Chapter 22: Sister-in-Law?

Xia Yangyang was surprised. "You live here, too?"

Wen Xiaochu replied, "I told you I got married. This is our new home. We bought it two years ago but haven't lived here until recently. There's been a lot going on at home, so I moved here for some peace."

Xia Yangyang simply said, "Oh," and followed Wen Xiaochu inside.

Although they lived in the same community, it was quite a distance. Each villa was a detached house with a garden, separated by towering trees and individual driveways, ensuring privacy. Xia Yangyang had rarely seen her neighbors.

The villas were all sold before construction even began. The developers consulted future owners beforehand, designing each villa to their preferences. As a result, each home was unique.

Gu Qichen's villa was simple and understated. Wen Xiaochu's, however, was extravagantly luxurious.

Seeing Xia Yangyang's stunned expression, Wen Xiaochu explained, "Don't mind it. The man I married is quite the playboy, and he designed this house himself."

Xia Yangyang said, "It's nice. This playboy must be talented. But Xiao Chu, you never told me who you married?" Her gossipy nature was piqued. She knew some of Kyoto's elite families, and those who could afford a Maple Villa home weren't ordinary. She might even know him.

Wen Xiaochu sighed. "Do you want to meet him? He's inside. You'll see when we go in."

Xia Yangyang was dumbfounded. "So you two live together?"

Wen Xiaochu quickly retorted, "Who's living with him! He was kicked out of his own house and shamelessly refuses to leave mine!"

Despite her indignant tone, Wen Xiaochu's face flushed. She turned and went inside.

Xia Yangyang pondered Wen Xiaochu's marriage. It might not be as straightforward as she thought. There was probably more to the story. Despite her reservations about intruding, curiosity won, and she went inside.

As she climbed the stairs, she heard a deep male voice from above. "Wen Xiaochu, where have you been all night? Are you seeing that brat again?"

Wen Xiaochu retorted sharply, "Is there anyone more of a scoundrel than you? Breaking into people's homes, freeloading—do you have the nerve to criticize others?"

"I bought this house."

"Mr. Mu Er, you seem to forget that two years ago you gave it to me as part of our divorce settlement. My name is on the deed."

The man closed the distance, pinning her against the stair railing. His tone was ambiguous. "Wen Xiaochu, are you out of your mind? We haven't divorced yet." He leaned in to kiss her.

Cough, cough.

Xia Yangyang coughed involuntarily. She'd walked in on quite a scene.

Wen Xiaochu quickly pushed the man away. He finally noticed Xia Yangyang, who had been partially hidden behind a plant. Upon seeing her face clearly, he exclaimed, "Sister-in-law?!"