian’s brows furrowed, his expression serious, clearly intending to use the flowers as a reason to attack Tao Xin. 

“What are you standing there for, change your shoes.” Li Lequan tugged on Zhou Nian’s sleeve, whispering, “Don’t move unless she moves. If she doesn’t provoke you, don’t make a face. Be a man, don’t lose your composure over these small things.” 

Zhou Nian listened to his advice, taking a deep breath and relaxing his brows. He smiled at Li Lequan, “Is this better?”